BMW has built some of the greatest engines in automotive history, but few stand out like the P60B40. This 4.0L naturally aspirated V8 masterpiece was specifically engineered for BMW’s M3 GTR race car, delivering raw power, unmatched performance, and motorsport dominance.
Let’s dive deep into why this engine is a true engineering marvel and why it remains one of the most iconic race engines ever created.
Quick Facts About the Legendary BMW P60B40
- 4.0L Naturally Aspirated V8 producing between 650-700 horsepower
- 90° V8 configuration for balance and power delivery
- Displacement of 3,997 cc (243.9 cubic inches)
- Dry sump oil system for superior lubrication in extreme racing conditions
- Titanium connecting rods and lightweight internals for high-revving performance
- Carbon-fiber airbox for maximum airflow and throttle response
- Developed exclusively for the M3 GTR race car
- Limited production and extreme performance made it one of BMW’s rarest engines
The Birth of a Motorsport Icon: Why BMW Built the P60B40
In the early 2000s, BMW faced fierce competition in motorsports. Their E46 M3 was a beast, but its inline-six engine couldn’t keep up with the V8-powered Porsche 911 GT3-R on the track.
To compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), BMW needed a lighter, more powerful engine, which led to the creation of the P60B40.
This engine was designed from the ground up with one goal in mind: dominate endurance racing.
And dominate it did.
With its lightweight construction, dry sump lubrication, and high-revving capabilities, the P60B40 turned the BMW M3 GTR into an unstoppable machine.
Engineering Mastery: What Makes the P60B40 So Special?
1. 4.0L Naturally Aspirated V8 – Raw, Unrestricted Power
- BMW ditched the inline-six S54 engine and built a high-revving 90-degree V8
- Displacement of 3,997 cc, optimized for high RPM power delivery
- Power output ranged from 650-700 bhp in unrestricted race trim
- This was BMW’s first modern racing V8, paving the way for future motorsport engines
2. Dry Sump Lubrication for Extreme Racing Conditions
- Unlike traditional wet sump systems, the dry sump design ensures proper lubrication even under high G-forces
- Keeps oil pressure stable at all times, preventing engine failure during aggressive cornering
- Allows the engine to sit lower in the chassis, improving the car’s center of gravity
3. Titanium Components – Strength Without the Weight
- Titanium connecting rods provide lightweight strength for high RPMs
- Reduces reciprocating mass, allowing the engine to rev freely and quickly
- Keeps the engine durable under intense racing conditions
4. Carbon Fiber Airbox – Maximum Airflow, Maximum Performance
- Specially designed carbon fiber intake manifold increases air velocity
- Enhances throttle response, giving the M3 GTR a razor-sharp reaction time
- Reduces overall weight, making the car faster in acceleration and handling
5. Purpose-Built for Racing – No Compromises
- This engine wasn’t designed for mass production—it was made for winning races
- Every component was optimized for endurance, reliability, and raw speed
- Only a handful of these engines were ever produced, making them extremely rare
Where Was the P60B40 Used?
The P60B40 was exclusively built for the BMW M3 GTR, a car that tore up racetracks worldwide.
- It competed in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), where it dominated the GT class
- It helped BMW win several endurance races, proving its reliability and power
- After rule changes in 2001, the M3 GTR’s dominance forced organizers to ban the car from competition unless BMW built a street version
BMW did build a very limited number of street-legal M3 GTRs, each equipped with the legendary P60B40 V8, but only a handful exist today.
Comparing the P60B40 to Other Iconic BMW Engines
1. P60B40 vs. S54 (E46 M3 Engine)
| Feature | P60B40 | S54B32 |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | 4.0L V8 | 3.2L Inline-6 |
| Power Output | 650-700 hp | 333 hp |
| Induction | Naturally Aspirated | Naturally Aspirated |
| Lubrication | Dry Sump | Wet Sump |
| Racing Use | ALMS, Endurance Racing | Road & Track |
2. P60B40 vs. S85 (BMW M5 V10 Engine)
| Feature | P60B40 | S85B50 |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | 4.0L V8 | 5.0L V10 |
| Power Output | 650-700 hp | 500 hp |
| Rev Limit | ~8,500 RPM | 8,250 RPM |
| Racing Use | ALMS | No Racing Use |
Why the BMW P60B40 is a Motorsport Legend
1. It Forced a Rule Change in Racing
- The M3 GTR was so dominant that ALMS officials changed the rules, essentially banning it
- BMW was forced to make road-going versions, making the M3 GTR one of the rarest production BMWs ever
2. It Showcased BMW’s Engineering Prowess
- The P60B40 was a technological masterpiece, proving BMW could develop high-performance V8s for motorsports
- It set the stage for future BMW racing engines, influencing later motorsport builds
3. It’s One of the Rarest BMW Engines Ever Built
- Very few units were ever made, making it a collector’s dream
- Owning a P60B40-powered M3 GTR is like owning a piece of racing history
