BMW S55 engine report, M4 F82
BMW S55 · M4 (F82/F83)
3.0 LPetrolInline-62014–2020
58/100
Checked by hand
[solid]
A quick M4, as long as the crank hub question is answered
Worth buying, but only on the right car. Records of rod bearing work or an oil analysis, and a crank hub that has been checked or locked, or money set aside to lock the hub and replace the bearings, especially on a tuned car.
ExcellentGoodSolidRiskyAvoid
- Known issues
- 9
- Critical
- 2
- Sources
- 70
Verdict
Ask about the crank hub before anything else.
On the S55 it is held by friction alone, it can slip under hard downshifts or big torque loads, and once the timing moves the valves can hit the pistons. A tuned car without the hub locked is a real risk. The high-pressure fuel pump and the dual-clutch gearbox are the common expensive failures, so ask for service records on both. Injectors and the flywheel or clutch wear occasionally, while intercooler leaks, intake carbon and seal leaks are rare. Rod bearings fail rarely, and an oil analysis is a cheap way to check them.
Specs
- Displacement
- 3.0 L2,979 cc
- Layout
- Inline-6
- Fuel
- Petrol
- Compression
- 10.2:1
- Production
- 2014–2021
- Chassis
- F82/F83
- Generation
- F82
- Fitted
- 2014–2020
Known issues
9 confirmed · sorted by severity
CriticalCrank hub slip
Where the crankshaft hub is held by friction instead of a key, it can slip under hard downshifts or big torque loads. The camshaft timing then moves against the crankshaft, and the valves can hit the pistons. Owners often have the hub pinned or fit a keyed hub to prevent it.
Symptoms
- Check Engine Light
- Misfire
- Rough Idle
- Engine Non-Start
- Reduced Power Mode
How often
Occasional · Design weakness. Can destroy the engine if ignored. Not safely drivable.
Evidence
5 owner reports back this, confidence 50/100.
CriticalRod bearing failure
Connecting rod (big end) bearing wear or spun bearing, usually from oil starvation or extended oil-change intervals -- can destroy the engine if not caught early.
Symptoms
- Knocking Noise
- Warning Light
How often
Rare · Owner-caused. Can destroy the engine if ignored. Not safely drivable.
HighHigh-pressure fuel pump failure
HPFP wear or failure, sometimes shedding metal debris into the fuel system.
Symptoms
- Misfire
- Warning Light
- Hesitation
How often
Common · Age-related wear. Does not normally destroy the engine. Not safely drivable.
Evidence
9 owner reports back this, confidence 50/100.
HighDual-clutch / automatic transmission failure
DSG/DCT mechatronic unit failure, or torque converter/gearbox wear, causing rough shifting or transmission failure.
Symptoms
- Hesitation
- Warning Light
How often
Common · Design weakness. Does not normally destroy the engine. Still drivable.
ModerateDual-mass flywheel / clutch wear
Dual-mass flywheel wear causing rattle/vibration, often coinciding with clutch replacement interval.
Symptoms
- Excessive Vibration
- Knocking Noise
How often
Occasional · Expected maintenance. Does not normally destroy the engine. Still drivable.
LowFuel injector failure
Injector wear, sticking, or seal failure causing misfires, rough running, or fuel leaks.
Symptoms
- Misfire
- Rough Idle
- Fuel Smell
How often
Occasional · Age-related wear. Does not normally destroy the engine. Still drivable.
Evidence
38 owner reports back this, confidence 40/100.
LowIntake valve carbon buildup
Direct-injection engines lack fuel washing the intake valves, leading to carbon buildup, misfires, and reduced power over time.
Symptoms
- Misfire
- Power Loss
- Rough Idle
How often
Rare · Expected maintenance. Does not normally destroy the engine. Still drivable.
LowOil leak from seals or gaskets
Valve cover gasket, rear main seal, or front main seal degradation causing external oil leaks.
Symptoms
- Oil Consumption
How often
Rare · Age-related wear. Does not normally destroy the engine. Still drivable.
LowIntercooler failure or leak
Intercooler core cracking or pipe seal failure, causing boost loss.
Symptoms
- Power Loss
How often
Rare · Age-related wear. Can destroy the engine if ignored. Still drivable.
Check the car you're looking at
Owners rarely say at what mileage this engine's problems start, so they aren't sorted by mileage here. These are the ones to ask the seller about, the ones it's best known for first.
What to ask about
- Crank hub slipHad this? Tell us at what mileage
- High-pressure fuel pump failureHad this? Tell us at what mileage
- Dual-clutch / automatic transmission failureHad this? Tell us at what mileage
- Rod bearing failureHad this? Tell us at what mileage
- Dual-mass flywheel / clutch wearHad this? Tell us at what mileage
- Fuel injector failureHad this? Tell us at what mileage
- Intake valve carbon buildupHad this? Tell us at what mileage
- Oil leak from seals or gasketsHad this? Tell us at what mileage
- Intercooler failure or leakHad this? Tell us at what mileage
Buying checklist
BMW S55 (M4 F82) · Buying checklist
Sources
Updated 12 Sept 2026 · scoring v2.7
Behind this report sit 70 owner posts, forum threads and official records. Nothing gets on the list on one person's word. It takes a recall, or owners on separate platforms describing the same fault. The score then sets how often a problem turns up against the damage it does.