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Comprehensive Used Car Analysis
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S62B50 5.0L V8 M Petrol

S62B50

5.0L V8 M Petrol
S-series • S62 family • 1998–2003
58%
Engine Reliability
The S62 is the M-division version of the M62 V8, bored and stroked to 5.0L with individual throttle bodies. It powered the legendary E39 M5 and the Z8. A magnificent engine with a spine-tingling exhaust note and strong mid-range torque. VANOS issues and rod bearing concerns are the main worries.
5.0L
Displacement
V8
Layout
400 hp
Power
500 Nm
Torque
Petrol
Fuel
Naturally aspirated
Aspiration
Technology & Features
Individual throttle bodiesDouble-VANOS7,000 RPM redlineDry sump (optional S62 in Z8)
Fuel SystemIndividual throttle bodies
ValvetrainDOHC 32-valve, Double-VANOS
Used In 1 Application
M5 E39 M5 M5
3
Known Issues
1
Critical
3
Wear Items
1
Applications

Known Issues – S62B50

high VANOS Hub Wear Common (~35%)
VANOS hubs wear internally, causing loss of low-end torque. Aftermarket upgraded VANOS kits available from specialists.
Typical Mileage
100,000–180,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€600–€1,500
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Loss of low-end powerRough idleRattle on cold start
critical Rod Bearing Wear Moderate (~25%)
Rod bearings can wear prematurely, particularly with extended oil change intervals. Proactive replacement recommended at 120k km or with any abnormal oil analysis results.
Typical Mileage
100,000–180,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€2,000–€4,000
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Knocking under loadMetal in oil analysisLow oil pressure
medium Throttle Body Potentiometer Failure Moderate (~20%)
Individual throttle body position sensors fail, causing rough idle and throttle issues.
Typical Mileage
120,000–200,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€300–€800
DIY Friendly
✓ Yes
Irregular idleFlat spotsCheck engine light

Wear & Maintenance – S62B50

Rod Bearing Inspection 120,000 km
NewReplace
Replacement Cost€2,000–€4,000
Wear Factor65%
Spark Plugs (8) Every 40,000 km
NewReplace
Replacement Cost€120–€250
Wear Factor55%
Cooling System Refresh 100,000 km
NewReplace
Replacement Cost€600–€1,200
Wear Factor70%

Applications (1)

M5 E39 M5

E39
1998–2003
VariantsM5
Power400 hp
Torque500 Nm
BodySedan
Reliability60%
📝 Manual-only – no automatic option was ever offered for the E39 M5.
Car-Specific Issues (E39)
highVANOS Hub Wear
criticalRod Bearing Wear
highThrust Arm Bushing Failure
+1 more issues...

Transmissions (1)

6-Speed Manual (Getrag)
6-Speed Manual (Getrag)
6-Speed Manual (Getrag)
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
NewReplace
Replacement Cost€700–€1,500
Wear Factor55%
Dual Mass Flywheel 150,000–250,000 km
NewReplace
Replacement Cost€500–€1,000
Wear Factor45%
Transmission Fluid Every 80,000 km
NewReplace
Replacement Cost€50–€120
Wear Factor30%
Fluid TypeMTF-LT-4 / MTF-LT-5
Service IntervalLifetime fill (recommended every 80,000 km)