What Engine is in the BMW F90 M5? – Complete Guide

The BMW M5 has long been one of the most iconic performance sedans in the world, and with the release of the F90 generation, BMW elevated the super-sedan formula to new heights. But what makes the F90 M5 so special isn’t just its luxurious design, technology, or even its clever all wheel drive system, it’s the powerhouse under the hood. If you’ve ever wondered, What engine is in the F90 M5? – you’re in the right place. This comprehensive article will break down everything you need to know about the heart of BMW’s F90 M5, from its specifications and engineering to its performance, tuning potential, and how it compares to its rivals.

The Engine in the F90 M5 – Core Specifications

At the heart of the BMW F90 M5 is the S63 4.4 liter twin turbocharged V8 engine. This engine is part of BMW’s long-running S-series of performance powerplants, designed specifically by BMW M GmbH for high-performance models. It’s not a standard BMW engine with a few tweaks, it’s an M-specific masterpiece engineered for both everyday usability and extreme performance.

Here are the core specs of the F90 M5 engine:

This combination of displacement, forced induction, and precision engineering allows the F90 M5 to deliver staggering performance numbers, making it one of the fastest sedans on the planet.

The Hot-Vee Twin-Turbo Setup

One of the most interesting aspects of the S63 engine in the F90 M5 is its hot-vee twin-turbo configuration. Unlike conventional turbo layouts, where the turbochargers are positioned outside of the cylinder banks, the S63 places the turbos in the “V” between the cylinder banks. This design has several benefits:

• Reduced turbo lag: Shorter exhaust paths allow the turbos to spool faster.
• Improved efficiency: Better thermal management and airflow.
• Compact packaging: More space-efficient design, allowing room for other performance components.

The result is near instant throttle response, making the F90 M5 feel both explosive and refined in its power delivery.

Performance Figures

The numbers speak for themselves when discussing the F90 M5’s engine. Thanks to its powerful V8, the F90 M5 can achieve astonishing performance levels:

• 0–60 mph (Standard M5): 3.2 seconds
• 0–60 mph (M5 Competition): 3.1 seconds
• Top Speed: Electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), but can be increased to 189 mph (305 km/h) with the optional M Driver’s Package.

These numbers make the F90 M5 not just competitive but dominant in the super-sedan segment, outperforming rivals like the Mercedes-AMG E63 S and Audi RS7 in certain metrics.

Engineering Highlights

The S63 engine isn’t just about raw power, it’s a showcase of BMW M’s engineering expertise. Some of its standout features include:

1. Valvetronic and Double VANOS: BMW’s advanced variable valve timing and lift system enhances efficiency, throttle response, and power across the rev range.
2. Direct Injection: High-pressure fuel injection ensures precise fuel delivery, improving combustion and efficiency.
3. Cross-Bank Exhaust Manifold: This unique design improves turbo response and optimizes exhaust gas flow, giving the M5 its distinctive sound and performance.
4. Oil and Cooling Systems: The engine includes a sophisticated oiling system designed for both daily driving and track use, with multiple coolers to manage extreme heat.

The Role of the Transmission and Drivetrain

The F90 M5 pairs its S63 engine with an 8-speed ZF M Steptronic automatic transmission. Unlike the dual-clutch transmission in the previous F10 M5, this torque-converter automatic is smoother in daily driving while still lightning-fast under hard acceleration.

Power is delivered to all four wheels via BMW’s M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, a first for the M5. While purists may have initially been skeptical, the system allows drivers to choose between AWD, AWD Sport, and even pure RWD modes. This flexibility means you get the traction benefits of AWD with the driving dynamics of a classic rear-wheel-drive BMW when desired.

The M5 Competition’s Engine Differences

While the standard F90 M5 already makes 600 hp, BMW introduced the M5 Competition with some key enhancements:

• Slight power bump to 617 hp
• Revised engine mounts for sharper throttle response
• Re-tuned exhaust system for a more aggressive sound
• Improved cooling systems to handle track driving

Although the changes may seem subtle, they make the M5 Competition feel sharper, more responsive, and even more thrilling to drive.

Sound and Character

The S63 engine in the F90 M5 has a distinctive exhaust note that blends deep V8 growl with turbo whoosh. While some enthusiasts miss the naturally aspirated scream of older M engines, the twin-turbo V8 brings its own drama. With the Competition model, BMW further refined the sound to be more aggressive, especially in Sport Plus mode.

Tuning Potential of the F90 M5 Engine

One of the most exciting aspects of the S63 engine is its tuning potential. Thanks to its strong internals and twin-turbo setup, the engine can handle significant increases in power with relatively simple modifications.

Common upgrades include:

• ECU Remapping/Tuning: Gains of 100+ horsepower are achievable with a simple tune.
• Upgraded Downpipes/Exhaust: Improves airflow and enhances sound.
• Larger Turbochargers: Can push power well beyond 800-900 hp.
• Methanol Injection or E85 Fuel: Helps reduce intake temps and unlock more performance.

Many enthusiasts have pushed the F90 M5 well beyond 1,000 hp, making it not only a luxury sedan but also a true supercar slayer.

Reliability and Maintenance

While the S63 is a highly engineered powerplant, it does come with maintenance requirements to keep it running smoothly:

• Regular Oil Changes: Essential for longevity given the turbocharged setup.
• Cooling System Checks: Heat management is critical, especially for tuned cars.
• Turbo Wear: Over time, turbos may need replacement or servicing.
• Carbon Build-Up: As with many direct-injection engines, carbon cleaning may be necessary.

That said, with proper care, the F90 M5’s engine is generally considered reliable for the performance it delivers.

Rivals and Comparisons

To better understand the F90 M5’s engine, it’s worth comparing it to its main rivals:

• Mercedes-AMG E63 S: Uses a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 making 603 hp. Slightly smaller displacement but similar output.
• Audi RS7: Powered by a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 making 591 hp. Comparable performance but less tuning headroom.
• Porsche Panamera Turbo: Offers strong performance but typically at a higher price point.

The BMW S63 V8 stands out for its combination of everyday drivability, explosive performance, and tuning potential.

Conclusion – What Engine is in the BMW F90 M5

So, what engine is in the F90 M5? It’s the S63 4.4L twin-turbo V8, a masterpiece of engineering that balances brutal performance with luxury refinement. Delivering 600–617 horsepower in stock form, it allows the F90 M5 to accelerate like a supercar while still being a comfortable daily driver. With its hot-vee turbo setup, advanced valvetrain technologies, and robust tuning potential, the F90 M5’s engine is truly one of the highlights of the modern performance sedan world.

For enthusiasts, the F90 M5 isn’t just a luxury sedan, it’s a reminder that BMW M still knows how to build engines that thrill, dominate on the track, and handle the demands of everyday driving. The S63 V8 makes the F90 M5 a legend in the making, one that will be remembered as one of the greatest performance sedans of its era.