2012 BMW M5: S63 Twin-Turbo V8 Powers F10 Generation
BMW’s 2012 M5 F10 debuts with a 4.4-litre S63 twin-turbo V8, delivering 560PS and 680Nm, marking a shift from the previous V10 and introducing advanced turbocharging technology.
BMW’s 2012 M5, internally coded F10, arrived with a new 4.4-litre S63 twin-turbocharged V8, replacing the naturally aspirated V10 of its predecessor. The engine delivers 560PS (552bhp) at 6,000rpm and 680Nm (501lb ft) of torque from 1,500rpm, according to official specifications released in 2011.
The switch to turbocharging was a major departure for the M5. The S63 engine, also used in the X5 M and X6 M, is based on the N63 V8 but features extensive revisions. Its most notable feature is the ‘reverse flow’ layout: the turbochargers and catalytic converters sit inside the V of the engine, while the intake is positioned on the outside. This shortens the intake and exhaust paths, reducing turbo lag and improving throttle response.
BMW’s patented Cylinder-bank Comprehensive Manifold (CCM) manages exhaust gas flow, keeping gases from each cylinder bank separate until they reach the twin-scroll turbochargers. This design helps spool the turbos quickly and avoids back-pressure, supporting both high-end power and low-end torque.
Performance and efficiency figures
Official figures for the 2012 M5 put 0-62mph at 4.4 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 155mph. Combined fuel economy is rated at 28.5mpg, and CO2 emissions are 232g/km. These figures represent a marked improvement in efficiency over the outgoing V10, with more power and torque delivered lower in the rev range.
| Engine code | S63 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,395cc |
| Configuration | V8, twin-turbocharged |
| Maximum power | 560PS (552bhp) @ 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 680Nm (501lb ft) @ 1,500-5,650rpm |
| 0-62mph | 4.4 seconds (claimed) |
| Top speed | 155mph (electronically limited) |
| Combined fuel economy | 28.5mpg (official) |
| CO2 emissions | 232g/km |
The S63’s forced induction and advanced exhaust routing are central to the M5’s performance character. Peak torque is available from just 1,500rpm and holds flat to 5,650rpm, giving the F10 M5 strong mid-range acceleration. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, further improving shift speed and efficiency. For more on the M5’s transmission, see BMW’s 2012 M5 F10: Twin-Turbo V8 and Seven-Speed DCT Detailed.
Technical changes from the previous M5
The previous E60 M5 used a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V10, producing 507PS and 520Nm. The F10’s S63 V8 not only delivers more power and torque but does so with lower emissions and improved fuel economy, reflecting tightening efficiency demands. The move to turbocharging also aligns the M5 with other high-performance saloons of the era.
- 4.4-litre S63 V8 replaces 5.0-litre V10
- Twin-turbocharging for higher torque at lower revs
- Reverse-flow layout for reduced turbo lag
- Official combined economy improved to 28.5mpg
Market context and related developments
The S63-powered M5 launched as part of BMW’s push for higher efficiency across its range for the 2012 model year. For details on other 2012 BMW model changes, see BMW Details 2012 Model Year Equipment Changes Across Range.
