Engines · BMW
BMW S65 4.0 V8 common problems
The S65 is a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre petrol V8 with eight individual throttles and double VANOS, built from 2007 to 2013 for the E90, E92 and E93 M3 with 420PS and an 8,300rpm limit. It replaced the S54 straight-six and was the only V8 M3 engine before the turbocharged six of the F80 M3.
Common problems and what to look for on the S65
The known issues most worth checking when you view a car with this engine. None of them means a car is a bad buy, but they're worth knowing about before you buy, and a good history often shows they've been dealt with.
Connecting rod bearings
What to look for: Look in the history for an invoice showing the connecting rod bearings have been replaced, at what mileage and by whom, and for any oil analysis results. Check the oil has been changed on time. With the engine warm and idling, listen for a tick or knock from low in the engine.
Why it matters: Premature rod bearing wear is the best-known S65 issue. Specialists see failures that aren't tied to mileage and may be linked to tired oil or a low oil level. Because there's no test you can do at a viewing, many owners have the bearings replaced as preventive work, often every 50,000 to 80,000 miles depending on use, and a specialist invoice is one of the most valuable things in an S65 history.
Throttle actuators
What to look for: Drive for at least ten minutes. Watch for the engine dropping into reduced power with engine and DSC warning lights a few minutes into the drive, or poor throttle response. Ask for a fault code read and for any record of actuator replacement.
Why it matters: The eight throttles are worked by two electric actuators, one per bank. Wear in their internal gears can overload the electronics, and fault codes such as 2B15 and 2B16 are typical. The car may run normally for about five minutes before going into limp mode. If one fails, both are usually replaced together, and rebuilt units are widely available.
Idle control valve
What to look for: Once the engine is warm, watch the idle: it should be steady, without hunting up and down. Note any engine warning light and ask for a fault code read.
Why it matters: A failing idle control valve causes a rough or hunting idle and can put the engine into limp mode with a warning light. A vacuum leak can cause similar symptoms but doesn't usually set a fault code, which helps tell them apart. It's a single part and a well-known replacement.
More known issues, covered in the full guide for each car
- Misfires: coils, plugs and injectors
- Oil leaks from the valve covers
Cars with the S65
- BMW M3 E90/E92/E93: All M3 saloons, coupés and convertibles, 2007 to 2013, including the Competition Package; the GTS has a 4.4-litre version
A pre-purchase inspection guide for your car
The CrankSight guide is a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) you do yourself, written for the exact model and generation you're viewing. It walks you round the car on your phone, with every check for that version, engine included: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
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General points for the engine, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with any manufacturer.