BMW S63 Engine for Sale: Ultimate Guide to Performance, Specs, and Where to Buy

If you’re a BMW enthusiast looking for raw power, exceptional engineering, and a thrilling driving experience, the BMW S63 engine is likely on your radar. Whether you’re replacing a failed engine, restoring an M5, or working on a performance project, buying an S63 engine for sale can be an exciting but complex journey.

Introduction
What is the BMW S63 Engine?
Evolution of the S63 Engine
S63 Engine Specifications
Performance and Applications
Common Problems with the S63 Engine
Why Buy a BMW S63 Engine?
Types of S63 Engines for Sale
New vs Used vs Rebuilt S63 Engines
What to Consider Before Buying
Where to Buy BMW S63 Engines
BMW S63 Engine Pricing Guide
Warranty and Return Policies
Installation Tips and Labor Costs
Maintenance and Longevity
S63 Engine Swaps and Tuning Potential
Best BMW Models with the S63 Engine
Aftermarket Support and Upgrades
How to Inspect a Used S63 Engine
Final Thoughts
FAQs

1. Introduction

This guide covers everything you need to know about purchasing a BMW S63 engine, from specs and performance to where to find them and how to avoid costly mistakes.

2. What is the BMW S63 Engine?

The BMW S63 is a high-performance twin-turbocharged V8 engine developed by BMW M GmbH, the motorsport division of BMW. First introduced in 2009, it is the M-tuned version of the N63 engine and serves as the beating heart of various iconic M models, including:

BMW M5 (F10, F90)
BMW M6 (F12/F13)
BMW X5 M (F85)
BMW X6 M (F86)

The S63 engine is renowned for combining brutal power, advanced engineering, and refined drivability. It’s a favorite among enthusiasts who seek performance without sacrificing comfort or daily usability.

3. Evolution of the S63 Engine

Generation	Years Active	Key Models	Key Improvements
S63 (2009–2013)	F10 M5, F12 M6	First M-tuned twin-turbo V8	Direct injection, Twin-scroll turbos
S63TU (2013–2017)	F10 M5 LCI, F13 M6	TU = Technical Update	Valvetronic added, better cooling
S63B44T4 (2018–present)	F90 M5, X5 M, X6 M	Most powerful S63 to date	617 hp in M5 Competition, integrated exhaust manifold

The S63TU and S63B44T4 are significant leaps in performance and efficiency over the original S63, making them highly desirable for swaps and upgrades.

4. S63 Engine Specifications

Feature	S63B44O0 (Original)	S63B44T2 (TU)	S63B44T4 (Latest)
Displacement	4.4L (4395cc)	4.4L	4.4L
Configuration	V8 Twin-Turbo	V8 Twin-Turbo	V8 Twin-Turbo
Compression Ratio	10.0:1	10.0:1	10.0:1
Valvetrain	DOHC, 32v	DOHC, Valvetronic	DOHC, Valvetronic
Horsepower (stock)	~555 hp	~600 hp	600–617 hp
Torque (stock)	502 lb-ft	553 lb-ft	553–590 lb-ft
Redline	~7,000 RPM	~7,200 RPM	~7,200 RPM
Fuel System	Direct Injection	DI + Valvetronic	DI + Valvetronic
Turbochargers	Twin-scroll	Twin-scroll	Twin-scroll

5. Performance and Applications

The S63 is a performance powerhouse. In the F90 M5 Competition, it pushes 617 horsepower, launching the car from 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. It’s engineered to provide high torque throughout the rev range, resulting in a confident and aggressive powerband.

Applications:

BMW F10 M5 (2011–2016)
BMW F90 M5 (2018–present)
BMW M6 (F12/F13) (2012–2018)
BMW X5 M (F85) and X6 M (F86) (2015–2019)

6. Common Problems with the S63 Engine

While powerful, the S63 engine isn’t immune to issues, especially without proper care.

Common Issues:

High oil consumption
Coolant system failures
Timing chain stretch
Turbocharger failure
Carbon buildup
Rod bearing wear

These problems are more common in high-mileage or poorly maintained engines, emphasizing the importance of buying from a trusted seller.

7. Why Buy a BMW S63 Engine?

Top Reasons:

Performance Upgrade: Ideal for engine swaps or tuning.
Restoration Project: Restore an M5, M6, or X5 M to OEM glory.
Track Builds: The S63’s raw torque is perfect for racing applications.
Engineering Excellence: It’s a modern marvel of power and refinement.

8. Types of S63 Engines for Sale

When shopping for an S63 engine, you’ll typically find:

1. New/Crate Engines

Direct from BMW or certified suppliers
Most expensive, but zero miles

2. Used Engines

Pulled from salvaged or totaled vehicles
Varying conditions; require thorough inspection

3. Rebuilt Engines

Refurbished with new components
Ideal balance between cost and reliability

4. Remanufactured Engines

Professionally rebuilt to factory specs
Come with warranties; usually like-new

9. New vs Used vs Rebuilt S63 Engines

Type	Pros	Cons
New	Zero miles, OEM quality	Expensive
Used	Cheap, readily available	Unknown history, high risk
Rebuilt	Refreshed internals	Quality varies by builder
Remanufactured	Warranty, tested to spec	Higher price than used

10. What to Consider Before Buying

VIN and donor vehicle history
Mileage
Warranty (if any)
Compression and leak-down test results
Turbo condition
Included components (ECU, harness, accessories)

11. Where to Buy BMW S63 Engines

Trusted Sources:

BMW Dealerships
Certified Remanufacturers
Reputable online marketplaces:
- eBay Motors
- LKQ Online
- Car-Part.com
- JDM Engine Depot
- Golan Engine
- Bavarian Auto Recycling

Local Options:

Auto salvage yards
Performance shops
M forums and Facebook groups

12. BMW S63 Engine Pricing Guide

Condition	Price Range (USD)
Brand New	$20,000 – $30,000
Used (High mileage)	$4,500 – $7,000
Used (Low mileage)	$8,000 – $11,000
Rebuilt	$10,000 – $14,000
Remanufactured	$12,000 – $18,000

Prices depend on condition, mileage, model year, and included accessories (ECU, turbos, etc.)

13. Warranty and Return Policies

Always ask about:

Warranty duration (30 days to 3 years)
Labor coverage
Return window
Shipping insurance

Reputable sellers will offer a minimum 6-month warranty for remanufactured or rebuilt engines.

14. Installation Tips and Labor Costs

Installation Costs:

Independent shop: $2,000 – $4,000+
BMW dealership: $4,000 – $6,000+
DIY (if skilled): Savings potential, but risky

Always use a BMW-certified mechanic for S63 installation due to its complexity and electronics.

15. Maintenance and Longevity

With proper care, the S63 engine can last 150,000+ miles.

Maintenance Checklist:

Use OEM oil (5W-30/0W-30 full synthetic)
Replace spark plugs every 30k miles
Inspect turbo and coolant systems regularly
Oil changes every 5,000 miles
Use premium fuel only

16. S63 Engine Swaps and Tuning Potential

The S63 is a tuner’s dream. Common upgrades include:

ECU remap (up to 700+ hp)
Downpipes and exhaust
Upgraded turbos
Methanol injection
Custom tunes from Bootmod3, MHD, etc.

Swaps are most common in:

E39 5 Series
E92 3 Series
Custom race builds

17. Best BMW Models with the S63 Engine

Model	Years	Notable Features
BMW F10 M5	2011–2016	Luxury + power
BMW F90 M5	2018–Present	AWD + 617 hp
BMW F85 X5 M	2015–2019	M SUV aggression
BMW F13 M6	2012–2018	Grand tourer style

18. Aftermarket Support and Upgrades

Brands supporting S63:

Burger Motorsports (BMS)
VRSF
Dinan
ARM Motorsports
CTS Turbo

Popular mods:

Catless downpipes
Cold air intakes
Intercoolers
BOV upgrades
Stage 1–3 tunes

19. How to Inspect a Used S63 Engine

Checklist:

Run compression/leak-down tests
Inspect oil for metal shavings
Check turbo shafts for play
Scan ECU for codes
Ask for dyno or bench test results
Verify service history

20. Final Thoughts

The BMW S63 engine is one of the most exciting modern powerplants available today. If you’re hunting for an S63 engine for sale, knowing what you’re buying and from whom is crucial. While expensive, the power and reliability it offers—when maintained properly—are unmatched.

21. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How much does a BMW S63 engine cost?

A: Used S63 engines typically cost between $5,000 and $12,000, while rebuilt or remanufactured units can range from $10,000 to $18,000. Brand-new crate engines can go above $25,000.

Q2: What BMW models come with the S63 engine?

A: The S63 engine is found in the M5 (F10, F90), M6 (F12/F13), X5 M (F85), and X6 M (F86).

Q3: Is the S63 a reliable engine?

A: Yes, but only with proper maintenance. Known issues include oil consumption, turbo failure, and cooling system problems.

Q4: Can I install the S63 engine in a non-M BMW?

A: Yes, but it requires custom modifications, wiring, ECU tuning, and possibly upgraded transmission/drivetrain components.

Q5: What is the difference between the S63 and S63TU?

A: The S63TU (Technical Update) features Valvetronic, improved cooling, and more horsepower than the original S63.

Q6: Where is the best place to buy a BMW S63 engine online?

A: Reputable sources include eBay Motors, Car-Part.com, JDM Engine Depot, and LKQ Online.

Q7: Can I tune the S63 engine safely?

A: Yes, many tuners have pushed the S63 beyond 700 hp with proper supporting mods and tuning.