550i 4.4 V8 Twin Turbo (N63)

2010–2013 · petrol · 4395cc · 408hp

Engine codes: N63B44

Avoid

Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Bmw 5 Series F10 550i 4.4 V8 Twin Turbo (N63). Check this before you buy used.

The first-generation 408 hp N63 (F10 550i 2010–2013) is BMW's most troublesome modern V8: heat from the turbos in the 'hot vee' bakes valve stem seals and hoses, giving serious oil consumption, and timing chains, injectors and coils all fail. BMW bundled fixes into the N63 Customer Care Package (stated by BMW not to be a recall) plus a separate timing-chain check. Even with that done, repair bills routinely exceed the value of a used 550i. Avoid unless you know exactly what has been replaced.

Known Issues

Oil consumption and valve stem sealscritical

Turbos sit in the 'hot vee' between the banks; the heat bakes the valve stem seals and rubber parts, giving heavy oil use and blue smoke on start-up.

Fix / Workaround: Measure consumption; stem seals are a big labour job on this V8. Shorter oil intervals than BMW's 'Longlife' help.

Repair cost: €2500–€5000

Typically appears after: 80,000 km

Timing chain stretchcritical

Timing chains and guides wear — BMW issued a timing-chain wear check (SI B11 16 14) to be done with the N63 Customer Care Package. A stretched chain throws cam-timing faults and can jump.

Fix / Workaround: Check cam timing with ISTA; replacing chains on this engine is an engine-out-level job.

Repair cost: €3000–€6000

Typically appears after: 100,000 km

Injectors, coils, hoses and hot-vee leaksrecurring

Piezo injectors, coils, crankcase-ventilation lines, turbo oil and coolant lines in the vee and the low-pressure fuel sensor are recurring items (several were in BMW's Customer Care Package). Heavy battery drain is also typical.

Fix / Workaround: Ask what parts of the Customer Care Package / later campaigns were done; budget for hot-vee hoses.

Repair cost: €800–€3000

Typically appears after: 80,000 km

Year Cutoffs

2013: Before — N63 (408 hp) — the problem engine. After — N63TU (450 hp, from the 2013 facelift) — revised, but still a hot-vee V8.

Mileage Thresholds

After 80,000 km: Oil consumption and hot-vee hoses usually start here.

Fault Codes to Scan

P0300Misfire (injector / coil)recurring

Pre-Purchase Checklist

☐Proof of N63 Customer Care Package and timing-chain check
☐Blue smoke on cold start, oil level
☐Scan for misfire and cam-timing faults
☐Budget a repair fund larger than for any other F10

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bmw 5 Series F10 550i 4.4 V8 Twin Turbo (N63) reliable?

Avoid — The first-generation 408 hp N63 (F10 550i 2010–2013) is BMW's most troublesome modern V8: heat from the turbos in the 'hot vee' bakes valve stem seals and hoses, giving serious oil consumption, and timing chains, injectors and coils all fail. BMW bundled fixes into the N63 Customer Care Package (stated by BMW not to be a recall) plus a separate timing-chain check. Even with that done, repair bills routinely exceed the value of a used 550i. Avoid unless you know exactly what has been replaced.

What are the common problems and reviews for the Bmw 5 Series F10 550i 4.4 V8 Twin Turbo (N63)?

The most commonly reported problems: Oil consumption and valve stem seals, Timing chain stretch, Injectors, coils, hoses and hot-vee leaks.

Is a used Bmw 5 Series F10 550i 4.4 V8 Twin Turbo (N63) worth buying?

A design flaw with no reliable fix, or a catastrophic-failure risk. Not worth the gamble at any price.