The BMW M5’s engine, often referred to as the Engine F10, is a marvel of engineering. It’s not just a transplant from the X5 M and X6 M, but a significantly redesigned powerhouse. This in-depth look delves into the intricacies of the S63TU engine found in the F10 M5, exploring its groundbreaking features like VALVETRONIC and the cross-bank exhaust manifold.
Jürgen Poggel, Head of Engine Development at BMW M GmbH.
Redefining Performance: The Engine F10’s Superiority
The primary goal for the engine F10 was to surpass the legendary V10 of its predecessor. This was achieved through several key advancements:
High Torque Across a Wide RPM Range
Unlike the V10, which required specific gear selections for optimal power delivery, the engine F10 with M TwinPower Turbo technology provides immense torque from as low as 1500 rpm. Generating nearly 700 Nm of torque at this low RPM, compared to the V10’s 300 Nm, translates to instant acceleration and effortless power in any gear.
Power and torque curves showcasing the engine F10’s consistent output.
Sustained Power Delivery
The engine F10 maintains consistent power output from 1000 rpm upwards, eliminating the typical turbo lag and power drop-off seen in other engines. This consistent performance, combined with enhanced responsiveness, makes the F10 M5 engine a true driver’s delight. This results in fewer gear changes on the track and allows for precise vehicle control using the throttle.
Improved Efficiency
Despite the increased performance, the engine F10 boasts significantly improved fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor. This translates to a greater range, cost savings, and reduced environmental impact.
The engine F10 showcasing its dual charge air coolers and intake silencers.
Dethrottling the Engine F10: Optimizing Airflow for Performance
The key to the engine F10’s remarkable performance lies in its “dethrottling,” a process that optimizes airflow for improved response, power, and efficiency.
Innovative Charge Air Cooling
The engine F10 utilizes an indirect water-cooling system for its charge air, eliminating the need for long intake pipes and reducing throttle losses. Oversized coolers and pipe cross-sections further enhance airflow.
Generously sized intake pipes contributing to the engine F10’s efficiency.
VALVETRONIC: Revolutionizing Load Control
The integration of VALVETRONIC allows for continuous adjustment of intake valve lift, optimizing airflow for any given load. This eliminates the reliance on a traditional throttle valve, reducing pumping losses and significantly improving responsiveness.
The low-temperature cooling circuit crucial for managing the engine F10’s thermal demands.
VALVETRONIC system allowing for precise control of intake valve lift.
Exhaust System Innovations: Harnessing Energy for Power
The engine F10’s exhaust system incorporates groundbreaking technologies to further enhance performance.
Cross-Bank Exhaust Manifold
The cross-bank exhaust manifold optimizes exhaust gas flow to the turbochargers, ensuring each cylinder operates under ideal conditions. This design results in smoother power delivery and a more refined engine sound.
The engine F10 with catalytic converters and intake silencers removed.
Diagram illustrating the principle of the cross-bank exhaust manifold.
Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology
This technology separates exhaust gas flows in the turbochargers, maximizing the energy harnessed from each exhaust pulse. This results in reduced turbo lag and improved throttle response.
The cross-bank exhaust manifold integrated with the twin-scroll turbochargers.
Cooling System: Managing Extreme Temperatures
The engine F10’s high performance necessitates a sophisticated cooling system to manage extreme temperatures. Multiple cooling circuits, including a low-temperature circuit for charge air and engine control units, ensure optimal operating temperatures even under demanding conditions.
Exhaust side turbocharger equipped with a wastegate for precise boost control.
Conclusion: The Engine F10 – A Masterpiece of Engineering
The engine F10 represents a significant leap forward in automotive engineering. Its innovative technologies, meticulous design, and focus on performance and efficiency make it a true benchmark in the world of high-performance engines. The F10 M5 delivers a thrilling driving experience, both on the track and on the road, showcasing BMW’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive performance. Notably, advancements in oil technology allow the engine F10 to utilize lower viscosity oils, further reducing friction and enhancing efficiency.
