The last naturally aspirated M3 and the only V8-powered M3 ever made. A motorsport legend derived from BMW's F1 program, celebrated for its 8,400 RPM redline and visceral driving experience. Reliability is solid for a performance car, but the S65 engine demands respect and preventive maintenance. Rod bearings are the critical concern - inspect or replace between 60,000-100,000 km regardless of condition. Throttle actuators fail predictably around 60,000-80,000 km. Manual gearbox is more reliable than DCT. Fuel consumption is 12-15 MPG city, 24-28 MPG highway. Timing chain is lifetime but should be inspected at high mileage.
Factory bearings have tight clearances (.001" vs .0025" standard), leading to premature wear · more· less
The S65 engine uses rod bearings designed with extremely tight clearances inherited from BMW's F1 program. While this works well in race conditions with proper warm-up and thick 10W-60 oil, street driving often doesn't reach optimal temperatures. Symptoms include knocking noise at startup and low RPM, decreased oil pressure warning, metal shavings in oil filter. Preventive replacement recommended at 60,000-100,000 km depending on driving style. 2011+ models use harder tin/aluminum bearings (harder to detect wear via oil analysis). Replacement cost: €3,500-4,500 for bearings only; €10,000-15,000 if engine damage has occurred requiring bottom-end rebuild. Upgraded bearings with increased clearance available from BE/Clevite. Note: Less than 1% experience catastrophic failure, but 15-25% show premature wear requiring early replacement.
Throttle actuator failure€1,800 - €3,500
Plastic internal gears wear prematurely, causing limp mode and EPC light · more· less
The S65 has two throttle actuators (one per bank) with plastic gears prone to premature wear from mechanical stress, heat cycling, and vibration. Symptoms: EPC light, DSC malfunction, limp mode activation (car runs fine for 5 minutes then enters limp mode). Fault codes 2B15 and 2B16. BMW won't sell actuators separately - dealer charges €3,000+ for both. Alternatives: rebuild service replaces gears with upgraded metal versions (€800-1,200 for pair), aftermarket uprated actuators with lifetime warranty (€1,200-1,500), or DIY gear repair kit (€150-300 parts only). Most common failure point after rod bearings. Replace both actuators simultaneously to avoid duplicate labor costs. Typically occurs 60,000-100,000 km.
Plastic sump warps over time causing gasket failure and fluid leaks · more· less
The DCT transmission itself (Getrag unit) is extremely robust and can handle much more torque than the M3 produces. However, the plastic sump pan warps from heat cycles, distorting the gasket channel. Gasket replacement alone isn't sufficient - the warped pan must be replaced. Additional leak points: oil cooler lines, mechatronic unit seals, thermostat unit. Symptoms: transmission fluid puddles (red/brown), low fluid warnings, occasional "transmission fault" message (often battery-related rather than DCT). Complete DCT service including new sump, all gaskets, filters, and fluid: €700-900 at independent specialist, €1,200-1,400 at dealer. Occurs on most DCT-equipped cars by 80,000-120,000 km. Note: DCT clutches are wet-type and rarely need replacement even at high mileage.
Valve cover gasket oil leaks€800 - €1,600
V8 configuration with two valve covers makes oil leaks common and visible · more· less
The S65 V8 has two valve covers, both prone to gasket deterioration from heat cycles. Oil seeps where valve covers meet cylinder heads, often visible as brown/black residue. Additional leak points: oil filter housing gasket, oil pan gasket, VANOS solenoid o-rings. Symptoms: oil smell when engine hot, visible oil on engine block, oil consumption increasing, oil spots under car. Valve cover gaskets should be replaced around 80,000-100,000 km. Cost: €800-1,000 independent specialist (includes gaskets, spark plug tube seals, hardware), €1,400-1,600 at dealer. Good opportunity to inspect timing chain and VANOS while valve covers are removed.
VANOS solenoid failure€400 - €900
Variable valve timing solenoids clog or fail, causing rough idle and limp mode · more· less
The S65 has four VANOS solenoids (intake and exhaust for each bank) controlling variable valve timing via oil pressure. Solenoids clog with debris or fail internally. Symptoms: fault codes 2766 (bank 2 outlet) and 2763 (bank 1 inlet), limp mode, rough idle, sluggish acceleration, loss of power at low RPM, rattling/ticking sounds. Typically occurs around 80,000-100,000 km. Diagnosis: clean solenoids and swap sides - if fault code follows the solenoid, it needs replacement. Cost: €200-250 per solenoid (OEM BMW part 11367843118 for intake), labor €200-400. Replace o-rings every 80,000 km as preventive measure (BMW recommendation). Best to replace all four solenoids simultaneously if one fails.
Electric water pump failure€600 - €1,200
Electronic water pump fails suddenly without warning, typically 100,000-150,000 km · more· less
The S65 uses an electric water pump controlled by DME via PWM signal for variable speed based on temperature. Unlike belt-driven pumps with gradual wear, electric pumps fail suddenly. 30% of E90 3-series tested showed water pump failure by 160,000 km. Symptoms: engine overheating at idle or driving, coolant warning light, no cabin heat, coolant leaks, whining/grinding noise from front of engine, steam from hood. Diagnostic: squeeze top radiator hose with engine warm and running - no pressure buildup indicates pump failure. Pump runs at various speeds - INPA/ISTA software can test. Cost: €400-500 parts (pump assembly), €200-400 labor. Replace coolant and thermostat simultaneously. BMW issued recall affecting 720,000 vehicles for electric water pump issues. Preventive replacement recommended at 120,000-140,000 km.
Rear differential bushing failure€500 - €1,200
Soft rubber differential mounts wear quickly, common failure around 110,000 km · more· less
OE BMW differential bushings are soft rubber designed for comfort but wear quickly on performance cars. The diff tries to twist on its mountings during acceleration, cracking the mounts. Symptoms: clunking from rear during acceleration/deceleration, vibration, imprecise handling. Common failure point around 110,000 km. Replacement requires dropping entire rear carrier, disconnecting brake lines, removing exhaust and heat shield. Special tools needed for bushing press-out/press-in, then alignment required. Labor intensive: 6-9 hours minimum. Cost: €150-250 parts (OEM rubber), €350-500 labor. Many owners upgrade to polyurethane (€200-350) or solid aluminum bushings (€400-600) for lifetime durability, though these increase NVH. Complete differential service €500-750 independent, €900-1,200 dealer. Replace driveshaft flex disc, transmission mounts, and exhaust studs simultaneously while everything is apart.
High oil consumption€50 - €150/month
S65 high-revving V8 consumes oil by design, especially during spirited driving · more· less
The S65 is built to similar specifications as race engines and oil consumption is normal. BMW technical notes state 650 miles per quart is within specification. Owner reports vary widely: conservative driving uses minimal oil, while spirited driving can consume 1 liter per 800-1,000 km. Some owners report 1 liter per 2,000-2,400 km average. Contributing factors: valve stem seal wear, piston ring wear, aggressive driving causing higher oil temperatures. The engine requires expensive 10W-60 TWS oil (€70-90 for 9 liters). External leaks common (valve covers, oil pan, filter housing) compound the issue. Monitor oil level weekly - running low damages rod bearings. Oil analysis every 2-3 changes recommended to monitor bearing wear (look for copper and lead). Not a defect but an inherent characteristic of high-performance engines with tight tolerances and high-RPM operation.
The E90 M3 is remarkably reliable for a high-revving naturally aspirated V8 performance car. The S65 engine can exceed 250,000 km with proper maintenance. However, this is not a car to defer maintenance on. Rod bearings and throttle actuators are the two critical items - budget for both as preventive maintenance rather than waiting for failure. The DCT transmission is mechanically bulletproof but leaks are universal. Manual transmission cars are significantly more reliable overall. Most issues are well-documented with established solutions. Buy from enthusiast owners with complete service records, avoid cars that were daily driven in short-trip city use, and budget €2,000-3,000 annually for maintenance beyond routine servicing.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete records essential. Verify oil changes every 8,000-10,000 km max with 10W-60 specification. Look for rod bearing service documentation.
Tires
Check tread depth and age. M3 uses staggered setup (245/35R19 front, 265/35R19 rear). Budget €1,400-1,600 for Michelin Pilot Sport 4S set.
Cold start
CRITICAL: Engine must be completely cold. Listen for rod bearing knock in first 30 seconds. Any knocking noise lasting more than 2-3 seconds is serious concern.
Body condition
Check for accident damage, panel gaps, paint mismatch. E90 M3 has aluminum hood and fenders - expensive to repair.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds. Get engine and transmission fully up to temperature before evaluating.
Specific for this vehicle
Rod bearing inspection (MOST IMPORTANT)
Request oil analysis report showing copper and lead levels. If unavailable, negotiate rod bearing replacement as condition of sale (€3,500-4,500). Look for metal shavings in oil filter during pre-purchase inspection. Any knocking noise at idle = walk away unless price reflects engine rebuild.
Pull all diagnostic codes
Scan for fault codes related to throttle actuators (2B15, 2B16), VANOS (2763, 2766), and transmission. Many issues show codes before symptoms appear.
Check for oil leaks thoroughly
Inspect valve covers, oil filter housing, oil pan, and underneath engine. Look for fresh oil indicating active leaks vs old residue. Check oil level - excessive consumption between services is red flag.
DCT transmission test (if DCT equipped)
Look under car for transmission fluid leaks (red/brown fluid). Drive for 20+ minutes - transmission faults often appear when hot. Test all gears including manual mode. Check for "transmission fault" message history in iDrive.
Throttle response test
Drive car hard through full throttle range. Any hesitation, EPC light, or limp mode indicates throttle actuator issues. Ask about throttle actuator replacement history.
Cooling system pressure test
Have specialist perform cooling system pressure test to check water pump operation and look for leaks. Squeeze top radiator hose with engine warm and running - should feel strong pressure pulses.
Verify recall completion
Check with BMW dealer using VIN: positive battery cable recall (19V-472), blower motor wiring recall (17V-676), airbag recall (16V-071). Critical for safety and reliability.
Check rear differential for play/noise
Listen for clunking from rear during acceleration and deceleration. Check differential bushings for cracks or excessive movement. Common failure point around 110,000 km.
Inspect brake system thoroughly
Check pad thickness (expensive to replace - €600-900 per axle). Look at rotor condition - M3 uses large 360mm front rotors. Verify no brake fluid leaks. Check brake fluid color and condition.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Positive battery cable connection degradation (19V-472)2008-2012 M3 all body styles
Blower motor wiring harness fire risk (17V-676)2008-2011 E90/E92/E93 M3
Driver airbag module incorrect installation (16V-071)E90/E93 with S65 engine
VANOS adjustment unit oil leakage (14V-176)Not applicable to S65 M3 (applies to N52 engine only)
Contact BMW dealer with VIN to verify all safety recalls completed. The positive battery cable recall (19V-472) is particularly important - it can cause intermittent electrical power loss. BMW recalls remain valid for 15 years from date of manufacture and are repaired free of charge regardless of ownership history.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (4 years/80,000 km)Expired on all 2007-2013 M3s
Powertrain warranty (4 years/80,000 km)Expired on all 2007-2013 M3s
Extended warranty availabilityLimited due to age, expensive if available
All E90/E92/E93 M3s are outside original factory warranty. Extended warranties are difficult to obtain for 12+ year old high-performance vehicles and typically exclude high-wear items like rod bearings, clutches, and suspension components. Some specialist insurers offer mechanical breakdown insurance but carefully review exclusions. Most owners self-insure by maintaining a dedicated repair fund of €3,000-5,000 for unexpected issues. Consider specialist pre-purchase inspection (€300-500) far more valuable than extended warranty for cars this age.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.