Blackstone Laboratories Oil Analysis

[tkelley86]

I did some reading on this and thought, what the hell. It was like $40 for the test and took 2-3 weeks to come back. They provide data and an idiots guide explanation. Check it out!

[smyles]

One more proof that those 7KM oil changes is nothing but waste?

[tkelley86]

Perhaps, I usually go 6-7K miles between changes. Then again I bought it with 69K so god knows what the guy before me did...

[Mr.47]

Next time you should get TBN test on your oil, it tells how's the oil (health) additives are holding up and perhaps could extend you OCI a little longer.

Generally the N63's V8 can be very hard on their oils especially from a thermal aspect, a good practice of changing before 10k miles usually can help prolong the rubber gaskets, valve guides seals and timing chain and guides.

[DuSh]

I see an 80k miles n63tu and I say to myself what a beautiful world (©Louis Armstrong). And if they say your engine wear wise in perfect condition - what else do we need? I can sleep better now.

I especially like low Chromium - piston rings - that was one of the 2 reasons previous gen. N63 was eating oil (alone with valve stem seals/guides). After all it was a extensive Technical Update (TU in N63TU) where they changed lots of things (including pistons and oil delivery).

One more proof that N63TU is a lot better engine than N63 was.

[Silververtu]

Originally Posted by Mr.47

Next time you should get TBN test on your oil, it tells how's the oil (health) additives are holding up and perhaps could extend you OCI a little longer.

Generally the N63's V8 can be very hard on their oils especially from a thermal aspect, a good practice of changing before 10k miles usually can help prolong the rubber gaskets, valve guides seals and timing chain and guides.

Beware that TBN and/or TBN-TAN is not as relevant as before due to the lower sulfur in fuels. Also, the components in additives have changed over the past decade will result in rapid TBN drop, which will give a false alarm, but remind very stable after the drop. Some OEM have quietly dropped the minimum TBN requirement or tests on their service guide.

[Dilmorecg]

I actually just ordered a kit from them. Hopefully my numbers are good like your. I only have 43k miles but you never know.

[Duke I]

What oil brand/specs are you running?

[TallGuyX5]

Just curious, question to all you X5 N63tu owners, given the cost of owenship, maintenance and performance would you purchase one again?

[DuSh]

Originally Posted by TallGuyX5

Just curious, question to all you X5 N63tu owners, given the cost of owenship, maintenance and performance would you purchase one again?

Absolutely. However, by that time when I can afford a new one it will be N63TU2 probably.

1. As it was shown many times N63TU is a excellent engine, quite unique in tunability - 500whp 600wtq with just a tune basically. Show me another engine that can do that. Famous j2z or N54 can only go that high after some hardware mods like downpipes, chargepipes, intecoolers etc.

2. That V8 sound after muffler delete mod is something deeply satisfying. Everytime I start my car I smile.

3. TU - upgrade that BMW did with N63TU was indeed very good! It's been 4 years and we are not seeing any issues that plagued previous generation. With previous gen. issues appeared on first year of production already. I think BMW learned a lot after various issues with N54, N63 etc. Since then they have produced almost issue free engines like N55, N63TU etc. Almost, because it's all relative - you can't compare them with some Japanese engines reliability wise.

As for maintenance: N63TU has everything same as N55 lol. The very engine you are driving. There is nothing extra in maintenance in N63TU over N55. Same oil changes, same filter changes, same spark plug changes (which according to some members are even easier to change on N63TU lol). If anything N63TU works with less load during daily driving then N55: same car, but N55 has to work a bit harder to pull X5 similarly.

Of course main purpose why I bought it - was to mod it and enjoy power it has.

So to conclude: yes, I would gladly buy it again, but I don't have money for 2 right now. I would if I could. The only engine better than N63TU is S63TU.

P.S. I previously made a mistake of buying a "weak" engine BMW. For myself I was lucky enough to see that mistake and I told myself to never again buy a weak engine BMW. So I'm good. How about you guys with 35i - do you regret not having enough power? Rhetorical question, we all know the answer lol Well, don't despair, at least you have better MPG eh?

[Silververtu]

Originally Posted by TallGuyX5

Just curious, question to all you X5 N63tu owners, given the cost of owenship, maintenance and performance would you purchase one again?

Definitely! Had a N63 2013 550i with JB1 for over 44k miles, not a single problem like others mentioned on F10 forum. Test drove a 35i X5 and thought it would be enough as it's a family car so comfort and safety would be priority over power. Then test drove a 50i X5 and then it's a done deal as soon as I pulled out from dealer lot. The power and sound of the V8 is enough to overcome all those issues, including MPG.

My only regret would be not going for S63TU M5 (back then) or X5M (now).

[TallGuyX5]

Thanks DuSh! You definitely make a compelling case for going with a 50i. Love my 35i and this was my first BMW and I’m wanting more. My next one may have to be a 50i.

[Maverik259]

50i all day every day! Only other engine I would consider (not counting the M of course) is the X5M550d. Just for power and gas mileage on long hwy trips where power isn't needed. Do wish the N63 had a version of cylinder management so when in "eco" mode that could get you mid to upper 20s on the hwy in 8th gear cruising. It yes. Couldn't test drive a 50i as dealer had none so I hopped in a 2018 X6 50i that they had and was sold on the power. Was a little embarrassed driving around in it though. Never understood the look of "half" an X5. But to each there own!

[tkelley86]

For oil, I use Valvoline full synthetic. But again, I bought it with 69K miles. I did see in my Carfax that it lived at a BMW dealership so that's why I felt comfortable buying it with that many miles. I assume it's always had high quality oil.

If I could do it all again, I absolutely would. I finally got it looking exactly how I want and the V8 is sooooooo much fun. I'm a very courteous driver but when it's time to go fast, the effortless acceleration is worth every penny.

[Austin_2019_X5_50i]

Originally Posted by Silververtu

Definitely! Had a N63 2013 550i with JB1 for over 44k miles, not a single problem like others mentioned on F10 forum. Test drove a 35i X5 and thought it would be enough as it's a family car so comfort and safety would be priority over power. Then test drove a 50i X5 and then it's a done deal as soon as I pulled out from dealer lot. The power and sound of the V8 is enough to overcome all those issues, including MPG.

My only regret would be not going for S63TU M5 (back then) or X5M (now).

No you made the right decision. Save the $30k and spend $2500 on tune and then some downpipes. I just did the tune and I’m at 545awhp (630HP). So my 50i that came with M Sport Package is nicer, rides smoother, and faster! Oh and cheaper! First 2019 50i to be tuned in the U.S.!

[Silververtu]

Originally Posted by Austin_2019_X5_50i

No you made the right decision. Save the $30k and spend $2500 on tune and then some downpipes. I just did the tune and I'm at 545awhp (630HP). So my 50i that came with M Sport Package is nicer, rides smoother, and faster! Oh and cheaper! First 2019 50i to be tuned in the U.S.!

It's not just about the power (my X5 is also tuned so could keep up with stock X5M on straight road) but the ability applying the power on the road. The fine tuning on the M cars (suspension, steering, bushings, reinforcement on chassis, etc) provide you the confidence you want at higher speed, which the non-M cars are lack of.

As long as I don't drive the M models of the car, I won't have desires or regrets! Porsche too
And like you said, I saved $30k

[pennsiveguy]

I just got my results back. She got a clean bill of health. A little fuel in the oil, probably from sitting in the lot for hours at 30 degrees F and then starting up and rolling onto the hoist cold. And even that wasn't anything to be concerned about. I really appreciate the comments they included on the report, since I'm not a petroleum engineer.

[djrabbi]

Got mine back too

[ponytuning]

The blackstone oil analysis report showed up today for my 2016 x6 50i with 42k miles and received a good bill of health too