BMW M60 V8 Workshop Manual (M60B30 / M60B40). Comprehensive documentation on repairing the 8-cylinder engine, renowned for its reliability. The manual includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for overhaul and gasket replacement.
- Motronic 3.3 control system.
- Sensor and module wiring diagrams and pinouts.
- Dual-row timing chain and tensioners.
- A guide to troubleshooting cooling system and oil leaks.
- Alusil/Nikasil aluminum block and its maintenance.
Type: V8, petrol, 32 valves (DOHC)
Production: 1992–1998
Volume: 3.0 l (M60B30) and 4.0 l (M60B40)
Peculiarities:
- BMW's first modern aluminum V8.
- An aluminum Nikasil cylinder block is used, 4 valves per cylinder, two camshafts.
- Electronic control system Bosch Motronic 3.3.
- Without VANOS system.
Used in:
- BMW 530i (E34)
- BMW 540i (E34, E39)
- BMW 730i/740i (E32, E38)
- BMW 840i (E31)
BMW 840i (E31) M60
| Password For Document: bimmer-service.com |
| Engine M60 |
| Engine Electrical System |
| Fuel System, Fuel Supply M60/M70/M73 |
| Radiator |
| Exhaust System |
| Engine - Equipment and Accessories |
| Engine Control System (DME M3,3 M60) |
BMW M60 Engine: Common Issues
The BMW M60 V8 engine (M60B30 and M60B40) is known for its robust bottom end but is infamous for a critical material issue and several typical V8 leaks related to age and design.
1. The Nikasil Issue (Critical Material Failure)
| Issue | Description & Consequence | Symptoms |
| Nikasil Cylinder Liner Wear | Early M60 engines used Nikasil (Nickel and Silicon Carbide) coating on the cylinder walls. High sulfur content in gasoline (common in the 1990s, especially in the US and UK) reacted with the coating, causing it to degrade and wear prematurely. | Severe Compression Loss in multiple cylinders; excessive oil consumption; black exhaust smoke; engine running rough; eventually leading to engine failure. |
| Solution | BMW later switched to the Alusil block casting method or replaced engines with Alusil versions. Most engines still running today have been verified as Alusil or were produced after the fuel quality improved. |
2. Cooling System Weaknesses
| Issue | Description & Consequence | Symptoms |
| Plastic Components & Age | Like many BMWs of this era, the cooling system relies on plastic parts (radiator end tanks, hose flanges, thermostat housing) that become brittle with age and heat cycling. | Sudden Coolant Leaks (often high-pressure leaks); frequent need to top up coolant; engine overheating. |
| Water Pump Failure | The impeller on the water pump can fail or deteriorate, leading to inefficient coolant circulation. | Unstable engine temperature; audible bearing noise from the pump. |
3. Oil Leaks
| Issue | Description & Consequence | Symptoms |
| Valve Cover Gaskets (VCG) | The rubber gaskets harden and leak oil, often dripping onto the hot exhaust manifolds. | Burning oil smell inside the cabin, visible oil seepage around the top of the engine. |
| Oil Pan Gasket | The gasket separating the aluminum oil pan from the block hardens and leaks. | Visible oil drips under the car, especially after parking. |
| Front Timing Cover Gaskets | The large gaskets sealing the front timing covers are prone to leaking and require significant labor to replace. | Oil leaks down the front of the engine block. |
4. Other Issues
| Issue | Description & Consequence | Symptoms |
| Timing Chain Tensioner | The hydraulic tensioner and guide rails can wear out, leading to improper chain tension. | Rattling or grinding noise from the front of the engine, especially on startup or at idle. |
| Intake Manifold Gaskets | Failure of these gaskets can cause vacuum leaks. | Rough idle, elevated engine speed, fault codes related to running lean. |