Which BMW Has the N63TU? V8 Models Explained
Image: BMW N63 Engine for sale at mtautoparts.com
BMW owners tend to care about engines a lot. Even people who swear they “don’t” usually do. The moment reliability, running costs, smoke from the exhaust, or a £2,000–£5,000 repair bill enters the chat, the engine suddenly becomes the topic.
That’s exactly where the BMW N63 engine sits.
It’s a proper BMW V8 on paper: 4.4 litres, twin-turbocharged, hot-vee layout, huge torque, effortless motorway pace. But it also has a reputation and not all of it is fair. Early N63s built the legend (and the fear). Then BMW quietly refined the engine again and again, which is where the N63TU comes in.
So, if you’re asking:
Which BMW has the N63TU?
What does “TU” actually mean in real life?
And why do some people say it’s “better”, but still not “cheap” to own?
Let’s go through it properly. Like you’d explain it to a mate over a glass of beer.
First things first: what is the N63TU?
What does “TU” mean?
N63TU means N63 Technical Update — BMW’s internal label for a revised version of the same engine family. You won’t see “TU” on the boot badge or anywhere labelled.
The first N63TU version is commonly referred to as N63B44O1, and BMW introduced it as a major update in 2012, for 2013 model-year cars, with headline changes including Valvetronic and a long list of internal revisions.
What is this engine, in plain English?
The N63TU is still a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol. It keeps BMW’s “hot-vee” layout (turbos in the V of the engine), and it’s built for big torque and refinement, not just top-end noise.
Why BMW created the N63TU in the first place
BMW didn’t do the N63TU update because the original N63 was “a bit old”. They did it because the early N63 era came with too many repeated complaints: heat, oil leaks, oil consumption, injectors, timing chain stretch, turbo-related issues, the kind of problems that make owners fall out of love quickly.
By the time the TU arrived, the goal was simple:
make it run cooler and cleaner
make it feel smoother day-to-day
improve durability with revised BMW motor parts
meet newer efficiency/emissions demands without killing performance
You’ll even see the 2013 V8 cars being discussed at the time as getting a noticeable power bump thanks to Valvetronic and related updates.
What Actually Changed With the N63TU
From an enthusiast’s point of view, the N63TU wasn’t just about fixing problems or ticking emissions boxes. It genuinely changed the way BMW’s V8 feels to drive.
With the introduction of Valvetronic and revised turbo and fuel-injection calibration, BMW lifted output from the early N63’s roughly 400 horsepower to around 440–450 horsepower, depending on the model. Torque increased as well, typically to 650 Nm, and more importantly, it arrived earlier and more smoothly. On the road, that translated into stronger low- and mid-range pull rather than a big top-end shove.
Fuel consumption also improved in a way that owners could actually notice. In mixed real-world driving, many drivers reported around a 10–15% improvement compared to pre-TU cars. That came from better control at part throttle, reduced pumping losses, and more efficient combustion rather than any dramatic mechanical change. Cold starts became cleaner, idle quality improved, and throttle response felt less abrupt and more progressive in everyday use.
The end result wasn’t a louder or more aggressive V8. It was a more usable one. The N63TU kept the effortless pace and refinement, which BMW buyers wanted, but with smoother delivery, slightly better economy, and fewer compromises when used day to day.
The N63 family: where the N63TU sits
People often say “N63TU” when they really mean “one of the updated N63 engines”. In reality, BMW has done multiple technical updates.
Here’s the clean way to see it.
N63 versions, codes, and the main idea behind each
If you only remember one thing: N63TU usually means N63B44O1, the first big update that started appearing in 2013 model-year cars.
Final Question: Which BMW models have the N63TU?
Now the main answer. The N63B44O1 (N63TU) was used across BMW’s big petrol V8 lineup through the mid-2010s, mainly in the 5 Series / 6 Series / 7 Series and the X5 / X6.
BMW models with the N63TU (N63B44O1)
A quick reality check: exact handover dates can vary by market and build month, so when you’re buying BMW parts, don’t rely on the registration year alone — check the engine code. Forum threads are full of owners discovering this the hard way.
Is the N63TU “reliable”? The honest answer
Here’s what tends to be true in the real world:
The TU is improved — but it’s still a hot, complex V8
Owners and specialists generally agree that the N63TU is better sorted than early N63 versions, largely thanks to the technical changes BMW made (Valvetronic being the headline). But it’s still a tight, heat-dense V8 with a lot going on. And complexity always means one thing long-term: when it needs work, it’s rarely cheap.
The issues you’ll see discussed again and again
If you spend even ten minutes on BMW forums, the same themes come up:
Oil consumption/smoke, often linked to the valve stem seal
Injector-related problems and updated injector recommendations in owner discussions
General heat/age-related leaks and “while you’re in there” jobs that snowball because access is tight
And then there’s the big one people reference when talking about N63 ownership in North America: BMW’s N63 Customer Care Package, announced in late 2014, which owners discuss as addressing multiple known weak points (timing chain stretch, injectors, sensors, battery, and more).
That doesn’t mean every N63TU is a disaster. It means BMW knew the N63 ecosystem needed attention and what it deserved, and owners today should buy with eyes open.
Buying a BMW with N63TU engine (or shopping for an engine): what matters most
If you’re looking at a car with the BMW N63 engine, or searching for a N63 engine for sale, the smartest approach is boring… but it works.
Check these things before you buy anything
Exact engine code (N63B44O1 is the usual “N63TU” identifier)
The donor vehicle and build period (not just the plate year)
Service history that shows the car hasn’t been neglected for long intervals
Signs of smoke, consistent oil top-ups, coolant loss, or unresolved overheating history
What’s included with the engine (ancillaries can make a massive difference in cost and fitting)
This is also where sourcing the right BMW motor parts matters. With engines like the N63, “nearly right” can become “expensive mistake” very quickly.
At MT Auto Parts, we specialise in used BMW parts from 2012 onwards (F, G, U generations). When customers ask about engines, we push the same rule every time: match by engine code and compatibility, not guesswork. Most parts come with a 30-day warranty (T&C apply), and delivery is typically within 48 hours (free 24-hour delivery for parts under 20 kg and smaller dimensions — T&C apply).
FAQ
Is the N63TU the same as the normal N63?
Not quite. People use “N63TU” as shorthand for the first big revision, usually N63B44O1, which brought major changes like Valvetronic and other updates.
Which BMW models use the N63TU (N63B44O1)?
Most commonly: F10/F11 550i, F12/F13/F06 650i, F01/F02 750i, F15 X5 50i, and F16 X6 50i, within the approximate year ranges shown in the table above.
Is the N63TU a “safe” used buy?
It can be, but it depends heavily on maintenance and history. The TU is improved over early versions, but it remains a complex hot-vee V8, and forum discussions regularly highlight oil consumption and valve stem seal concerns.
Why do people mention the N63 Customer Care Package?
Because BMW introduced a programme (often referenced in owner communities) to address a range of common N63-related issues, and it comes up often when people discuss ownership costs and long-term reliability.
I’m searching for a BMW N63 engine for sale — what should I ask the seller?
Ask for the engine code, donor details, mileage, what’s included (turbos/loom/ancillaries), and any proof of running condition where possible. On this engine family, detail matters more than promises.
Short disclaimer: This article is general guidance only. BMW engine codes, applications, and changeover dates can vary by market and build month. Always verify engine code, VIN compatibility, and fitment before purchasing a vehicle, engine, or BMW spares.
