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BMW · Sports Car · 2015–2021

BMW M2 F87

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

431–450 PS

3.0L Biturbo Benzin

Compact M by Conviction

Fun to Drive!

Generations


Engine Overview

The BMW M2 F87 is available with 2 engine variants — from 136 to 450 hp.

3.0L Biturbo · Benziner· 370 PS
2015 2018
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
M2 Competition · Benziner· 411 PS
2018 2021
Be Careful 10 weaknesses

The BMW 3.0L Biturbo (Benziner, 370 PS) has the S55B30 (3.0L Biturbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

The BMW M2 Competition (Benziner, 411 PS) has the S55B30 (3.0L Biturbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Rear differential input oil seal leaks

The input oil seal of the limited-slip differential leaks regularly — the same unchanged seal as used on the E30 M3. Repair is very labour-intensive, requiring special tools and driveshaft removal.

Symptoms: Oil spots under the rear of the vehicle, oil film on the differential housing, occasional rear differential warning in the instrument cluster.
from 32,000 km
Medium
!DCT gear selector: incorrect gear selection

The DCT shifts into neutral when reverse is selected, or becomes stuck in D2. Fault code 40EC02. A gearbox oil and filter change usually resolves the problem completely.

Symptoms: Reverse gear selection fails, forward gear only selectable as D2, fault message in iDrive.
from 30,000 km
Medium
!Rear differential mounts: load-change clunk

Rubber mounts in the differential carrier tear and produce a loud clunk under load application. BMW switched to polyurethane mounts for the M2 Competition. PUMA action 644466-06; Loctite treatment per SIB 26 01 18 as an interim fix.

Symptoms: Loud clunk or bang when accelerating and lifting off, especially in Sport Plus mode; worsens with engine at operating temperature.
from 60,000 km
Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
25 complaints · 2015–2021
Lighting
21
Engine
2
Other
1
Electrical
1
Suspension
1

Top Reported Issues

Lighting (21 complaints)
Engine (2 complaints)
Other (1 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 50 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW M2 F87 (2015–2021) — 38 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Cooling, Brakes, Suspension.

M2 (S55B30, 2015–2018) — Be Careful: Connecting rod bearing wear, Crankshaft hub slip (crank hub), Oil cooler damaged by stone impact. Power: 370 PS.

M2 (S55B30, 2018–2021) — Be Careful: Connecting rod bearing wear, Crankshaft hub slip (crank hub), Oil cooler damaged by stone impact. Power: 411 PS.

What to watch out for with the BMW M2? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the BMW M2 F87 have? +
The BMW M2 F87 has 38 known engine weaknesses and 12 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used BMW M2 F87? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: S55B30 (3.0L Biturbo), N55B30 (3.0L Turbo), B48B20 (2.0L Turbo), B58B30 (3.0L Turbo). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the S55B30 (3.0L Biturbo).
Which BMW M2 F87 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the BMW M2 F87 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} M3/M4 engine in the smallest M car — most intense experience. Legitimate 1M successor.
Is the BMW M2 F87 worth buying used? +
The BMW M2 F87 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW M2 F87? +
The BMW M2 F87 is available with engine variants from 136 to 450 hp. Petrol: S55B30 (3.0L Biturbo), N55B30 (3.0L Turbo), B48B20 (2.0L Turbo), B58B30 (3.0L Turbo).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee