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N62B44

N62B44 4.4 naturally aspirated 320-333 hp (545i, 645Ci, 745i, X5 4.4i; 2001-2006) engine: faults and reliability

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

With caution

A 100,000 km test of a 745i recorded no engine defects, but the sources cite coolant loss from hoses (Gebrauchtwagenberater and Auto Bild) and, to a lesser extent, valve stem seals (Auto Bild): both points need checking.[1][2][3]

Years
2001–2006
Power
320–333 hp
Faults that affect it
2
0 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
4
in our database

7 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

4.4-litre version: 333 hp (245 kW) in the 745i, 545i and 645Ci, and 320 hp (235 kW) in the X5 4.4i. The start years differ between sources: the 745i starts in 2001 (English Wikipedia) or in 2002 (German) and the X5 4.4i in 2003 or in 2004.[4][5]

Engine codes of this version: N62B44.

Faults of the N62B44 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 N62B44 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 N62B44 engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. A 100,000 km test of a 745i recorded no engine defects, but the sources cite coolant loss from hoses (Gebrauchtwagenberater and Auto Bild) and, to a lesser extent, valve stem seals (Auto Bild): both points need checking.[1][2][3]

What faults does the N62B44 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 N62B44 engine?

BMW Serie 5 E60 (2003–2010), BMW Serie 6 E63/E64 (2003–2010), BMW Serie 7 E65 (2001–2008) and BMW X5 E53 (2003–2006).[2][4][5][6][7]

Are you buying a car with the N62B44 engine?

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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 745i (E65): Test über 100.000 kmAUTO ZEITUNG · Motoring press · published 12 January 2018 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  2. BMW 5er E60, E61 – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 26 April 2024 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  3. BMW 650i: Gebrauchtwagen-TestAUTO BILD · Motoring press · published 4 December 2015 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  4. BMW N62Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
  5. BMW N62Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  6. BMW 6er E63, E64 – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 5 January 2023 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  7. BMW X5 E53 – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 4 January 2023 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German