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BMW M3 G80

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants · How we rate

The G80 M3 (2021–present) and its twin M4 G82 carry the S58B30 — twin-turbo inline-six, 473 kW (Competition) or 453 hp, and for the first time available with xDrive all-wheel drive. Fastest production M3 ever, but the kidney grille divides opinion more than any technical weakness.

The S58 has proven substantially more robust than the S55 so far — no crank hub problem, no charge pipe epidemic. Vehicle-level weaknesses: Brake squeal is the G80's defining issue (prob=4, affects ~30–60% of all cars). Often resolves after correct bedding-in or with aftermarket pads. Front strut clunk at low speeds — steering-related, not dangerous. Headlights can collect condensation or crack spontaneously ($1,650–$8,800 per unit, BMW frequently declines warranty coverage). Steering rack on early 2021 production with uneven steering effort. Curved display (LCI) can show image artifacts.

Test-drive checklist: Brakes at low speed — any squeal? Front strut over parking lot speed bumps. Headlights for condensation. Steering for center feel and straight-line tracking.

2026 market: M3 Competition from $68,200. xDrive premium ~$3,300 used. M4 G82 coupé similar. M4 G83 convertible $74,800–$99,000.

Insider pick: M3 Competition RWD, 2022+ (past the early steering issue) — rear-wheel drive for purists, S58 without xDrive complexity.

Most Fun Engine

530 PS

M3 CS · Benzin

550 hp, xDrive, CSL technology in the saloon

Legendary!

Generations


Engine Overview

The BMW M3 G80 is available with 3 engine variants — from 136 to 510 hp.

3.0L Biturbo · Petrol· 480 PS
2021 2026

The S58 is 90% a new design compared to the S55 — BMW has addressed most weaknesses of its predecessor. Forged pistons instead of cast, 2 kg lighter crankshaft with integrally forged oil pump and chain drive sprockets, one-piece crank hub from the factory, revised con rod bearings with larger contact area. The closed-deck block is further stiffened and comfortably handles the standard pressure of 1.7 bar. New is the active oil suction system: a separate pump actively draws oil to the critical bearing points during hard cornering, braking and acceleration — the S55's oil-sloshing problem on track is significantly reduced — though not fully eliminated under sustained track abuse. Plus an improved windage tray in the crankcase against oil foaming. Sonically sharper than the S55: less bassy, instead a more metallic, direct roar under load with aggressive overrun crackling in Sport mode. In the CSL with titanium exhaust almost reminiscent of the S65 V8 character. Three points to check: main bearing shell recall (production calendar weeks 29–40/2021) — incorrectly hardened bearings can fail without warning. Proactively swap plastic charge pipes for aluminium units. Walnut blasting every 60,000–80,000 km against intake valve carbon from direct injection. In standard form the most reliable BMW M engine of all time — those who don't tune and observe these three points have 200,000+ km ahead of them.

  • !! Oil cooler leaking from stone impact from 40,000 km

    The oil cooler is positioned exposed behind the front grille. Stone impact can damage seals or perforate the cooler itself. Oil loss is a risk.

    Symptoms: Oil patch under the vehicle, oil level warning, oil smell
    800–3,000 $
  • !! Connecting rod bearing wear with tuning from 50,000 km

    Like the predecessor S55, connecting rod bearings can wear prematurely, especially with software tuning and track use.

    Symptoms: Knocking from the engine block, oil pressure warning, metallic particles in the oil
    2,000–7,000 $
  • !! Main bearing shells recall (manufacturing defect 2021)

    BMW recalled G80/G82/G83 M3/M4 vehicles with S58 engines from certain 2021 production weeks. A manufacturing defect in the main bearing shells required complete engine disassembly including crankshaft and oil sump.

    Symptoms: No driver-perceptible symptoms — purely preventive recall. Left untreated, bearing seizure and catastrophic engine failure are at risk.
    0–0 $

+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

M3 Competition · Petrol· 510 PS
2021 2026

The S58 is 90% a new design compared to the S55 — BMW has addressed most weaknesses of its predecessor. Forged pistons instead of cast, 2 kg lighter crankshaft with integrally forged oil pump and chain drive sprockets, one-piece crank hub from the factory, revised con rod bearings with larger contact area. The closed-deck block is further stiffened and comfortably handles the standard pressure of 1.7 bar. New is the active oil suction system: a separate pump actively draws oil to the critical bearing points during hard cornering, braking and acceleration — the S55's oil-sloshing problem on track is significantly reduced — though not fully eliminated under sustained track abuse. Plus an improved windage tray in the crankcase against oil foaming. Sonically sharper than the S55: less bassy, instead a more metallic, direct roar under load with aggressive overrun crackling in Sport mode. In the CSL with titanium exhaust almost reminiscent of the S65 V8 character. Three points to check: main bearing shell recall (production calendar weeks 29–40/2021) — incorrectly hardened bearings can fail without warning. Proactively swap plastic charge pipes for aluminium units. Walnut blasting every 60,000–80,000 km against intake valve carbon from direct injection. In standard form the most reliable BMW M engine of all time — those who don't tune and observe these three points have 200,000+ km ahead of them.

  • !! Oil cooler leaking from stone impact from 40,000 km

    The oil cooler is positioned exposed behind the front grille. Stone impact can damage seals or perforate the cooler itself. Oil loss is a risk.

    Symptoms: Oil patch under the vehicle, oil level warning, oil smell
    800–3,000 $
  • !! Connecting rod bearing wear with tuning from 50,000 km

    Like the predecessor S55, connecting rod bearings can wear prematurely, especially with software tuning and track use.

    Symptoms: Knocking from the engine block, oil pressure warning, metallic particles in the oil
    2,000–7,000 $
  • !! Main bearing shells recall (manufacturing defect 2021)

    BMW recalled G80/G82/G83 M3/M4 vehicles with S58 engines from certain 2021 production weeks. A manufacturing defect in the main bearing shells required complete engine disassembly including crankshaft and oil sump.

    Symptoms: No driver-perceptible symptoms — purely preventive recall. Left untreated, bearing seizure and catastrophic engine failure are at risk.
    0–0 $

+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

M3 Competition xDrive · Petrol· 510 PS
2022 2026

The S58 is 90% a new design compared to the S55 — BMW has addressed most weaknesses of its predecessor. Forged pistons instead of cast, 2 kg lighter crankshaft with integrally forged oil pump and chain drive sprockets, one-piece crank hub from the factory, revised con rod bearings with larger contact area. The closed-deck block is further stiffened and comfortably handles the standard pressure of 1.7 bar. New is the active oil suction system: a separate pump actively draws oil to the critical bearing points during hard cornering, braking and acceleration — the S55's oil-sloshing problem on track is significantly reduced — though not fully eliminated under sustained track abuse. Plus an improved windage tray in the crankcase against oil foaming. Sonically sharper than the S55: less bassy, instead a more metallic, direct roar under load with aggressive overrun crackling in Sport mode. In the CSL with titanium exhaust almost reminiscent of the S65 V8 character. Three points to check: main bearing shell recall (production calendar weeks 29–40/2021) — incorrectly hardened bearings can fail without warning. Proactively swap plastic charge pipes for aluminium units. Walnut blasting every 60,000–80,000 km against intake valve carbon from direct injection. In standard form the most reliable BMW M engine of all time — those who don't tune and observe these three points have 200,000+ km ahead of them.

  • !! Oil cooler leaking from stone impact from 40,000 km

    The oil cooler is positioned exposed behind the front grille. Stone impact can damage seals or perforate the cooler itself. Oil loss is a risk.

    Symptoms: Oil patch under the vehicle, oil level warning, oil smell
    800–3,000 $
  • !! Connecting rod bearing wear with tuning from 50,000 km

    Like the predecessor S55, connecting rod bearings can wear prematurely, especially with software tuning and track use.

    Symptoms: Knocking from the engine block, oil pressure warning, metallic particles in the oil
    2,000–7,000 $
  • !! Main bearing shells recall (manufacturing defect 2021)

    BMW recalled G80/G82/G83 M3/M4 vehicles with S58 engines from certain 2021 production weeks. A manufacturing defect in the main bearing shells required complete engine disassembly including crankshaft and oil sump.

    Symptoms: No driver-perceptible symptoms — purely preventive recall. Left untreated, bearing seizure and catastrophic engine failure are at risk.
    0–0 $

+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Steering rack: weight-shifting sensation and steering noise

Steering rack produces a feeling like a rolling weight when turning. BMW confirmed the defect after initial dismissal. Replacement steering columns with 3–4 week delivery lead time. Observed from as low as 600 km.

Symptoms: Tingling or weight-shifting sensation when steering, hissing noise when turning in, steering wheel not straight when driving straight ahead.
from 5,000 km
High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above average
4 complaints · 2021–2026
  1. 01 Steering
    1
  2. 02 Suspension
    1
  3. 03 Airbags
    1
  4. 04 Seat Belts
    1
  5. 05 Powertrain
    1

Top Reported Issues

Steering (1 complaints)
Suspension (1 complaints)
Airbags (1 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 42 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW M3 G80 (2021–2026) — 35 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Steering, Suspension, Electronics, Body.

M3 (S58B30, 2021–2026) — Be Careful: Oil cooler leaking from stone impact, Connecting rod bearing wear with tuning, Main bearing shells recall (manufacturing defect 2021). Power: 480 PS.

M3 (S58B30, 2021–2026) — Be Careful: Oil cooler leaking from stone impact, Connecting rod bearing wear with tuning, Main bearing shells recall (manufacturing defect 2021). Power: 510 PS.

What to watch out for with the BMW M3? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the BMW M3 G80 have? +
The BMW M3 G80 has 35 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used BMW M3 G80? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: S58B30 (3.0L Biturbo), B48B20 (2.0L Turbo), B58B30 (3.0L Turbo), B57D30 (3.0L Diesel). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the S58B30 (3.0L Biturbo).
Which BMW M3 G80 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the BMW M3 G80 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} The M3 CS takes CSL technology and puts it in a four-door saloon with all-wheel drive: 550 hp, 650 Nm, adaptive dampers from the M3 Touring, CSL engine mounts. Lighter than the Competition via carbon bonnet and roof, but with rear seats and everyday usability. Only 3 seconds slower than the CSL around the Nordschleife — with considerably more comfort. For many the best compromise: CSL performance with four doors and four driven wheels.
Is the BMW M3 G80 worth buying used? +
The BMW M3 G80 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW M3 G80? +
The BMW M3 G80 is available with engine variants from 136 to 510 hp. Petrol: S58B30 (3.0L Biturbo), B48B20 (2.0L Turbo), B58B30 (3.0L Turbo). Diesel: B57D30 (3.0L Diesel).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee