The BMW S55 engine, a potent twin-turbocharged inline-6, powers iconic performance vehicles like the M3, M4, and X4 M. While renowned for its impressive power output, potential buyers often inquire about its reliability and maintenance costs. This article delves into the S55’s common problems, potential repair expenses, and overall ownership experience.
One documented issue with the S55 is the crank hub. While failure is rare in stock vehicles, the risk increases significantly with tuning that pushes the engine beyond factory specifications. This issue can be a costly repair, potentially requiring a significant engine teardown. Therefore, understanding your modification plans and their potential impact on the crank hub’s longevity is crucial.
Another potential problem area, though less common than the crank hub issue, is the valve cover and PCV system. A failed PCV valve can necessitate a valve cover replacement, a repair that can cost around $2,000 at a dealership, including parts and labor. Independent shops may offer lower labor rates, potentially reducing the overall cost to around $1,600. However, factoring in the cost of a loaner car, often provided by dealerships, might make the dealership price more competitive. For example, a five-day rental car could easily exceed the price difference between dealership and independent shop repairs.
Routine maintenance costs for the S55, such as oil changes, are comparable to other high-performance vehicles. While an independent shop might charge $150 for an S55 oil change, compared to $80 for a Toyota Camry, the BMW’s longer oil change interval (10,000 miles vs. 5,000 miles) ultimately balances the cost over time. Two Camry oil changes would cost $160, effectively matching the single BMW service. Using the recommended LL-01 oil is essential for maintaining the engine’s health and performance. Dealership labor rates for BMWs, often around $250 per hour, contribute to the higher maintenance costs compared to independent shops charging around $130 per hour.
Ultimately, the perception of “expensive repairs” is subjective and depends on individual financial circumstances. Even relatively inexpensive cars can incur significant repair costs. For instance, a seemingly minor issue like a bad camshaft on a Scion FR-S can result in a $1,500 repair bill, even with discounted parts and labor. This emphasizes that unexpected repair costs can arise with any vehicle, regardless of its initial price point.
In conclusion, while the S55 Bmw engine offers exhilarating performance, potential owners should be aware of the crank hub as a potential weak point, especially with engine tuning. Regular maintenance and addressing issues promptly can mitigate risks and help ensure the engine’s longevity. While maintenance and repair costs might be higher than those of a standard vehicle, they are generally in line with other high-performance engines.
