Used BMW S85 V10 Engine for Sale | OEM Used BMW M5 V10 / M6 V10 Engine | S85B50 5.0L Naturally Aspirated V10 | E60 M5 / E63 M6 Direct Fit
$6,000.00
At a Glance
- Condition: OEM used, all 10 cylinders compression tested
- Availability: In stock, BMW S85 V10 engines available
- Shipping: Free shipping to all 50 states via crated freight, 7 to 14 business days
- Donor vehicle confirmed (E60 M5 / E61 M5 Touring / E63 M6 / E64 M6)
- Rod bearing condition specifically assessed (known S85 service item)
- VANOS system operation verified (both camshafts)
- 10 individual throttle bodies operation verified
- DK throttle actuator function confirmed (both banks)
- Dry-sump oil pressure verified at idle and operating temperature
- Carbon fiber intake manifold inspected
- Mileage documented (where verifiable from VIN)
- Backed by a 15 day replacement warranty against internal defects
Description
About the BMW S85 V10 Engine
The BMW S85 engine is a high-performance V10 produced by BMW from 2005 to 2010, primarily used in the BMW E60 M5 and E63 M6 models, along with the EU-only E61 M5 Touring wagon and E64 M6 convertible. This BMW S85 engine for sale at Part Nests represents a pinnacle of naturally aspirated V10 technology from BMW, showcasing high performance and a distinctive character that enthusiasts still appreciate more than 15 years after production ended.
The BMW S85 Heritage and F1 Connection
The S85B50 V10 was developed during BMW BMW Williams F1 partnership era (2000-2005), when BMW supplied the Williams F1 team with P84 and P85 V10 race engines that competed in Formula 1. When BMW M needed an engine for the next-generation M5 (E60), the M Power Division applied F1-derived engineering principles to create a road-going V10 that would set new standards for the luxury sport sedan segment.
Key F1-derived technologies in the production S85:
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| 90 degree V10 architecture | The same bank angle as F1 V10s of that era; ideal for V10 balance and packaging |
| 10 individual throttle bodies | One throttle body per cylinder, mounted in a carbon fiber intake manifold; same principle as F1 engines |
| Dry-sump lubrication | Essential for sustained high-G cornering and high-rpm operation, lifted directly from F1 practice |
| 8,250 RPM redline | Approaching F1 V10 operating range, far above typical production engine redlines |
| Double VANOS on both camshafts | Variable valve timing on intake AND exhaust cams for both power and emissions performance |
BMW M-Division V10 vs Regular BMW Inline-6 Family
The S85 V10 is fundamentally distinct from the BMW Inline-6 lineage that dominates the broader BMW lineup. The S85 V10 (this listing) is the M Power Division F1-derived 5.0L V10 used exclusively in the E60 M5 / E61 M5 Touring / E63 M6 / E64 M6 from 2005-2010, and is the only V10 ever installed in a BMW production vehicle. The regular BMW Inline-6 family includes the M54 3.0L naturally aspirated Inline-6 (our vaz78 listing, the predecessor before the turbocharged era), the N54 and N55 3.0L turbocharged Inline-6 (our vaz86 listing, the first BMW production turbocharged Inline-6 era), and the B58 3.0L modern single-turbo Inline-6 (our vaz123 listing, BMW current modular Inline-6 architecture). The S85 V10 is NOT architecturally related to any BMW Inline-6 engine; it is a clean-sheet M Power V10 design.
Features of the S85 Engine
- V10 Configuration: 5.0L naturally aspirated V10, 90 degree bank angle. The only V10 ever installed in a BMW production vehicle.
- Power Output: 500-507 HP at 7,750 RPM, 384 lb-ft torque at 6,100 RPM. Upper-range power delivery characteristic of high-revving naturally aspirated M Power engines.
- High Revving: 8,250 RPM redline, approaching F1 V10 territory.
- Double VANOS: Variable valve timing on intake AND exhaust cams.
- 10 Individual Throttle Bodies: One per cylinder, mounted in carbon fiber intake manifold. DK throttle actuators (one per bank of 5 cylinders) control throttle position electronically.
- Aluminum Alloy Construction: Block and head. Cylinder bores bonded into the block for thermal stability.
- Dry-Sump Lubrication: F1-derived; ensures consistent oil supply during sustained high-G cornering and high-rpm operation that would starve a wet-sump engine.
- Transmission Options: 7-speed SMG III sequential or 6-speed Getrag manual (US M5 from 2007).
- Distinctive Sound: The high-rpm V10 sound at 8,000+ RPM is widely considered one of the greatest sounds in automotive history.
S85 Engine Fits
- BMW E60 M5 (sedan) 2005-2010, the dominant S85 application
- BMW E63 M6 (coupe) 2005-2010
- BMW E64 M6 (convertible) 2006-2010
- BMW E61 M5 Touring (wagon) 2007-2010, Europe only, never sold in North America
Reliability and Known Service Items
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Rod Bearings (#1 Known Issue) | The S85’s rod bearings are the most-discussed service item in the M5/M6 community. Preventive replacement at 60,000 to 80,000 miles is the standard recommendation to prevent rod bearing failure that could result in spun bearings and engine damage. We specifically inspect rod bearing condition on every S85 we sell. |
| VANOS Oil Pump | The high-pressure VANOS oil pump can develop wear that affects variable valve timing operation. We verify VANOS operation on both camshafts before shipping. |
| DK Throttle Actuators | The two DK throttle actuators (one per cylinder bank) that control the individual throttle bodies can develop wear. Both are inspected on our engines. |
| VANOS Solenoids | Variable valve timing solenoids can develop wear over time. |
| Oil Consumption | Some oil consumption is normal for high-rpm M Power engines; monitor levels between service intervals. |
Vehicle Compatibility
| Vehicle | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| BMW E60 M5 (Sedan, 2005-2010) | Dominant S85 application; 4-door performance sedan |
| BMW E61 M5 Touring (Wagon, 2007-2010) | EU only, never sold in North America; ultra-rare M wagon |
| BMW E63 M6 (Coupe, 2005-2010) | Sport coupe with same S85 V10 |
| BMW E64 M6 (Convertible, 2006-2010) | Drop-top M6 with same S85 V10 |
| Custom Build Applications | Track car builds, swap projects, restoration of donor M5/M6 |
Why Buy From Part Nests
- Donor vehicle confirmed (E60 M5, E61 M5 Touring, E63 M6, or E64 M6)
- All 10 cylinders compression tested
- Rod bearing condition assessed (the #1 known S85 issue)
- VANOS system verified (both camshafts)
- Individual throttle bodies verified (all 10)
- DK throttle actuators tested (both banks)
- Dry-sump oil pressure verified
- Free crated freight delivery to all 50 states
- 15 day replacement warranty on internal defects
- BMW M Power-experienced support team
- Call (855) 634-4447 to confirm BMW S85 V10 (the M Power Division F1-derived 5.0L V10, the only V10 ever in a BMW production vehicle, distinct from regular BMW Inline-6 family per vaz78 M54 / vaz86 N54-N55 / vaz123 B58), donor vehicle (E60 M5 sedan 2005-2010, E61 M5 Touring wagon EU-only 2007-2010, E63 M6 coupe 2005-2010, or E64 M6 convertible 2006-2010), rod bearing condition (the #1 known S85 service item, preventive replacement at 60,000-80,000 miles is standard), transmission pairing (7-speed SMG III or 6-speed Getrag manual on US M5 2007+), and mileage from VIN documentation before ordering
15 Day Replacement Warranty
Every used BMW S85 V10 engine purchased through Part Nests carries a 15 day replacement warranty starting on the delivery date.
What Is Covered
- Internal defects already present when the engine arrives
- Compression failures on any of the 10 cylinders beyond what was disclosed
- Cylinder head crack failures within 15 days from installation
- Rod bearing failures within 15 days from installation
- VANOS system failures within 15 days from installation on either camshaft
- Individual throttle body failures within 15 days from installation (any of the 10)
- DK throttle actuator failures within 15 days from installation on either bank
- Dry-sump oil pump failures within 15 days from installation
- Connecting rod or main bearing knock under load within 15 days from installation
What Is Not Covered
- Damage caused during installation
- Damage from neglected rod bearing maintenance beyond 60,000-80,000 mile preventive replacement recommendation (the rod bearings are the #1 known S85 service item)
- Damage from extended oil change intervals or incorrect oil viscosity (BMW LL-01 spec required, particularly important for dry-sump system)
- Damage from neglected cooling system (S85 generates significant heat at high RPM)
- Damage from running with non-premium fuel (S85 requires 91+ octane minimum)
- Damage from aggressive aftermarket tuning beyond BMW-approved fuel maps
- External components (ECM, harness, starter, alternator, water pump, transmission, AC compressor) unless itemized
- Labor expenses of any kind
To start a warranty claim, reach us within 15 days of delivery at (855) 634-4447.
- All 10 Cylinders Tested: Compression results documented before payment
- Rod Bearing Condition Assessed: The #1 known S85 service item specifically inspected
- VANOS System Verified: Both camshaft variable timing operation tested
- 10 Individual Throttle Bodies Tested: All ITBs verified operational
- Dry-Sump Oil Pressure Verified: F1-derived lubrication system tested
- 15 Day Replacement Cover: Internal defects protected from delivery onward
Additional information
| aspiration | Naturally aspirated (no forced induction) |
|---|---|
| compression-ratio | 12.0:1 |
| cooling-system | Liquid-cooled |
| fuel-system | Sequential fuel injection |
| fuel-type | Petrol (premium 91+ octane required) |
| redline | 8, 250 RPM |
| valvetrain | Double VANOS (Variable Nockenwellen Steuerung) for variable camshaft timing on both intake and exhaust cams |
Derived from BMW Williams F1 partnership V10 race engines. The S85B50 V10 was developed during BMW BMW Williams F1 partnership era (2000-2005) when BMW supplied Williams F1 with P84 and P85 V10 race engines. When BMW M Power needed an engine for the next-generation M5 (E60), engineers applied F1-derived principles. Key F1-derived technologies: 90 degree V10 bank angle (same as F1 V10s of that era), 10 individual throttle bodies (one per cylinder), dry-sump lubrication (essential for sustained high-G cornering), 8,250 RPM redline (approaching F1 V10 range), Double VANOS on both camshafts. The S85 represents the closest a production road car engine has come to F1 V10 engineering.
#1 known S85 service item; preventive replacement at 60,000-80,000 miles. The S85 high RPM operation (8,250 redline, regular operation above 6,000 rpm) and the engine specific bearing material combine to make rod bearings a wear item that requires proactive replacement before failure. The standard recommendation from BMW M Power community and independent BMW specialists is preventive rod bearing replacement at 60,000-80,000 miles. A spun rod bearing in the S85 typically destroys the connecting rod, crankshaft, and often the engine block, resulting in complete engine replacement. We specifically inspect rod bearing condition on every S85 we ship.
Four BMW M Power chassis: E60 M5, E61 M5 Touring, E63 M6, E64 M6. BMW E60 M5 (sedan, 2005-2010) is the dominant S85 application. BMW E61 M5 Touring (wagon, 2007-2010) is EU-only and never sold in North America; ultra-rare M Power wagon. BMW E63 M6 (coupe, 2005-2010) is the sport coupe variant. BMW E64 M6 (convertible, 2006-2010) is the drop-top M6. The S85 was not installed in any other BMW chassis; it is exclusive to the M5 / M6 platforms of the E60 / E61 / E63 / E64 generation.
Yes. The S85 is the only V10 ever installed in a BMW production vehicle. The S65 (4.0L V8) was used in E90 / E92 / E93 M3 (2008-2013) and is mechanically related (S65 was effectively the S85 with two cylinders removed). The S62 (5.0L V8) was used in E39 M5 (1998-2003). The S70 (5.6L V12) was used in McLaren F1 in modified form. The S88 (4.4L twin-turbo V8) is used in F90 M5 and F92 M8 (2017+). The S85 represents a unique moment in BMW M Power history.
Distinct M Power V10 platform, NOT related to BMW Inline-6 family. The BMW S85 V10 is fundamentally distinct from the regular BMW Inline-6 family. The regular BMW Inline-6 lineage includes M54 3.0L naturally aspirated (vaz78 listing), N54 and N55 3.0L turbocharged (vaz86 listing), and B58 3.0L modern single-turbo (vaz123 listing). The S85 V10 is NOT architecturally related to any Inline-6 engine; it is a clean-sheet M Power V10 design exclusive to the E60 M5 / E61 M5 Touring / E63 M6 / E64 M6 chassis.
7-speed SMG III sequential or 6-speed Getrag manual. The 7-speed SMG III (Sequential Manual Gearbox) is an automated manual with computer-actuated clutch and shifting, designed for rapid race-style shifts; the dominant S85 transmission in M5 / M6 production. The 6-speed Getrag manual transmission became available on US M5 from 2007 as a purist option for drivers preferring traditional manual transmission engagement; not available in European M5 production. The engine itself is identical regardless of transmission pairing.
VANOS oil pump, DK throttle actuators (2), VANOS solenoids, oil consumption. The high-pressure VANOS oil pump can develop wear affecting variable valve timing operation. The two DK throttle actuators (one per cylinder bank of 5) can develop wear. VANOS solenoids can develop wear over time. Oil consumption: some is normal for high-rpm M Power engines (typically 1 quart per 1,000-1,500 miles within S85 normal range). The S85 is a complex high-performance engine requiring proactive maintenance.
No. There is no core return required.
2 reviews for Used BMW S85 V10 Engine for Sale | OEM Used BMW M5 V10 / M6 V10 Engine | S85B50 5.0L Naturally Aspirated V10 | E60 M5 / E63 M6 Direct Fit
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Constance L. –
Got an S85 V10 for a 2008 BMW E60 M5 sedan replacement after the original spun a rod bearing at 92,000 miles (the classic S85 failure mode that proactive 60,000-80,000 mile rod bearing service would have prevented). Donor correctly identified as E60 M5 sedan (NOT E63 M6 coupe, E64 M6 convertible, or EU-only E61 M5 Touring wagon), all 10 cylinders compression tested, rod bearing condition specifically assessed clean, VANOS verified on both camshafts, all 10 individual throttle bodies tested. Honest pre-purchase information about rod bearing service criticality (#1 known S85 item) and the F1-derived heritage.
Maximilian R. –
Sourced an S85 V10 for an E63 M6 coupe rebuild project. Donor correctly identified as E63 M6 (NOT E60 M5 sedan or other variants), all 10 cylinders compression tested, dry-sump oil pressure verified, carbon fiber intake manifold inspected. Honest pre-purchase information about the S85 being the only V10 ever in a BMW production vehicle (distinct from regular BMW Inline-6 family per vaz78 M54 / vaz86 N54-N55 / vaz123 B58) and transmission options (7-speed SMG III sequential vs 6-speed Getrag manual on US M5 2007+).