01
BMW M3
Generation/Chassis
F80
Badge(s)
M3 (425 hp) / M3 Competition (444 hp)
Years
2014-2018
Link
BMW S55B30 Engine - Replacement Cost, Problems & CompatibilityProblems & Compatibility
The BMW S55B30 is the 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six M Performance engine that powered the F80 M3 and F82/F83 M4 between 2014 and 2020 - reconditioned units from approximately £6,000-£9,000, with 410 UK replacement requests logged in 2025 .
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
Used from
£4,000
Reconditioned from
£6,000
Rebuilt from
£8,000
GB
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Quotes only from vetted UK engine specialists.
Key Specs
BMW S55B30 - Specifications at a Glance
Engine Code
S55B30 (S55B30A base / S55B30T0 Competition)
Fuel
Petrol
Configuration
3.0L inline-6, twin mono-scroll turbochargers, DOHC 24-valve, Double VANOS, Valvetronic
Power Output(s)
425-444 hp (317-331 kW); 406-442 lb-ft torque
Years Produced
2014-2020
UK Models Fitted
3 BMW M models - full list in Compatibility below
2025 UK Replacement Requests
410
Replaced
S65B40 - the naturally aspirated 4.0L V8 from the E9X M3
Replaced By
S58B30 - the 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six from the G8X M3/M4
Most Common Failure
Crank hub spin (tuned engines) / rod bearing wear
Reconditioned Price Range
£6,000-£9,000 supply-only
Vetted UK specialists for S55B30 replacements
Minimum 12-month warranty on reconditioned and rebuilt options
Fitted To
Which BMW Models Use the S55B30-
**TAG:** Fitted To
| Model | Generation/Chassis | Badge(s) | Years | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 BMW M3 | F80 | M3 (425 hp) / M3 Competition (444 hp) | 2014-2018 | |
 BMW M4 Coupé | F82 | M4 (425 hp) / M4 Competition (444 hp) | 2014-2020 | |
 BMW M4 Convertible | F83 | M4 (425 hp) / M4 Competition (444 hp) | 2014-2020 |
02
BMW M4 Coupé
Generation/Chassis
F82
Badge(s)
M4 (425 hp) / M4 Competition (444 hp)
Years
2014-2020
Link
03
BMW M4 Convertible
Generation/Chassis
F83
Badge(s)
M4 (425 hp) / M4 Competition (444 hp)
Years
2014-2020
CROSS-BRAND
S55B30 is documented across 3 BMW applications spanning BMW M3, BMW M4 Coupé, BMW M4 Convertible. Registration lookup confirms the exact suffix before quotes are sent.
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Not sure which engine your car has- Enter your registration above - we'll confirm your exact S55B30 fitment before any quotes are sent.
Prices
BMW S55B30 Engine Replacement Cost (UK)
Condition | Supply Only | Fitted (Independent Specialist) | Typical Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
Used | £4,000-£7,000 | £4,780-£7,910 | 3-6 months |
Reconditioned | £6,000-£9,000 | £6,780-£9,910 | 12-24 months |
Rebuilt | £8,000-£12,000 | £8,780-£12,910 | 12-24 months |
All figures . Fitted = supply price + labour band below.
Labour Guide
Fitting an S55B30 typically takes 12-16 hours at £65-£91/hr (independent M specialist) - confirm exact labour when comparing quotes.
Price Factors
What moves the price on an S55B30 is the variant (S55B30A 425 hp vs S55B30T0 444 hp Competition), whether the crank hub has been addressed, and the condition of the rod bearings and oil system. A reconditioned unit that includes a crank hub fix and fresh rod bearings commands a premium over a standard used take-out. See our full reconditioned engine cost guide.
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Common Problems
BMW S55B30 Engine Problems - What Actually Fails
Every engine has its weak points. Here are the known issues with the S55B30, based on real-world data and verified failure patterns.
Verified issue focus: Crank hub spin (tuned engines) / rod bearing wear.
1. Crank Hub Spin - The S55's Most Notorious Weakness
1. Crank Hub Spin - The S55's Most Notorious Weakness
Typical onset:
30,000-80,000 miles (more common on tuned engines)
What happens:
The S55's crank hub is a two-piece design that can slip under high torque loads, allowing the timing chain and oil pump chain sprockets to rotate independently of the crankshaft. When this happens, valve timing shifts catastrophically - pistons meet valves, and the engine is effectively destroyed. The problem is most common on tuned cars with increased boost, but stock engines are not immune, particularly during aggressive kickdown or high-load manual downshifts.
Repair vs replace:
If caught before valve contact (timing codes only), a crank hub repair with an aftermarket four-pin hub solution can save the engine. However, once the hub has fully spun and valves have contacted pistons, the engine is typically beyond economical repair - a full replacement is the only option. Read our full crankshaft hub failure guide
Read more about this issue
2. Rod Bearing Wear - High-Mileage & Oil-Neglected Examples
2. Rod Bearing Wear - High-Mileage & Oil-Neglected Examples
Typical onset:
60,000-100,000 miles (earlier with poor maintenance)
What happens:
Like many BMW M engines, the S55's rod bearings are a wear item. On high-mileage or oil-neglected examples, bearing material can wear thin, leading to increased clearance, oil pressure drop, and ultimately rod knock or catastrophic bearing failure. The S55's dual oil pump system (primary + secondary scavenge pump) is excellent for track use, but it doesn't eliminate the need for meticulous oil change intervals.
Repair vs replace:
Rod bearing replacement is a preventative job (£1,500-£2,500 at a specialist) and is strongly recommended at 60k-80k miles on any S55 you intend to keep. If a bearing has already failed and spun, the crankshaft is usually damaged - replacement is the only safe route. Read our full rod bearing failure guide
Read more about this issue
3. Charge Pipe & Oil Cooler Seal Failures
3. Charge Pipe & Oil Cooler Seal Failures
Typical onset:
40,000-80,000 miles
What happens:
The S55's factory plastic charge pipes are prone to cracking under boost, particularly on tuned cars. Oil cooler seals and gaskets also degrade over time, leading to oil leaks that can mask deeper issues or cause low oil pressure if left unaddressed. Neither failure is catastrophic on its own, but both can lead to more serious problems if ignored.
Repair vs replace:
Charge pipe replacement with aftermarket aluminium units is straightforward (£300-£600). Oil cooler seal replacement is labour-intensive but manageable (£500-£1,000). Neither typically requires engine replacement.
Read more about this issue
The S55B30T0 (Competition) variant, introduced in 2016, received revised engine mapping and exhaust calibration but retained the same hardware as the base S55B30A. The crank hub weakness affects all S55 engines regardless of year - it is a design characteristic rather than a production-run issue.
Compare rebuilt S55B30 prices with the crank hub already addressed
Engine Variants
How to Confirm You Have the S55B30
The S55B30 is the M-division twin-turbo inline-six, based on the N55 architecture but with extensive M-specific upgrades: closed-deck block for rigidity, spray-coated cylinder bores (LDS coating) instead of liners, forged crankshaft, lightweight pistons, dual oil pumps (primary + secondary scavenge), and twin mono-scroll turbochargers. Where the code appears: - Stamped on a metal plate on the engine block (left-hand side, near the timing cover) - On the V5C logbook under "Engine number" (the first 7 characters will read S55B30) - Via BMW VIN decoder - the 7th character of the VIN indicates engine type Commonly confused with: - N55B30 - the standard 3.0L turbo inline-six; shares the S55's bore and stroke but lacks the closed deck, forged internals, dual oil pumps, and M-specific tuning - S55B30T0 - the Competition variant with 444 hp, revised mapping, and uprated exhaust calibration - S58B30 - the successor engine in the G80 M3 and G82 M4; not interchangeable with the S55
Not sure which S55 variant you have- Enter your registration above and we'll confirm your exact engine code before sending any quotes.
Easily Confused
S65B40
- the 4.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 that powered the E90/E92/E93 M3. It revved to 8,400 rpm and produced 414-444 hp without turbochargers - a completely different character and ownership proposition from the S55’s twin-turbo torque delivery.
Alternative / Next-Gen Code
S58B30
- the 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six that replaced the S55 in the G80 M3 and G82 M4. It uses a 500-bar fuel system, an upgraded closed-deck block, and produces 473-503 hp - but shares the S55’s crank hub design weakness.
Confirm the exact S55B30 fitment
Not sure which S55 variant you have- Enter your registration above and we'll confirm your exact engine code before sending any quotes.
Buying Guide
Buying a Replacement S55B30 - What to Choose
Choosing the right replacement route depends on your budget, risk tolerance, and ownership goals. Here's a breakdown of your options.
Used:
A used S55B30 can be a viable option if it comes from a low-mileage, well-maintained car with full documented history. However, the S55 is a track-friendly engine that has often been pushed hard - without proof that the crank hub has been addressed and rod bearings are in good condition, a used unit is a gamble. The cost of a used engine (£4,000-£7,000) plus the cost of preventative work (crank hub + rod bearings at £2,000-£3,000) may approach the cost of a reconditioned unit. Link once: /services/used-engines
Reconditioned:
A proper S55B30 recon is the sweet spot for most owners. A quality recon should include: full strip and inspection, replacement of rod bearings, crank hub upgrade (four-pin design), new piston rings, new gaskets and seals, and refreshed turbochargers. With a 12-24 month warranty, this gives you peace of mind that the engine's known weaknesses have been engineered out. Link once: /services/reconditioned-engines
Rebuilt:
A full rebuild is justified when the original engine has suffered catastrophic failure (spun crank hub with valve contact, rod bearing seizure) and the car is a low-mileage keeper or collector-grade example. An upgraded rebuild should include forged pistons, upgraded rod bolts, a four-pin crank hub, and full cylinder head refresh. This is specialist territory and typically only makes sense for high-value or competition-use cars where originality matters. Link once: /services/rebuilt-engines
Supply & Fit Line:
All engines can be supplied and fitted through our network of vetted BMW M specialists nationwide, with 12-month warranty on reconditioned and rebuilt units. Link once: /services/supply-and-fit
Vehicle Value Note:
The S55B30 typically sits in F80 M3 and F82/F83 M4s worth £15,000-£45,000 (depending on mileage, condition, and Competition spec). With a reconditioned supply cost of £6,000-£9,000, replacement is financially viable on most examples. However, if you're looking at a high-mileage F80 M3 worth under £15,000 with a failed engine, a used unit (£4,000-£7,000) may be the only sensible option - and even then, evaluate whether the car's overall condition and service history justify the spend. For cars under £12,000 with significant body or suspension wear, consider breaking the car before committing to a replacement engine.
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Related Engines
Engines Related to the BMW S55B30
Explore engines that are closely related to the BMW S55B30, including its predecessor, successor, and key family variants.
Predecessor
S65B40
- the 4.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 that powered the E90/E92/E93 M3. It revved to 8,400 rpm and produced 414-444 hp without turbochargers - a completely different character and ownership proposition from the S55’s twin-turbo torque delivery.
Successor
S58B30
- the 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six that replaced the S55 in the G80 M3 and G82 M4. It uses a 500-bar fuel system, an upgraded closed-deck block, and produces 473-503 hp - but shares the S55’s crank hub design weakness.
FAQ
BMW S55B30Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a BMW S55B30 engine replacement cost-
A reconditioned S55B30 supply-only costs approximately £6,000-£9,000, with fitted prices ranging from £6,780 to £9,910 depending on labour rates. Used units start at £4,000-£7,000, and full rebuilds run from £8,000-£12,000. Prices are supply-only; fitting adds 12-16 hours at independent M specialist rates. Warranty varies: 3-6 months on used, 12-24 months on reconditioned and rebuilt.
- Prices are supply-only; fitting adds 12-16 hours at independent M specialist rates.
- Warranty varies: 3-6 months on used, 12-24 months on reconditioned and rebuilt.
Question 2What is the crank hub problem on the S55B30-
The S55's two-piece crank hub can slip under high torque loads, causing the timing chain and oil pump sprockets to rotate independently of the crankshaft. This leads to catastrophic valve-to-piston contact if not caught early. The problem is more common on tuned engines but can affect stock cars, particularly during aggressive kickdown or high-load downshifts. Early symptoms: timing codes, rough idle, check engine light. Prevention: aftermarket four-pin crank hub upgrade.
- Early symptoms: timing codes, rough idle, check engine light.
- Prevention: aftermarket four-pin crank hub upgrade.
Question 3Which BMW models use the S55B30 engine-
The S55B30 was fitted exclusively to F80 M3 (2014-2018), F82 M4 Coupé (2014-2020), and F83 M4 Convertible (2014-2020). Two output variants exist: S55B30A (425 hp) and S55B30T0 Competition (444 hp). Not to be confused with the N55 or B58 engines. The successor S58 is not interchangeable with the S55.
- Not to be confused with the N55 or B58 engines.
- The successor S58 is not interchangeable with the S55.
Question 4Should I buy a used or reconditioned S55B30 engine-
A used S55B30 can be viable if it has full documented history and proof of crank hub and rod bearing condition. However, many used engines have been tracked or tuned; without evidence of preventative work, a used unit is a risk. A reconditioned engine is the safer choice - it typically includes crank hub upgrade, fresh rod bearings, and new seals, with a 12-24 month warranty. Used is cheaper but higher risk - factor in £2k-£3k for preventative work. Reconditioned addresses known weaknesses and offers peace of mind.
- Used: cheaper but higher risk - factor in £2k-£3k for preventative work.
- Reconditioned: addresses known weaknesses and offers peace of mind.
Question 5How do I confirm my car has the S55B30 and not another BMW engine-
Check the engine code stamped on the block (left-hand side near the timing cover) - it will read S55B30. The V5C logbook also lists the full engine number, with the first 7 characters identifying the code. Common confusions: N55B30 (single-turbo, non-M) and S55B30T0 (Competition variant). The S58 from G8X cars is a different generation - not interchangeable.
- Common confusions: N55B30 (single-turbo, non-M) and S55B30T0 (Competition variant).
- The S58 from G8X cars is a different generation - not interchangeable.
Question 6How long does an S55B30 engine typically last-
With proper maintenance and preventative work, these engines can exceed 100,000-120,000 miles. The closed-deck block and forged internals are robust; the limiting factors are the crank hub design and rod bearing wear. Crank hub upgrade strongly recommended at 30k-50k miles if tuning. Rod bearing replacement is advised at 60k-80k miles as preventative maintenance. Strict adherence to 5,000-mile oil changes with BMW M-spec oil is essential.
- Crank hub upgrade strongly recommended at 30k-50k miles if tuning.
- Rod bearing replacement is advised at 60k-80k miles as preventative maintenance.
- Strict adherence to 5,000-mile oil changes with BMW M-spec oil is essential.
Compare BMW S55B30 Engine Prices Today
Compare free, no-obligation quotes from our network of pre-vetted BMW M engine specialists. Every quote is specific to your exact S55B30 code and variant, and our reg-lookup tool confirms correct fitment before any quote is sent. With reconditioned S55B30 units available from approximately £6,000, comparing takes two minutes and could save you thousands on your M-car engine replacement.
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