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N62B40

N62B40 4.0 naturally aspirated 306 hp (540i and 740i, 2005-2010) engine: faults and reliability

BMW V8 de gasolina N62 (atmosférico) and N63 (biturbo) version

With caution

The open sources give no reliability data specific to the 4.0; it shares with the rest of the N62 the points to check (coolant hoses and valve stem seals).[1][2]

Years
2005–2010
Power
306 hp
Faults that affect it
2
0 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
2
in our database

4 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

4.0-litre, 306 hp (225 kW) version that replaced the 3.6 in the 7 Series (740i and 740Li, 2005-2008) and was fitted to the 5 Series 540i, which according to German Wikipedia was only sold in Europe.[3][4]

Engine codes of this version: N62B40.

Faults of the N62B40 engine

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingN62 coolant loss from hoses and the pipe between the cylinder banksOn the N62 V8, coolant loss from cracked hoses or pipes is typical, especially on the earliest units. Replacing them is laborious: the hose between the banks means removing a good part of the engine.
  2. 2Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationN62 blue smoke and oil consumption from hardened valve stem sealsOn the N62 V8, the valve stem seals can harden with age and cause oil consumption with blue smoke. It is not a widespread fault: several German guides describe the engine as solid.

Cars fitted with the N62B40 engine

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

BMW

Frequently asked questions

Is the N62B40 engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. The open sources give no reliability data specific to the 4.0; it shares with the rest of the N62 the points to check (coolant hoses and valve stem seals).[1][2]

What faults does the N62B40 engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: n62 coolant loss from hoses and the pipe between the cylinder banks (medium severity) and n62 blue smoke and oil consumption from hardened valve stem seals (medium severity).

Which cars use the N62B40 engine?

BMW Serie 5 E60 (2003–2010) and BMW Serie 7 E65 (2001–2008).[1][3][4]

Are you buying a car with the N62B40 engine?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. BMW 5er E60, E61 – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 26 April 2024 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  2. BMW 650i: Gebrauchtwagen-TestAUTO BILD · Motoring press · published 4 December 2015 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  3. BMW N62Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
  4. BMW N62Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German