
BMW M3 G80/G81 Engines -The Complete UK Guide
Every engine fitted to the sixth-generation M3 -from the 480 bhp S58 straight-six in the base manual to the 523 bhp Competition M xDrive and the limited-run M3 CS. Real UK replacement costs, honest reliability data, and the cooling system and oil consumption issues that define this generation's ownership story. Backed by real UK enquiry data [PATTERN DATA].
Explore G80/G81 EnginesBMW M3 G80/G81 Engine Codes -The Complete Database
Every engine fitted to the G80 and G81 -from the 2020 launch to the present, including the 2024 LCI power bumps and the limited-edition CS variants.

Overview
BMW M3 G80/G81 -Overview
The G80 is the sixth generation of the BMW M3, a high-performance sports saloon unveiled in September 2020 and based on the G20 3 Series platform.
For the first time in M3 history, a Touring (estate) variant -the G81 -was introduced in June 2022. Both body styles are powered exclusively by the S58 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, available in outputs ranging from 480 PS (473 bhp) to 530 PS (523 bhp), with a limited-run M3 CS producing 550 PS (543 bhp). Transmission options include a 6-speed manual (base model only) and an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic, with M xDrive all-wheel drive available on Competition models. A 2024 Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) facelift brought a power increase for xDrive models to 530 PS.
Key Facts
Platform
BMW CLAR (G20-based)
Predecessor
F80
Successor
TBA
Sibling body styles in this generation
G80 (4-door saloon), G81 (5-door Touring)
Market Intelligence
The G80/G81 M3 remains a highly sought-after performance car in the UK, with strong demand for the Competition xDrive and the Touring variant【PATTERN DATA】.
Best & Worst Engines

Thin-Data Summary
“Thin-Data Fallback mode -exactly one paragraph: The S58 engine is a masterpiece of modern M engineering -robust, over-engineered for its stock outputs, and widely regarded as one of BMW's most reliable performance engines. The sweet spot in the range is the Competition xDrive with the LCI power bump to 530 PS -blistering performance (0–100 km/h in 3.5 seconds) with the security of all-wheel drive and the option of rear-wheel-drive-only drifting. The base manual M3 (480 PS) is the purist's choice, offering the last chance at a stick-shift M3 before electrification takes over. The M3 CS is a limited-run track weapon with 550 PS, but it commands a significant premium and is harder to find. The G81 Touring is the most practical M3 ever built, combining supercar performance with estate car utility -and it's only available in Competition xDrive guise. All S58 variants are reliable when properly maintained, though cooling system health and regular oil monitoring are essential.”
Who it's for:

BMW M3 G80/G81 -Ownership Economics
The G80/G81 rule
A £10,000 S58 recon against a £50,000 M3 sits at 20% -well within our 70% BMW threshold. Even the M3 CS's £16,000 recon against a £80,000 car is just 20%. Unlike older M cars, the G80's high retained value means engine replacement is almost always financially viable. Value the car first -but on a modern M3, a recon is usually a repair decision, not a financial one.
Key Takeaways
Which G80/G81 Costs Least To Own?
Base M3 (480 PS) -cheaper to buy, simpler manual transmission, but lower performance.
Which G80/G81 Costs Most To Own?
M3 CS -limited production, track-focused components, higher replacement costs.
Which G80/G81 Is Best Value?
M3 Competition xDrive -the sweet spot of performance, traction, and daily usability.
Common Problems

G80/G81 Engine Replacement Costs -By Engine and Condition
No Generation variance note required -no Engine Page baseline exists for the S58 yet. Costs are sourced from UK specialist suppliers [BMW-QUOTE].
Core Variants
Diesel & Petrol Lineup
Scope note: All variants listed are BMW M3 G80/G81 only. The G81 Touring is only available in Competition xDrive specification. The base M3 (480 PS) is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. The M3 CS is a limited-production variant.
Market Intelligence
Most Requested E90 Engines (2025)
Most Requested E90 Variants
Average E90 Replacement Cost
Most Common E90 Failures
FAQ

Why UK BMW M3 G80/G81 Owners Trust BMWEngines.uk
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UK Engine Replacement Services for BMW M3 G80/G81
covering every variant from base M3 to M3 CS and Touring, with nationwide supply and specialist fitting available.
Find the best BMW M3 G80/G81 engine replacement UK drivers rely on. Compare real prices from trusted specialists on EnginesMarket today and get your M3 back on the road with confidence.





