BMW M3 E90/E92/E93Saloon/Coupé/Convertible2007–2013
Every engine fitted to the E9X M3 — from the 4.0-litre S65 V8 that powered the saloon, coupé and convertible to the 4.4-litre S65 in the GTS and CRT.
Real UK replacement costs and honest reliability data for BMW's only V8-powered M3.
Backed by real UK enquiries [BMW-VERIFIED].
Engine Database
Every engine fitted to the E9X M3 specifically — including the standard S65B40 4.0-litre V8 and the limited-production S65B44 4.4-litre V8 found in the GTS and CRT.
Overview
The E9X M3 is the fourth generation of the BMW M3, produced from 2007 to 2013. It was the first and only M3 to feature a V8 engine — the S65 — marking a significant departure from the inline-four and inline-six engines of its predecessors. The S65 was derived from BMW's S85 V10 found in the E60 M5, sharing the same bore, stroke, and Double-VANOS system.
The E9X M3 was offered in three body styles: the E90 saloon (2008–2011), E92 coupé (2007–2013), and E93 convertible (2007–2013). Limited-production models included the E92 M3 GTS (2010–2011) and E90 M3 CRT (2011–2012), both featuring the larger 4.4-litre S65B44 engine. The E9X M3 was succeeded by the turbocharged F80 M3 in 2014.
Key Facts
Market Intelligence
The M3 nameplate generated significant UK engine enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED], with demand concentrated on the S65-powered E9X M3 based on market patterns. The S65 remains one of the most sought-after engines in the M3 lineage.
04Best & Worst Engines
Best Value
S65B40 (standard E9X M3)
“As the only engine available in the vast majority of E9X M3s, it's the only realistic choice. Values are starting to climb as the last naturally-aspirated M3 gains classic status. Budget for rod bearings and throttle actuators, and you'll have one of the greatest driver's cars ever made.”
Who it's for: buyers who want the definitive E9X M3 experience and are prepared for the maintenance.
Highest Risk
S65B40 (early production)
“The S65 is a high-performance engine with known vulnerabilities — rod bearing wear, throttle actuator failure, and VANOS cover cracking. Early cars (2007–2010) are more susceptible to these issues, and neglect can lead to catastrophic engine failure costing £12,000+.”
Who it's for: buyers with documented preventative maintenance or budget for immediate rod bearing replacement.
Most Expensive Failure
S65B44 (M3 GTS/CRT)
“The 4.4-litre S65 is even rarer and more expensive than the standard engine. A full engine replacement can exceed £15,000, and parts are increasingly difficult to source. The GTS and CRT are collector's items, but ownership costs are eye-watering.”
Who it's for: serious collectors with the budget to maintain a rare and appreciating asset.
Most Overlooked
S65B44 (M3 GTS/CRT)
“The 4.4-litre S65 is often forgotten because the GTS and CRT are so rare — only 135 GTS units and 67 CRT units were produced. It's the ultimate S65: 444 bhp, titanium exhaust, and motorsport heritage. A true collector's piece.”
Who it's for: serious BMW collectors who understand the rarity and value of these limited-edition models.
Best Value
S65B40
(standard E9X M3)
“As the only engine available in the vast majority of E9X M3s, it's the only realistic choice. Values are starting to climb as the last naturally-aspirated M3 gains classic status. Budget for rod bearings and throttle actuators, and you'll have one of the greatest driver's cars ever made.”
Who it's for: buyers who want the definitive E9X M3 experience and are prepared for the maintenance.
Highest Risk
S65B40
(early production)
“The S65 is a high-performance engine with known vulnerabilities — rod bearing wear, throttle actuator failure, and VANOS cover cracking. Early cars (2007–2010) are more susceptible to these issues, and neglect can lead to catastrophic engine failure costing £12,000+.”
Who it's for: buyers with documented preventative maintenance or budget for immediate rod bearing replacement.
Most Expensive Failure
S65B44
(M3 GTS/CRT)
“The 4.4-litre S65 is even rarer and more expensive than the standard engine. A full engine replacement can exceed £15,000, and parts are increasingly difficult to source. The GTS and CRT are collector's items, but ownership costs are eye-watering.”
Who it's for: serious collectors with the budget to maintain a rare and appreciating asset.
Most Overlooked
S65B44 (M3 GTS/CRT)
“The 4.4-litre S65 is often forgotten because the GTS and CRT are so rare — only 135 GTS units and 67 CRT units were produced. It's the ultimate S65: 444 bhp, titanium exhaust, and motorsport heritage. A true collector's piece.”
Who it's for: serious BMW collectors who understand the rarity and value of these limited-edition models.
Engine
Typical Mileage
Common Major Failure
Repair Cost (Specialist)
Replacement Cost (Recon)
Ownership Verdict
High Performance, High Cost -budget for preventative maintenanceUltimate S65 -rare, expensive, collectableEngineTypical MileageCommon Major FailureRepair Cost (Specialist)Replacement Cost (Recon)Ownership VerdictHigh Performance, High Cost -budget for preventative maintenanceUltimate S65 -rare, expensive, collectable
The E9X M3 rule
A £6,000–£12,000 S65 recon against a £15,000–£30,000 M3 sits at 20–80% of the car's value -at the upper end, that brushes our 70% BMW scrap threshold. Against a £20,000+ example, the same recon drops to 30–60% -a serious but often viable decision for a cherished car. For a GTS at £50,000+, a £8,000–£15,000 S65B44 recon is 16–30% -a repair decision, not a scrap question. These are appreciating modern classics; the replacement cost is a manageable proportion of the vehicle's worth. But beware of rod bearings -budget for preventative work (£1,800–£2,500) if buying used.
Key Takeaways
Which E9X M3 Costs Least To Own?
S65B40 (standard) -it's the only realistic option; budget for preventative maintenance.
Which E9X M3 Costs Most To Own?
S65B44 (GTS/CRT) -rare parts, specialist labour, eye-watering costs.
Which E9X M3 Is Best Value?
S65B40 (standard) -the last naturally-aspirated M3, an appreciating modern classic.
Rod
Bearing Wear (All S65 Engines)
Affected models:
Typical failure mileage:
Root cause:
Our Recommendation
If you're buying an E9X M3, budget for rod bearing replacement immediately if there's no documented history -£1,800–£2,500 is dramatically cheaper than the £6,000+ replacement that follows a failure. Many specialists recommend changing the bearings at around 100,000 km (62,000 miles) whether you hear the problem or not. On a £20,000+ car, this is a cost of ownership you should budget for.
Throttle
Actuator Failure (All S65 Engines)
Affected models:
Typical failure mileage:
Root cause:
Our Recommendation
If your M3 develops loss of power or enters limp mode, have the throttle actuators checked immediately -£800–£1,500 for replacement is cheaper than being stranded. Uprated throttle actuators with a lifetime warranty are available.
VANOS
Cover Cracking (All S65 Engines)
Affected models:
Typical failure mileage:
Root cause:
Our Recommendation
Many specialists recommend replacing the plastic VANOS covers with aluminium units as preventative maintenance -£500–£1,200 is cheaper than the £5,000+ replacement that follows oil starvation.
Cooling
System & Oil Leaks (All S65 Engines)
Affected models:
Typical failure mileage:
Root cause:
Our Recommendation
Have the cooling system and valve covers inspected at every service -a £400–£1,000 preventative repair is cheaper than the £5,000+ replacement that follows a catastrophic failure.
VariantEngine Code
Used (Supply)
Reconditioned (Supply)
Rebuilt (Supply)
Labour HoursScope note: All variants listed are E9X M3 only. The standard M3 used the S65B40 4.0-litre V8. The GTS and CRT used the S65B44 4.4-litre V8 and were limited-production models. The E92 M3 GTS was produced in 2010–2011 (135 units), and the E90 M3 CRT in 2011–2012 (67 units). The F80 M3 (2014–2020) used a twin-turbo S55 inline-six and is covered on its own Generation Page.
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£7,000–£12,000 (reconditioned, supply only)
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Live FeedBMW M3 E92
S65B40
London
Rod bearing knock, oil analysis3
enquiries
Updated MonthlyBMW M3 E90
S65B40
ManchesterLimp mode, throttle actuator failure2
enquiries
Updated MonthlyBMW M3 E92 GTS
S65B44
BirminghamPreventative rod bearing replacement1
enquiry
Updated MonthlyMost Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£7,000–£12,000 (reconditioned, supply only)
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£7,000–£12,000 (reconditioned, supply only)
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Scope note: All variants listed are E9X M3 only. The standard M3 used the S65B40 4.0-litre V8. The GTS and CRT used the S65B44 4.4-litre V8 and were limited-production models. The E92 M3 GTS was produced in 2010–2011 (135 units), and the E90 M3 CRT in 2011–2012 (67 units). The F80 M3 (2014–2020) used a twin-turbo S55 inline-six and is covered on its own Generation Page.
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£7,000–£12,000 (reconditioned, supply only)
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£7,000–£12,000 (reconditioned, supply only)
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£7,000–£12,000 (reconditioned, supply only)
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Live FeedBMW M3 E92
S65B40
LondonRod bearing knock, oil analysis3
enquiries
BMW M3 E90
S65B40
ManchesterLimp mode, throttle actuator failure2
enquiries
BMW M3 E92 GTS
S65B44
BirminghamPreventative rod bearing replacement1
enquiry
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