S65 V8 – BMW M3 (E90, E92, E93) Head Gasket Keychain
This stainless-steel head gasket keychain celebrates the BMW S65, BMW M’s high-revving naturally aspirated V8. Best known as the engine of the E90, E92 and E93-generation M3, the standard 4.0-litre S65B40 produced 420 PS and revved to an 8,400 rpm redline.
Engine Identity
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Manufacturer: BMW M GmbH.
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Engine family: BMW S65.
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Primary engine code: S65B40.
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High-output derivative: S65B44, also listed as S65B44A in M3 GTS documentation.
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Configuration: Front-mounted, longitudinal, naturally aspirated 90-degree V8 petrol engine.
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Cylinder count: Eight.
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Production period: 2007–2013 for the S65 family.
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Displacement: S65B40: 3,999 cc / 4.0 litres; S65B44: 4,361 cc / 4.4 litres.
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Valvetrain: DOHC, four valves per cylinder, 32 valves total, with Double VANOS variable cam timing.
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Induction: Naturally aspirated, with eight individual electronically actuated throttle valves.
The S65 shares its 92.0 mm cylinder bore and key high-revving design principles with BMW M’s S85 V10, but uses eight cylinders and a 4.0-litre capacity in standard S65B40 form. It features an aluminium engine block and cylinder heads, a 12.0:1 compression ratio and a 202 kg dry engine weight.
Vehicle Compatibility Matrix
The standard S65B40 was fitted only to the E9x-generation M3 saloon, coupé and convertible. The S65B44/S65B44A was a limited-production M3 GTS derivative with increased displacement and a longer 82.0 mm stroke, so it should not be assumed to share every service part with the S65B40.
Why This Engine Matters
The S65B40 replaced the E46 M3’s S54 inline-six with BMW M’s only production naturally aspirated V8 used in an M3. Its individual throttle valves, 12.0:1 compression ratio, Double VANOS and 8,400 rpm redline gave the E9x M3 a sharp, high-rpm character unlike the turbocharged M3 generations that followed.
The M3 GTS pushed the concept further with the 4.4-litre S65B44, producing 450 PS at 8,300 rpm and 440 Nm at 3,750 rpm. For enthusiasts, the S65 remains a defining analogue-era BMW M engine: naturally aspirated, large-capacity and engineered to deliver its best near the top of the rev range.
Technical Specifications
The standard engine data above is for the S65B40, while the M3 GTS figures are from BMW’s May 2010 technical specification for the S65B44. Power and torque should therefore always be quoted with the engine code and model, rather than applying the M3 GTS’s 450 PS figure to every S65-powered M3.
Product Details
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Stainless-steel head gasket keychain inspired by the BMW S65 V8 cylinder-head gasket profile.
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Designed for owners and enthusiasts of the BMW E90 M3, E92 M3 and E93 M3.
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Finished using our three-stage vibratory polishing process for a smooth, durable metal finish.
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Supplied on a plywood display card for gifting, collecting or display.
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A compact tribute to BMW M’s 4.0-litre, 8,400 rpm naturally aspirated M3 V8.
FAQ
What is the BMW S65 engine?
The BMW S65 is a naturally aspirated V8 petrol-engine family produced from 2007 to 2013. The standard S65B40 is a 3,999 cc, 420 PS engine used in the E9x BMW M3.
Which cars use the S65B40 engine?
The S65B40 was fitted to the BMW E90 M3 Saloon, E92 M3 Coupé and E93 M3 Convertible.
Is the M3 GTS engine the same as the standard S65?
No. The E92 M3 GTS used the enlarged 4,361 cc S65B44/S65B44A, which has an 82.0 mm stroke and produces 450 PS, compared with the standard 3,999 cc S65B40’s 75.2 mm stroke and 420 PS.
Is this a functional replacement head gasket?
No. This is a decorative stainless-steel keychain inspired by the BMW S65 head-gasket profile; it is not an engine-service component.