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S65B40
4.0L V8 M Petrol
S-series • S65 family • 2007–2013
42%
Engine Reliability
The S65 V8 is a masterpiece of naturally aspirated engineering – essentially derived from BMW's Formula 1 programme. It revs to 8,300 RPM and produces one of the most intoxicating exhaust notes in automotive history. However, the rod bearing issue is a critical and well-documented concern. All S65 engines should have rod bearings inspected or proactively replaced. Throttle actuators are another common failure point.
4.0L
Displacement
V8
Layout
414–450 hp
Power
400 Nm
Torque
Petrol
Fuel
Naturally aspirated
Aspiration
Technology & Features
Fuel SystemIndividual throttle bodies
ValvetrainDOHC 32-valve, Double-VANOS, individual throttle bodies
Used In 1 Application
4
Known Issues
2
Critical
3
Wear Items
1
Applications
Known Issues – S65B40
critical
Rod Bearing Failure Very Common (>40%)
This is the S65's Achilles' heel. Rod bearings wear prematurely and can lead to catastrophic engine failure with little warning. Proactive replacement is considered essential maintenance, not optional. Oil analysis every 5,000 km is strongly recommended.
Typical Mileage
60,000–120,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€2,000–€4,000 (proactive) or €15,000+ (engine rebuild/replacement)
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Knocking noise under loadMetal particles in oilLow oil pressure warningSudden engine seizure
high
Throttle Actuator Failure Very Common (>45%)
The butterfly throttle actuators (one per bank of 4 ITBs) fail, causing limp mode with a 'drivetrain malfunction' warning. Often requires both actuators replaced as a pair.
Typical Mileage
80,000–150,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€800–€2,000
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Drivetrain malfunction warningReduced powerLimp modeRough idle
critical
VANOS Bolt Issue (Pre-2010) Common (~25%)
Early S65 engines (before 01/2010 production) can suffer from VANOS bolts backing out due to insufficient thread engagement. This can cause catastrophic engine damage. BMW issued a service bulletin – verify if already addressed.
Typical Mileage
Mileage independent – check production date
Est. Repair Cost
€300–€600 (bolt replacement) or €10,000+ (if damage occurs)
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
VANOS rattleCheck engine lightPotential engine damage
medium
Oil Consumption Common (~30%)
High-revving V8 consumes oil, especially when driven hard. Up to 1L per 2000 km can be normal.
Typical Mileage
Throughout engine life
Est. Repair Cost
€50–€100 per top-up
DIY Friendly
✓ Yes
Low oil warningOil consumption between changes
Wear & Maintenance – S65B40
Rod Bearing Replacement
80,000 km or 8 years (whichever first)
Replacement Cost€2,000–€4,000
Wear Factor85%
Spark Plugs (8)
Every 30,000 km
Replacement Cost€120–€250
Wear Factor65%
Throttle Actuators
80,000–120,000 km
Replacement Cost€800–€2,000
Wear Factor60%
Applications (1)
Transmissions (2)
1 / 3
6-Speed Manual (Getrag)
Getrag • 6-speed manual • 2003–2019
Getrag 6-speed manual used across a wide range of BMWs. Different models handle various torque capacities. Known for precise, mechanical shift action. The GS6-53DZ handles up to 500Nm (used with 335i/M135i).
Known Issues2
medium
2nd Gear Synchro Wear Moderate (~20%)
Second gear synchros can wear, especially on higher-torque applications, causing grinding on fast 2nd gear shifts.
Typical Mileage
100,000–180,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€800–€1,500
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Grinding into 2nd gearDifficulty downshifting to 2nd
low
Clutch Release Bearing Noise Moderate (~25%)
Clutch release (throw-out) bearing develops a chirp or whine when clutch is depressed.
Typical Mileage
80,000–150,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€400–€800 (usually replaced with clutch)
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Chirping with clutch pressedWhining noiseVibration in pedal
Wear Items
Clutch Assembly
100,000–180,000 km
Replacement Cost€700–€1,500
Wear Factor55%
Dual Mass Flywheel
150,000–250,000 km
Replacement Cost€500–€1,000
Wear Factor45%
Transmission Fluid
Every 80,000 km
Replacement Cost€50–€120
Wear Factor30%
Fluid TypeMTF-LT-4 / MTF-LT-5
Service IntervalLifetime fill (recommended every 80,000 km)
1 / 2
7-Speed DCT (DKG/M-DCT)
Getrag • 7-speed dct • 2008–present
BMW's dual-clutch transmission, used in performance models and the F40 1 Series. Offers lightning-fast shifts for sporty driving but can judder at low speeds. The wet-clutch design handles high torque but requires regular fluid changes. The M-DCT variant was used in M3/M4.
Known Issues2
medium
Low-Speed Judder Common (~30%)
Characteristic DCT judder during low-speed maneuvers, parking, and stop-start traffic. Can sometimes be improved with a software update.
Typical Mileage
20,000–60,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€0 (software update) – €1,500 (clutch pack)
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Shuddering at low speedHesitant take-offClunking in reverse
high
Clutch Pack Wear Moderate (~20%)
Clutch packs wear, especially in urban driving with frequent stop-start. More aggressive driving actually helps keep clutches clean.
Typical Mileage
80,000–150,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€1,500–€3,000
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
SlippingShuddering on accelerationLoss of drive
Wear Items
DCT Fluid Change
Every 60,000 km
Replacement Cost€200–€400
Wear Factor50%
Clutch Pack
80,000–150,000 km
Replacement Cost€1,500–€3,000
Wear Factor45%
Fluid TypePentosin FFL-4 / Castrol BOT 130 M
Service IntervalEvery 60,000 km