Rearuh

BMW M60 engine
Alpina B8 engine (based on the BMW M60)
Overview
Manufacturer	BMW
Production	1992–1996
Layout
Configuration	Naturally aspirated 90° V8
Displacement	3.0 L; 182.9 cu in (2,997 cc) 4.0 L; 243.0 cu in (3,982 cc)
Cylinder bore	84 mm (3.31 in) 89 mm (3.50 in)
Piston stroke	67.6 mm (2.66 in) 80 mm (3.15 in)
Block material	Aluminum
Head material	Aluminum
Valvetrain	DOHC 4 valves x cyl.
Compression ratio	10.0:1, 10.5:1, 10.8:1
RPM range
Redline	6,500
Combustion
Fuel system	Fuel injection
Management	Bosch Motronic 3.3
Fuel type	Gasoline
Cooling system	Water cooled
Output
Power output	160–250 kW (218–340 PS; 215–335 bhp)
Torque output	290–400 N⋅m (214–295 lb⋅ft)
Dimensions
Dry weight	175–203 kg (386–448 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	BMW OHV V8
Successor	BMW M62

The BMW M60 is a naturally aspirated V8 engine which was BMW's first V8 in over 25 years and was produced from 1992 to 1996. It was replaced by the M62 engine.

Development

During the 1970s, BMW produced a prototype V8 engine for the E23 7 Series, however this engine did not reach production.^[1]

Development of the M60 began in 1984.^[2]

Design

The M60 engine has double overhead camshafts with 4 valves per cylinder.^[3] The camshaft is driven by a dual-row timing chain^[4] with a self-adjusting tensioner. Valves had hydraulic lash adjustment to reduce maintenance. Fuel injection and ignition are controlled by the Bosch Motronic 3.3 system, and the ignition system is a coil on plug design with knock sensors.^[5][6]

To reduce weight, the engine uses aluminum for both the engine block and cylinder head, magnesium valve covers^[7] and a plastic intake manifold.^[2] The M60 was BMW's first car engine to use a "split conrod" design,^[2] where sintered connecting rods are made as a single piece and then fractured in order to ensure a closer fit.^[4] Total dry weight of the engine is between 175 kg (386 lb) and 203 kg (448 lb).^[2][7]

Alpina

Alpina built a high compression (10.8:1) version of the M60B40, that was used in the BMW Alpina B10 4.0 (Sedan and Touring) and B11 4.0^[8] and in some B8 4.0's for the Japanese market,^[9] with an output of 232 kW (315 PS; 311 hp) in the B10 4.0.^[10]

The engine's displacement was later enlarged to 4,619 cc (4.6 L; 281.9 cu in), this engine was used in the B8 4.6^[9] (Sedan and Touring) it is also used, in the B10 4.6.^[11] This variant in the B10 has an output of 250 kW (340 PS; 335 hp)^[10] and in the B8 due to a changed exhaust system has 245 kW (333 PS; 329 hp).^[9]

Models

M60B30

The M60B30 has a bore and a stroke of 84 mm × 67.6 mm (3.31 in × 2.66 in),^[2] for a displacement of 3.0 L; 182.9 cu in (2,997 cc). Compression ratio is 10.5:1, giving an output of 160 kW (218 PS; 215 hp) at 5800 rpm and 290 N⋅m (214 lb⋅ft) at 4500 rpm.^[12]

Applications:

• 1992–1995 E34 530i


• 1992–1994 E32 730i


• 1994–1996 E38 730i

M60B40

The M60B40 has a bore and a stroke of 89 mm × 80 mm (3.50 in × 3.15 in),^[4] for a total displacement of 4.0 L; 243.0 cu in (3,982 cc). Compression ratio is 10.0:1,^[4] giving 210 kW (286 PS; 282 hp) at 5800 rpm and 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 4500 rpm.^[13] It had a forged crankshaft.

Applications:

• 1993–1995 E34 540i


• 1992–1994 E32 740i


• 1994–1996 E38 740i


• 1992–1996 E31 840i


• 1993–1998 De Tomaso Guarà
  

Nikasil damage from high-sulfur fuels

BMW used Nikasil- an aluminium, nickel, and silicon alloy- to line the cylinders of the M60 engines. In fuels with high sulfur content (such as used fuels sold in the United States, UK and South America), the sulfur damages the Nikasil bore lining, causing the engine to lose compression.^[14]

BMW replaced engines under warranty and Nikasil was eventually replaced by Alusil.^[14]

In the USA and UK, sulfur rich fuel is being phased out.^[15][16]

Nikasil engines are unlikely to be a problem today, as cars with affected engines are off the road or have received replacement engines.^[17]

References