BMW M3 F80 (2014–2018) Price Guide

The F80 M3, produced from 2014 to 2018, returned to a straight-six after the V8. But a, shock-horror, turbocharged one! The S55 twin-turbo producing 431bhp and, in Competition form, 444bhp. The turbocharging brought a broader torque curve and lower fuel consumption at the cost of the V8’s acoustics and its need to be revved. Whether the trade was worthwhile divides M car enthusiasts sharply.

The Car

The S55B30 twin-turbo produced 431bhp in standard form and 444bhp in the Competition variant with revised engine management and suspension. A six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT. Rear-wheel drive only, of course. The M3 CS raised output to 460bhp with a lightweight carbon-fibre roof and bucket seats. Active M differential and M-specific adaptive suspension were standard. The Competition Package became the recommended specification given its suspension and gearbox improvements.

What Goes Wrong

S55 rod bearing sensitivity requires the same 6,000-mile oil change discipline as the S54 and S65. Charge pipe failure (the intercooler-to-throttle body pipe splits under boost) is a common failure point on high-mileage or harder-driven cars. Water pump failures have been reported. The DCT is excellent but fluid changes are essential maintenance.

Buying

The Competition with manual gearbox is the definitive F80 specification. They are harder to find but worth pursuing. The CS is rare and appreciating. Check charge pipe condition and rod bearing history carefully.

The BMW F80 M3 is the last M3 offered exclusively in rear-wheel drive, so for many is considered the last ‘real’ M3.