BMW S85 engine is a V-shaped 10-cylinder piston engine with two overhead camshafts (DOHC), which replaced the S62 engine and was produced from 2005 to 2010 for the M5 (E60 / E61) and M6 (E63 / E64) and Wiesmann MF5. Power unit technology is based on the Williams F1 engine.
S85B50 cylinder blocks are made mainly of aluminum alloys using low pressure, except for some special steels, and they form an angle of 90 °. This angle is considered the best to balance the weight and reduce vibration, especially one that can affect the crankshaft.
Pistons for S85 are made of high-quality heat-resistant aluminum alloy and weigh 481.7 grams, including piston pins and rings. Rods with bearing shells weigh 623 grams.
In 2005, the first year that it was nominated, the S85B50 won four different International Engine of the Year awards in the following four categories:
- International Engine of the Year, BMW 5.0 Liter V10 (M5, M6)
- Best Performance Engine
- Best New Engine
- Best Above 4.0 Liter
In 2006 the S85B50 won several International Engine of the Year awards, winning in the following three categories:
- International Engine of the Year, BMW 5.0 Litre V10 (M5, M6)
- Best Performance Engine
- Best Above 4.0 Litre
In 2007 the S85B50 won several International Engine of the Year awards, winning in the following 2 categories:
- Best Performance Engine
- Best Above 4.0 Litre
In 2008 the S85B50 won an International Engine of the Year award, winning in the following category:
- Best Above 4.0 Litre
The S63 engine replaced the BMW S85 engine.
BMW S85 Engine Specs
| Manufacturer | Dingolfing Plant |
| Also called | BMW S85 |
| Production | 2005-2010 |
| Cylinder block alloy | Aluminum |
| Configuration | V10 |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 4 valves per cylinder |
| Piston stroke, mm (inch) | 75.2 (2.96) |
| Cylinder bore, mm (inch) | 92 (3.62) |
| Compression ratio | 12.0 |
| Displacement | 4999 cc (305.1 cu in) |
| Power output | 373 kW (507 HP) at 7,750 rpm |
| Torque output | 520 Nm (384 lb·ft) at 6,100 rpm |
| Redline | 8,250 |
| HP per liter | 101.4 |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Weight, kg (lbs) | 240 (530) |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (mpg) -City -Highway -Combined | for E60 M5 22.7 (10) 10.2 (23) 14.8 (16) |
| Turbocharger | Naturally aspirated |
| Oil consumption, L/1000 km (qt. per miles) | up to 1.0 (1 qt. per 750 miles) |
| Recommended engine oil | 10W-60 |
| Engine Oil Capacity, L (qt.) | 9.3 (9.8) |
| Oil change interval, km (miles) | 5,000-10,000 (3,000-6,000) |
| Normal engine operating temperature, °C (F) | – |
| Engine lifespan, km (miles) -Official information -Real | – 200,000+ (120,000) |
| Tuning, HP -Max HP -No lifespan loss | 600+ – |
BMW M5 E60 S85 V10 Sound
What Cars Have A BMW S85B50?
- BMW M5 E60
- BMW M6 E63
Are BMW M Engines Hand-Built?
YES.
The “M” engines are indeed hand-built, and this is why no M’s are produced in the US…
M and AMG are departments of their respective companies. Saleen, Alpina, Roush, etc., are actually other companies that take normal (Mustang GT, M3, etc.) into their shop at a given production stage and modify it. The different levels of performance and upgrades determine when they pull the car off the normal production line. From the ground up, Alpina would be not much more than a shell, little bits of the interior, and an engine block when Alpina takes over.
BMW S85 Engine Problems And Reliability
First of all, pay attention to the VANOS system. Always check its temperature of it and try not to overheat it.
Also, this engine has problems with premature wear of connecting rod bearings. The interval of its replacement is about 50,000 miles (80,000 km). So, sum up, the most common problems are:
- Connecting rod bearing wear
- Throttle body actuator failure
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The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. The author and publisher make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information presented. The reader is advised to consult a qualified professional, such as a mechanic or dealership, before making any decisions related to their vehicle's engine oil or maintenance.
