BMW S62 engine explained: the V8 of the E39 M5 and Z8

The BMW S62 is the 4.9-litre naturally aspirated V8 that powered the E39 M5 from 1998 and the Z8 roadster from 2000. With 400 PS and 500 Nm, it made the E39 M5 the fastest saloon of its time and gave the Z8 its effortless performance.

In this guide we explain the technology of the BMW S62, how it feels to drive, its known weak points and how to look after it today.

Where the BMW S62 came from

In the late 1990s, BMW M needed a new engine for the E39 M5. The previous M5 used a six-cylinder, but the bigger, heavier E39 needed more torque. BMW M based the S62 on the M62 V8 of the normal 5 and 7 Series, but changed almost everything that mattered for performance.

The result was the first V8 in an M5, and one of the most respected M engines ever. The same engine was used in the Z8, BMW's retro-styled roadster. Our article on the BMW Z8 history tells the story of that car, and our E39 M5 buying guide explains what to check on the saloon.

Technology of the S62

The S62 has several features that set it apart from the normal M62 engine:

• 4,941 cc displacement with a larger bore and stroke than the M62.
• Double VANOS: variable timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts. Our article on BMW VANOS explains how it works.
• Eight individual throttle bodies, one per cylinder, for sharp throttle response.
• A sump designed for high cornering forces, with additional oil pumps.
• 400 PS (294 kW) at 6,600 rpm and 500 Nm at 3,800 rpm.

The S62 was paired only with a six-speed manual gearbox in the E39 M5 and the Z8.

How the S62 feels

Compared with the high-revving engines that came later, such as the S85 V10, the S62 is a torque engine. It pulls strongly from low revs, sounds deep and smooth, and still revs freely to around 7,000 rpm.

In the E39 M5, the engine gives the car a relaxed, powerful character: fast on the motorway, flexible in town and still exciting on a good road. Many enthusiasts consider the E39 M5 with the S62 one of the best-balanced M cars ever made.

Our article on BMW M5 generations compares the S62 car with the M5 models before and after it.

Known weak points of the BMW S62

The S62 is generally robust, but at its age some issues are well known:

• Timing chain guides and tensioners can wear; a rattle on cold starts is a warning sign. Our article on BMW timing chain problems explains the risk.
• VANOS units can lose performance and cause rough running or fault codes.
• Throttle actuator problems can cause warning lights and reduced power.
• Rod bearings are a topic on high-mileage or hard-driven engines, although less discussed than on the S85.
• Oil consumption rises with age; a moderate amount is normal for this engine.
• Cooling system parts such as hoses, the water pump and the radiator age with time.

Most of these issues are manageable with preventive maintenance by a specialist.

Maintenance tips

To keep an S62 healthy:

• Change the oil regularly with the correct high-quality oil, more often than the original long intervals. Our article on BMW M engine oil explains the choice.
• Warm the engine up properly before using high revs. Our guide on how to warm up a BMW M engine explains why.
• Listen for timing chain noise on cold starts.
• Refresh the cooling system preventively on older cars.
• Keep records of all work, which also helps the car's value.

Because these engines are now more than twenty years old, a specialist who knows the S62 is the best partner for maintenance.

The S62 today

Today, the S62 is a big part of why the E39 M5 and the Z8 are sought-after classics. Its combination of strong torque, a smooth V8 sound and a manual gearbox is something modern M cars no longer offer in the same way.

When buying a car with an S62, ask for the full service history, evidence of timing chain and VANOS work, and an inspection by an M specialist. A well-maintained S62 can cover very high mileages.

Our article on the BMW straight-six engine history and our explanations of the S54, S65 and S85 engines show how BMW M engines developed around this V8.

BMW S62 at a glance

Item	Details
Engine	BMW S62 naturally aspirated V8
Displacement	4,941 cc
Power	400 PS (294 kW) at 6,600 rpm
Torque	500 Nm at 3,800 rpm
Valve timing	Double VANOS
Throttles	Eight individual throttle bodies
Used in	BMW M5 (E39), BMW Z8 (E52)
Gearbox	Six-speed manual
Known issues	Timing chain guides, VANOS, throttle actuators
Based on	BMW M62 V8, heavily modified

Frequently asked questions

What cars use the BMW S62 engine?

The S62 was used in the BMW M5 E39 (1998–2003) and the BMW Z8 roadster.

How much power does the BMW S62 have?

The S62 produces 400 PS (294 kW) at 6,600 rpm and 500 Nm of torque at 3,800 rpm.

Is the BMW S62 reliable?

It is generally robust. Known issues at its age are timing chain guides, VANOS units, throttle actuators and cooling system parts, which are manageable with preventive maintenance.

Does the S62 have rod bearing problems?

Rod bearings are a topic on high-mileage or hard-driven engines, but they are less discussed than on the later S85 V10. A specialist can advise based on the car's history.

Was the S62 available with an automatic gearbox?

No. In the E39 M5 and the Z8, the S62 was only available with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Sources

• BMW Group Classic – BMW M5 (E39) and Z8 model information
• BMW M – history of BMW M engines
• BMW M5 (E39) owner's handbook and technical data