The BMW S85B50 is a naturally aspirated V10 petrol engine which replaced the BMW S62 V8 engine in the M5 model and was produced from 2005–2010. It was both BMW's first and only production V10 engine, and the first petrol V10 engine to be available in a production sedan (saloon).

BMW S85 engine
S85B50 in an E63 M6
Overview
ManufacturerGermany BMW
Production2005–2010
Layout
Configuration90° V10
Displacement5.0 L (4,999 cc)
Cylinder bore92 mm (3.62 in)
Piston stroke75.2 mm (2.96 in)
Cylinder block materialAluminium
Cylinder head materialAluminium
ValvetrainDOHC w/ VVT
Combustion
Fuel typePetrol
Output
Power output378 kW (507 hp)
Torque output520 N⋅m (384 lb⋅ft)
Chronology
PredecessorNone
SuccessorBMW S63

Introduced in the E60 M5, the S85 was inspired by BMW's previous Formula One involvement.[1] Unlike most other BMW M engines, the S85 is not related to a regular production BMW engine.[2]

The BMW S65 V8 engine (used in the E92 M3) is based on the S85.

Nomenclature

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As the S85 was BMW's first V10 engine, it was given a new series in the BMW's engine codes. The "60s" were used for V8 engines and the "70s" were used for V12 engines, therefore the V10 was allocated in the "80s" (despite having fewer cylinders than the V12 engines in the "70s".)

The engine code for the related BMW S65 V8 engine reflects its link to the S85. The S65 code was selected to signify that the V8 is largely derived from the S85 minus two cylinders, and not related to BMW's other V8s.[3]

Design

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Compilation of the four side views of the BMW V10 engine as it is installed in the BMW M5 and M6
VersionYearDisplacementPowerTorque
S85B502005–20104,999 cc (305.1 cu in)373 kW (500 hp)
at 7,500 rpm
520 N⋅m (384 lb⋅ft)
at 6,100 rpm

The S85 has dual overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder and double-VANOS (variable valve timing).[4] The engine block and cylinder head are constructed from aluminum alloy.[5]

Peak power is 373 kW (500 bhp) at 7,750 rpm and peak torque is 520 N⋅m (384 lb⋅ft) at 6,100 rpm.[6] The redline is 8,250 rpm,[2] and the specific output of 74.6 kW (100.0 bhp) per litre is amongst the highest of naturally aspirated production car engines.

Features include:

  • Displacement of 4,999 cc (305.1 cu in)[6]
  • Compression ratio of 12.0:1[7]
  • Bore of 92 mm (3.62 in) and stroke of 75.2 mm (2.96 in)[6]
  • 10 electronically actuated individual throttle bodies[8]
  • Cast aluminum block with bed plate design[9] split at the crankshaft axis
  • Valves actuated through non-rotating inverted bucket cam followers
  • Oil-cooled, cast aluminium pistons
  • Forged steel crankshaft with counterweights, shared crankpins producing an uneven firing interval of 90 or 54 degrees
  • Siemens MS S65 engine control unit
  • Application of an "ionic current measuring system" for knock sensing.[10] The ionic current system uses a low voltage applied across the spark plugs immediately following the ignition spark, and can detect misfires as well as knock.
  • Quasi-dry sump lubricating system where the engine has 2 oil sumps that hold oil, and oil pickup is enhanced by secondary electrical scavenge pumps that feed oil from the smaller sump to the main sump[11]
  • Uneven Firing order of 1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9
  • Mass of 240 kg (529 lb)[12]

Awards

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The S85 has won the following awards at the International Engine of the Year:[13]

  • 2005 International Engine of the Year, Best Performance Engine, Best Above 4.0 Litre, Best New Engine
  • 2006 International Engine of the Year, Best Performance Engine, Best Above 4.0 Litre
  • 2007 Best Performance Engine, Best Above 4.0 Litre
  • 2008 Best Above 4.0 Litre

Applications

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References

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