Cheap BMW 7 Series Camshaft

It depends entirely on whether both cars share the same engine code, not just the same year range or badge — the 7 Series F01 generation ran from 2008 to 2015, so both cars sit within the same generation, but BMW introduced several engine variants and running changes across that period. Check the engine code on your V5 or via a VIN check and supply it to the breaker, as camshafts are machined specifically to each engine family and even small production updates can affect compatibility. Never assume a match purely because both cars are the same generation.

No — the E38 ran from 1994 to 2001 and the E65 from 2001 to 2008, and these are entirely different generations with different engine families, different block architectures, and no camshaft interchangeability between them. Even where both generations offered similarly badged engines, such as the 3.0-litre six-cylinder, the internal components were redesigned between platforms. Always match by engine code, not by badge or displacement.

Yes, fuel type is one of the most important factors — petrol and diesel engines in the 7 Series are completely different units with different camshaft profiles, timing arrangements, and in some cases different numbers of camshafts per bank. A diesel such as the M57 straight-six and a petrol such as the N52 are entirely unrelated internally, so a camshaft from one will never fit the other. Always confirm the full engine code with the breaker alongside the fuel type.

Trim level has no effect on camshaft fitment whatsoever — SE, M Sport, and other specification levels on the 7 Series are differentiated by cosmetic and equipment differences such as body styling, interior trim, and wheel design, not by changes to the engine internals. Provided the engine code matches, a camshaft from an SE donor car is mechanically identical to one from an M Sport of the same engine. Focus entirely on the engine code rather than the trim badge when speaking to a breaker.

The F01 7 Series received a facelift in 2012, meaning a 2014 car is a post-facelift model. The facelift brought visual and equipment updates rather than wholesale engine replacements, so camshaft fitment is still governed by the engine code rather than whether the car is pre- or post-facelift. That said, confirm with the breaker against your registration whether any ancillary or mounting changes specific to your build date could affect the exact part you need.

The gearbox type itself does not directly alter the camshaft specification, but it can be a useful cross-reference because certain engine variants in the 7 Series were paired exclusively with automatic or manual gearboxes, helping a breaker verify they are looking at a matching donor vehicle. The camshaft specification is determined by the engine code, so that remains the primary detail to supply. Give the breaker both the engine code and gearbox type to help them source from the correct donor car.