BMWN73/N74Petrol6.0–6.6L V122003–present

BMW N73/N74 Engine -Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost

The BMW N73/N74 is a smooth, powerful V12 – but complexity and high running costs are the defining trade-offs. Backed by UK specialist data [ESTIMATED].

BMW N73/N74 Engine -Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost
Compare N73/N74 Engine Prices
  • 50+

    Enquiries

    [ESTIMATED]

  • 5+

    Models (BMW/Rolls-Royce)

    Fitted

  • [Score]/100 Engine Score

  • Part of Engine Finders

BMW N73 / N74 Engine Overview

All the essential specifications, performance data, and compatibility information at a glance.

Engine Family

BMW N73 / N74

Fuel

Petrol

Configuration /
Displacement

V12, 6.0L (N73), 6.6L (N74)

Power Range

445–600+ hp

BMW-VERIFIED

Years Produced

2003–present (N73: 2003–2015, N74: 2008–present)

Models Fitted (BMW only)

Cross-Brand Fitment

Also fitted to Rolls-Royce (Ghost, Phantom, Cullinan, Dawn, Wraith)

Overall Engine Score

[Score]/100/

Verdict & Rating

Rating:

3.5

out of 5

85% – based on specialist reports and UK owner surveys.

The N73/N74 V12 is a magnificent engine -but running costs are eye-watering and repairs are specialist-only -buy only with deep pockets and a warranty.

Engine Score breakdown:

DimensionScore (of 20)

Reliability

Star rating (3.5★) × 4 = 14

14 /20

Repair Cost

Reconditioned supply midpoint ~£7,000–£10,000 → 8 (£7,000–£9,999 bracket)

8 /20

Repairability

V12 complexity makes most repairs labour-intensive; limited specialist pool

8 /20

Parts Supply

Parts are available but often dealer-only or import-dependent; aftermarket support is limited

8 /20

Replacement Economics

Recon cost ~60–74% of lowest typical value (older E65 760i) → 8

8 /20

Total Engine Score

46 / 100

Best for:

Luxury car buyers who value effortless torque and refinement above all else.

Avoid if:

You're on a budget, or don't have access to a specialist who knows V12 BMWs.

Compatible BMW Models

BMW N73 / N74 engines are fitted across 0+ models from 2003–2015.

BMW Exclusive Engine

This is an exclusive BMW engine. No cross-platform sharing.

2003
12 Years of Production
2015
+

Other BMW Models

N73 / N74 also appears in limited variants and markets.

View full details ›

Compatibility Verified

All compatibility data verified from BMW parts catalogues and specialist databases. [BMW-VERIFIED]

Also powers the Rolls-Royce Ghost, Phantom, Cullinan, Dawn, and Wraith – the N74 is the foundation of Rolls-Royce's modern V12 line-up.

BMW N73 / N74 Engine Price Guide

All prices are estimates from UK specialists

[BMW-QUOTE]

i

Fitting an N73/N74 typically takes 18–24 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [ESTIMATED].

The N74 is used in both BMW and Rolls-Royce applications – parts are identical, though Rolls-Royce-specific tuning and ancillaries may add cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers to the most common BMW N73 / N74 engine questions.

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