BMW's V12 Legacy: Power, Luxury & Farewell

For decades, BMW has been synonymous with driving pleasure, offering a harmonious blend of speed, comfort, and undeniable luxury. While many premium marques offer a taste of opulence, few have consistently delivered the sheer, unadulterated power and prestige associated with a V12 engine. BMW stands proudly among those elite few, having engineered and utilised some of the most revered twelve-cylinder powerplants in automotive history. From the groundbreaking M70 to the formidable N74, these engines have defined an era of high-performance luxury, gracing everything from flagship saloons to legendary race cars. As we witness the poignant discontinuation of this automotive icon, it's a fitting moment to look back at the remarkable journey of the BMW V12.

The Genesis of the BMW V12: The M70 Engine

The story of BMW's V12 journey officially began in 1987 with the introduction of the M70 engine. This groundbreaking 5.0-litre unit was a testament to BMW's engineering prowess, ingeniously crafted by joining two of their existing in-line 6-cylinder motors at a 60-degree angle. The result was a formidable powerplant initially producing 295 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. What truly set the M70 apart was its meticulous design for redundancy and reliability. Each bank of cylinders boasted its own Electronic Control Unit (ECU), alongside dual fuel pumps, dual fuel rails, two distributors, and twin throttle bodies. Even crankshaft and temperature sensors were duplicated, ensuring unparalleled robustness. It even featured an auxiliary alternator to power a second battery for amenities like a telephone, fax machine, or even a wine cooler for rear passengers!

The M70 engine was also notable for its use of a timing chain instead of a belt, a design choice contributing to its longevity and lower maintenance requirements. It also embraced early electronic throttle control, moving away from mechanical cables. This magnificent engine found its primary home in the E32 generation of the BMW 750i and the E31 850i models, solidifying their status as true luxury grand tourers.

M70 V12 Engine Specifications and Applications

The M70 engine saw several variations over its lifespan, including 5.0 L, 5.5 L, and two 6.0 L options, with different redlines of 7,500 and 8,000 RPM respectively. All M70 engines featured four valves per cylinder, a design that was quite advanced for its time. The displacement ranged from 4,988cc to 6,064cc. In its most potent forms, especially those developed for racing, it could achieve a maximum power output of 618 hp and a maximum torque rating of 494 lb-ft.

While primarily a road car engine, the M70 also found its way into some truly exclusive and high-performance machines:

• BMW X5 Le Mans (2000): A unique, one-off road car concept, famously equipped with a highly tuned M70 V12, showcasing the engine's extreme potential.
• BMW V12 LMR Racing Car: A highly successful endurance racing prototype that famously won the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans.
• BMW V12 LM Racing Car: Another racing prototype, a predecessor to the LMR.

The Evolution: M73 BMW V12 Engine

In 1993, the M70 was succeeded by the M73 engine, a more refined and efficient iteration designed to meet evolving standards and provide even greater luxury. The M73 primarily saw service in the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph, the BMW E31 8 Series (from 1994 to 1999), and the BMW E38 7 Series (from 1994 to 1998). A second variation, the M73TUB54, was later introduced, powering the BMW 750i between 1998 and 2001, and continuing its use in the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph from 1999.

M73 V12 Engine Specifications

The M73 engine featured two versions, both with a displacement of 5,379 cc (5.4 L). Unlike the M70, the M73 adopted a two-valves-per-cylinder configuration, totaling 24 valves for the V12. This choice was made to prioritise quiet operation, making it ideal for the supremely luxurious vehicles it powered. It produced a respectable power output of 322 hp and a maximum torque of 361 lb-ft. The M73 was truly a power plant designed for large BMW gran tourers and opulent Rolls-Royce cars, emphasising smooth, effortless power delivery rather than outright sporting aggression.

The Second-Generation V12: N73 and N74 Engines

After BMW acquired Rolls-Royce, the next generation of V12 engines emerged, built with an eye towards both performance and environmental considerations. This marked a significant leap in technology.

N73 BMW V12 Engine: A World First

The N73 V12 engine, introduced in early 2003, holds a special place in automotive history as the world's first V12 engine to utilise direct gasoline injection. This innovative technology allowed for greater fuel efficiency and power output. Production of the N73 continued until 2016. This engine was primarily used in the BMW 7 Series (specifically the E65/E66 generation) and the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Its power output ranged from 439 hp to 453 hp, with torque figures between 443 lb-ft and 531 lb-ft, providing immense, seamless power.

N74 BMW V12 Engine: The Twin-Turbo Era

The N74 engine, introduced in 2008, represented another significant evolution, becoming BMW's first-ever V12 engine to incorporate a pair of turbochargers. This design provided a substantial boost in power and efficiency over its naturally aspirated predecessors. The N74 features a twelve-cylinder configuration with 24 valves, offering a competitive edge against rivals from Audi and Mercedes-Benz due to its superior power output.

The N74 engine initially came in 6.0-litre and 6.6-litre variants, with the 6.0-litre being discontinued later. A 6.75-litre version was also developed. Power outputs ranged from 563 hp in the 7 Series to a staggering 624 hp in the Rolls-Royce Wraith. The N74 was also the first BMW V12 to be paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, further enhancing its performance and refinement.

Applications for the N74 engine include:

• BMW G12 M760Li xDrive: The flagship BMW saloon, showcasing the ultimate in performance and luxury.
• Rolls-Royce Ghost
• Rolls-Royce Ghost V-Specification
• Rolls-Royce Wraith
• Rolls-Royce Dawn
• Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII (N74B68 version)
• Rolls-Royce Cullinan (N74B68 version)

The Pinnacle: BMW G12 M760Li xDrive with a V12 Engine

The BMW G12 M760Li xDrive stands as the ultimate expression of BMW's V12 engineering in a production car. It's far more than just a luxury sedan; it's a statement of unparalleled power and sophistication.

Engine and Performance

Under the bonnet of the M760Li xDrive lies a twin-turbo V12 engine delivering an astonishing 601 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. This immense power translates into breathtaking performance, allowing the M760Li to accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour in a mere 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 189 miles per hour (when optionally de-restricted). Despite its incredible power, the car retains a natural, engaging feel on the road, a quality often missed in some modern hybrid performance vehicles. Furthermore, it benefits from improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions thanks to its Double-VANOS variable valve timing technology. It was available in both all-wheel-drive (xDrive) and rear-drive configurations.

Interior and Features

The interior of the BMW 7 Series, and particularly the M760Li, is a sanctuary of luxury. While some might argue that competitors like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class offer a slightly more opulent feel, the 7 Series counters with a slightly larger boot, practical elegance, and cutting-edge technology. It is furnished with high-end real leather and features BMW's advanced iDrive infotainment system, which can be intuitively controlled via a touchscreen or a console controller.

The M760Li also comes fully equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems, including blind-spot detection and highway cruise control with self-steering capabilities. In terms of safety, the BMW 7 Series has consistently achieved good ratings in tests conducted by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). Key safety features include:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning and lane-keep assist
• Automated low-speed emergency braking
• Pedestrian detection

The Farewell: Discontinuation of the BMW V12 Engine

It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the impending end of the BMW V12 engine in the brand's own vehicle lineup. Driven primarily by stringent emission regulations, particularly in Europe, BMW has been forced to discontinue its largest and most celebrated engine. The final batch of V12 engines for BMW vehicles was built in July, marking the end of an illustrious chapter.

As a fitting tribute, BMW offered a special M760i “Final V12” edition exclusively to 12 customers in the US. Priced at $200,995, this special 7 Series is truly the last piece in the story of BMW's V12s. It features a prominent V12 badge for its 601 hp 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 engine. Standard luxuries include the Luxury Rear Seating Package, BMW's Driving Assistance Professional Package, an LED-Lounge sunroof, and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system. Owners could choose from around 80 colour options, black or blue brake calipers, and black or grey 20-inch alloy wheels. The ultimate touch is the "Final V12, 1 of 12" plaque in the cabin, denoting its exclusivity and production number, making it a truly special send-off to an icon. While the V12 will continue to power Rolls-Royce models for the foreseeable future, its time in BMW vehicles has come to a poignant close.

BMW V12 Engine Overview

Here's a comparative look at the key V12 engines produced by BMW:

Frequently Asked Questions About BMW V12 Engines

Are V12 engines faster than V8 engines on a BMW?

Typically, in automotive design, a V12 engine would inherently produce more power due to its larger displacement and higher burning capacity compared to a V8. This often translates to higher top speeds and acceleration, especially in luxury or grand touring vehicles where the V12's smooth power delivery is paramount. However, when it comes to outright acceleration and track performance for BMW road cars, the fastest models produced by BMW are actually equipped with V8 engines. For instance, the BMW M5 and M8 Competition models, both featuring the S63 V8 engine, are renowned for their blistering acceleration and track capabilities, often outpacing V12-equipped BMWs in a straight line due to factors like vehicle weight, transmission tuning, and overall chassis dynamics geared towards performance.

Which is the cheapest second-hand BMW with a V12 you can purchase today?

For those looking to own a piece of BMW's V12 heritage without breaking the bank, several older models offer surprising value in the second-hand market. The most affordable options typically include the 1992 BMW 850i and the 1997 BMW 750iL. Both of these iconic models can often be found for less than £10,000, making them accessible entry points into V12 ownership. Other notable and relatively affordable options include the 2003 BMW 760Li, which offers more modern features, and the aesthetically pleasing BMW 850Ci, known for its timeless design. Prices will vary significantly based on condition, mileage, and service history, so thorough inspection is always recommended.

Is the BMW V12 engine being discontinued?

Yes, unfortunately, the BMW V12 engine is being discontinued from BMW's own vehicle lineup. The primary reason for this decision is the increasingly stringent global emission regulations, particularly within Europe, which make it challenging and costly to adapt such large displacement engines. BMW built its final batch of V12 engines for its vehicles in July, marking the end of its direct use in BMW badged cars. While the V12 will continue to power Rolls-Royce models for the time being, the era of the V12 in a BMW is officially drawing to a close, making the last M760i models highly collectible.

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