The N62B48TU is an impressive piece of BMW engineering. Its aluminium Alusil concept was chosen to make a large V8 as light, thermally efficient and compact as possible. By avoiding conventional cast-iron liners, the engine remains lighter, heat is dissipated more effectively and the cylinder walls benefit from a particularly wear-resistant silicon structure.

With four valves per cylinder – 32 valves in total – the N62 can breathe particularly freely. The large flow area improves cylinder filling and supports the rev-happy power delivery of a classic naturally aspirated engine. Valvetronic controls the airflow primarily not through a throttle valve, but through the variable lift of the intake valves. This reduces internal losses and improves response, efficiency and refinement. The system is complemented by Double-VANOS, the variable adjustment of intake and exhaust camshafts. The result is a V8 that delivers confident low-end torque, revs freely at the top, remains refined and efficient (< 12 l/100 km) and produces a deep, sonorous sound.

Known topics on the N62B48 include the coolant pipe in the engine’s V, ageing seals – for example around the valve-stem and front-cover areas – and possible wear on Valvetronic components. With careful warm-up, consistent maintenance and technical understanding, these points are manageable. With more than 300,000 km, my MF4 GT impressively shows how durable this V8 can be when properly cared for.

And if something does need attention, the widely used BMW technology is an advantage: spare parts, experience reports, repair videos and workshops are readily available for these known topics and are manageable compared with exotic low-volume technology.