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BMW F87 M2 common problems
2016–2021 · M2, M2 Competition, M2 CS (N55, S55). The known weak spots of the engines used in the F87, with sources, plus the topics that come up most in BMW's service bulletins and NHTSA recalls for this chassis.
Last updated
N55 engine
M2 (2016–2018) · N55 bulletins →
Oil filter housing gasket, valve cover and oil pan leaks
The N55's most common repairs are oil leaks at the filter housing gasket, the plastic valve cover and the oil pan gasket.
N55 oil filter housing gasket (OFHG): prices → N55 valve cover / valve cover gasket (PCV): prices → N55 oil pan gasket: prices →
Electric water pump and thermostat
Like the N52 and N54, the N55 uses an electric coolant pump that eventually fails.
BMW bulletins on file for the F87:
- SIB 12 17 16 Thermostat warranty extension Thermostat warranty extension on N20/N55 engines (2014–2017); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Jun 2017
N52 / N54 / N55 electric water pump + thermostat: prices →
Charge pipe cracks
The plastic charge pipe between turbo and intercooler can crack, causing a sudden loss of boost; it's a shared N55/S55 weak point.
S55 engine
M2 Competition (2019–2021), M2 CS (2020) · S55 bulletins →
Crank hub slip
The S55's friction-fit crankshaft hub can rotate under big torque spikes (especially on tuned cars), knocking timing out. Upgraded keyed or pinned hubs are the common fix.
BMW bulletins on file for the F87:
- SIB 11 12 19 Wheels no-start Wheels no-start on BMW G01/G02/G05/G06 and other models (2016–2020); BMW gives diagnosis and repair guidance. Service bulletin · Jan 2020
- SIB 12 23 19 Catalytic converter no-start Catalytic converter no-start on BMW E60/E90/E92/E93 and other models (2009–2019); BMW gives an inspection and repair procedure. Service bulletin · Jul 2019
Sources: Litchfield: F8x crank hub issue · Lang Racing: S55 crank hub
Charge pipe cracks
The factory plastic charge pipes crack, causing boost leaks and limp mode.
Most frequent bulletin topics 112 bulletins
| Topic | Bulletins | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Axle | 4 | SIB 34 09 21, SIB 31 03 18 |
| Steering | 3 | SIB 66 24 19, SIB 36 01 21 |
| Battery | 3 | SIB 61 05 20, SIB 61 13 05 |
| Differential humming | 2 | SIB 33 03 18, SIB 33 01 19 |
| Differential new-car delivery hold | 2 | NHTSA 10147047, NHTSA 10147048 |
| Tail light cracking | 2 | SIB 01 13 19, SIB 63 01 19 |
| Instrument cluster | 2 | SIB 12 04 20, SIB 65 08 20 |
| Radio | 2 | SIB 61 14 20, SIB 65 06 17 |
BMW service bulletins and warranty extensions filed with NHTSA that list the F87, grouped by topic. A bulletin tells technicians how to diagnose and fix a known issue; it doesn't mean every car has the problem.
NHTSA recalls by component 5
- passenger seat safety belt retractor · 1 recall21V554
- n/a – vehicle engine assembly error · 1 recall20V666
- knee bolster · 1 recall19V352
- instrument cluster/panel · 1 recall17V719
- frame and members · 1 recall16V653
Matched from NHTSA's public recall file by model and model year. Recall repairs are free; check a VIN.
BMW warranty extensions that list the F87
- SIB 31 01 24 Strut warranty extension Strut warranty extension on BMW G01/G02/G80/G81 and other models (2015–2024); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Jan 2024
- NHTSA 10212779 Component and Issue Specific Limited Emission Warranty Extension Component and Issue Specific Limited Emission Warranty Extension on BMW G20/E90/E92/E93 and other models (2012–2021); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Apr 2022
- SIB 64 06 13 Air conditioning warranty extension Air conditioning warranty extension on BMW G20/E90/E92/E93 and other models (2012–2021); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Nov 2021
- SIB 12 17 16 Thermostat warranty extension Thermostat warranty extension on N20/N55 engines (2014–2017); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Jun 2017
If a car qualifies, the listed repair may be free. Check eligibility for the VIN with a BMW center.
Repair prices for these engines
N55 oil filter housing gasket (OFHG) N55 valve cover / valve cover gasket (PCV) N52 / N54 / N55 electric water pump + thermostat N55 oil pan gasket VANOS solenoids (intake / exhaust) N55 ignition coils (all six) N55 charge pipe (intercooler to throttle) replacement
Prices on these pages are for other chassis with the same engine.
Sources: BMW service bulletins and recalls filed with NHTSA (public data) and the specialist and owner write-ups linked above. Not affiliated with BMW.