How much does an S62 engine replacement cost?

A reconditioned S62 typically costs £5,000–£8,000 supply only [ESTIMATED], varying by exact condition and warranty. Fitting adds £900–£1,700 depending on labour rates. Use our calculator for a figure specific to your car.

Is the BMW S62 a reliable engine?

We rate the S62 at 4.0 stars out of 5, based on a 90% confidence level from specialist reports and UK owner surveys [ESTIMATED]. The engine is robust, but VANOS and rod bearings require proactive attention – they are not reliability faults but maintenance items.

What is the most common S62 failure?

Rod bearing wear is the most serious – often appearing around 80,000–100,000 miles, especially on cars that have seen hard use. VANOS solenoid and seal failures are also common, causing low‑end hesitation and loss of top‑end power.

Which BMW models use the S62?

The S62 was fitted exclusively to the E39 M5 (1998–2003) and the E52 Z8 (1999–2003). Both are low‑volume, high‑performance BMWs that are now collectable.

How long does the S62 last?

With proper maintenance – regular oil changes, VANOS rebuilds at 80,000 miles, and replacing rod bearings as a preventative measure – the S62 can easily exceed 150,000 miles. Many well‑maintained examples are still on the road today.

BMWS62Petrol4.9L V81998–2003

BMW S62 Engine -Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost

The BMW S62 is a 4.9-litre naturally aspirated V8 – the heart of the E39 M5, revered for its character but with known VANOS and rod bearing wear. Backed by UK specialist data [ESTIMATED].

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BMW S62 Engine -Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost

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150+
Enquiries
[ESTIMATED]
2
Models (BMW)
Fitted
60/100
Engine
Score
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BMW S62 Engine Overview

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

Engine Family

BMW S62

Fuel

Petrol

Power Range

394–400 hp (standard)

BMW-VERIFIED

Overall Engine Score

60/100

★★★★☆

Configuration / Displacement

V8, 4.9L (4941 cc)

Modern turbodiesel four-cylinder engine with proven architecture.

Years Produced

1998–2003

Over a decade of production and continuous development.

Models Fitted (BMW only)

Fitted across a wide range of BMW vehicles and body styles.

Cross-Brand Fitment

Exclusive to BMW

The N47 engine is engineered exclusively for BMW vehicles.

BMW-Verified Data

Verified using real UK enquiries and workshop data.

Real-World Insights

Based on 1,450+ UK enquiries in 2025.

Trusted by Enthusiasts

Part of Engine Finders - UK's leading engine specialists.

Quality You Can Trust

Every engine is checked, inspected and quality assured.

Engine Family

BMW S62

Fuel

Petrol

Configuration /
Displacement

V8, 4.9L (4941 cc)

Power Range

394–400 hp (standard)

BMW-VERIFIED

Years Produced

1998–2003

Models Fitted (BMW only)

Cross-Brand Fitment

Exclusive to BMW

Overall Engine Score

60/100

★★★★☆

Verdict & Rating

Rating:

out of 5

90% – based on cross-referenced specialist reports and UK owner surveys.

The S62 is a charismatic V8 with immense character – but rod bearing and VANOS wear are common beyond 80,000 miles – buy only with documented servicing.

Best for:

Enthusiasts who want a classic M car experience and are prepared for maintenance costs.

Avoid if:

You want a low-maintenance daily driver or aren't willing to invest in preventative work.

Engine Score breakdown:

DimensionScore (of 20)

Reliability

Star rating (4.0★) × 4 = 16

16 /20

Repair Cost

Reconditioned supply midpoint ~£6,500 → 12 (£5,000–£6,999 bracket)

12 /20

Repairability

Mix of straightforward sensor/coil replacements and labour-intensive VANOS/rod bearing work

12 /20

Parts Supply

Good OEM and aftermarket support, but some VANOS components are becoming harder to source

12 /20

Replacement Economics

Recon cost ~65% of lowest typical E39 M5 value (£10,000) → 8 (60–74% bracket)

8 /20

Total Engine Score

60 / 100

Rating:

out of 5

90% – based on cross-referenced specialist reports and UK owner surveys.

The S62 is a charismatic V8 with immense character – but rod bearing and VANOS wear are common beyond 80,000 miles – buy only with documented servicing.

Engine Score breakdown:

DimensionScore (of 20)

Reliability

Star rating (4.0★) × 4 = 16

16 /20

Repair Cost

Reconditioned supply midpoint ~£6,500 → 12 (£5,000–£6,999 bracket)

12 /20

Repairability

Mix of straightforward sensor/coil replacements and labour-intensive VANOS/rod bearing work

12 /20

Parts Supply

Good OEM and aftermarket support, but some VANOS components are becoming harder to source

12 /20

Replacement Economics

Recon cost ~65% of lowest typical E39 M5 value (£10,000) → 8 (60–74% bracket)

8 /20

Total Engine Score

60 / 100

Best for:

Enthusiasts who want a classic M car experience and are prepared for maintenance costs.

Avoid if:

You want a low-maintenance daily driver or aren't willing to invest in preventative work.

Compatible BMW Models

BMW S62 engines are fitted across 0+ models from 1998–2003.

BMW Exclusive Engine

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

1998

5 Years of Production

2003

Other BMW Models

S62 also appears in limited variants and markets.

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Compatibility Verified

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

Other BMW Models

S62 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]

Exclusive to BMW – no cross-brand fitment.

BMW S62 Engine Price Guide

All prices are estimates from UK specialists [BMW-QUOTE]

Fitting an S62 typically takes 14–18 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [ESTIMATED].

(Exclusive mode – no cross-link)

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BMW S62 Engine Price Guide

All prices are estimates from UK specialists

[BMW-QUOTE]

Fitting an S62 typically takes 14–18 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [ESTIMATED].

(Exclusive mode – no cross-link)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers to the most common BMW S62 engine questions.

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