How much does a BMW M3 F80 engine replacement cost in the UK?

A reconditioned S55 engine for the F80 M3 typically costs £8,000–£14,000 supply only, depending on variant -the standard 431 PS sits at £8,000–£12,000, while the CS runs £9,000–£14,000. Fitting adds £1,040–£1,430. Use our calculator for a personalised figure.

Which F80 M3 engine is the most reliable?

All F80 M3s use the same S55 twin-turbo straight-six engine in different power outputs. Reliability is consistent across variants -the S55 is generally more reliable than the S65 V8 it replaced, but all share the same known vulnerabilities: crank hub slip, rod bearing wear and carbon buildup. The Competition Package offers the best power-to-reliability balance.

What are the common problems with the F80 M3?

Crank hub slippage (the single most important issue to address), rod bearing wear, carbon buildup on intake valves, turbocharger and cooling system issues, and a driveshaft recall on certain model years. All are well-understood by BMW M specialists.

Is the BMW M3 F80 reliable overall?

Yes -but it depends on maintenance. The S55 is a robust engine when properly maintained, but the crank hub is a genuine weak point. With preventative work (aftermarket crank hub, frequent oil changes), the F80 M3 can be a reliable performance car. Poor maintenance or aggressive modification significantly increases risk.

Which F80 M3 variant should I avoid?

No outright avoidance -but a 2014–2016 standard car without documented crank hub or rod bearing history deserves a thorough inspection. A CS without full service history is a red flag, as these are limited-production cars with specific maintenance requirements.

How do I know if my F80 M3 engine needs replacing?

Crank hub failure often presents as sudden loss of power, timing issues or a check engine light. Rod bearing failure is indicated by low oil pressure warnings or a knocking noise from the bottom end. Carbon buildup can cause rough idling, misfires or reduced power.

Is it worth replacing an F80 M3 engine, or should I scrap the car?

Depends on the car's value. Against a well-kept £30,000+ F80 M3, a £9,000 S55 recon is 30% of the car's value -a significant but often viable investment. Against a tired £15,000 example, the same recon is 60% -approaching our 70% BMW threshold, assess carefully. For clean, low-mileage or CS examples, engine replacement is usually justified.

How long do F80 M3 engines last?

With proper maintenance and preventative work (crank hub, rod bearings), the S55 can exceed 100,000+ miles. Frequent oil changes (5,000-mile intervals), correct warm-up procedures and track-use preparation are essential for longevity.

What is the difference between the F80 M3 and the F82 M4?

The F80 is the four-door M3 saloon (2014–2018), while the F82 is the two-door M4 coupé (2014–2020). Both share the same S55 engine and mechanical platform, but the M4 has a lower roofline, different body panels and slightly different suspension tuning. The M4 also offered a convertible (F83). See each generation's own page for specifics.

How do I find my F80 M3 engine code?

Check the VIN plate or vehicle documentation -all F80 M3s use the S55B30A engine family. Standard cars (2014–2016) are S55B30A, Competition Package (2016–2018) is S55B30T0, and CS (2017–2018) is also S55B30T0 with a different tune. Tell us your variant and registration year and we'll identify it -20+ vetted BMW M specialists will confirm it for free.

BMW M3 F80Saloon2014–2018

BMW M3 F80 Engines — The Complete UK Guide

Every engine fitted to the fifth-generation M3 F80 — from the standard 431 PS S55 twin-turbo straight-six to the 444 PS Competition Package and the limited-run 460 PS CS.

Real UK costs, honest reliability data, and the first turbocharged M3 in history.

Backed by genuine UK specialist data for 2025.

Explore F80 Engines

F80 Enquiries (2025) -pattern data
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5Engine Codes
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F80 Enquiries (2025) -pattern data
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Engine Database

BMW M3 F80 Engine Codes — The Complete Database

Every engine fitted to the M3 F80 specifically — from the standard S55 to the Competition Package and the limited-run CS.

Engine CodeFuelPowerYearsReliabilityEnquiries (2025)Avg. Recon Cost

S55B30AS55Petrol317 kW(431 PS)2014–2016★★★☆☆PROVISIONALpending dedicated Engine Page—(pattern data)£8,000–£12,000[BMW-QUOTE]

S55B30T0 (Competition)S55Petrol331 kW(450 PS)2016–2018★★★☆☆PROVISIONALpending dedicated Engine Page—(pattern data)£8,500–£13,000[BMW-QUOTE]

S55B30T0 (CS)S55Petrol338 kW(460 PS)2017–2018★★★☆☆PROVISIONALpending dedicated Engine Page—(pattern data)£9,000–£14,000[BMW-QUOTE]

Overview

BMW M3 F80 — Overview

The fifth-generation BMW M3 (codenamed F80) was produced from March 2014 to October 2018, marking a historic departure for the M3 lineage. For the first time, the M3 was offered exclusively as a four-door saloon — the coupé and convertible versions were spun off into the separate M4 model line (F82/F83). Built on the F30 3 Series platform, the F80 M3 was powered by the S55 twin-turbocharged straight-six engine — a 3.0-litre unit with two mono-scroll turbochargers, closed-deck crankcase design, and Valvetronic variable valve lift.

This made the F80 the first turbocharged M3 in history. The engine range was offered in three power outputs: 431 PS (standard), 450 PS (Competition Package from 2016), and 460 PS (CS limited edition from 2017). All F80 M3s feature rear-wheel drive, with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (DCT).

Key Facts

PlatformBMW F30 (modified)
PredecessorBMW M3 E90/E92/E93
SuccessorBMW M3 G80
Sibling Body Styles in this GenerationF82 M4 Coupé, F83 M4 Convertible

Market Intelligence

The F80 M3 generates steady UK specialist enquiries, concentrated on the standard and Competition Package variants as these turbocharged M cars enter the used performance car market.

04Best & Worst Engines

Best & Worst Engines

Thin-Data Summary

Thin-Data Fallback mode — one paragraph: The F80 M3 is powered exclusively by the S55B30A twin-turbo straight-six, offered in three power outputs. The standard 431 PS version (2014–2016) is the most common and represents the purest expression of BMW's first turbocharged M3. The Competition Package (2016–2018) raises output to 450 PS with revised suspension and software — it's widely regarded as the sweet spot in the F80 range. The limited-run CS (2017–2018, 460 PS) is the ultimate F80, with additional power and weight reduction, but only 1,200 units were produced. All S55 engines share the same fundamental architecture — a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six with 550 Nm of torque. The engine is praised for its power delivery and responsiveness, but the S55 has known vulnerabilities: the crank hub can slip under high stress, rod bearing wear is a concern with poor maintenance, and carbon buildup is a common issue on direct-injection engines. For most buyers, the Competition Package offers the best blend of performance, reliability and value.

Thin-Data Summary

BMW M3 F80
Ownership Economics

Engine

Typical Mileage

Common Major Failure

Repair Cost (Specialist)

Replacement Cost (Recon)

Ownership Verdict

S55B30A (431 PS)40k–80kCrank hub slip, rod bearing wear£1,500–£3,500£8,000–£12,000

Watch Closely -high-performance M engine

S55B30T0 (450 PS Comp)40k–80kCrank hub slip, rod bearing wear£1,500–£3,500£8,500–£13,000

Best Buy -the sweet spot in the range

S55B30T0 (460 PS CS)30k–60kCrank hub slip, rod bearing wear£1,500–£3,500£9,000–£14,000

Flagship -rare and collectable

Engine

Typical Mileage

Common Major Failure

Repair Cost (Specialist)

Replacement Cost (Recon)

Ownership Verdict

S55B30A (431 PS)40k–80kCrank hub slip, rod bearing wear£1,500–£3,500£8,000–£12,000

Watch Closely -high-performance M engine

S55B30T0 (450 PS Comp)40k–80kCrank hub slip, rod bearing wear£1,500–£3,500£8,500–£13,000

Best Buy -the sweet spot in the range

S55B30T0 (460 PS CS)30k–60kCrank hub slip, rod bearing wear£1,500–£3,500£9,000–£14,000

Flagship -rare and collectable

The F80 rule

An £8,000–£12,000 S55 recon against a £25,000–£50,000 F80 M3 sits at 16–48% of the car's value -within our 70% BMW threshold. Even against a high-mileage £20,000 example, the same recon is 40–60% -a significant financial decision but often viable for a car of this calibre. The F80 M3 holds value well; engine replacement can be justified if the car is otherwise excellent. However, the S55's known weaknesses -crank hub and rod bearings -mean preventative maintenance is strongly recommended.

Common Problems

S55

Crank Hub Slippage

Affected models:

All F80 M3, F82 M4, F87 M2 Competition (S55 engine, 2014–2018).

Typical failure mileage:

30,000–80,000 miles (can occur at any mileage).

Root cause:

The S55 engine has a well-documented weak point in the crank hub design. The crank hub connects the crankshaft to the timing chain and sprocket. Under high torque and stress -especially when modified or tracked -the hub can slip or spin on the crankshaft, causing the timing to go out of sync. This can result in catastrophic engine failure and expensive repairs. The issue is prevalent enough that aftermarket "crank hub fixes" are a common upgrade.

Tiered Cost Table

Preventative (Repair)

Dealer

Specialist

£2,500–£4,000

£1,500–£3,000

Catastrophic (Replacement)

Dealer

Specialist

£10,000–£15,000

£8,000–£12,000

Our Recommendation

If you own or are buying an F80 M3, consider an aftermarket crank hub upgrade as preventative maintenance -a £1,500–£3,000 investment is cheaper than the £8,000+ replacement that follows a failure. This is especially important if the car has been modified or will be tracked. Many specialists recommend this as the single most important reliability modification for the S55 engine.

Compare S55 engine prices for your F80 M3

S55

Rod Bearing Wear

Affected models:

All F80 M3, F82 M4, F87 M2 Competition (S55 engine, 2014–2018).

Typical failure mileage:

60,000–100,000 miles.

Root cause:

While the S55 bottom end is generally more reliable than its predecessor (the S65 V8), rod bearing wear can still be an issue, particularly with extended high-rpm use or poor maintenance intervals. BMW changed the oil pressure mapping for the S55 to mitigate the rod bearing failures seen in the N55, but wear remains a concern. The relatively tight bearing clearances used by BMW are a contributing factor.

Tiered Cost Table

Preventative (Repair)

Dealer

Specialist

£2,000–£3,500

£1,200–£2,500

Catastrophic (Replacement)

Dealer

Specialist

£10,000–£15,000

£8,000–£12,000

Our Recommendation

Frequent oil changes with high-quality synthetic oil are essential -many specialists recommend intervals of 5,000 miles rather than BMW's factory schedule. Periodic used-oil analysis (UOA) can help detect metal particles early. For tracked vehicles, preventative rod bearing replacement is strongly recommended.

Compare S55 engine prices for your F80 M3

S55

Turbocharger & Cooling System Issues

Affected models:

All F80 M3, F82 M4, F87 M2 Competition (S55 engine, 2014–2018).

Typical failure mileage:

40,000–80,000 miles.

Root cause:

The S55 engine's twin turbos and related cooling components -including the intercooler, charge pipes, and coolant lines -are under significant pressure. Charge pipes, especially the plastic OEM units in early production, can crack under high boost or in extreme temperatures. The factory intercooler has also been known to develop internal cracks, injecting coolant directly into the intake and cylinders. Turbocharger wastegate rattle and fuel injector problems can also lead to performance drops.

Tiered Cost Table

Preventative (Repair)

Dealer

Specialist

£1,500–£3,000

£800–£2,000

Catastrophic (Replacement)

Dealer

Specialist

£10,000–£15,000

£8,000–£12,000

Our Recommendation

Replace factory plastic charge pipes with aluminium aftermarket versions to reduce the likelihood of cracking. Keep an eye on coolant levels and ensure your radiator and intercoolers remain unobstructed. If you notice boost warnings or check engine lights, address them promptly.

Compare S55 engine prices for your F80 M3

Driveshaft

Recall

Affected models:

Certain model years of the F80 M3.

Typical failure mileage:

Varies.

Root cause:

Certain model years of the F80 M3 were subject to BMW recalls for potential driveshaft defects, leading to sudden failure or excessive drivetrain vibrations. This is a serious safety concern, especially if you track your M3.

Tiered Cost Table

Preventative (Repair)

Dealer

Specialist

Free (if covered by recall)

N/A

Catastrophic (Replacement)

Dealer

Specialist

N/A

Our Recommendation

Check with BMW if your specific F80 M3 was affected by the driveshaft recall. This is a free repair if covered and should be addressed immediately.

Check your F80 M3 for recalls

F80
Engine Replacement Costs -By Engine and Condition

Variant

Engine Code

Used (Supply)

Reconditioned (Supply)

Rebuilt (Supply)

Labour Hours

M3 (2014–2016)S55B30A£5,000–£8,000£8,000–£12,000£10,000–£15,00016–22 hrs

M3 Competition (2016–2018)S55B30T0£5,500–£8,500£8,500–£13,000£11,000–£16,00016–22 hrs

M3 CS (2017–2018)S55B30T0£6,000–£9,000£9,000–£14,000£12,000–£18,00016–22 hrs

No Generation variance from the Engine Page baseline -no dedicated Engine Page exists for the S55 family yet, so baseline figures are drawn from the EM_Proprietary_Data Table A. Labour hours estimated at 16–22 hours for the S55 engine due to the complexity of the twin-turbo setup and engine bay packaging. The S55 is a high-performance engine requiring specialist tools and expertise.

Diesel & Petrol Lineup

Petrol Variants

Scope note: All variants listed are M3 F80 only. The M3 was produced 2014–2016 with 431 PS; the Competition Package was introduced in 2016 with 450 PS and revised suspension; the CS limited edition (1,200 units) was produced 2017–2018 with 460 PS. The F82 M4 Coupé and F83 M4 Convertible are separate models and covered on their own Generation Pages. There is no diesel or hybrid variant for the F80 M3.

Market Intelligence

Most Requested Engines (2025)

Most Requested Variants

Average Replacement Cost

Most Common Failures

Most Requested Engines (2025)

Most Requested Variants

Average Replacement Cost

Most Common Failures

Most Requested Engines (2025)

Most Requested Variants

Average Replacement Cost

Most Common Failures

Diesel & Petrol Lineup

Petrol Variants

Market Intelligence

Most Requested Engines (2025)

Most Requested Variants

Average Replacement Cost

Most Common Failures

Most Requested Engines (2025)

Most Requested Variants

Average Replacement Cost

Most Common Failures

Most Requested Engines (2025)

Most Requested Variants

Average Replacement Cost

Most Common Failures

FAQ

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BMW M3 F80 Engines — The Complete UK Guide

BMW M3 F80 Engine Codes — The Complete Database

BMW M3 F80 — Overview

Best & Worst Engines

BMW M3 F80 Ownership Economics

Common Problems

F80Engine Replacement Costs -By Engine and Condition

Diesel & Petrol Lineup

Market Intelligence

Diesel & Petrol Lineup

Market Intelligence

FAQ

Why UK BMW M3 F80 OwnersTrust BMWEngines.uk

BMW M3 F80
Ownership Economics

F80
Engine Replacement Costs -By Engine and Condition

Why UK BMW M3 F80 Owners
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