2020-2025 BMW M8 Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2020-2025 model years · 280+ owner reports · Updated May 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 280+ owner reports, the 2020-2025 BMW M8 has 4 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is S63TU4 Rod Bearing Wear (M8/M8 Competition) ($5,000-$40,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is S63TU4 V8 Excessive Oil Consumption with 170 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $200 to $40,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 4 Known Issues

On the 2020-2024 BMW M8, the S63TU4 4.4L twin-turbo V8 in M8 and M8 Competition models suffers from premature rod bearing wear due to tight bearing clearances combined with extreme heat and boost pressure stress. The factory bearings are spec'd with minimal clearance for NVH (noise/vibration/harshness) reduction, but this leaves insufficient oil film thickness under high-load, high-heat conditions common in spirited driving or track use. Rod bearing failure can result in catastrophic engine seizure and connecting rod through the block ($20,000-$40,000 engine replacement). This issue affects all BMW S-series V8 engines (S63/S65) and is well-documented on Bimmerpost. Preventive rod bearing replacement costs $5,000-$8,000 vs. $20,000-$40,000 for catastrophic failure. Regular oil analysis through Blackstone Labs ($30/sample) can detect early bearing wear through copper and lead content in oil.

This issue also affects: BMW M4, BMW M6, BMW X5 M

Common Symptoms

Faint knocking or tapping noise from bottom end of engine
Metallic debris in oil filter during oil changes
Elevated copper and lead levels in oil analysis reports
Engine knock under load or high RPM
Low oil pressure warning (late-stage failure)
Catastrophic engine seizure (complete failure - rod through block)

How to Fix

PREVENTIVE: Replace rod bearings every 60,000-80,000 miles or sooner if tracked ($5,000-$8,000). Use ACL Race bearings 8B1578HX-STD ($200-350) which have wider clearance tolerances than OEM for better oil film protection. Monitor bearing health with Blackstone Labs oil analysis ($30/sample) every oil change - elevated copper/lead indicates bearing wear starting. If bearings have failed: engine replacement required ($20,000-$40,000). CRITICAL: If you hear any knocking from bottom end, stop driving immediately and tow to shop.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeACL Race bearings 8B1578HX-STD ($200-350) have wider clearance tolerances than OEM for better oil film protection under high-load conditions. (ACL Race Rod Bearings 8B1578HX-STD)
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TipSend oil sample to Blackstone Labs ($30/sample) every oil change to monitor copper and lead levels - early warning of bearing wear before catastrophic failure.
NoteIf you track your M8 or drive aggressively, replace rod bearings preventively at 50,000 miles. Track use accelerates bearing wear significantly.
TipPreventive rod bearing replacement ($5k-8k) is 75-85% cheaper than catastrophic failure repair ($20k-40k). Budget for this as routine M8 ownership cost.

Typical repair cost:$5,000 - $40,000

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

Community Reported

170 owners

On the 2020-2025 BMW M8 S63TU4, the M8 S63TU4 4.4L twin-turbo V8 can consume oil at rates exceeding 1 quart per 1,500 miles, particularly when driven spiritedly. The issue is related to the valve stem seals and piston ring design that allows oil past the rings under high boost and high RPM conditions. BMW considers up to 1 quart per 1,500 miles "normal."

Common Symptoms

Oil level drops between changes
Blue smoke on startup
Blue smoke under hard acceleration
Oil consumption above 1qt/1500mi
Oil smell from exhaust
Low oil level warning
Fouled spark plugs

How to Fix

Monitor oil level regularly using iDrive oil level check. For excessive consumption beyond BMW's threshold, valve stem seal replacement may be warranted under warranty. Updated piston rings are available for severe cases. Always keep oil topped up between changes.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 170+ owners who fixed this issue

TipKeep a quart of BMW 0W-40 in the trunk. Check oil level via iDrive before every spirited drive.
UpgradeBMW TwinPower Turbo 0W-40 engine oil — factory fill for S63 (BMW #83-21-2-365-926)
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NoteRunning the S63 low on oil accelerates rod bearing wear — never ignore the low oil warning.

Typical repair cost:$200 - $5,000

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Community Reported

High Confidence170 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

Community Reported

110 owners

On the 2020-2025 BMW M8, the M8 adaptive M suspension dampers can develop leaks from the electronically controlled valving, causing a loss of damping force on the affected corner. The complex internal valving and seals are stressed by the M8's weight and performance demands, leading to premature wear compared to conventional dampers.

Common Symptoms

Bouncy or floaty ride on one corner
Suspension warning light
Visible oil leak on damper body
Uneven handling feel
Clunking over bumps
Body roll increase on one side
Damper fault in iDrive

How to Fix

Replace the leaking damper(s). BMW adaptive dampers must be replaced as complete units — they cannot be rebuilt. After replacement, a suspension calibration via ISTA is required to integrate the new damper into the adaptive system. Replacing in pairs (front or rear axle) is recommended.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 110+ owners who fixed this issue

TipInspect damper bodies for oil seepage during regular service — catching leaks early prevents bushing and tire damage.
NoteDriving with a failed adaptive damper puts extra stress on the opposite-side unit, potentially causing premature failure.
UpgradePerformance monotube shocks/struts for sport-tuned suspension (Bilstein B8 Sport Shocks/Struts)
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UpgradeStrut mount and bearing for noise-free strut operation (Moog Strut Mount Assembly)
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Typical repair cost:$1,200 - $3,500

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Medium Confidence110 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

On the 2020-2024 BMW M8, m8 and M8 Competition models equipped with the optional Carbon Ceramic Brake (CCB) package experience premature rotor cracking, excessive squealing, and thermal shock damage. Carbon ceramic rotors are sensitive to rapid temperature changes (thermal shock from cold water hitting hot rotors) and impacts from road debris. Unlike iron rotors, carbon ceramic rotors cannot be resurfaced - once cracked or damaged, complete replacement is required at $3,000-$4,000 per corner ($12,000-$16,000 for all four). The rotors also produce significant squealing during light braking at low speeds, which is normal for the material but annoying for daily driving. Many M8 owners with CCB option convert to traditional iron rotors using BimmerWorld CCB-to-iron conversion kits ($3,000-$5,000 total) for lower running costs and quieter operation while maintaining excellent braking performance.

Common Symptoms

Excessive squealing and screeching during light braking
Visible cracks or chips on rotor surface
Vibration or pulsation when braking
Grinding noise from damaged rotor
Reduced braking performance from cracked rotor
Uneven pad wear from warped or cracked rotor

How to Fix

Replace damaged CCB rotors ($3,000-$4,000 per corner, $12,000-$16,000 for all four). CCB rotors cannot be resurfaced - replacement is only option. Alternatively, convert to iron rotors using BimmerWorld CCB-to-iron conversion kit ($3,000-$5,000 total for all four corners) for dramatically lower running costs. PREVENTION: Avoid driving through standing water with hot brakes (thermal shock cracks rotors). Avoid aggressive braking over potholes or road debris. Squealing at low speed is normal for CCB material - not a defect. If only using car for street driving, iron conversion is more practical and cost-effective.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeBimmerWorld CCB-to-iron conversion kit ($3,000-$5,000) replaces carbon ceramic with traditional iron rotors. Dramatically lower running costs for street use. (BimmerWorld CCB-to-Iron Conversion Kit)
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TipLow-speed squealing is normal for carbon ceramic brakes - not a defect. If squealing bothers you, convert to iron rotors.
NoteNever drive through standing water with hot brakes - thermal shock can crack carbon ceramic rotors instantly. One puddle can cost $4,000+.
TipOEM CCB rotor replacement is $3,000-$4,000 per corner. Iron conversion at $3,000-$5,000 total is cheaper than replacing even ONE CCB rotor.

Typical repair cost:$3,000 - $16,000

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common BMW M8 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 280+ owner reports, the 2020-2025 BMW M8 has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: S63TU4 Rod Bearing Wear (M8/M8 Competition), S63TU4 V8 Excessive Oil Consumption, Adaptive Suspension Damper Leaks. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the BMW M8 reliable?

The 2020-2025 BMW M8 has 4 known issues documented across 280+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: S63TU4 Rod Bearing Wear (M8/M8 Competition). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common BMW M8 problems?

Repair costs for known BMW M8 issues range from $200 to $40,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, S63TU4 Rod Bearing Wear (M8/M8 Competition), typically costs $5,000-$40,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year BMW M8 is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the BMW M8. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2020-2025 BMW M8 with 4 documented issues documented across 280+ owner reports.

What is the 2020-2024 BMW M8 S63TU4 Rod Bearing Wear (M8/M8 Competition)?

The S63TU4 4.4L twin-turbo V8 in M8 and M8 Competition models suffers from premature rod bearing wear due to tight bearing clearances combined with extreme heat and boost pressure stress. The factory bearings are spec'd with minimal clearance for NVH (noise/vibration/harshness) r… Repairs typically run $5,000-$40,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2020-2025 BMW M8 S63TU4 V8 Excessive Oil Consumption?

The M8 S63TU4 4.4L twin-turbo V8 can consume oil at rates exceeding 1 quart per 1,500 miles, particularly when driven spiritedly. The issue is related to the valve stem seals and piston ring design that allows oil past the rings under high boost and high RPM conditions. BMW consi… Repairs typically run $200-$5,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2025 BMW M8 Adaptive Suspension Damper Leaks?

The M8 adaptive M suspension dampers can develop leaks from the electronically controlled valving, causing a loss of damping force on the affected corner. The complex internal valving and seals are stressed by the M8's weight and performance demands, leading to premature wear com… Repairs typically run $1,200-$3,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2024 BMW M8 M8 Carbon Ceramic Brake (CCB) Issues?

M8 and M8 Competition models equipped with the optional Carbon Ceramic Brake (CCB) package experience premature rotor cracking, excessive squealing, and thermal shock damage. Carbon ceramic rotors are sensitive to rapid temperature changes (thermal shock from cold water hitting h… Repairs typically run $3,000-$16,000. Severity: medium.

2020-2025 BMW M8 Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 4 Known Issues

2020-2024 BMW M8: S63TU4 Rod Bearing Wear (M8/M8 Competition)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2020-2025 BMW M8: S63TU4 V8 Excessive Oil Consumption#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2020-2025 BMW M8: Adaptive Suspension Damper Leaks#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2020-2024 BMW M8: M8 Carbon Ceramic Brake (CCB) Issues#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other BMW Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common BMW M8 problems?

Is the BMW M8 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common BMW M8 problems?

What year BMW M8 is the most reliable?

What is the 2020-2024 BMW M8 S63TU4 Rod Bearing Wear (M8/M8 Competition)?

What is the 2020-2025 BMW M8 S63TU4 V8 Excessive Oil Consumption?

What is the 2020-2025 BMW M8 Adaptive Suspension Damper Leaks?

What is the 2020-2024 BMW M8 M8 Carbon Ceramic Brake (CCB) Issues?