BMW S55 Engine Guide

The S55 is the 3.0 liter twin-turbo inline six that BMW developed for the F80 M3 sedan and F82 M4 coupe. It displaces 2,979 cc and uses two mono-scroll turbochargers, one for each bank of three cylinders. BMW calls it a return to the inline six for the M3, replacing the V8 of the car before it.

Where you find it

BMW announced the M3 sedan and M4 coupe for US sale as 2015 models from early summer 2014, rated at 425 hp. BMW service bulletins list the S55 in:

F80 M3 sedan
F82 M4 coupe
F83 M4 convertible

It also went into the 2019 M2 Competition, which BMW says uses an engine based on the M3 and M4 power unit, rated at 405 hp. BMWBLOG reports it was also used in the M2 CS.

Known wear items

Items tied to a BMW bulletin say so. The rest is what shops and parts sites report.

Crank hub

The crank hub connects the crankshaft to the timing chain and sprocket. Shops report it can slip or spin on the crankshaft and throw the timing out of sync, which one BMW specialist notes can cause widespread engine damage. BMWBLOG calls it rare but serious, with more risk on modified engines. Signs R44 Performance lists include fault codes, a drivetrain malfunction light, rough idle, or a knocking or rattling noise. The fix BMWBLOG describes is an aftermarket keyed or pinned crank hub.

Oil leaks from gaskets

BMWBLOG names the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket and oil filter housing gasket as some of the most common sources of S55 oil leaks. Signs include a burning oil smell, oil under the parked car, a low oil warning, or oil use between changes. The fix is a new gasket or seal at the leak.

Oil cooler damage

One BMW specialist notes that the placement of the S55 oil cooler makes it very susceptible to debris, and a hard enough hit will make it leak. It lists the same cooler for the F80, F82, F83 and the S55 M2 Competition. The fix is a replacement cooler.

Carbon on the intake valves

The S55 is direct injected. BMWBLOG reports that carbon builds up on the intake valves over time and can cause rough idle, misfires and cold start issues. The fix it describes is intake valve cleaning, such as walnut blasting.

Ignition coils and spark plugs

One parts retailer lists misfires, rough idle, loss of power and a check engine light among the signs of a failing ignition coil. It says BMW coils can last upward of 140,000 miles and are usually replaced only once they show signs of failure. For spark plug intervals, follow your car's maintenance schedule.

"Drive faulty" message: a BMW bulletin

BMW bulletin SI B12 23 18 (July 2018) covers F80, F82 and F83 cars that show a "Drive faulty" message for 5 seconds, sometimes with a brief reduced engine power message. BMW traced it to a DME software error that misreads coolant pump signals. The fix is a software update, and BMW states that replacing parts will not solve it.

Oil and routine service

BMW SI B11 01 15 (Feb 2017), the BMW of North America oil chart, lists the S55 under 0W-30 LL01FE in both its model year 2012 to 2015 chart and its 2016 and newer chart. It gives a capacity of 6.9 quarts (6.5 liters) for the S55 in the F80, F82 and F83. See our BMW fluids guide for more on oil specs.

What we carry for the S55:

Oil change: BMW N55/S55 oil change kit, 7 L of Liqui Moly Special Tec B FE 0W-30 with a Mann HU 8011 Z filter and lifter additive.
Oil filter: Mann HU 8011 Z oil filter kit, BMW 11427854445.
Engine air filters: Mahle LX 2074 bank 1, BMW 13727843284, and Mahle LX 2075 bank 2, BMW 13727843283.
Ignition coil: Delphi GN10571 ignition coil, BMW 12138616153.
Spark plug: NGK 97506 laser iridium spark plug. One BMW parts seller describes it as a one step colder plug for the S55.
Coils and plugs together: BMW N55/S55 ignition coil and spark plug kit, 6 Delphi GN10571 coils and 6 NGK 97506 plugs.
Cabin air filter: Hengst E2991LC activated charcoal cabin air filter, BMW 64119237555.

Before you buy

An engine code is a starting point, not a fitment check. Confirm your part numbers by VIN with our fitment check before you order, or start at find your part number. You can also browse the S55 engine collection.