BMW M42014–Present2 Generations (F82/F83, G82/G83)S55, S58

M4 Engines - The Complete UK Guide

Every BMW M4 engine across two generations - from the S55 twin-turbo straight-six of the F82 to the S58 in the G82. Real UK replacement costs, known failure patterns, and honest ownership economics for BMW's performance coupe. Backed by real UK M4 engine enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED].

Explore M4 Engines
  • M4 Enquiries (2025) [BMW-VERIFIED]

  • 2 Generations, 2 Body Styles

  • 2 Engine Codes

  • Part of Engine Finders

BMW M4 -
The Ownership Verdict

Verdict MetricOur Call
Overall Ownership Rating

★★★★☆ (4.1/5)

Replacement Economics

⚠️ The M4 rule - the coupe premium: an S55 recon at £7,000–£10,000+ against a £30,000–£40,000 F82 is 18–33% - ✅ safe on most examples. Against a £60,000 G82, an S58 recon at £7,000–£10,000+ is 12–17% - ✅ safe. The M4's values are strong enough to justify engine work.

Reliability

★★★★☆ - the S55 is proven but the crank hub is the Achilles heel; the S58 is widely regarded as BMW's most reliable modern performance engine

Most Reliable Engine

S58B30 (G82) - the latest M engine is proving exceptionally robust

Highest-Risk Engine

S55B30 (F82) - crank hub spin (especially on tuned cars)

Best Used Buy

F82 M4 Competition with S55 - 444 bhp, proven engine, depreciated, and the sweet spot in the range

Best Modern Buy

G82 M4 Competition with S58 - 503 bhp, xDrive available, the most reliable M engine

Average Engine Replacement

£7,000–£10,000+ reconditioned, supply only [BMW-QUOTE]

Most Common Failure Enquiry

S55 crank hub - shared-platform data [BMW-VERIFIED]

BMW Ranking

🏆 The Performance Coupe - the M3's two-door sibling with the same engine DNA

One-line verdict:

The M4 is the M3's coupe sibling - the same engines, the same risks, and the same rewards. The S55 is proven but the crank hub is the Achilles heel; the S58 is widely regarded as BMW's most reliable modern performance engine. Buy the newest S58 you can afford, or hunt for a well-maintained F82 Competition - and on any S55, budget for a crank hub fix.

BMW M4
at a Glance

  • Generations

    2 (F82/F83 2014–2020, G82/G83 2021–present)

  • Years Produced

    2014–present

  • Engine Codes Tracked

    2 (S55B30, S58B30)

  • Fuel Types

    Petrol only

  • Most Enquired Engine (2025)

    S58B30 / S55B30 - shared-platform dataBMW-VERIFIED

  • Most Reliable

    S58B30 (G82)

  • Highest-Risk

    S55B30 (F82) - crank hub spin

  • Typical Replacement Cost

    £7,000–£10,000+ reconditionedBMW-QUOTE

  • Typical Host Value

    £25,000 (high-mileage F82) – £80,000+ (new G82)

Overall Rating

★★★★☆ 4.1/5

3.9/5

A perfect blend of performance, engineering excellence, and drivability.

BMW M4 Generations -
Find Your Vehicle

Two generations, two body styles, and one mission - to be the ultimate performance coupe. The right M4 depends on your budget and which engine you want.

Pre-2013
(E90/F30 early)
2013-2015
(F30 pre-LCI)
2016+
(F30 LCI / G20)
Our position
Core dieselThe 3 Series we recommend for daily ownership
Core petrol

Read the full comparison: BMW M4 F82 vs G82

M4 Engine Codes -
The Database

The complete database of BMW 3 Series engine codes with real UK enquiry data, fitted models, and replacement cost insights.

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.

Engine CodeFuel2025 EnquiriesView
S55B30Petrol-
S58B30Petrol-

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 M4Engine Problems

The six most common failure patterns across the M4 range - symptoms, costs and urgency.

01

S55 Crank Hub Spin (F82)

Catastrophic

The defining F82 M4 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 F82/F83 M4 (2014–2020). £7,000–£10,000+ recon. Preventative fix: £1,500–£3,000.

Learn more
02

S55 Timing Chain Tensioner Wear

Immediate

The S55's timing chain tensioner can wear, causing rattling on cold start. Skipping oil changes or using the wrong oil accelerates wear. Affects F82/F83 M4.

Learn more
03

S55 Rocker Cover & Gasket Leaks

Monitor

The rocker cover, oil filter housing and sump gaskets can perish, leading to oil drips. Affects F82/F83 M4. Check for oil drips on any used example.

Learn more
04

S58 Oil Consumption

Low

The S58 engine in the G82 has been reported to consume oil at a higher rate than expected. Some owners require more frequent oil top-ups. Regular oil level monitoring is essential.

Learn more
05

S58 Turbocharger & Cooling System

Low

The S58's turbochargers and cooling system can experience issues under sustained high-load use. Turbo lag or failure has been reported; overheating can lead to severe engine damage. Regular maintenance is essential.

Learn more
06

F82/F83 Convertible Roof & AC Issues

Monitor

Not an engine failure - but common non-engine M4 enquiries. The F83's folding roof drain tubes can block and leak; the air conditioning condenser can corrode. Check both on any F83.

Learn more

Urgency Key

Catastrophicstop driving, specialist inspection immediately

Immediatebook inspection now

Monitorbook inspection soon

Lowplan at next service

BMW M4 Market Intelligence - What UK Owners Told Us in 2025

826+

Total Enquiries in 2025

[BMW-VERIFIED]

Signal
2025 Data
Demand Trend

BMW M4 F82/F83 enquiries

- (aggregated in shared data)

Rising - the F82 is a modern classic[PLACEHOLDER - YoY %]

BMW M4 G82/G83 enquiries

- (pattern data)

Rising - new generation entering used market[PLACEHOLDER - YoY %]

S55 crank hub enquiries

- (shared with M3/M2 data)

Stable - well-known issue[PLACEHOLDER - YoY %]

Insights from the data:

Interesting insight: The M4 generates a different kind of enquiry than the rest of the BMW range - owners are enthusiasts doing due diligence on specific known issues (S55 crank hub) rather than families facing unexpected failures. The M4 buyer knows what they're getting into - they just want to know which generation and which engine to choose. (Editorial synthesis - specialist sense-check before publishing.)

The F82 M4 Competition is the sweet spot in the used market - 444 bhp, the S55 engine, and depreciated into sensible territory (£25,000–£35,000). The crank hub is the only caveat - budget for a hub fix (£1,500–£3,000) or buy one that's already been done. A 2017+ facelift car with the Competition package is the one to buy. (Editorial synthesis.)

The G82 M4 with the S58 is the future - 473–503 bhp, the most reliable modern M engine, and available with M xDrive. Too new for volume reliability data, but the S58 is proving exceptionally robust in the M3/M4. The G82 is the M4 for buyers who want the latest technology and the most dependable engine. (Editorial synthesis.)

Editorial Pull-Quote

The One Thing We'd Tell Every BMW M4 Buyer

If you buy one M4 based on this page, buy a 2017+ F82 M4 Competition with the S55 - it's the sweet spot in the range: 444 bhp, the LCI updates, 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 G82 with the S58 is the most reliable M4 ever made - and the M xDrive version is devastatingly fast.

BMW M4 Engine Replacement Costs
By Generation

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

F82/F83 - M4 (2014–2020)

VariantEngine CodeUsed (Supply)Reconditioned (Supply)Rebuilt (Supply)Labour Hours
M4/M4 Competition (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

N47D20C, B47D20A, N57D30, B58B30 figures [BMW-QUOTE]; older engines [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet].

Labour Estimate

Fitting a BMW M4 engine typically takes 16–20 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [BMW-QUOTE]. The M4 rule - pay to play: A £7,000–£10,000+ S55 recon against a £30,000 F82 sits at 23–33% - ✅ safe. Against a £60,000 G82, the same recon is 12–17% - ✅ safe. The M4'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.

The 3 Series rule - generation is everything:

Value the car first; the engine decision follows.

All prices in GBP (£)   •   Supply only   •   Subject to availability and condition

How the BMW M4 Engine Range Evolved -2014 to Today

From the original M10 to today's advanced B-series, explore how engineering, emissions and performance shaped every generation of 3 Series engines.

7 Generations1975 to Present
25+ Engine FamiliesFrom M10 to B58
50 Years of EngineeringPerformance & Innovation
Built for DriversReliability + Dynamics
Key Engines
S55B30
Why BMW Changed
BMW launched the M4 as the coupe sibling to the F80 M3, replacing the E92 M3. The S55 was a development of the N55 with closed-deck block, forged internals, and twin turbos.
Worth Knowing
The S55 is proven and powerful (425–444 bhp), but the crank hub is the Achilles heel. The Competition (444 bhp) is the sweet spot; the GTS (493 bhp) is the ultimate F82.

All engine reliability insights and failure patterns are based on 826+ verified enquiries in 2025. Data covers the UK market. [BMW-VERIFIED]

Who Should Buy a BMW M4?

Different buyers, different priorities. Here is our verdict on who the BMW M4 is perfect for - and who should think twice.

Performance Buyer

The M4 is built for this - 425–503 bhp, rear-wheel-drive (or xDrive), and one of the finest coupe chassis in the world. The F82 Competition is the used sweet spot (£25,000–£35,000); the G82 is the future. Buy the newest S58 you can afford, or hunt for a well-maintained F82 Competition with the crank hub done.

Enthusiast / Collector

The F82 M4 GTS is a future classic - 493 bhp, water injection, and just 803 produced worldwide. The F82 Competition is the modern classic - 444 bhp, proven engine, and the last of the purely rear-wheel-drive M4s (before xDrive arrived).

Daily Driver

The M4 is a daily-drivable performance coupe - the F82 is surprisingly practical with a large boot and usable rear seats; the G82 is more refined and comfortable. The F82 is the better weekend car; the G82 is the better daily driver.

Track Day User

The M4 is one of the best track-day cars you can buy - the F82's S55 is proven on track; the G82's S58 with xDrive is devastatingly fast. Budget for cooling upgrades and crank hub prevention on the F82.

Collector / Enthusiast

The F82 M4 is a modern classic - the Competition is the sweet spot, the GTS is the investment. Both are worth proper investment; values are holding strong. The G82 is the future classic - buy it now and enjoy it.

i

Real talk. The right BMW M4 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 BMW M4 Engines

Can I Repair My BMW M4 Engine - or Should I Replace It?

Crank hub spin on an S55? Rattling on cold start from an S55?

On the M4, the answer is almost always repair - the values are strong enough to justify engine work. Get a personalised repair-vs-replace verdict using real UK cost data.

The smarter way to decide: Get a personalised repair-vs-replace verdict using real UK cost data.

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.

Start Your Verdict Now

Why BMW M4 Owners Trust
BMWEngines.uk

Built on Real Data - M4 engine enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED] - covering two generations of BMW's performance coupe. Nobody has seen more UK M4 engine decisions.

We Tell You When Not to Repair - On a modified F82 S55 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, S58 servicing, and F82/F83 powertrain work. Not generalist garages - M specialists.

Part of Engine Finders - the UK's leading engine replacement marketplace.

BMW M4 Frequently Asked Questions

1

How much does a BMW M4 engine replacement cost in the UK?

A reconditioned BMW M4 engine typically costs £7,000–£10,000+ supply only [BMW-QUOTE] - the S55 and S58 both cost in this range. Fitting adds £650–£1,500. Use our calculator for a personalised figure.
2

Which BMW M4 engine is the most reliable?

The S58B30 in the G82 - widely regarded as BMW's most reliable modern performance engine. The S55B30 in the F82 is proven but carries the crank hub caveat.
3

Which BMW M4 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 G82 with S58 has no such caveat.
4

How do I know if my M4 engine needs replacing?

By engine: sudden loss of power and metallic noise (crank hub spin on S55), rattling on cold start (S55 timing chain tensioner), oil drips (S55 gasket leaks). On the S55, any unusual engine noise at high RPM is a warning sign. Caught early, it's a repair; ignored, it's a £7,000–£10,000+ engine [BMW-QUOTE]. Use our diagnostic calculator for a personalised assessment.
5

Is it worth replacing a BMW M4 engine?

Yes - the M4's values are strong enough to justify engine work. Against a £30,000 F82, a £7,000–£10,000+ S55 recon is 23–33% - safe. Against a £60,000 G82, 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.
6

Which BMW M4 should I buy?

F82 M4 Competition with the S55 - 444 bhp, proven engine, and depreciated into sensible territory (£25,000–£35,000). Budget for a crank hub fix (£1,500–£3,000) or buy one that's already been done. A 2017+ facelift car with the Competition package is the one to buy. For the future, G82 with the S58 - the most reliable M4 ever made, available with M xDrive.
7

How do I find my BMW M4 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 (F82, F83, G82, G83) and we'll identify it - 20+ vetted specialists will confirm it for free.
8

BMW M4 vs M3 - which is more reliable?

Mechanically they share engines - the S55 in the F80/F82 and the S58 in the G80/G82 are identical. The M3 has four doors; the M4 has two. Reliability is identical; the M3 is slightly heavier but works the powertrain harder. Buy on engine and year, not badge. The M3 offers more practicality; the M4 offers more style. Read the full head-to-head →

Need a head-to-head comparison?

Read our in-depth BMW 3 Series vs 5 Series reliability guide.

Read the Full Head-to-Head

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a Decision?

Everything you need to choose with confidence.
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