Thinking about buying a used BMW M2 (2016–2025) in New Zealand? We've documented 5 known faults for this model spanning engine, cooling, transmission, and fluid leaks. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
5
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$1,200–$4,500
Typical repair
4
Systems covered
Known BMW M2 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01S55 crank hub slip on the M2 Competition (3.0 twin-turbo)
CriticalRareEngine $2,500–$25,000 to fix
The M2 Competition's S55 twin-turbo six holds its crankshaft timing gear on by friction rather than a key, and under sustained high load that hub can rotate on the crank. When it does the engine loses its timing reference and the valves and pistons meet, which ends the engine. Two things matter for a buyer. First, this is overwhelmingly a MODIFIED-car failure — the reported cases cluster on tuned cars running raised boost and repeated launch control, and even among those the rate is estimated below 1%. A standard, unmapped car is at low risk. Second, there is no warning: nothing rattles or logs a code beforehand. That is why a pinned or keyed crank hub is a common preventative fit, and why evidence of tuning matters far more on this car than on an ordinary used BMW. The base M2 (2016-2018) uses the N55 single-turbo and is not affected.
Symptoms to notice
No warning at all before failure — this is the defining feature
Engine warning light with camshaft/crankshaft correlation codes if it slips partially
Rough running or a no-start after a hard launch
Aftermarket exhaust, intake, intercooler or a piggyback box as circumstantial evidence of tuning
What to check
This is a history and honesty check more than a physical one. Ask directly whether the car has ever been mapped, flashed or run a piggyback module, and whether launch control has been used — and watch how the answer is given. Look under the bonnet for an aftermarket intake, charge pipe or intercooler, and at the exhaust tips for a non-standard system; any of those raise the question of what else was changed. Ask whether the crank hub has been pinned or keyed and request the invoice, because that is a plus rather than a worry. Check for a stack of servicing at a performance workshop rather than a BMW specialist. On the test drive, listen on a cold start for anything unusual and note any engine warning light. If a workshop inspection is possible: have the ECU checked for a tune and for logged correlation codes, which survive even after a light has been cleared.
Where to look: Front of the engine — crankshaft hub behind the timing cover
Ask the seller
“Has this car ever been tuned, flashed or run a piggyback module?”
“Has the crank hub been pinned or keyed, and do you have the invoice?”
Both engines fitted to the F87 M2 use moulded rubber gaskets at the valve cover and the oil filter housing, and both harden and shrink with heat cycling. The oil filter housing sits above the exhaust side, so a leak there drips onto hot components and produces the burning smell owners notice before they ever see a puddle. Neither is difficult in itself, but the M2 runs a high-viscosity 10W-60 in the S55 and losing oil unnoticed on a performance engine is how a much larger bill starts. Treat these as due maintenance rather than a defect on any M2 now several years old.
Symptoms to notice
Burning oil smell after a drive, strongest when you open the bonnet
Dark oily residue down the side or rear of the engine
Oil level dropping between services
Smoke or haze from the engine bay when stationary after a run
What to check
Open the bonnet after the test drive while everything is hot and simply smell for burning oil — that is the most reliable early sign and needs no tools. With a phone torch, look along the join between the valve cover and the head for wet, dark residue, and then down the right-hand side of the engine at the oil filter housing for oil trails running down towards the exhaust. Clean, dry alloy is what you want; a grimy, oil-darkened area is not. Pull the dipstick and check the level, and ask the seller how much oil the car uses between services and which oil they use — the S55 wants 10W-60 and an owner who does not know that is telling you something. Look at the ground where the car parks for drips. If a workshop inspection is possible: have it on a hoist to confirm whether the source is the valve cover, the filter housing or the oil pan, as the three look similar from above.
Where to look: Top and right-hand side of the engine — valve cover join and oil filter housing above the exhaust
Ask the seller
“Have the valve cover or oil filter housing gaskets been replaced?”
“Which oil does it run, and how often is it changed?”
“Does it use oil between services?”
CoolingCritical
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
3 more documented faults on the BMW M2
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 5 documented faults for the BMW M2, the recurring problem areas are engine, cooling, and transmission. A BMW M2 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used BMW M2?
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We've catalogued 5 known faults for the BMW M2, covering engine, cooling, and transmission. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a BMW M2?
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Most single repairs on the BMW M2 fall between $1,200–$4,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 5 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a BMW M2?
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Yes. A BMW M2 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.