4.4 V8 petrol — BMW M62TUB44
Last updated: 18 June 2012
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.
[ ▲ ] Photo: BMW M62 4.4 V8 engine bay add image here
ENGINE QUICK FACTS
| Engine code | BMW M62TUB44 |
| Type | 4.4 V8 petrol, 32v |
| Power | 286 hp @ 5,400 |
| Torque | 440 Nm @ 3,600 |
| 0-60 | 9.2 s |
| Years | 2002-2005 |
| Gearbox | ZF 5HP24 |
| Verdict | Smooth, thirsty, solid |
AT A GLANCE
Reliability: ●●●○○ engine sturdy, surrounding parts age ·
Performance: ●●●○○ relaxed, not rapid ·
Running cost: high (thirsty)
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|
| + Smooth, refined V8 character |
– Least powerful L322 petrol |
| + Sturdy bottom end, high miles possible |
– Tied to weaker GM 5-speed auto |
| + Cheapest L322 to buy today |
– Ageing BMW-era electronics |
Specifications
| Engine code | M62TUB44 ("TU" = Technical Update) |
| Configuration | 90° V8, petrol, naturally aspirated |
| Displacement | 4,398 cc |
| Bore × stroke | 92.0 mm × 82.7 mm |
| Block / heads | Aluminium (Alusil block) |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 32-valve, single-VANOS?VANOS is BMW's variable valve timing. "Single" means it adjusts only the intake camshafts (the M5's S62 had double-VANOS on intake and exhaust). (intake) |
| Compression | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point injection, Bosch DME M7.2 |
| Power | approx. 286 hp (210 kW) @ 5,400 rpm |
| Torque | approx. 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) @ 3,600 rpm |
| Gearbox | GM 5L40-E 5-speed automatic |
| Years in L322 | 2002-2005 |
Performance & economy
Manufacturer / period figures; real-world economy is typically lower. Petrols
were often LPG-converted to cut fuel costs.
| 0-60 / 0-62 mph | 9.2 sec |
| Top speed | 129 mph (208 km/h) |
| Economy | ~17.4 mpg (combined) |
| CO₂ emissions | ~340 g/km |
| Kerb weight | ~2,440-2,500 kg |
| Bore × stroke | 92.0 mm × 82.7 mm |
| Compression | 10.0:1 |
| Valves | 32 (DOHC) |
Power vs the L322 range
| This engine |
286 hp |
| Range span | 177 hp (Td6) ——— 510 hp (5.0 S/C) |
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: 0-60 mph
takes around 9 seconds, with a governed top speed near 130 mph. 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 (high-teens mpg 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
| Issue | Symptom & notes |
|---|
| Coolant / oil leaks | Valve-cover gasket and coolant leaks are common with age. |
| VANOS wear | Rattle on start-up, rough running; VANOS unit serviceable. |
| Timing chain guides | Plastic guides embrittle with age/heat; listen for rattle. |
| Idle hunting | Often air leaks at the intake manifold gaskets. |
| Coolant-cooled alternator | Low reliability on the M62 design; check charging. |
| GM 5L40-E gearbox | Not the engine, but the weak link — see gearbox page. |
» 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
VERDICT
A smooth, characterful V8 that suits the L322's luxury character, but the least
powerful petrol and tied to the weaker GM gearbox and ageing BMW electronics. Buy on
condition and history; the later Jaguar 4.4 V8 is the
stronger and more well-proven choice if your budget allows a 2006-onward car.
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