BMW M3 G80
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
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.
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.
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 - !! 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 - !! 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.
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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 - !! 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 - !! 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.
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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 - !! 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 - !! 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.
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Top Reported Issues
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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? +
What should I look for when buying a used BMW M3 G80? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which BMW M3 G80 engine is the most fun? +
Is the BMW M3 G80 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW M3 G80? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee