KNOWN FAULTS · BMW

BMW Serie 3 (F30/F31) M3 (F80, S55, 3.0) common problems.

2012–2019 · Petrol

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

2 known faults with sources

S55 crank hubValve timing

Engine / equipment: S55 3.0 twin-turbo (M3 F80, M4 F82/F83, M2 Competition and CS F87)
Period mentioned: 2014–2021
Symptoms: Engine or drivetrain warning, rough running, or the engine cranks but won't start because the ECU blocks it after detecting timing deviation.
Possible cause described: The crank hub that drives the chain is held only by friction from one bolt, with no key. Under high load (aggressive high-rev downshifts or extra power from tuning) it can slip and throw the timing out, risking valve-to-piston contact. It is more common on modified cars.
Check for the garage: Read camshaft deviation with a diagnostic tool and check whether the hub has moved. The permanent fix is a pinned or keyed hub.
Cost cited in the source: Pinned hub: approx. €900–1,000 plus labour; repair after a slip: approx. €750–2,300 (converted from dollars)A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Only if fitted with the automatic gearbox described in the record.

ZF 8HP oil level, leaks and harsh shiftsAutomatic gearbox

Engine / equipment: ZF 8HP automatic gearbox in rear-wheel-drive BMWs from 2009 (1 to 8 Series and X: F20, F30, F10, G20, G30, X3, X5…)
Period mentioned: 2009–2026
Symptoms: Harsh shifts (especially engaging D and 1st to 2nd), slipping or jerking; oil leaks from the pan, the mechatronic connector sleeve or the seals.
Possible cause described: BMW's diagnostic guide says an incorrect oil level is a frequent cause of shift complaints and asks for it to be checked every time, even with no visible leaks; the pan can be damaged by impacts. The sealing sleeve between gearbox and mechatronic lets oil through to the connector. The oil, sold as lifetime, degrades.
Check for the garage: Check the oil level with the official procedure (correct temperature and engine running), look for leaks at the pan, connector sleeve and seals, inspect the pan for impact damage and review adaptation values with ISTA.
Cost cited in the source: Oil change with pan and filter: maintenance; sleeve or seals: minor repair; mechatronic: expensive repairA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.