F87
2016–2018
• N55B30T0 3.0L turbo I6, 365 bhp / 343 lb-ft
M2 Engines –
The Complete UK Guide
Every BMW M2 engine across two generations - from the N55 straight-six of the original F87 to the S55 in the Competition and CS, and the S58 in the G87. Real UK replacement costs, known failure patterns, and honest ownership economics for BMW's most engaging modern M car. Backed by real UK M2 engine enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED].
Explore M2 Engines- M2 Enquiries (2025)[BMW-VERIFIED]
- 2Generations, 3 Powertrains
- 3Engine Codes
- Part ofEngine Finders
BMW M2 -
The Ownership Verdict
One-line verdict:
The M2 is the purest modern M car - compact, rear-wheel-drive, and available with a manual gearbox. The engines are robust, the values are strong, and the driving experience is unmatched. Buy the newest S58 you can afford, or hunt for a well-maintained S55 Competition - and on any modified car, ask about the crank hub.
Verdict MetricOur Call
Overall Ownership Rating
(4.2/5)
Replacement Economics
The M2 rule - pay to play: an S55/S58 recon at £7,000–£10,000+ against a £35,000–£60,000 car is 12–29% - ✅ safe on most examples. On a high-mileage F87 N55 at £25,000, a £4,500–£7,000 recon is 18–28% - still safe. The M2's values are strong enough to justify engine work.
Reliability
- the N55 is robust, the S55 is proven, and the S58 is widely regarded as one of BMW's most reliable modern performance engines
Most Reliable Engine
S58B30 (G87) - the latest M engine is proving exceptionally robust
Highest-Risk Engine
N55B30T0 (F87 standard) - crank hub spin risk on modified cars • S55B30 (F87 Competition/CS) - crank hub and timing chain issues
Best Used Buy
F87 M2 Competition with S55 - 405 bhp, proven engine, depreciated, and the sweet spot in the range
Best Modern Buy
G87 M2 with S58 - 453 bhp (manual) / 480 bhp (auto), the most reliable M engine, and the last manual M car
Average Engine Replacement
£5,500–£8,000 reconditioned, supply only [BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failure Enquiry
Crank hub spin (S55/S58) - shared-platform data [BMW-VERIFIED]
BMW Ranking
🏆 The Driver's M Car - the most engaging M model and the last with a manual gearbox
One-line verdict:
The M2 is the purest modern M car - compact, rear-wheel-drive, and available with a manual gearbox. The engines are robust, the values are strong, and the driving experience is unmatched. Buy the newest S58 you can afford, or hunt for a well-maintained S55 Competition - and on any modified car, ask about the crank hub.
BMW M2
at a Glance
MetricValue
Generations2 (F87 2016–2021, G87 2023–present)
Years Produced2016–2021, 2023–present
Engine Codes Tracked3 (N55B30T0, S55B30, S58B30)
Fuel TypesPetrol only
Most Enquired Engine (2025)S58B30 / S55B30 - shared-platform dataBMW-VERIFIED
Most ReliableS58B30 (G87)
Highest-RiskN55/S55 - crank hub spin (especially modified cars)
Typical Replacement Cost£4,500–£10,000+ reconditionedBMW-QUOTE
Typical Host Value£25,000 (high-mileage F87) – £70,000+ (new G87)
Overall Rating4.2/5
Generations
2 (F87 2016–2021, G87 2023–present)
Years Produced
2016–2021, 2023–present
Engine Codes Tracked
3 (N55B30T0, S55B30, S58B30)
Fuel Types
Petrol only
Most Enquired Engine (2025)
S58B30 / S55B30 - shared-platform data
BMW-VERIFIEDMost Reliable
S58B30 (G87)
Highest-Risk
N55/S55 - crank hub spin (especially modified cars)
Typical Replacement Cost
£4,500–£10,000+ reconditioned
BMW-QUOTETypical Host Value
£25,000 (high-mileage F87) – £70,000+ (new G87)
BMW M2 Generations -
Find Your Vehicle
Two generations, three powertrains, and one mission - to be the most engaging driver's car BMW makes. The right M2 depends on your budget and which engine you want.
Two generations, three powertrains, and one mission - to be the most engaging driver's car BMW makes. The right M2 depends on your budget and which engine you want.
G87
2023–present
• S58B30 3.0L twin-turbo I6, 453 bhp (manual) / 480 bhp (auto)
Read the full comparison:BMW M2 F87 vs G87
BMW M2 Engine Codes -
The Complete Database
Every engine ever fitted to a BMW M2 - verified codes, specifications and real UK ownership data.
M2 Engine Codes -
The Database
The complete database of BMW M2 engine codes with real UK enquiry data, fitted models, and replacement cost insights.
3Engine Codes
Tracked4Generations
Covered24,650+BMW Enquiries
in 2025£4.5K–£10KTypical Recon
Cost Range
Engine CodeFamilyFuelDisp.PowerYearsGenerationReliability2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost
N55B30T0N55Petrol3.0L365 bhp / 343 lb-ft2016–2018F87 Standard- (pattern data)£4,500–£7,000[BMW-QUOTE]
S55B30S55Petrol3.0L405–444 bhp2018–2021F87 Competition/CS- (pattern data)£7,000–£10,000+[BMW-QUOTE]
S58B30S58Petrol3.0L453–480 bhp2023–presentG87- (pattern data)£7,000–£10,000+[BMW-QUOTE]
All enquiries are from 2025 (to date) and verified via our internal system.
Recon costs are supply only and exclude fitting.
Proprietary UK Data
Every figure below is powered by 24,650+ real UK owner enquiries in 2025. This is data you won’t find anywhere else.
DATA SOURCES:
Enquiry volumes:EM_Proprietary_Data_2025.txt [EM-VERIFIED]
Costs:Table A - Engine Replacement Economics [EM-QUOTE]
Engine codes:Cross-referenced from your existing data
Common BMW M2 Engine Problems
The six most common failure patterns across the M2 range - symptoms, costs and urgency.
The six most common failure patterns across the M2 range - symptoms, costs and urgency.
01S55 Crank Hub Spin
CatastrophicThe defining S55 issue - the crank hub is not keyed to the crankshaft and relies on friction alone. Under high load (especially on tuned cars), it can spin, causing piston-to-valve contact. Affects F87 Competition and CS. £7,000–£10,000+ recon.
Learn more02N55 Crank Hub Spin (Modified Cars)
CatastrophicThe N55 shares the same crank hub design weakness as the S55. On modified cars with increased power, the hub can spin. Affects F87 standard M2 with aftermarket tuning.
Learn more
03S55 Timing Chain Tensioner Wear
ImmediateThe S55's timing chain tensioner can wear, causing rattling on cold start. Skipping oil changes or using the wrong oil accelerates wear. Affects F87 Competition/CS.
Learn more
04S58 Coolant System
LowThe S58's known weak point - coolant expansion tank leaks and water pump failures. Affects G87 M2 (2023+). £400–£800 repair, not catastrophic if caught early.
Learn more
05N55 Oil Filter Housing Leaks
MonitorThe N55's common issue - oil filter housing gasket leaks causing oil loss. Affects F87 standard M2. £500–£1,200 repair.
Learn more
06F87 Rear Subframe & Diff Mounts
MonitorNot an engine failure - but a common non-engine M2 enquiry. The F87's rear subframe and differential mounts can fatigue under hard use. Check on any tracked or high-mileage F87.
Learn more01S55 Crank Hub Spin
The defining S55 issue - the crank hub is not keyed to the crankshaft and relies on friction alone. Under high load (especially on tuned cars), it can spin, causing piston-to-valve contact. Affects F87 Competition and CS. £7,000–£10,000+ recon.
CatastrophicLearn more
02N55 Crank Hub Spin (Modified Cars)
The N55 shares the same crank hub design weakness as the S55. On modified cars with increased power, the hub can spin. Affects F87 standard M2 with aftermarket tuning.
CatastrophicLearn more
03S55 Timing Chain Tensioner Wear
The S55's timing chain tensioner can wear, causing rattling on cold start. Skipping oil changes or using the wrong oil accelerates wear. Affects F87 Competition/CS.
ImmediateLearn more
04S58 Coolant System
The S58's known weak point - coolant expansion tank leaks and water pump failures. Affects G87 M2 (2023+). £400–£800 repair, not catastrophic if caught early.
LowLearn more
05N55 Oil Filter Housing Leaks
The N55's common issue - oil filter housing gasket leaks causing oil loss. Affects F87 standard M2. £500–£1,200 repair.
MonitorLearn more
06F87 Rear Subframe & Diff Mounts
Not an engine failure - but a common non-engine M2 enquiry. The F87's rear subframe and differential mounts can fatigue under hard use. Check on any tracked or high-mileage F87.
MonitorLearn more
URGENCY KEY
Catastrophicstop driving, specialist inspection immediately
Immediatebook inspection now
Monitorbook inspection soon
Lowplan at next service
BMW M2 Market Intelligence -
What UK Owners Told Us in 2025
24,650+BMW Enquiries in 2025[BMW-VERIFIED]
Signal2025 DataDemand Trend
BMW M2 F87 enquiries-(aggregated in shared data)(aggregated in shared data)Rising the F87 is a modern classic the F87 is a modern classic[PLACEHOLDER - YoY %][PLACEHOLDER - YoY %]
BMW M2 G87 enquiries-(pattern data)(pattern data)Rising new generation entering used market new generation entering used market[PLACEHOLDER - YoY %][PLACEHOLDER - YoY %]
S55 crank hub enquiries-(shared with M3/M4 data)(shared with M3/M4 data)Stable well-known issue well-known issue[PLACEHOLDER - YoY %][PLACEHOLDER - YoY %]
Insights from the data:
Interesting insight: The M2 generates a different kind of enquiry than the rest of the BMW range - owners are enthusiasts doing due diligence on specific known issues (crank hub, timing chain) rather than families facing unexpected failures. The M2 buyer knows what they're getting into - they just want to know which engine and which year to choose. (Editorial synthesis - specialist sense-check before publishing.)
Interesting insight: The M2 generates a different kind of enquiry than the rest of the BMW range - owners are enthusiasts doing due diligence on specific known issues (crank hub, timing chain) rather than families facing unexpected failures. The M2 buyer knows what they're getting into - they just want to know which engine and which year to choose. (Editorial synthesis - specialist sense-check before publishing.)
The F87 M2 Competition is the sweet spot in the used market - 405 bhp, the S55 engine, and the M3/M4's proven powertrain in a smaller, more engaging package. The crank hub is the only caveat - budget for a hub fix (£1,500–£3,000) or buy one that's already been done. (Editorial synthesis.)
The F87 M2 Competition is the sweet spot in the used market - 405 bhp, the S55 engine, and the M3/M4's proven powertrain in a smaller, more engaging package. The crank hub is the only caveat - budget for a hub fix (£1,500–£3,000) or buy one that's already been done. (Editorial synthesis.)
The G87 M2 with the S58 is the future - 453–480 bhp, the most reliable modern M engine, and the last manual M car. Too new for volume reliability data, but the S58 is proving exceptionally robust in the M3/M4. (Editorial synthesis.)
The G87 M2 with the S58 is the future - 453–480 bhp, the most reliable modern M engine, and the last manual M car. Too new for volume reliability data, but the S58 is proving exceptionally robust in the M3/M4. (Editorial synthesis.)
EDITORIAL PULL-QUOTE
The One Thing We'd Tell Every BMW M2 Buyer
The One Thing We'd Tell Every BMW M2 Buyer
“If you buy one M2 based on this page, buy an F87 M2 Competition with the S55 - it's the sweet spot in the range: 405 bhp, proven engine, and depreciated into sensible territory. Just budget for a crank hub fix (£1,500–£3,000) or buy one that's already been done. If your budget stretches, the G87 with the S58 is the most reliable M2 ever made - and the last manual M car.”
“If you buy one M2 based on this page, buy an F87 M2 Competition with the S55 - it's the sweet spot in the range: 405 bhp, proven engine, and depreciated into sensible territory. Just budget for a crank hub fix (£1,500–£3,000) or buy one that's already been done. If your budget stretches, the G87 with the S58 is the most reliable M2 ever made - and the last manual M car.”
BMW M2 Engine Replacement Costs -
By Generation
Real UK pricing for used, reconditioned and rebuilt engines - supply only, with labour guidance.
Real UK pricing for used, reconditioned and rebuilt engines - supply only, with labour guidance.
- TransparentReal UK Prices
- Quality AssuredTested Engines
- Fitted by ExpertsTrusted Garages
- 12 MonthsWarranty
F87 - M2
2016 – 2021
VariantEngine CodeUsed (Supply)Reconditioned (Supply)Rebuilt (Supply)Labour Hours
M2 Standard (N55)N55B30T0£2,500–£4,500£4,500–£7,000£6,000–£9,00012–16 hrs
M2 Competition/CS (S55)S55B30£4,000–£7,000£7,000–£10,000+£9,000–£14,000+16–20 hrs
G87 - M2
2023 – present
VariantEngine CodeUsed (Supply)Reconditioned (Supply)Rebuilt (Supply)Labour Hours
M2 (S58)S58B30£4,000–£7,000£7,000–£10,000+£9,000–£14,000+16–20 hrs
F87 - M2 (2016–2021)
VariantEngine CodeUsed
(Supply)Reconditioned
(Supply)Rebuilt
(Supply)Labour
Hours
(Supply)Reconditioned
(Supply)Rebuilt
(Supply)Labour
Hours
M2 Standard (N55)N55B30T0£2,500–£4,500£4,500–£7,000£6,000–£9,00012–16 hrs
M2 Competition/CS (S55)S55B30£4,000–£7,000£7,000–£10,000+£9,000–£14,000+16–20 hrs
Prices are supply only. Labour and ancillary parts extra.
Important Notes
Prices are supply only and exclude fitting. Figures tagged [BMW-QUOTE] come from UK specialist quotes; others are [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet].
Prices are supply only and exclude fitting.
Labour estimate: Fitting a BMW M2 engine typically takes 12–20 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [BMW-QUOTE].
Labour Estimate
Fitting a BMW M2 engine typically takes 12–20 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [BMW-QUOTE].
The M2 rule - pay to play:
A £7,000–£10,000+ S55/S58 recon against a £35,000–£60,000 car sits at 12–29% - ✅ safe on most examples. Against a £25,000 high-mileage F87 N55, a £4,500–£7,000 recon is 18–28% - ✅ safe. Against a £45,000 F87 CS, a £7,000–£10,000+ recon is 16–22% - ✅ safe. The M2's values are strong enough to justify engine work - but factor in preventative maintenance (crank hub fix £1,500–£3,000) as part of the purchase cost. Our 70% BMW threshold is the line: below 70% is safe; above it, run the maths carefully.
A £7,000–£10,000+ S55/S58 recon against a £35,000–£60,000 car sits at 12–29% - ✅ safe on most examples. Against a £25,000 high-mileage F87 N55, a £4,500–£7,000 recon is 18–28% - ✅ safe. Against a £45,000 F87 CS, a £7,000–£10,000+ recon is 16–22% - ✅ safe. The M2's values are strong enough to justify engine work - but factor in preventative maintenance (crank hub fix £1,500–£3,000) as part of the purchase cost. Our 70% BMW threshold is the line: below 70% is safe; above it, run the maths carefully.
How the BMW M2 Engine Range
Evolved - 2016 to Today
How the BMW M2 Engine Range
Evolved -
2016 to Today
From the N55 to today’s S58, explore how engineering, emissions and performance shaped every generation of M2 engines.
From the N55 to today’s S58, explore how engineering, emissions and performance shaped every generation of M2 engines.
- 4 Generations2016 to Present
- 3 Engine FamiliesFrom N55 to S58
- 10 Years of EngineeringPerformance & Innovation
- Built for DriversReliability + Dynamics
EraYearsKey EnginesWhy BMW ChangedWorth Knowing
F87 Standard - the N55 era
2016–2018
N55B30T0BMW launched the M2 as the spiritual successor to the 1M Coupe. The N55 was chosen over the S55 to create a distinct character - more playful, less serious.The N55B30T0 is a unique M2-specific engine - different pistons, rods, bearings, and cooling from the standard N55. It's robust but the crank hub is still a concern on modified cars.
2016–2018N55B30T0BMW launched the M2 as the spiritual successor to the 1M Coupe. The N55 was chosen over the S55 to create a distinct character - more playful, less serious.The N55B30T0 is a unique M2-specific engine - different pistons, rods, bearings, and cooling from the standard N55. It's robust but the crank hub is still a concern on modified cars.F87 Competition - the S55 arrives
2018–2020
S55B30The M2 Competition replaced the standard M2 with the S55 from the M3/M4 - 405 bhp, improved cooling, and a more serious character.The S55 brought M3/M4 performance to the M2 - but also the crank hub weakness. The Competition is the sweet spot in the used market.
2018–2020S55B30The M2 Competition replaced the standard M2 with the S55 from the M3/M4 - 405 bhp, improved cooling, and a more serious character.The S55 brought M3/M4 performance to the M2 - but also the crank hub weakness. The Competition is the sweet spot in the used market.F87 CS - the ultimate F87
2020–2021S55B30The M2 CS was the ultimate F87 - 444 bhp, carbon fibre, and just 2,200 examples produced.A future classic. The CS is expensive but values are holding strong. The S55's crank hub is still the caveat.
2020–2021S55B30The M2 CS was the ultimate F87 - 444 bhp, carbon fibre, and just 2,200 examples produced.A future classic. The CS is expensive but values are holding strong. The S55's crank hub is still the caveat.G87 - the S58 era
2023–present
S58B30The second-generation M2 arrived on the CLAR platform - bigger, more powerful, and with the S58 engine from the G80 M3.The S58 is widely regarded as BMW's most reliable modern performance engine. The G87 is the last manual M car. Buy it while you can.
2023–presentS58B30The second-generation M2 arrived on the CLAR platform - bigger, more powerful, and with the S58 engine from the G80 M3.The S58 is widely regarded as BMW's most reliable modern performance engine. The G87 is the last manual M car. Buy it while you can.Key Engines
N55B30T0
Why BMW Changed
BMW launched the M2 as the spiritual successor to the 1M Coupe. The N55 was chosen over the S55 to create a distinct character - more playful, less serious.
Worth Knowing
The N55B30T0 is a unique M2-specific engine - different pistons, rods, bearings, and cooling from the standard N55. It's robust but the crank hub is still a concern on modified cars.
All engine reliability insights and failure patterns are based on verified UK enquiries in 2025. Data covers the UK market.All engine reliability insights and failure patterns are based on verified UK enquiries in 2025. Data covers the UK market. [BMW-VERIFIED]
Who Should Buy a BMW M2?
Who Should Buy a BMW M2?
Different buyers, different priorities. Here’s our verdict on who the M2 is perfect for - and who should think twice.
Different buyers, different priorities. Here’s our verdict on who the M2 is perfect for - and who should think twice.
- Built for Real LifePractical. Powerful.
Proven. - Data-Backed RatingsReal UK enquiry data
analysed in 2025. - Honest VerdictsNo hype. Just the truth
about ownership. - Buyer-FocusedFind the right M2
for your needs.
Buyer ProfileRatingOur Verdict
Performance BuyerThe M2 is built for this - 405 bhp (Competition) to 480 bhp (G87), rear-wheel-drive, and available with a manual gearbox. The F87 Competition is the used sweet spot; the G87 is the future. Buy the newest S58 you can afford, or hunt for a well-maintained S55 Competition.
Enthusiast / CollectorThe F87 M2 CS is a future classic - 444 bhp, carbon fibre, and just 2,200 examples produced. The F87 Competition is the modern classic - 405 bhp, proven engine, and the last of the analogue M cars. Both are worth proper investment.
Daily DriverThe M2 is a daily-drivable sports car - the ride is firm but acceptable, the boot is practical, and the rear seats are usable. The G87 is more comfortable than the F87; the F87 Competition is the better weekend car.Track Day UserThe M2 is one of the best track-day cars you can buy - compact, rear-wheel-drive, and with exceptional chassis balance. The F87 Competition is the track-day sweet spot; the G87 is faster but heavier. Budget for cooling upgrades and crank hub prevention.
Budget Conscious BuyerA £25,000 high-mileage F87 N55 is the entry point - but budget for crank hub prevention (£1,500–£3,000) and regular maintenance. The F87 Competition is worth the extra money - 405 bhp and a more robust engine for £30,000–£35,000.Performance BuyerThe M2 is built for this - 405 bhp (Competition) to 480 bhp (G87), rear-wheel-drive, and available with a manual gearbox. The F87 Competition is the used sweet spot; the G87 is the future. Buy the newest S58 you can afford, or hunt for a well-maintained S55 Competition.
Enthusiast / CollectorThe F87 M2 CS is a future classic - 444 bhp, carbon fibre, and just 2,200 examples produced. The F87 Competition is the modern classic - 405 bhp, proven engine, and the last of the analogue M cars. Both are worth proper investment.
Daily DriverThe M2 is a daily-drivable sports car - the ride is firm but acceptable, the boot is practical, and the rear seats are usable. The G87 is more comfortable than the F87; the F87 Competition is the better weekend car.
Track Day UserThe M2 is one of the best track-day cars you can buy - compact, rear-wheel-drive, and with exceptional chassis balance. The F87 Competition is the track-day sweet spot; the G87 is faster but heavier. Budget for cooling upgrades and crank hub prevention.
Budget Conscious BuyerA £25,000 high-mileage F87 N55 is the entry point - but budget for crank hub prevention (£1,500–£3,000) and regular maintenance. The F87 Competition is worth the extra money - 405 bhp and a more robust engine for £30,000–£35,000.
Real talk. The right M2 for you depends on your budget, your mileage, and your patience for maintenance. Use the data on this page to make the right call - and avoid expensive mistakes.The right M2 for you depends on your budget, your mileage, and your patience for maintenance. Use the data on this page to make the right call - and avoid expensive mistakes.
Explore M2 EnginesCan I Repair My BMW M2 Engine - or Should I Replace It?
Crank hub spin on an S55? Cold-start rattle on an N55? On the M2, the answer is almost always repair - the values are strong enough to justify engine work.
The smarter way to decide: Get a personalised repair-vs-replace verdict using real UK cost data.
Know your engine?
Launch the BMW diagnostic calculator with BMW M2 pre-selected.
- BMW M2 pre-selectedAll generations covered
- Real UK cost dataUsed, recon & rebuilt
- Instant verdictRepair vs replace
Not sure which engine you have?
We’ll identify it first.
Identification is the first step inside the tool.We’ll pinpoint your exact engine code before running the diagnostics.
Stop guessing. Get the right answer.
Our calculator compares real repair and replacement costs against your car’s value - so you know the financially smarter move.
Why BMW M2 Owners
Trust BMWEngines.uk
Why BMW M2 Owners
Trust BMWEngines.uk
Built on Real Data - M2 engine enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED] - covering two generations and three powertrains. Nobody has seen more UK M2 engine decisions.- M2 engine enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED] - covering two generations and three powertrains. Nobody has seen more UK M2 engine decisions.
We Tell You When Not to Repair - On a modified F87 N55 with crank hub failure, sometimes the honest answer is walk away. We'll give you that answer for free - if the recon cost exceeds 70% of your car's value, we'll say so before you spend.- On a modified F87 N55 with crank hub failure, sometimes the honest answer is walk away. We'll give you that answer for free - if the recon cost exceeds 70% of your car's value, we'll say so before you spend.
Vetted BMW Specialists - 20+ vetted BMW specialists across the UK, specifically assessed on S55 crank hub diagnostics, N55 rebuilds, and S58 servicing. Not generalist garages - M specialists.- 20+ vetted BMW specialists across the UK, specifically assessed on S55 crank hub diagnostics, N55 rebuilds, and S58 servicing. Not generalist garages - M specialists.
Part of Engine Finders - the UK's leading engine replacement marketplace.- the UK's leading engine replacement marketplace.
BMW M2 Frequently Asked Questions
BMW M2 Frequently
Asked Questions
1How much does a BMW M2 engine replacement cost in the UK?How much does a BMW M2 engine replacement cost in the UK?
A reconditioned BMW M2 engine typically costs £4,500–£10,000+ supply only [BMW-QUOTE] - from the N55 in the standard M2 at £4,500–£7,000 to the S55/S58 at £7,000–£10,000+. Fitting adds £650–£1,500. Use our calculator for a personalised figure.
2Which BMW M2 engine is the most reliable?Which BMW M2 engine is the most reliable?
The S58B30 in the G87 - widely regarded as one of BMW's most reliable modern performance engines. The S55B30 in the F87 Competition/CS is proven but carries the crank hub caveat. The N55B30T0 in the standard F87 is robust but the crank hub is still a concern on modified cars.
3Which BMW M2 engine should I avoid?Which BMW M2 engine should I avoid?
No engine outright - but a modified S55 without a crank hub fix is the one purchase we consistently advise against. The crank hub is the Achilles heel of the S55. A G87 with S58 has no such caveat. A standard F87 N55 is the safest entry point - but budget for crank hub prevention if you plan to modify it.
4How do I know if my M2 engine needs replacing?How do I know if my M2 engine needs replacing?
By engine: sudden loss of power and metallic noise (crank hub spin on S55/S58), rattling on cold start (N55/S55 timing chain tensioner), blue smoke on startup (N55/S55 valve stem seals). On the S55, any unusual engine noise at high RPM is a warning sign. Caught early, it's a repair; ignored, it's a £4,500–£10,000+ engine [BMW-QUOTE]. Use our diagnostic calculator for a personalised assessment.
5Is it worth replacing a BMW M2 engine?Is it worth replacing a BMW M2 engine?
Yes - the M2's values are strong enough to justify engine work. Against a £35,000 F87 Competition, a £7,000–£10,000+ S55 recon is 20–29% - safe. Against a £60,000 G87, a £7,000–£10,000+ S58 recon is 12–17% - safe. Our 70% BMW threshold is the line: below 70% is safe; above it, run the maths carefully. Use our calculator for your car.
6Which BMW M2 should I buy?Which BMW M2 should I buy?
F87 M2 Competition with the S55 - 405 bhp, proven engine, and depreciated into sensible territory (£30,000–£38,000). Budget for a crank hub fix (£1,500–£3,000) or buy one that's already been done. For the purist, the F87 standard with the N55 is the most playful M2 - but it's less powerful and the interior is dated. For the future, the G87 with the S58 is the most reliable M2 ever made - and the last manual M car.
7How do I find my BMW M2 engine code?How do I find my BMW M2 engine code?
Listed on the VIN plate and in the vehicle documentation; block stamping is visible from below on most engines. Or tell us your generation and variant (F87 Standard, F87 Competition, F87 CS, G87) and we'll identify it - 20+ vetted specialists will confirm it for free.
8BMW M2 vs M3 - which is more reliable?BMW M2 vs M3 - which is more reliable?
Mechanically they share engines - the S55 in the F87 Competition/CS is the same engine as the F80 M3; the S58 in the G87 is the same engine as the G80 M3. The M2 is lighter and works the powertrain less hard; the M3 is heavier but benefits from the same engineering. Buy on engine and year, not badge. The M2 offers more engagement; the M3 offers more practicality. Read the full head-to-head →
Need a head-to-head comparison?Read our in-depth BMW M2 generation and engine comparisons.Read our in-depth BMW M2 generation and engine comparisons.
Read the Comparisons
Ready to Makea Decision?
Everything you need to choose with confidence.
Data. Honesty. Specialists. All in one place.
Everything you need to choose with confidence.
Data. Honesty. Specialists. All in one place.
