The BMW N63 twin-turbo is known for its power and performance. The N63 engine was first introduced in the 2008 BMW X-series.
It was then used in various BMW models, including the BMW 550i, X5,750i, X6, and 650i models. However, this engine experiences some problems, and as a driver of the BMW, it is crucial to be aware of these issues and take care of them if they occur.
In short, the common problems with the N63 engine are Excessive oil consumption, Failure of the fuel injector, Faulty timing chain, Fast battery discharge, and Faulty valve stem seals.
In this blog post, I will discuss these BMW N63 engine problems and answer questions on the topic
Common BMW N63 Engine Problems
The N63 engine is prone to a few different issues. The most common ones include:
Excessive Oil Consumption
The N63 engine is known to consume oil at an unusually high rate. This is often caused by the engine design itself. The engine is designed to have turbos in the middle of the “V” of the valley. This area of the engine has very high temperatures, and as a result, the oil breaks down and starts to burn.
This causes the engine to consume oil at a higher rate than other engines. The burning of more oil leads to gaskets drying out and eventually failing. Despite this, many BMW drivers still love the engine and would prefer to change the engine within 4-6 thousand miles rather than have it fail on them.
Timing Chain Failure
The timing chain is another common problem with the N63 engine. The timing chain is responsible for keeping the engine in time. It comprises a series of links that connect the crankshaft to the camshaft.
Over time, these links can stretch and eventually cause additional wear on the valves. This wear and tear reduce the performance of the engine. It is usually a costly repair when the belts stretch. The stretch makes them jump and bend cylinder valves. Therefore, the timing chain should be replaced before it causes any damage to the engine.
Fuel Injector Failure
The fuel injector is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine. Over time, the fuel injectors can become clogged and fail. This is often caused by a build-up of carbon deposits in the injectors. This leads to the engine running lean and can cause a number of problems. It is vital to have the fuel injectors cleaned regularly to prevent this from happening.
If you notice these features, it is because there is a fuel injector failure:
- Acceleration becomes sluggish
- The engine starts to misfire
- Check engine light comes on
- Black exhaust smoke
Fast Battery Drainage
The battery is a crucial component, although it is not part of the engine. It is responsible for starting the engine and providing power to the electrical components. A common problem with the N63 engine is that the battery drains very quickly. BMW was trying to have an effective dynamic, and so it emphasizes factors that make fuel economy possible.
The turns of the belts usually charge the battery, but on the N63, BMW designed it to share from the coasting of the car. While this does assist in reducing engine effort and improving fuel efficiency, owners of a 50i don’t do much coasting.
Furthermore, the electronic components would remain on after the vehicle had been turned off to keep the cooling system running to keep the turbos in the center of the V in the engine cold. The N63 is well known for consuming batteries and continues to do so. For every other oil change, BMW recommends changing the battery.
Faulty Valve Stem Seals
The valve stem seals are responsible for sealing the valves from the oil. Over time, these seals can start to leak. This is often caused by the high heat emitted by the turbos and exhaust located in the engine’s valley. The heat makes the seals go out hence a leakage that produces vast amounts of smoke come out of the car’s exhaust.
General Maintenance for the N63 Engine
You need to keep up with the general maintenance of your vehicle to avoid any significant issues. This includes:
- Ignition Coils- There have been reports of ignition coils failing on the N63 engine. It is essential to check your coils regularly and replace them if necessary.
- Spark Plugs- Spark plugs should be replaced every 30,000 miles.
- Oil Changes- It is important to change your oil regularly to avoid any engine problems. The N63 engine uses a lot of oil, so it is crucial to keep up with your oil changes.
Final Thoughts
The BMW N63 engine is excellent, but it does have its fair share of problems. Drivers of the BMW experience a fast battery discharge, fuel injector failure, and faulty valve stem seals, among other problems. It is important to keep up with the general maintenance of your vehicle to avoid any significant issues. With proper care, your BMW N63 engine will last for many years. I hope this article was helpful.
