S55 vs M54

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M54 BEST 93/100
+28 points over S55
0 / 100
CAUTION S55 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M54 BMW

Specifications

S55
M54
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
65
93
Years
2014--2018
2000--2006
Displacement
2979 cc
2979 cc
Layout
I6
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
431--450 hp
170--231 hp
Known Issues
3
4
Total Risk Cost
€2,800--€7,000
€530--€1,250

Character

S55

"Track weapon. M-car level care mandatory. Fragile if abused."

M54

"Peak old-school BMW. Raspy, high-revving, raw. The benchmark. 300k+ km routine."

Issues Comparison

S55 3

◆ CRITICAL
Crankshaft hub failure — pre-2016 production €800--€2,000 0 km--80,000 km
◆ CRITICAL
Rod bearing wear — M-car maintenance required €1,200--€3,000 60,000 km--120,000 km
● MODERATE
Turbo oil seal wear €800--€2,000 80,000 km--150,000 km

M54 4

● MODERATE
Cooling plastics — water pump impeller critical €200--€450 80,000 km--150,000 km
● MODERATE
DISA valve failure (intake manifold flap) €80--€200 80,000 km--160,000 km
● MODERATE
Double VANOS oil seal wear €150--€350 100,000 km--180,000 km
○ MINOR
Valve cover gasket oil leak €100--€250 100,000 km--200,000 km

Models

S55 5

M4 F82 2016--2020 M2 F87 2018--2021 M3 F80 2016--2018 M4 F82 2014--2020 M3 F80 2014--2018

M54 13

5 Series E39 2000--2003 3 Series E46 2001--2005 5 Series E60 2003--2007 5 Series E60 2003--2005 5 Series E39 2000--2003 Z4 E85 2003--2005 3 Series E46 2001--2005 5 Series E60 2003--2005 X5 E53 2000--2006 5 Series E39 2000--2003 Z4 E85 2003--2005 3 Series E46 2001--2005 Z3 E36/7 2000--2002
Full S55 Report Full M54 Report