4.4 V8 petrol: BMW M62TUB44

The BMW M62TUB44 was the launch petrol engine of the L322, fitted to pre-facelift cars from 2002 to 2005. It is an all-aluminium 4.4-litre V8 supplied complete by BMW after Land Rover passed to Ford, one of the few major mechanical links between the L322 and its BMW origins. Smooth and characterful, if not especially powerful in such a heavy vehicle, it is the engine that defines the "BMW era" L322.

BMW M62TUB44 4.4 V8, the 2002-2005 petrol engine · engine photo

Specifications

Performance & economy

Manufacturer / period figures; real-world economy is typically lower. Petrols were often LPG-converted to cut fuel costs.

Power vs the L322 range

Design & technology

The M62 family was BMW's V8 from 1995 to 2005, replacing the earlier M60. The "TU" (Technical Update) version used here added VANOS variable valve timing on the intake camshafts and an electronically actuated throttle. Key design features:

• Alusil block?Alusil is an aluminium-silicon alloy. The bore is etched so hard silicon crystals form the running surface, so no steel liners are needed. And unlike Nikasil it isn't damaged by high-sulphur fuel.: silicon is exposed in the bore surface, so no separate liners are needed. Unlike the earlier Nikasil-coated engines, Alusil is not vulnerable to high-sulphur fuel.
• Single-row timing chain: simple and generally durable, though it has a finite service life (often quoted around 150,000 km) and the plastic chain guides age.
• Fracture-split forged conrods?Fracture-split conrods are made in one piece then cracked apart so the cap mates back perfectly. Stronger and more precise than a sawn joint. and hypereutectic pistons?Hypereutectic pistons use a high-silicon aluminium alloy that expands less with heat, allowing tighter tolerances and better wear resistance. with ferrous-coated skirts.
• Revised sump for the Range Rover to improve ground clearance and allow operation at steep off-road angles.

Performance

In a roughly 2.4-tonne L322 the M62 delivers relaxed rather than rapid performance: 0-100 km/h takes around 9 seconds, with a governed top speed near 209 km/h. The character is smooth and torquey low down, well suited to the car's luxury brief, but it has to work hard against the weight, reflected in fairly heavy fuel consumption (around 15-17 l/100km in real-world use).

Reliability

The M62 itself is a sturdy engine: high mileages are common in BMWs. In the L322 the bigger ownership risks are the surrounding hardware rather than the bottom end: the GM 5-speed automatic behind it, and the ageing BMW-era electronics. Treated to regular oil changes and used regularly, the engine will run a long way; neglected examples suffer from the issues below.

Common faults to check

» Gearbox guide · » All common problems

Maintenance notes

• Regular oil and filter changes are the single best thing for chain and VANOS longevity, many owners change more often than the factory interval.
• Keep on top of cooling-system condition; leaks left unattended risk overheating a large alloy V8.
• Check the alternator and battery health, weak electrical supply causes a surprising number of false faults on BMW-era cars.
• Inspect intake manifold gaskets if idle is unsteady.

Verdict

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