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BMW M8 G16 — Problems & Common Faults

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

4.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants · How we rate

The M8 G16 is the Gran Coupé — same S63B44T4 (441 kW) as the Coupé but with four doors. Same tech, same weaknesses. xDrive transfer case as additional concern.

Market 2026: M8 Gran Coupé Competition from $93,000.

Insider pick: A S63B44T4 Gran Coupé WITHOUT carbon ceramic brakes.

Generations


Engine Overview

The BMW M8 G16 is available with 2 engine variants — from 530 to 600 hp.

4.4L V8 Biturbo · Petrol· 600 PS
2019 2026

The most mature S63 generation: revised bearing geometry, Valvetronic. The sound remains S63-typical — no raw AMG aggression, rather a deep V8 growl with turbo whistle as an accent. Sonically restrained from the factory, which many owners correct with aftermarket exhaust systems. The M xDrive system can be switched to pure rear-wheel drive — in dry 2WD mode the car becomes a thoroughbred drift tool. Electric wastegate actuators are the new weakness of this generation. Oil changes every 8,000 km with quality full synthetic; do not rely on Longlife intervals. The con rod bearing issue is reduced but not eliminated by the revised geometry — oil analysis remains worthwhile.

  • !! Connecting rod bearing wear (mitigated) from 80,000 km

    Revised connecting rod design compared to S63TU with 8 additional oil drillings. Despite this, documented failures exist: a workshop case study shows an F90 M5 with connecting rod and crankshaft damage. The F90 sees the problem less often than the F10.

    Symptoms: Noticeable knocking from the engine, metal particles in the sump and filter housing, crankshaft damage as a consequence of delayed diagnosis
    2,000–15,000 $
  • !! Thermostat and expansion tank worn from 40,000 km

    The S63B44T4 generates extreme heat in the V-valley. Thermostat and plastic expansion tank are prone to premature wear at higher mileages. The overheating risk on failure is considerable.

    Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible leak, temperature gauge fluctuates or rises too high, coolant level warning, steam from engine bay.
    300–8,000 $
  • !! High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure from 120,000 km

    The high-pressure fuel pump can fail at high mileages or with aggressive use. Fuel pressure drop causes noticeable power loss and can secondarily damage injectors and turbochargers.

    Symptoms: Power loss under high load, hard starting, fault code fuel pressure too low (P0087), stumbling at full throttle.
    1,200–3,000 $

+ 9 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
M Sport brakes: persistent squealing

Identical to G15: M Sport brakes squeal consistently when braking. BMW rates it as normal.

Symptoms: Constant squealing at light braking pressure, especially with cold brakes.
Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above average
5 complaints · 2019–2026
  1. 01 Cruise Control
    2 ⚠ 1
  2. 02 Electrical
    1 ⚠ 1
  3. 03 Engine
    1 ⚠ 1
  4. 04 Fuel System
    1
  5. 05 Brakes
    1

Top Reported Issues

Cruise Control (2 complaints)
Electrical (1 complaints)
Engine (1 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Explore more

Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 26 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW M8 G16 (2019–2026) — 21 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Brakes, Electronics, Gearbox, Suspension. Considered reliable: N63B44TU3 (4.4L V8 Biturbo).

M8 (S63B44T4, 2019–2026) — Be Careful: Connecting rod bearing wear (mitigated), Thermostat and expansion tank worn, High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure. Power: 600 PS.

What to watch out for with the BMW M8? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the BMW M8 G16 have? +
The BMW M8 G16 has 21 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used BMW M8 G16? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: N63B44TU3 (4.4L V8 Biturbo). The most reliable engine is the N63B44TU3 (4.4L V8 Biturbo) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the S63B44T4 (4.4L V8 Biturbo).
Which BMW M8 G16 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the BMW M8 G16. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 9 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which BMW M8 G16 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the BMW M8 G16 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} M8 Gran Coupé — 4 doors, 625 hp, a second to 100 less than most supercars. Timeless style meets brutal power.
Is the BMW M8 G16 worth buying used? +
The BMW M8 G16 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW M8 G16? +
The BMW M8 G16 is available with engine variants from 530 to 600 hp. Petrol: N63B44TU3 (4.4L V8 Biturbo), S63B44T4 (4.4L V8 Biturbo).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee