M60 / M62 / M62TU Family

BMW M62TUB44
BMW M62TUB44 – photo by Nicholas Samuel Lee Smith

BMW M60 / M62 / M62TU Family

Table of Contents

All Engines

Problems

  • Oil pump bolts can sometimes back out and fall into the sump
  • Oil separator valve can foul up – symptoms include poor running, excessive oil consumption, and a whistling noise; requires replacement or removal and cleaning of all tubes leading to and from it
  • Although the timing chain tensioner usually doesn’t fail, it can wear out, causing the chain to make a lot of noise from flopping around – on M62 and M62TU engines, this can accelerate wear on the timing chain guides (see below)
  • Valve cover gasket can leak oil into the spark plug wells
  • Rear main seals can leak oil

M60

Additional Problems

  • Cylinder liners could fail due to fuels with high sulphur content – this was only a problem in the 90s, as fuel today has much less sulphur in it. Generally speaking, any car that is running today should be fine. BMW also replaced many engines under an extended warranty with some that have a stronger cylinder lining.

Usage

M60B30

  • BMW 530i (E34)

M60B40

M62

Updates

Differences from the M60:

  • “Alusil” cylinder liners – stronger than the “Nikasil” ones on the M60
  • Single-row timing chain – instead of the double-row chain used on the M60
  • Replaced idler sprocket at the bottom of the “V” with a timing chain guide
  • Electronically controlled thermostat

Additional Problems

  • Timing chain guide failure
    • These allegedly need to be replaced every 80-100k miles, though plenty of people report going upwards of 150k miles or even up to 200k on the original timing chain guides
    • The first guide to fail is usually the one at the bottom of the “V,” which is the one that the M60 engine doesn’t have (and which may explain that engine’s lack of timing chain guide issues compared to the M62)
    • Replacement is necessary once you start hearing rattling from the timing chain on cold starts (as opposed to general timing chain rattle, which is usually caused by a worn tensioner)
    • Replacing the timing chain tensioner, performing regular oil changes (5k mile intervals), and installing a lower-temperature thermostat allegedly prolongs the life of the timing chain guides
    • Replacement of the guides will run ~$3-4k at most independent shops, if they’re willing to do it in the first place
    • If the guides fail, there is a high probability the engine will jump timing and suffer catastrophic damage

Usage

M62B35

M62B44

M62TU

Updates

Differences from the M62:

  • “Single VANOS” – variable valve timing on the intake camshaft
  • Electronic throttle control
  • Updated engine management system
  • Non-return fuel system

Additional Problems

Inherits the M62’s timing chain guide issues, plus…

  • VANOS failure – causes lack of power and rough idle that “sounds like a diesel,” requires rebuild for around $1k
  • May throw CEL because of problems in the secondary air system caused by carbon buildup in the cylinder heads – cylinder heads must be removed and cleaned

Usage

M62B46

Despite its nomenclature, this engine is based on the M62TU series.

M62TUB35

M62TUB44