Second Hand BMW i5 Cylinder Head

The engine code is the single most important detail for matching a cylinder head to your i5 — it determines the exact specification of the head far more reliably than the badge or model year alone. You can find your engine code on your V5C logbook or by running a VIN check. Always supply this code to the breaker when requesting a quote, as cylinder heads are not interchangeable across different engine codes even within the same model range. Without the engine code, fitment cannot be confirmed.

The BMW i5 (G60) launched in 2023 and is a single-generation model at the time of writing, so there is no facelift boundary to cross yet. That said, BMW does occasionally make ancillary or mounting changes to cylinder heads mid-production run without a formal model year update, so whether a head from an earlier build date fits your exact car is something you should confirm with the breaker against your specific registration. Supply your engine code and full VIN when asking for a quote. Never assume a part fits based on model year alone.

The eDrive40 and M60 xDrive are powered by different electric drive units and, where internal combustion engines are concerned in hybrid variants, by different engine specifications — so the cylinder heads are not the same part. Trim level names like eDrive40 and M60 xDrive reflect different powertrain configurations in the i5 range, not just cosmetic differences, which means fitment is directly affected here unlike in purely cosmetic trim distinctions. Always match by engine code rather than trim badge, and confirm compatibility with the breaker against your registration. Supplying your VIN will allow the breaker to identify the exact specification.

Where two i5 variants share the same engine code, the trim level itself — whether that is a higher or lower specification within the same powertrain — has no effect on cylinder head fitment, as the head follows the engine rather than the interior or equipment level. However, different i5 variants carry different powertrains entirely, so always verify that the engine code on the donor vehicle matches yours before proceeding. Cosmetic differences such as interior finish or alloy wheel style are irrelevant to this part. Confirm the engine code match with the breaker against your registration.

Drive configuration on its own does not determine cylinder head specification — what matters is the engine code, which may or may not differ between rear-wheel-drive and xDrive variants depending on the specific models being compared. In some cases BMW fits the same engine in both RWD and xDrive versions of a model, meaning the cylinder head would be the same, but you should not assume this without checking the engine codes match. Supply both your engine code and registration to the breaker so they can verify the donor vehicle is the correct match. Never rely on drivetrain type alone as a fitment guide.

Cylinder heads themselves are mechanical components and do not typically require electronic coding in isolation, but associated components on a used head — such as variable valve timing solenoids or sensors — may interact with your vehicle's ECU in ways that need attention. Whether any coding or immobiliser pairing is required for parts carried over on the used head is something you must confirm with the breaker and your fitting garage against your specific registration. This is particularly relevant on modern BMW platforms where engine management integration is complex. Do not assume a straightforward bolt-on fit without checking this with a qualified technician.