BMW M2 F87
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The BMW M2 F87 is the last old-school compact M car. Two variants, two characters, one chassis: the shortest wheelbase in the M lineup paired with rear-wheel drive and genuine steering feedback makes the F87 the most discussed used-market M car of the past decade.
Base M2 vs. M2 Competition — two different cars
The base M2 (2016–2018) uses the N55B30T0, a purpose-strengthened N55 variant with S55 pistons, forged crank, and a dedicated oil pan for track use. 272 kW / 365 hp, single twin-scroll turbo, up to 465 Nm. Not a full M motor by BMW's classification, but far from a standard N55. Available with 6-speed manual or 7-speed M-DCT.
The M2 Competition (2018–2021) receives the S55B30 — the genuine M motor from M3 and M4. Twin turbos, closed-deck block, 302 kW / 411 hp to 8,000 rpm. Also gains adaptive EDC dampers, stronger brakes, and revised engine mounts. Available with 6-speed manual or 7-speed M-DCT.
The S55 crank hub — what buyers need to know
Every M2 Competition potentially has the crank hub issue: the crankshaft hub is secured by friction and a single bolt only — no keyway. Under extreme load the hub can rotate and cause piston-to-valve contact. A crank hub capture plate is worthwhile preventive maintenance for every M2 Competition (approximately $350–600 installed).
Key weaknesses
Differential input seal leak from 20,000 miles ($$440–770) — affects nearly every F87. Rear diff bearing clunk on 2016–2018 builds ($550–$1,320). EDC damper leaks from 50,000 miles ($2,000–$4,000). Base M2 N55: plastic charge pipe bursts ($170–$440, fit aluminium upgrade). OEM brakes overheat on track after 1–2 laps — track pads mandatory. Paint stone chip sensitivity is high.
Track maintenance schedule: Engine oil maximum 3,000 miles (S55) / 5,000 miles (N55). DCT fluid: 25,000–30,000 miles. Diff oil: 20,000–25,000 miles. Brake fluid: annually.
Pre-purchase checklist: Oil level after test drive (S55 consumes oil under hard use). Differential area for oil spots. DCT: reverse gear clean? EDC dampers for oil residue. Brake pedal firm after hard driving?
2026 market: Base M2 N55 (2016–2018) from $33,000–$46,000. M2 Competition S55 (2019–2021) $42,000–$58,000. M2 CS (2021, 2,200 units) $62,000–$85,000 and climbing.
Insider pick: Base M2 6-speed manual is the most analogue experience at the lowest price. For track focus: M2 Competition manual — and immediately fit a crank hub capture plate. Complete service documentation is non-negotiable.
411 PS
M2 Competition · Benzin
Most compact S55 — most intense driving experience
Legendary!Generations
Engine Overview
The BMW M2 F87 is available with 2 engine variants — from 136 to 450 hp.
2,979 cc twin-turbo straight-six with closed-deck block and two mono-scroll turbochargers — BMW's first M engine with forced induction since the legendary M106. The block is significantly stiffer than the open N55 block and can handle cylinder pressures beyond 20 bar. Forged 42CrMoS4 steel crankshaft, Grafal-coated Mahle pistons in liner-free cylinders with LDS arc-spray coating — no liner, no sleeve. The sound divides the M community: under full throttle a deep, aggressive roar with turbo whistle on boost build-up, but miles away from the metallic naturally-aspirated shriek of the S65. In return the S55 delivers 550 Nm from 2,500 rpm that outpaces the S65 to 5,000 rpm. The hidden risk: the two-piece crank hub. On cars built before 03/2017 it can detach without warning — valve timing jumps, pistons hit valves, catastrophic engine failure. Affects 2–3% of all S55, but when it happens the engine is finished. Retrofitting a one-piece crank hub (€1,500–3,000) is the most important action. Second issue: plastic charge pipes burst under high boost — water from the intercooler can enter the intake and at 85,000 km cause a con rod failure. Aluminium upgrades are mandatory. Oil changes every 8,000 km with 0W-40; fit an oil cooler stone guard; check con rod bearings every 50,000–70,000 km. Those who observe these three points have an engine that lasts 200,000 km while tolerating 600+ hp via software.
- !! Connecting rod bearing wear from 60,000 km
Known issue on M3 F80 and M4 F82. Connecting rod bearings wear prematurely; preventive replacement every 50,000–80,000 km is widely recommended.
Symptoms: Knocking from the engine block, metallic particles in the oil, oil pressure warning - !! Crankshaft hub slip (crank hub) from 60,000 km
The multi-piece crankshaft hub is secured only by friction and can slip under load. Vehicles built before production date 3/2017 are particularly affected. Even minimal rotation misaligns valve timing — valve-to-piston contact and total engine loss are possible.
Symptoms: Usually no warning. Early signs: EML 'drivetrain error', rough idle, misfires, power loss under high load. Worst case: immediate total engine failure at high revs. - !! Oil cooler damaged by stone impact from 40,000 km
The exposed oil cooler (tube-fin design) hangs unprotected in front of the cooling pack and is frequently damaged by stone impact. Even small holes lead to sudden total oil loss and imminent engine damage.
Symptoms: Sudden oil pressure warning; visible oil trail under the vehicle; oil smell; often no gradual build-up — failure without warning
+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
2,979 cc twin-turbo straight-six with closed-deck block and two mono-scroll turbochargers — BMW's first M engine with forced induction since the legendary M106. The block is significantly stiffer than the open N55 block and can handle cylinder pressures beyond 20 bar. Forged 42CrMoS4 steel crankshaft, Grafal-coated Mahle pistons in liner-free cylinders with LDS arc-spray coating — no liner, no sleeve. The sound divides the M community: under full throttle a deep, aggressive roar with turbo whistle on boost build-up, but miles away from the metallic naturally-aspirated shriek of the S65. In return the S55 delivers 550 Nm from 2,500 rpm that outpaces the S65 to 5,000 rpm. The hidden risk: the two-piece crank hub. On cars built before 03/2017 it can detach without warning — valve timing jumps, pistons hit valves, catastrophic engine failure. Affects 2–3% of all S55, but when it happens the engine is finished. Retrofitting a one-piece crank hub (€1,500–3,000) is the most important action. Second issue: plastic charge pipes burst under high boost — water from the intercooler can enter the intake and at 85,000 km cause a con rod failure. Aluminium upgrades are mandatory. Oil changes every 8,000 km with 0W-40; fit an oil cooler stone guard; check con rod bearings every 50,000–70,000 km. Those who observe these three points have an engine that lasts 200,000 km while tolerating 600+ hp via software.
- !! Connecting rod bearing wear from 60,000 km
Known issue on M3 F80 and M4 F82. Connecting rod bearings wear prematurely; preventive replacement every 50,000–80,000 km is widely recommended.
Symptoms: Knocking from the engine block, metallic particles in the oil, oil pressure warning - !! Crankshaft hub slip (crank hub) from 60,000 km
The multi-piece crankshaft hub is secured only by friction and can slip under load. Vehicles built before production date 3/2017 are particularly affected. Even minimal rotation misaligns valve timing — valve-to-piston contact and total engine loss are possible.
Symptoms: Usually no warning. Early signs: EML 'drivetrain error', rough idle, misfires, power loss under high load. Worst case: immediate total engine failure at high revs. - !! Oil cooler damaged by stone impact from 40,000 km
The exposed oil cooler (tube-fin design) hangs unprotected in front of the cooling pack and is frequently damaged by stone impact. Even small holes lead to sudden total oil loss and imminent engine damage.
Symptoms: Sudden oil pressure warning; visible oil trail under the vehicle; oil smell; often no gradual build-up — failure without warning
+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 57 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW M2 F87 (2015–2021) — 44 engine-related and 13 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? +
What should I look for when buying a used BMW M2 F87? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which BMW M2 F87 engine is the most fun? +
Is the BMW M2 F87 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW M2 F87? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee