3.0 twin-turbo straight six · F80 M3, F82 F83 M4, F87 M2 Competition
The S55 in the M3, M4 and M2 Competition is a superb base, from a Stage 1 daily to hybrid turbo and methanol builds. We've tuned it in everything from the nimble M2 Competition to the track-focused M4 CS.
Two things are worth knowing before you go further: the plastic charge pipes and the crank hub, both covered below.
- Layout
- 3.0 litre straight six, twin turbo
- Stock power
- 440 to 460 BHP
- Stock torque
- 550 Nm
- Fuel pressure
- 200 bar
100-200 km/h: how each stage compares
The bars run in real time. Typical results: most Stage 1 cars achieve mid 7 seconds and Stage 2 cars high 6 seconds. Times are shown as a range, allowing up to 0.2 seconds for conditions on the day.
Typical figures by stage
| Stage | Power | Torque | 100-200 km/h | Needs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | 440 to 460 BHP | 550 Nm | ||
| Stage 1 | 530 to 550 BHP | 700 Nm | Mid 7 sec | ECU flash only |
| Stage 2 | 550 to 590 BHP | 750 Nm | High 6 sec | Exhaust modifications |
Real cars
Europe's fastest convertible M4
Pure Stage 2+ turbos with an 8-nozzle methanol kit, making just over 800 BHP.
2016 M4 on Littco 700 turbos
With Euro 5 F10 M5 injectors, an uprated crank hub and new charge pipes: 660 BHP on 99 RON and 740 BHP on E30.
Service guide
Tuning and servicing tips
- Charge pipes: we recommend replacing them for Stage 1 or 2. Being plastic and on top of the engine they go brittle and crack, losing boost. They don't add power; they prevent the failure.
- Spark plugs: we use NGK 97506 gapped to 0.022 on every S55, from stock to high power. The stock plug and gap can misfire under boost.
Part numbers
- Spark plug (NGK)
97506
Questions and myths
Do I need a crank hub for a remap?
We require the crank hub fix for hybrid turbo or race fuel setups. It isn't a must for Stage 1 or 2, and most of our customers don't have it without issues, but even stock cars can slip a crank hub.
Does a capture plate reduce the risk?
Sadly no. Failure normally comes from the friction washer breaking down, not the bolt winding out.
Ready for your S55?
Parts and servicing by car: