I think the N63 has similar VSS issue to N62. The '12 has the first gen of N63 which in my opinion has the perk of the only bmw power plant since about 2004 without Valvetronic so any top side motor work will be hours less labor.

The N63 had significant growing pains being the first mass produced motor with a "hot vee" turbos in the center arrangement. They had a global recall they called CCP (irony not lost). If the car had the CCP done or is still eligible I wouldn't be scared of it. We bought '12 E70 50i, but only after test driving more than one and determining the engine ran like new. (suspect that CCP had taken place as the car had 75k mi. )

The one you are looking at is much closer to the 100k cut off I was considering. (due to VSS and the insane cost of injectors).

Plug replacement timeline is 40k miles so there is a very good chance that motor is overdue and on its second set.

We had both air springs fail within about ten months of owning and one O₂ sensor failed. Other than needing new plugs that's the only repairs needed in about 10,000 miles.

 

I guess a follow-up would be, what is the most reliable X5 engine then? I almost bought an X5M recently and missed out. Then saw a few X5 with the turbo 8.

I understand that lots of European luxury vehicles have their quirks....but which model is most reliable (engine wise), and what's a good cutoff for mileage given the possible issues. I've searched high and low and forums are always hit and miss. Tons of people with massive issues...and others loving their car for many miles.

I'd like to get something around 50-70k miles but dont' know if that is even too high.

 

For the higher power models I think the 2nd gen of N63 they worked out the issues and it's pretty reliable. I wouldn't buy S63 motor as a first car nor without a considerable maintenance budget. I see the N63 as a detuned S63; not pushing parts as hard helps them last longer.

We bought 50i for wife last April, bought 35i for me in early January. I'm quite happy with the N55 motor even though it did just shred its serp belt. (thankfully didn't also EAT it).

I think the 35i is the "Goldilocks" model. It has plenty of power to pass when you aren't in the exit lane and the fuel consumption is very good for the size of car.

From my drive home after my 2ⁿᵈ or 3ʳᵈ 80-100 sprint. I typically get 24 highway with cruise set to 75-80.

My copy of the motor I think has ofhg overdue for replacement (likely related to the serp belt failure: they don't love getting oil on them).

 

I actually think 75-100 is a good street spot for n55/n63 motor for buying used. Young enough to not need VSS job for a few years, old enough to work out some of the bigger problems like injectors/coils.

Our copy of the n63 came with two non Bosch coils. Planning to swap those our and keep the knock off as spares in the trunk.

 

You are getting into territory where out of warranty are getting dumped due to expensive work on the horizon. I would operate cautiously, particularly with a V8. Over time, the N63 has had upgrades that have apparently improved some faults (maybe the N63 service campaign drove some of that), but you are looking at an early version of the N63 which still has reports of valve stem seals failure. If you can deal with that and everything else checks out, the E70 is a great vehicle. I miss mine.

FWIW, I considered a newer version of the V8 in the form of a N63 M550i when I was shopping for a G30 5 series. While I wanted the M550i, the sensible side of me felt that the B58 equipped 540i was more than sufficient for my daily needs and indicators were that it was a solid engine, so that's what I went with. Part of me still wishes I had gotten the V8, but two plus years later I have had zero issues. In addition, feedback from a couple independents I go to says they are not seeing the B58 equipped cars come for anyhting but maintenance and performance upgrades, whereas they still wince at the mention of any N63. So that makes me feel like it was indeed the sensible choice. Not to mention premium gas is now over $6 a gallon in CA...

 

I feel very similarly about ending up with the N55 vs. N63 wife has.

I wouldn't have bought either without doing my own maintenance and also searching how much the big ticket items are like injectors. (wife's are about $200@ but eight mine are more like $125 and need six). Also used but warrantied turbos for about $1500 for wife I think about the same for new on my N55. My car has about 60k more miles though and starting to need some of the anticipated bigger jobs like ofhg.

 

Well, it's my thinking that the engines on these cars are, by and large, reliable. It's the other bits and bobs and gimmicks or accessories or tech enhancements on these cars that tend to give you headaches.

Sent from my SM-G990U1 using Tapatalk

 

Just sold my car N63 motor in Jan...I would recommend to get N63tu engine. It addresses most issues with N63. Check out some lawsuit about N63... initially BMW came out with customer care package to take care some issues earlier... but still motor oil consumption excessive issue hits to many N63 owners...filling 1 qtr oil every 1200mi is not fun...When the motor is good... It is fun to drive, sweet motor and powerful. I missed her but it is time to let it goes --- Used Car Market . It is very high maintenance cost comparing to N55.When it is aging, and not well maintain (Oil change is the key every 5k-7k)... You would start seeing issue with valve stem seal, HPFP, oil pan leak, rear main seal, turbo oil return line... all been done that....

I have experience all V8 (N63), I6 (N55), I4 (N20)..... N20 is the lowest maintenance...2015 328GT has only fluid change, brake pad, and spark plug so far 80k now. My E70 N55 went to major maintenance at 60K mark... and done road trip for 7K miles from Boston to Yellow Stone/Grand Teton without any issue... If you still debate...go with N55 or N63tu

 

BMW? V-8? Reliability??? HAHAHAHAHA!

my bad.