Engine code
S70 · 5,576 cc · 60-degree V12 · catalog dates 02/1992-10/1996 (all markets) · E31 850CSi
The S70 is a 5,576 cc, 60-degree V12. In the BMW data we checked it appears in one car, the E31 850CSi. BMW's data for this engine is thin, so this page is short on purpose.
This page does not cover other versions of the engine, including any variant with a suffix after the S70 code. We found no BMW document for those.
This page is built from BMW's own parts data, service bulletins and training material. Where those sources are silent, it says so instead of guessing.
Quick read
- Ownership position: Not established yet. We are still researching this engine.
- Reliability: Not established yet. We are still researching this engine.
- Cost to own: Not established yet. We are still researching this engine.
- Power potential: Not established yet. We are still researching this engine. Factory output is in the Technical Specifications table.
- Main watch item: a BMW bulletin on batteries discharging after the car sits for several days.
Where you find it
BMW's U.S. parts data has rows for the S70 in one car.
- 850CSi (E31): model years 1994-1995, built 09/1993-06/1995.
BMW's parts catalogue also lists the S70 in 850CSi types for other markets. The data we checked runs to December 2019, which is after the engine's production ended.
BMW sold the S70 in U.S.-market cars: yes, in the 850CSi. BMW's U.S. vehicle list includes the 850CSi with the S70.
S70 At a Glance
| Question | Practical answer |
|---|---|
| Factory output | BMW's technical data lists 280 kW at 5,300 rpm and 550 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The data does not say which market's rating this is. |
| Sold in the U.S. | Yes. BMW's U.S. vehicle list includes the 850CSi with the S70. |
| Reliability profile | Not established yet. We are still researching this engine. |
| Best ownership indicator | Not established yet. We are still researching this engine. |
| Typical annual planning budget | Not established yet. We are still researching this engine. |
| Possible first-year catch-up | Not established yet. We are still researching this engine. |
| Largest common repair exposure | Not established yet. We are still researching this engine. |
| Tuned output | Not established yet. We are still researching this engine. |
| Before buying or modifying | Confirm the exact engine and car with the car's own documents. We have no BMW data on other versions of this engine. |
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Configuration | 60-degree V12, 12 cylinders. |
| Engine code as BMW writes it | S70 B56 |
| Displacement | 5,576 cc |
| Bore x stroke | 86 mm x 80 mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 |
| Power | 280 kW at 5,300 rpm. Rating market not stated. |
| Torque | 550 Nm at 4,000 rpm |
| Maximum engine speed | 6,400 rpm |
| Compression pressure | 11-13 bar, about equal on all cylinders |
| Firing order | 1-7-5-11-3-9-6-12-2-8-4-10 |
| Valvetrain and valve timing control | Not established yet. We are still researching this engine. |
| Induction and fuel system | Not established yet. We are still researching this engine. |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.5 liters with filter change |
| Engine oil specification | BMW of North America's oil chart (SI B11 01 15, February 2017) lists 5W-30 LL01 or 0W-30 LL01FE for all BMW gasoline engines of model year 2011 and older; it does not name the S70 by code. |
| Coolant capacity | Not established yet. We are still researching this engine. |
Factory Deep Dive
BMW's parts data lists the same ignition coil numbers for the S70 as for the M70, 12 13 1 742 925 for cylinders 1-6 and 12 13 1 742 926 for cylinders 7-12, and a spark plug of its own, 12 12 9 065 062. Beyond that, we have no sourced detail on the S70's block, valvetrain, fuel system or cooling. Not established yet. We are still researching this engine.
Service Parts at a Glance
| Part | BMW part number (current) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Oil filter element set | 11 42 7 510 717 | Current number. BMW's parts data points to the support-tower bulletin for the S70. |
| Oil filter cover | 11 42 1 736 674 | Current number. |
| Spark plug | 12 12 9 065 062 | Current number. The listed brand is Bosch. |
| Ignition coil, cylinders 1-6 | 12 13 1 742 925 | Current number. |
| Ignition coil, cylinders 7-12 | 12 13 1 742 926 | Current number. |
| Thermostat | 11 53 1 729 720 | Current number. |
| Air filter element | 13 72 1 720 861 | Current number. BMW lists two per car. |
| Valve cover gasket, cylinders 1-6 | 11 12 1 725 002 | Current number. |
| Valve cover gasket, cylinders 7-12 | 11 12 1 725 003 | Current number. |
| Timing chain | 11 31 1 710 155 | Current number. The same number is listed for the M70 and M73. |
Known Failure Points and Service Items
We found one BMW bulletin that names the S70, and one NHTSA recall that lists the 850CSi.
01 Battery discharge after the car sits
BMW's bulletin SI 12 02 98 covers 850CSi cars with the EWS II immobilizer built since 01/1995: left parked for a few days, such a car can come back to a flat battery. BMW's cause is the EML actuator motors, which can keep drawing current after shutdown.
Watch for a flat battery after a few days parked, and the EML actuator motors still humming more than 10 seconds after shutdown. BMW's fix on a complaint is an added relay, 61 36 1 393 412, with the adapter line kit 12 51 4 013 174. BMW's bulletin ties the relay to the 850CSi only.
BMW's parts data also attaches the oil filter support tower bulletin (SI 00 15 97) to the S70 oil filter element. That bulletin itself names the M60, M70 and M73 and does not name the S70, so we treat it as a pointer from BMW's catalogue, not a finding about the S70.
02 Cooling system recall 98V-178
NHTSA's record for recall 98V-178 lists the 850CSi for model years 1991-1995. The record names models and model years, not engines, and BMW's U.S. parts data lists the S70 850CSi for model years 1994-1995. NHTSA says a failed cooling system part such as the thermostat, water pump or fan belt can sharply raise coolant temperature and pressure, and that a cracked heater core end piece could then release hot coolant. The remedy is a new-design radiator cap.
Watch for an overheating warning.
Reliability Verdict
Not established yet. We are still researching this engine.
Power Potential
Not established yet. We are still researching this engine.
Cost of Ownership
Not established yet. We are still researching this engine.
Common Questions
What BMW has the S70 engine?
In the BMW data we checked, the S70 appears in the E31 850CSi. BMW's U.S. parts data lists it for model years 1994-1995, and BMW's catalogue also lists it for other markets.
How big is the BMW S70 engine?
BMW's technical data gives the S70 a displacement of 5,576 cc, a bore of 86 mm and a stroke of 80 mm in a 60-degree V12.
How much oil does an S70 take?
BMW's technical data lists 7.5 liters for an oil change with a new filter. It does not give the oil grade in the same table.
How much power does the S70 make?
BMW's technical data lists 280 kW at 5,300 rpm and 550 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The data does not say which market's rating that is.
Did BMW sell the S70 in the United States?
Yes. BMW's U.S. vehicle list includes the E31 850CSi with the S70, and BMW's U.S. parts data lists it for model years 1994-1995.
Sources
- BMW Engine Technology training, ST501: bmwrepairguide.com technical training PDF
- BMW service bulletin on battery discharge on the 850CSi (SI 12 02 98), read in BMW's service information
- BMW technical data tables for the S70 (engine general data and oil supply), read in BMW's service information
- BMW electronic parts catalogue data, U.S. and other-market catalogues, data to 12/2019
- BMW of North America SI B11 01 15, Engine Oil Quick Reference Chart, February 2017 (NHTSA copy)
- NHTSA recall record 98V-178
