BMW has equipped a select range of its flagship luxury sedans and grand tourers with V12 engines throughout its history, with V12 powerplants being developed and used from 1986 until 2022. These powerful engines are renowned for their smoothness, refinement, and substantial power output.
BMW's V12 engine development includes several distinct generations: the M70, M73, N73, and N74. Each iteration brought advancements in performance, efficiency, and technology.
BMW Models Featuring V12 Engines
The following BMW models have been powered by a V12 engine:
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BMW 7 Series: As BMW's flagship luxury sedan, the 7 Series has been the primary recipient of V12 power.
- E32 7 Series (1987–1994): The 750i and 750iL were the first BMW models to feature a V12 engine, specifically the M70 V12. This marked a significant milestone for the brand.
- E38 7 Series (1994–2001): The subsequent generation of the 7 Series, in its 750i and 750iL guises, utilized the M73 V12 engine, which was an evolution of the M70, offering improved efficiency and refinement.
- E65/E66 7 Series (2001–2008): The 760i and 760Li models were equipped with the N73 V12 engine, notable for being BMW's first V12 to incorporate direct injection technology.
- F01/F02 7 Series (2008–2015): The 760i and 760Li of this generation received the N74 V12, a twin-turbocharged unit that significantly boosted performance.
- G11/G12 7 Series (2015–2022): The M760Li xDrive was the final BMW model to offer a V12, powered by a further developed twin-turbo N74 engine. Production of this V12-powered model concluded in 2022.
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BMW 8 Series: BMW's luxury grand tourer also received V12 power in its first generation.
- E31 8 Series (1990–1999): The 850i and later 850Ci models were powered by the M70 V12 engine, making them highly desirable performance coupes.
Summary of BMW V12 Engines and Applications
| BMW Engine Code | Production Years | Key BMW Models | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| M70 | 1986–1996 | E32 7 Series (750i/iL), E31 8 Series (850i/Ci) | BMW's first production V12, naturally aspirated. |
| M73 | 1993–2002 | E38 7 Series (750i/iL) | Successor to M70, refined for efficiency and smoothness. |
| N73 | 2003–2008 | E65/E66 7 Series (760i/Li) | BMW's first V12 with direct fuel injection. |
| N74 | 2009–2022 | F01/F02 7 Series (760i/Li), G11/G12 7 Series (M760Li xDrive) | Twin-turbocharged, representing the pinnacle and end of BMW's V12 era for its own vehicles. |
The High-Powered BMW S70 V12
Beyond its standard production cars, BMW also developed a high-powered V12 engine known as the S70. This engine was a specialized derivative designed for motorsports and exclusive high-performance applications. Most notably, a version of the BMW S70 engine powered the legendary McLaren F1 supercar. This engine achieved significant racing success, including winning the prestigious Le Mans 24-hour race in 1995. While the S70 was a BMW-built engine, the McLaren F1 is not a BMW-badged vehicle.
BMW V12 engines have also been utilized in various Rolls-Royce models, underscoring their prestige and engineering excellence.
