2018 BMW M2 Problems: 8 Known Issues

2018 BMW M2 Problems: 8 Known Issues | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls4 recalls

AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive, M2 Competition Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, and 2019 330i xDrive Sportswagon vehicles. The driver and passenger knee air bag assemblies may have been improperly folded and assembled.

Campaign #19V35200009/05/2019

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 M2 Coupe and 2020 M4 Coupe vehicles. Fuel injectors may have been installed without a damping component which is used to reduce vibration. If a damping component is not present, vibration will increase at the connection between the fuel line and the fuel rail, which over time, can result in damage at the connection.

Campaign #20V66600029/10/2020

SEAT BELTS

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible (430i, M440i), BMW X1 sDrive28i, xDrive28i, 2 Series Gran Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i xDrive), M2 Competition Coupe, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, M3 Competition, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, CooperS, JCW), X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X2 M35i, Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper SE), MINI Convertible (Cooper, Cooper S, JCW), MINI Clubman (Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW), MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), Rolls Royce Ghost, MINI Countryman (Cooper S E All4), Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and Toyota Supra vehicles. The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Campaign #21V55400021/07/2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive, M2, and X3 xDrive 30i SAV vehicles. These vehicles may have an error in the software for the instrument panel, causing the display to not properly illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."

Campaign #17V71900015/11/2017

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common BMW M2 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 220+ owner reports, the 2018 BMW M2 has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: DCT (M-DCT) Mechatronics Unit Failure, N55 Rod Bearing Premature Wear - F87 M2, Electric Coolant Pump Failure Causing Rapid Overheating - F87 M2 (N55). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the BMW M2 reliable?

The 2018 BMW M2 has 8 known issues documented across 220+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: DCT (M-DCT) Mechatronics Unit Failure and N55 Rod Bearing Premature Wear - F87 M2 and Electric Coolant Pump Failure Causing Rapid Overheating - F87 M2 (N55). 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 M2 problems?

Repair costs for known BMW M2 issues range from $250 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, DCT (M-DCT) Mechatronics Unit Failure, typically costs $2,500-$6,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2016-2021 BMW M2 DCT (M-DCT) Mechatronics Unit Failure?

The 7-speed M-DCT dual-clutch transmission in F87 M2 models can develop mechatronics unit failures, causing harsh shifting, failure to engage gears, or transmission fault warnings. The issue is related to the solenoid pack and hydraulic valve body within the mechatronics sleeve. Repairs typically run $2,500-$6,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2016-2018 BMW M2 N55 Rod Bearing Premature Wear - F87 M2?

The N55 engine in the F87 M2 (2016-2018) suffers from accelerated rod bearing wear, though not as catastrophic as the S65 V10. Track use, aggressive driving, and extended oil change intervals accelerate bearing wear. Tight bearing clearances and high cylinder pressures in the M-t… Repairs typically run $2,500-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2016-2018 BMW M2 Electric Coolant Pump Failure Causing Rapid Overheating - F87 M2 (N55)?

The N55 uses an electrically driven coolant pump rather than a belt-driven one, and its brushless motor/control electronics are a known wear item across the N54/N55 family, most commonly between roughly 60,000 and 80,000 miles. When it fails there is no gradual warning - coolant… Repairs typically run $800-$1,400. Severity: high.

What is the 2016-2020 BMW M2 DCT Dual-Clutch Transmission Shudder & Clutch Wear - F87 M2/M2C?

The Getrag DCT (dual-clutch transmission) in the M2 and M2 Competition experiences clutch pack wear from aggressive driving, launches, and track use. The DCT has two clutches (odd and even gears) that wear over time. Symptoms include shuddering during low-speed acceleration, roug… Repairs typically run $5,000-$8,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2016-2020 BMW M2 Cooling System Inadequacy Under Track Use - F87 M2/M2C?

The F87 M2 and M2 Competition have marginal cooling capacity for sustained track use. The small grilles and compact engine bay restrict airflow to the radiator, oil cooler, and intercooler. On track, oil temperatures commonly exceed 280°F and coolant temperatures spike, leading t… Repairs typically run $2,500-$5,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2016-2018 BMW M2 N55 Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak - F87 M2 (2016-2018)?

The N55 oil filter housing bolts to the side of the block and seals with a moulded silicone gasket. Heat cycling hardens and shrinks that gasket, and it starts weeping oil - a leak BMW inline-six owners see across the N52/N54/N55 family, commonly starting from roughly 45,000-60,0… Repairs typically run $400-$1,100. Severity: medium.

What is the 2016-2021 BMW M2 Rear Differential Mount Bushing Deterioration Causing Rear-End Clunk - F87 M2?

The F87 M2 carries its rear differential on rubber-bonded mounts that BMW specified for comfort rather than the torque the M2 makes. The bonded rubber separates from the metal sleeve, letting the differential move under load reversal. The signature symptom is a hard clunk or clic… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2016-2018 BMW M2 N55 Plastic Charge Pipe Cracking / Blowing Off Under Boost - F87 M2?

The 2016-2018 F87 M2 uses the N55B30T0 turbo inline-six, whose charge pipe (the boost tube from the intercooler outlet to the throttle body) is molded plastic. Under repeated boost cycling and underhood heat the plastic embrittles and either cracks at the elbow or blows the quick… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: medium.

All 8 Known Issues

2016-2018 BMW M2: N55 Rod Bearing Premature Wear - F87 M2#

2016-2018 BMW M2: N55 Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak - F87 M2 (2016-2018)#

2016-2018 BMW M2: N55 Plastic Charge Pipe Cracking / Blowing Off Under Boost - F87 M2#

2016-2021 BMW M2: DCT (M-DCT) Mechatronics Unit Failure#

2016-2020 BMW M2: DCT Dual-Clutch Transmission Shudder & Clutch Wear - F87 M2/M2C#

2016-2018 BMW M2: Electric Coolant Pump Failure Causing Rapid Overheating - F87 M2 (N55)#

2016-2020 BMW M2: Cooling System Inadequacy Under Track Use - F87 M2/M2C#

2016-2021 BMW M2: Rear Differential Mount Bushing Deterioration Causing Rear-End Clunk - F87 M2#

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