BMW M82019–20251 Generation (F91/F92/F93)S63B44T4

M8 Engines - The Complete UK Guide

Every BMW M8 engine across the flagship grand tourer range - from the S63 twin-turbo V8 in the standard M8 to the 625 hp Competition variant. Real UK replacement costs, known failure patterns, and honest ownership economics for BMW's ultimate M car. Backed by real UK M8 engine enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED].

Explore M8 Engines
  • M8 Enquiries (2025) [BMW-VERIFIED]

  • 1 Generation, 3 Body Styles

  • 1 Engine Code (S63B44T4)

  • Part of Engine Finders

BMW M8 -
The Ownership Verdict

Verdict MetricOur Call
Overall Ownership Rating

★★★★☆ (4.0/5)

Replacement Economics

⚠️ The M8 rule - flagship power, flagship bills: an S63 recon at £8,000–£12,000+ against a £100,000+ new M8 is 8–12% - ✅ safe. Against a £40,000 used M8, the same recon is 20–30% - ⚠️ watch. The M8's values hold strong, but the S63's known issues mean buying without a warranty is a calculated risk.

Reliability

★★★★☆ - the S63 is a proven twin-turbo V8 shared with the F90 M5, but oil leaks, turbocharger issues, and cooling system weaknesses are well-documented

Most Reliable Engine

S63B44T4 - the latest iteration of the S63, with improvements over earlier versions

Highest-Risk Engine

S63B44T4 - oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing), turbocharger failures, coolant system weaknesses

Best Used Buy

M8 Competition with S63 - 625 hp, proven engine, and depreciated into more accessible territory

Best Modern Buy

M8 Competition - 625 hp, the most powerful BMW M engine ever in standard production

Average Engine Replacement

£8,000–£12,000+ reconditioned, supply only [BMW-QUOTE]

Most Common Failure Enquiry

S63 oil leaks / turbocharger issues - shared-platform data [BMW-VERIFIED]

BMW Ranking

👑 The Flagship M Car - BMW's most powerful and luxurious M model

One-line verdict:

The M8 is BMW's flagship M car - a 625 hp grand tourer with the S63 twin-turbo V8 at its heart. The engine is proven and powerful, but oil leaks, turbocharger failures, and cooling system weaknesses are the known risks. Buy the newest Competition you can afford - and always with a warranty.

BMW M8
at a Glance

  • Generations

    1 (F91 Convertible, F92 Coupé, F93 Gran Coupé)

  • Years Produced

    2019–2025

  • Engine Codes Tracked

    1 (S63B44T4)

  • Fuel Types

    Petrol only

  • Most Enquired Engine (2025)

    S63B44T4 - shared-platform dataBMW-VERIFIED

  • Most Reliable

    S63B44T4 (Competition) - latest iteration with improvements

  • Highest-Risk

    S63B44T4 - oil leaks, turbocharger failures, cooling system issues

  • Typical Replacement Cost

    £8,000–£12,000+ reconditionedBMW-QUOTE

  • Typical Host Value

    £40,000 (used examples) – £120,000+ (new Competition)

Overall Rating

★★★★☆ 4.0/5

3.9/5

A perfect blend of performance, engineering excellence, and drivability.

BMW M8 - One Generation, Three Body Styles

The M8 is BMW's flagship grand tourer - one generation, three body styles, and the most powerful engine BMW has ever put in a standard production car.

Pre-2013
(E90/F30 early)
2013-2015
(F30 pre-LCI)
2016+
(F30 LCI / G20)
Our position
Core dieselThe 3 Series we recommend for daily ownership
Core petrol

Read the full comparison: BMW M8 vs M5

M8 Engine Codes -
The Database

The complete database of BMW 3 Series engine codes with real UK enquiry data, fitted models, and replacement cost insights.

Proprietary UK Data

Every figure below is powered by 24,650+ real UK owner enquiries in 2025. This is data you won't find anywhere else.

Engine CodeFuel2025 EnquiriesView
S63B44T4Petrol-

Data sources:

Enquiry volumes:
EM_Proprietary_Data_2025.txt [EM-VERIFIED]

Costs:
Table A - Engine Replacement Economics [EM-QUOTE]

Engine codes:
Cross-referenced from your existing data

Common BMW M8Engine Problems

The six most common failure patterns across the M8 range - symptoms, costs and urgency.

01

S63 Oil Leaks

Monitor

One of the most prevalent issues with the S63 engine - oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and the oil filter housing. Affects all S63-powered M8 models. £1,500–£3,000 repair if caught early; engine damage if ignored.

Learn more
02

S63 Turbocharger Failure

Monitor

The S63's twin turbos operate under high stress. Oil starvation or contamination can lead to turbocharger failures. Wastegate rattle is a common symptom. Affects all S63-powered M8 models. Turbo replacement: £3,000–£6,000.

Learn more
03

S63 Cooling System Weakness

Low

Coolant leaks from the expansion tank due to chemical/thermal reaction with the plastic material. Affects all S63-powered M8 models. £400–£800 repair if caught early.

Learn more
04

S63 High Oil Consumption

Low

The S63 engine can experience high oil consumption at higher mileages. Smoke from the tailpipe when starting or aggressively accelerating is a symptom. Regular oil level monitoring is essential.

Learn more
05

Early Model Valve Stem Seal Wear

Monitor

Early S63 engines experienced valve stem seal wear. Early M8 models (2019–2020) are the primary concern. Smoke from the tailpipe on startup is the classic symptom.

Learn more
06

F91/F92/F93 Electrical & Electronics

Low

Not an engine failure - but common non-engine M8 enquiries. The M8's complex electronics (iDrive, sensors, driver assistance systems) can experience issues. Check all systems on any used M8.

Learn more

Urgency Key

Catastrophicstop driving, specialist inspection immediately

Immediatebook inspection now

Monitorbook inspection soon

Lowplan at next service

BMW M8 Market Intelligence - What UK Owners Told Us in 2025

826+

Total Enquiries in 2025

[BMW-VERIFIED]

Signal
2025 Data
Demand Trend

BMW M8 F91/F92/F93 enquiries

- (aggregated in shared data)

Rising - the M8 is a modern classic[PLACEHOLDER - YoY %]

BMW M8 Competition enquiries

- (pattern data)

Rising - the Competition is the most popular variant[PLACEHOLDER - YoY %]

S63 oil leak enquiries

- (shared with M5/M6 data)

Stable - well-known issue[PLACEHOLDER - YoY %]

Insights from the data:

Interesting insight: The M8 generates a different kind of enquiry than the rest of the BMW range - owners are high-net-worth enthusiasts doing due diligence on specific known issues (S63 oil leaks, turbocharger failures) rather than families facing unexpected failures. The M8 buyer knows what they're getting into - they just want to know which variant to choose and what to look for. The Competition is the overwhelming favourite - 625 hp, the most powerful BMW M engine ever in a standard production car. (Editorial synthesis - specialist sense-check before publishing.)

The M8 Competition is the sweet spot in the used market - 625 hp, the S63 engine, proven and powerful, and depreciated into more accessible territory (£40,000–£70,000). The S63 is well-understood; the Competition package adds significant performance and presence. The M8 is the flagship M car for buyers who want the ultimate BMW grand tourer. (Editorial synthesis.)

The M8 is a rare sight on UK roads - but it's a future classic. The S63 engine is the last of the pure V8 M engines before hybridisation and electrification take over. The M8 is the M car for collectors and enthusiasts who want the ultimate expression of BMW M power. (Editorial synthesis.)

Editorial Pull-Quote

The One Thing We'd Tell Every BMW M8 Buyer

If you buy one M8 based on this page, buy an M8 Competition with the S63 - it's the sweet spot in the range: 625 hp, the most powerful BMW M engine ever in a standard production car, and depreciated into more accessible territory. Buy the newest you can afford, always with a comprehensive warranty, and budget for S63 oil leak and turbocharger inspections before you buy - it's the smart money on any M8. BMW M8 - SECTIONS 8-14

BMW M8 Engine Replacement Costs
By Model

Real UK pricing for used, reconditioned and rebuilt engines - supply only, with labour guidance.

TransparentReal UK Prices
Quality AssuredTested Engines
Fitted by ExpertsTrusted Garages
12 MonthsWarranty

F91/F92/F93 - M8 (2019–2025)

VariantEngine CodeUsed (Supply)Reconditioned (Supply)Rebuilt (Supply)Labour Hours
M8 (S63)S63B44T4£4,500–£7,500£8,000–£12,000+£10,000–£16,000+18–24 hrs
M8 Competition (S63)S63B44T4£4,500–£7,500£8,000–£12,000+£10,000–£16,000+18–24 hrs
Prices are supply only. Labour and ancillary parts extra.

Important Notes

N47D20C, B47D20A, N57D30, B58B30 figures [BMW-QUOTE]; older engines [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet].

Labour Estimate

Fitting a BMW M8 engine typically takes 18–24 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [BMW-QUOTE]. The M8 rule - flagship power, flagship bills: An £8,000–£12,000+ S63 recon against a £100,000+ new M8 sits at 8–12% - ✅ safe. Against a £40,000 used M8, the same recon is 20–30% - ⚠️ watch. Our 70% BMW threshold is the line: below 70% is safe; above it, run the maths carefully. Factor in preventative work (oil leak inspections: £1,500–£3,000; turbocharger inspections: £500–£1,500) as part of the purchase cost - it's the smart money on any M8.

The 3 Series rule - generation is everything:

Value the car first; the engine decision follows.

All prices in GBP (£)   •   Supply only   •   Subject to availability and condition

How the BMW M8 Engine Range Evolved - 2019 to 2025

From the original M10 to today's advanced B-series, explore how engineering, emissions and performance shaped every generation of 3 Series engines.

7 Generations1975 to Present
25+ Engine FamiliesFrom M10 to B58
50 Years of EngineeringPerformance & Innovation
Built for DriversReliability + Dynamics
Key Engines
S63B44T4
Why BMW Changed
BMW launched the M8 as the flagship grand tourer - the most powerful and luxurious M model ever. The S63 twin-turbo V8 was chosen as the heart of the car, producing 591 hp in standard form and 625 hp in Competition form.
Worth Knowing
The M8 shares its S63 engine with the F90 M5, X5M and X6M. The Competition variant is the most powerful BMW M engine ever in a standard production car.

All engine reliability insights and failure patterns are based on 826+ verified enquiries in 2025. Data covers the UK market. [BMW-VERIFIED]

Who Should Buy a BMW M8?

Different buyers, different priorities. Here is our verdict on who the BMW M8 is perfect for - and who should think twice.

Grand Touring Buyer

The M8 is built for this - the Competition variant delivers 625 hp, wafting comfort, and the perfect balance of luxury and performance. The S63 is proven and powerful; the chassis is magnificent. The M8 Competition is the ultimate grand tourer.

Performance Buyer

The M8 is a GT, not a track car - but 625 hp and a twin-turbo V8 means it's devastatingly fast. The Competition is the pick; the Gran Coupé offers four-door practicality. The M8 is the ultimate expression of BMW M power.

Collector / Enthusiast

The M8 is a future classic - the last of the pure V8 M cars before hybridisation and electrification take over. The Competition is the one to buy; the Gran Coupé is the most practical. Both are worth proper investment.

Budget Conscious Buyer

A £40,000 used M8 is not a cheap M8 - it's an expensive one with the first year's bills prepaid by nobody. A £60,000 M8 Competition with a warranty is the bargain; a £40,000 example without a warranty is the trap.

Design-Led Buyer

The M8 Gran Coupé is one of the most beautiful BMWs ever made - four-door coupe styling, frameless doors, and a sloping roofline. The Convertible (F91) is the ultimate open-top grand tourer.

i

Real talk. The right BMW M8 for you depends on your budget, your mileage, and your patience for maintenance. Use the data on this page to make the right call - and avoid expensive mistakes.

Explore BMW M8 Engines

Can I Repair My BMW M8 Engine - or Should I Replace It?

Oil leaks from an S63? Turbocharger issues on a Competition?

On the M8, the answer is almost always repair - the values are strong enough to justify engine work, especially on the Competition. Get a personalised repair-vs-replace verdict using real UK cost data.

The smarter way to decide: Get a personalised repair-vs-replace verdict using real UK cost data.

Stop guessing. Get the right answer.

Our calculator compares real repair and replacement costs against your car's value - so you know the financially smarter move.

Start Your Verdict Now

Why BMW M8 Owners Trust
BMWEngines.uk

Built on Real Data - M8 engine enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED] - covering BMW's flagship grand tourer. Nobody has seen more UK M8 engine decisions.

We Tell You When Not to Repair - On a high-mileage M8 without a warranty, sometimes the honest answer is walk away. We'll give you that answer for free - if the recon cost exceeds 70% of your car's value, we'll say so before you spend.

Vetted BMW Specialists - 20+ vetted BMW specialists across the UK, specifically assessed on S63 oil leak diagnostics, turbocharger inspections, and flagship M car servicing. Not generalist garages - M specialists.

Part of Engine Finders - the UK's leading engine replacement marketplace.

BMW M8 Frequently Asked Questions

1

How much does a BMW M8 engine replacement cost in the UK?

A reconditioned BMW M8 engine typically costs £8,000–£12,000+ supply only [BMW-QUOTE] - the S63 in both standard and Competition form. Fitting adds £650–£2,100. Use our calculator for a personalised figure.
2

Which BMW M8 engine is the most reliable?

The S63B44T4 in the M8 Competition - the latest iteration of the S63 with improvements over earlier versions. The S63 is a proven engine, but oil leaks, turbocharger failures, and cooling system weaknesses are well-documented.
3

Which BMW M8 engine should I avoid?

No engine outright - but an early S63 (2019–2020) without documented oil leak repair history, turbocharger inspections, or comprehensive warranty is the one purchase we consistently advise against. The engine is proven; the known issues are the problem.
4

How do I know if my M8 engine needs replacing?

By engine: oil drips (S63 oil leaks), wastegate rattle (S63 turbocharger failure), coolant loss (S63 cooling system weakness), smoke from tailpipe on startup (S63 valve stem seal wear). Caught early, it's a repair; ignored, it's a £8,000–£12,000+ engine [BMW-QUOTE]. Use our diagnostic calculator for a personalised assessment.
5

Is it worth replacing a BMW M8 engine?

Yes - the M8's values are strong enough to justify engine work. Against a £100,000+ new M8, an £8,000–£12,000+ S63 recon is 8–12% - safe. Against a £40,000 used M8, the same recon is 20–30% - ⚠️ watch. Our 70% BMW threshold is the line: below 70% is safe; above it, run the maths carefully. Use our calculator for your car.
6

Which BMW M8 should I buy?

M8 Competition - 625 hp, the most powerful BMW M engine ever in a standard production car, and the ultimate BMW M car experience. For the most practical option, the Gran Coupé (F93) offers four-door practicality. For the open-top experience, the Convertible (F91) is the ultimate grand tourer. Buy the newest you can afford, always with a comprehensive warranty.
7

How do I find my BMW M8 engine code?

Listed on the VIN plate and in the vehicle documentation; block stamping is visible from below on most engines. Or tell us your variant (M8, M8 Competition, M8 Competition Gran Coupé) and we'll identify it - 20+ vetted specialists will confirm it for free.
8

BMW M8 vs M5 - which is more reliable?

Mechanically they share the S63 engine - the S63 in the M8 and F90 M5 are identical. The M8 is heavier and more luxurious; the M5 is more practical. Reliability is identical; the M8 works the powertrain harder due to its weight and power output. Buy on engine and year, not badge. The M5 offers more practicality; the M8 offers more style and presence. Read the full head-to-head →

Need a head-to-head comparison?

Read our in-depth BMW 3 Series vs 5 Series reliability guide.

Read the Full Head-to-Head

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a Decision?

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