Compare

Engine comparison

BMW M62B44
+ Add engine
+ Add engine
BMW M62B44
Verdict
SOLID · 68/100
Est. cost /3yr
€3,000-6,500 over 3 years, front-loaded with cooling system refresh and gasket/seal work if not already done, tapering to routine maintenance costs in years two and three
Oil interval
8,000 km
Recalls
0
Worst issue
VANOS Solenoid and Seal Failure (M62TU variant, 1998 onward)
HIGH
BMW M62B44
E39 · E39
VANOS Solenoid and Seal Failure (M62TU variant, 1998 onward)
€300-900
HIGH
Cooling System Deterioration
€500-1,500
HIGH
Timing Chain Guide and Tensioner Wear
€800-2,500
HIGH
Oil Leaks: Valve Cover Gaskets and Oil Pan
€300-800
MODERATE
Electrical and Sensor Gremlins
€200-900
MODERATE
Fuel System Wear
€150-500
LOW
BMW M62B44
E39 · E39
•Verify whether the cooling system has been refreshed, inspect expansion tank, thermostat housing, and all hoses for cracks or brittleness
•Cold-start the engine and listen for timing chain rattle in the first 10 seconds, walk away if present
•Perform a full OBD-II scan for VANOS codes, misfire codes, and any pending electrical faults
•Check oil condition and service history, look for 8,000 km or shorter oil change intervals using full synthetic oil
•Inspect valve covers and oil pan underside for active oil leaks or heavy residue buildup
•Test battery, alternator output, and inspect main ground connections to rule out electrical gremlins causing intermittent faults
•Confirm engine build date to establish whether the car has the non-VANOS M62 or the later M62TU with VANOS, this changes what to check
BMW M62B44
E39 · E39
Cooling system plastic components (expansion tank, thermostat housing, hoses)
Replace all preventively regardless of apparent condition on any example over 20 years old
100,000 km or immediately on purchase if undocumented
Timing chain guides and tensioners
Inspect for cold-start rattle at every service; replace guides proactively on any engine past 150,000 km without documented history
150,000-200,000 km
VANOS solenoids (M62TU variant, built 1998 onward)
Test and replace with quality OEM-spec units if power loss or rough idle is present; not applicable to pre-1998 non-VANOS units
100,000-150,000 km
BMW M62B44
E39 · E39
No recalls on record
BMW M62B44
E39 · E39
✓Aluminium block and bottom end with a strong reputation for high-mileage durability
✓Well documented ability to handle power upgrades without bottom-end concerns
✓Naturally aspirated design avoids turbo-related failure modes entirely
✓Strong independent specialist and aftermarket parts support due to widespread fitment across BMW's V8 range
✓Community consensus rates the core engine as one of BMW's most durable V8 designs when ancillaries are kept up
BMW M62B44
E39 · E39
Real consumption
12.5 L/100km
Official consumption
Not available
Oil interval
8,000 km
Oil spec
BMW Longlife-01 5W-30 or 0W-40 full synthetic
Est. cost /3yr
€3,000-6,500 over 3 years, front-loaded with cooling system refresh and gasket/seal work if not already done, tapering to routine maintenance costs in years two and three