The ultimate driving machine has been around for decades and the Bavarians seem to be coming up with faster and more powerful iterations of their "M" cars every year. But does more horsepower and hybrid technology necessarily mean better? Today, we are taking a closer look at what some BMW enthusiasts would consider the holy grail of engines made by BMW M. The S85 V10 engine offers one of the most unique driving experiences ever with its high-revving nature, independent throttle bodies, and exotic sound notes. Join us for an important discussion about the maintenance and repairs you might be facing with a S85-powered BMW M5 or M6.
What makes the BMW S85 V10 special?
This BMW M6 pictured below in our shop here for example is powered by the legendary S85 engine. A 5.0L V10 cylinder with an 8,250 rpm redline, 507 horsepower, and the sound note of an F1 car. Coming from a time when German automakers went all out to celebrate the possibilities of the internal combustion engine, we will likely never see cars made like this ever again.
As great as the S85 engine sounds and looks on paper, ownership should be approached with caution. A BMW E60 M5 or E63 M6 can be picked up in the used car market for under $15,000 but the maintenance can cost you a pretty penny. Here are three things to keep in mind when considering a V10-powered BMW M5 or M6:
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1. More cylinders, more parts, more money:
Take this E63 in our shop as an example. It's getting spark plugs and fuel injectors done, a pretty straightforward preventative maintenance service for any high-mileage car. However, keep in mind that you won't need to replace just 4, 6, or 8 but 10 spark plugs and 10 fuel injectors here. That means you can expect higher costs for parts & labor.
2. Rod Bearings:
Similar to the BMW E9X M3 S65 engines, every S85 V10 needs rod bearing replacement throughout some time in its life. Many owners get that service done right after purchasing a used M5/6 and the general consensus is to service them every 50 to 60k miles. Service intervals may vary based on driving habits and we recommend a proper warm-up procedure to get the oil up to temperature before enjoying the high rpm red-line and incredible sound note.
3. Throttle actuators:
S85 throttle actuators can experience multiple failures and have an expected life span of around 70k miles. They can fail through wear and tear of the plastic gear teeth but also underlying electrical issues. If you are experiencing Limp mode, loss of power, or a check engine light, chances are your throttle actuators failed to function properly. If you are in the Los Angeles, Glendale, or Burbank area, we advise you to bring it to our service location at 820 South Victory Blvd. in Burbank to have it diagnosed by a professional.
We are here to help.
Apart from these three items mentioned above, the Vanos, cooling system, and SMG gearbox shouldn't be ignored either when caring for preventative maintenance on these cars. When sorted out, the S85 platform can be one of the most rewarding driving experiences ever and we can help you get there. Our team at Future Auto Service in Burbank has plenty of experience working on S65 and S85 engines. Get repairs and maintenance at a competitive rate with our specialists and call us today for a free consultation with one of our experienced service advisors.
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