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BMW F80 M3

2014 – 2018 · S55 Twin-Turbo

The first turbocharged M3 — the F80 traded the F30's naturally aspirated past for the twin-turbo S55 straight-six, with around 425–444 hp, a manual or DCT, and the pace to embarrass cars from a class above. Brilliant and tunable, with two issues every buyer must understand: the crank hub and the rod bearings.

Years
2014–2018
Body
F80 Sedan
Engine
S55 twin-turbo I6
Gearbox
6MT or 7-spd DCT
Watch
Crank hub · rod bearings

Start Here

New to the F80, or shopping for one? Read these first — the S55 has two issues that define ownership.
Problems & Reliability

S55 Common Problems & Reliability

How robust the F80's twin-turbo S55 really is — the crank hub and rod bearings, the smaller wear items, and how to buy and own one with confidence.

Read the guide →
Problem Explained

The Crank Hub Problem

The S55's signature concern explained — what the crank hub is, why it slips, the warning signs and the pinning fix.

Read guide →
Problem Explained

Rod Bearings Explained

The M-engine rod-bearing question — the wear, the preventive-replacement debate, and what it means for buyers.

Read guide →

Buying

Shopping for an F80? Here's what separates a good one from a money pit.
Buyer's Guide

F80 M3 Buyer's Guide

Crank hub and rod-bearing history, track abuse, tune records, DCT vs manual, and a full inspection.

Read guide →
Comparison

DCT vs 6-Speed Manual

The two gearboxes compared — which to buy, and how each drives.

Read guide →

DIY & Maintenance

Hands-on walkthroughs for the jobs that matter most — coming soon.
DIY · Oil

Oil Change (S55)

The routine service done right, with the correct M-spec oil and capacity.

Read guide →
DIY · Ignition

Spark Plugs & Coils

The S55 ignition refresh, plus the colder plug a tuned car wants.

Read guide →
DIY · Brakes

Brake Pads & Rotors

Front and rear pads and rotors, with the electronic parking brake in service mode — plus the carbon-ceramic caution.

Read guide →

Ownership

What it really costs to run a twin-turbo M3.
Schedule · Costs

Maintenance Schedule & Cost

What to service and when, the rod-bearing question, and the real costs of fluids, brakes and tyres on an M3.

Read guide →

Performance

The S55 is a tuning monster — where to spend for power, and what to support first.
Performance

S55 Tuning & Upgrades

The S55 ladder — bootmod3, charge pipes, downpipes, intercooler and an Akrapovič — plus the crank-hub pinning every tuned car needs first.

Read guide →

Parts & Accessories

The right consumables and accessories for the M3.
Oil

Best Oil (S55)

The right M-spec oil for the twin-turbo six, and when to step up for a tuned, tracked car.

Read guide →

Guides for Every BMW

Generation-agnostic buyer's guides that apply to your F80 too.
DIY Tools
The kit every BMW owner needs
Engine Oil
The right spec by engine family
OBD2 Scanners
Codes & battery registration
Floor Mats
All-weather & cargo liners
Detailing Kit
Brake dust, swirls & leather
Dash Cam
Protection & parking mode
Phone Mount
Magnetic, vent & bracket
LED Bulbs
Interior, plate & canbus
Tires
All-season, summer & winter
Car Covers
Indoor & outdoor
Battery Tender
AGM trickle charger
Microfiber & Wash
Swirl-free wash kit
Replacement Battery
AGM & registration
BimmerCode
Coding & hidden features
Dragy GPS Meter
0-60, ¼-mile & lap timing
F30 3 Series
The non-M F30 generation