BMW N63

BMW N63 engine
Manufacturer BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
Production 2008-
Predecessor BMW N62
Class V8

The N63 is a family of 4.4L, direct-injected, twin-turbocharged V8 automobile engines produced by BMW since 2008.

Contents

Specifications

Engine Displacement (cc) Power @rpm Torque @rpm Redline (rpm) Year
N63B44 4395 408 PS (300 kW; 402 hp)@5500-6400 600 N·m (440 lb·ft)@1750-4500 7000 2008-

The N63B44 features a reverse-flow air design in which the turbochargers are mounted in the engine valley and the intake manifolds are located on the sides of the block. This new design creates a more compact engine package and reduces the width of the assembled engine. The engine uses air-to-water intercoolers, which is more efficient and provides a shorter air path than using a standard air-to-air intercooler.[1]

Similar to the N54B30, the N63B44 does not use the second generation Valvetronic technology found in other current engines. The principal advantage of Valvetronic is the reduction of intake vacuum, which is not an issue in the pressurized intake found in a turbo-charged engine. Valvetronic, however, is used on the S63B44Tü for the 2013 BMW M5.

It was launched in 2008 as an engine powering the BMW X6 xDrive50i,[1] and later the F01 BMW 750i.[2]

In terms of performance, the N63 is a close match to the N73 V12 engine found in the previous-generation E65 760i/Li, so the BMW N74 V12 engine had to be redesigned for the F01 760i/Li in order to maintain its status as the flagship of the range.[3]

Applications:

S63

The S63 is a tuned version of the N63 engine by BMW's Motorsport division. It is found in the BMW X5M, BMW X6M, the high performance derivatives of BMW's Sports Activity Series crossovers, and the BMW M5 sport sedan. The S63 features Cylinder-bank Comprehensive Manifold (cc). Engine is rated 555 PS (408 kW; 547 hp) at 6000 rpm and 680 N·m (500 lb·ft) at 1500-5650 rpm.

Using BMW's innovative "M Twin Power Turbo" engine with high precision Direct Injection and twin turbochargers as a basis, the new M engine introduces twin-scroll twin turbochargers and patented exhaust manifold technologies to achieve outstanding thrust and pulling force, while preserving the most compact dimensions possible. Two low-mass twin-scroll turbochargers are positioned together with the catalytic converters in the “V” section between the two banks of cylinders. By reversing the flow of gases through the engine from traditional arrangements, the intake and exhaust ducts are shortened and widened. The result is that pressure losses on the exhaust side are minimized. The goals: virtually eliminate turbocharger lag while maximizing combustion efficiency and power output. Tremendous power and performance are delivered by the engine in the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M through a new reverse flow design and construction principle.[4]

The new M V8 engine with twin-scroll twin turbo technology uses a single exhaust manifold with tuned-length runners, incorporating both cylinder banks and connecting cylinders in carefully selected pairs. This configuration, patented by BMW M and known as Cylinder-bank Comprehensive Manifold () (check this in Product Library), offers lightning-quick response, a linear build-up of engine power, and a broad, consistent torque curve by feeding each of the twin turbochargers with a “charge pulse” at approximately every 90 degrees of crankshaft rotation, rather than the more traditional “irregular schedule” of charging.[4]

The managed flow of exhaust gas provided by the Cylinder bank Comprehensive Manifold ensures high-velocity flow of combustion gases. The appropriate separation of exhaust gas flow from different cylinders is maintained until the gas reaches the turbine wheel, spooling the two twin-scroll turbochargers without back-pressure. With maximum boost pressure, the use of twin-scroll twin turbo technology and the patented exhaust manifold allows complete exploitation of the benefits of turbocharging.[4]

On the X5 M and X6 M, the S63 engine is mated to a 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and xDrive four-wheel drive.

For the F10 BMW M5 sedan, a variant known as the S63B44Tü has been tuned for an additional 5 more horsepower and makes 680 N·m (500 lb·ft) of torque available to 5750 rpm compared to 5650 rpm in SUV M models. The M5's engine produces 560 hp (418 kW; 568 PS) from 6000 to 7000 rpm while redline is at 7200 rpm. Compared to the regular S63, the S63 TU has the addition of throttleless Valvetronic induction control, larger turbos and intercoolers, different injectors and control electronics, and a higher compression ratio of 10.0:1. On the BMW M5 (F10) engine is matted on 7 speed dual clutch transmission, dropping the Getrag SMG III single-clutch semi-automatic transmission used in the previous E60 M5 for Getrag 7DCI700 (same transmission is also found in E92 M3 DKG).[5][6][7]

Applications:

Engine Displacement (cc) Power @rpm Torque @rpm Boost Redline (rpm) Year
S63B44 4395 555 PS (408 kW; 547 hp)@6000 680 N·m (500 lb·ft)@1500-5650 1.2 bar (17 psi) 7000 2009-
S63B44Tü 4395 560 PS (410 kW; 550 hp)@5750-7000 680 N·m (500 lb·ft)@1500-5750 1.5 bar (22 psi) 7200 2011-

Alpina

The N63 is also used in a modified state of tune by Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH which manufacturers production tuned versions of BMWs, in the ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo Saloon/Touring and the ALPINA B7 Bi-Turbo saloon. The 2011 Alpina B7's twin-turbo 4.4-liter BMW V8 is assembled by hand at Alpina's facility in Buchloe, Germany, before being shipped to BMW for installation, and the assembled vehicle is then sent back to Alpina for finishing touches.[8][9]

Alpina's variant of the N63 makes 507 PS (373 kW; 500 hp) / 700 N·m (516 lb·ft), while retaining the same fuel economy as the regular N63.[10] This is the first time that BMW M and Alpina are using the same type of forced-induction for their powerplants; Alpina's engine has less horsepower but more torque than the BMW S63.[11]

An 8-speed Sport Automatic Transmission with SWITCH-TRONIC is used in the B5, while a ZF six-speed automatic sport transmission with heavy-duty gears (taken from ZF's transmissions for trucks) is found in the B7. The B7 also features a choice of regular or long-wheelbase and/or optional xDrive.

Alpina's modifications to the standard N63 include high-performance pistons and reinforced cylinder heads to withstand the additional stress from a higher compression ratio. A larger intercooler, with a 35-percent increase in surface area, is fitted to lower intake temperatures. An additional radiator lowers coolant temperatures, and external coolers are added for the engine and transmission oil. The electric fan is also upgraded to increase airflow through the new high-performance components. To move more oxygen through the engine, larger and lighter turbochargers (the vanes measure 44 mm in diameter) are fitted to keep the whole package running smoothly and Alpina engine management software increases boost to 14.5 psi (1.0 bar vs. the standard engine's 0.8 bar) and recalibrates both stability- and traction-control with more aggressive settings. The blowers exhale into three air-to-liquid intercoolers, an arrangement that helps maintain maximum airflow even during long lapping sessions at a racetrack. There is also a bigger (2.7-inch) dual exhaust system that vents gasses out the back through the rear apron.[9]

References