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© 2026 - Octane Automotive BV
© 2026 - Octane Automotive BV
The F80 M3 was BMW M's transition to turbocharging. In 2014 it replaced its predecessor's naturally aspirated V8 with the biturbo 3.0-litre S55 inline-six, 431 hp in standard form, 450 hp in the Competition Package from 2016. From this generation the name M3 was also reserved exclusively for the Sedan; the Coupé and Convertible variants were renamed M4. Two gearboxes: manual six-speed or M-DCT seven-speed. Production ran from 2014 to 2018, with the CS specification (2018, 1,200 cars worldwide) as the limited top version with 460 hp, factory carbon parts and Adaptive M suspension with sharpened settings. The F80 is often misread: technically it is the most capable M3 to date, but for many enthusiasts it lacks the character of its naturally aspirated predecessors. It is therefore the last M3 with a manual gearbox available as standard; the successor G80 made M-DCT the primary choice.
The BMW M3 F80 was unveiled in 2014 at the North American International Auto Show as the successor to the E90 M3. The big technical change was twofold: return from V8 to inline-six, and introduction of biturbo. The naturally aspirated 4.0-litre S65 V8 from the E90 was replaced by the 3.0-litre biturbo S55 inline-six (a development of the N55 inline-six with twin turbocharger). The S55 produced 431 hp at 7,300 rpm and 550 Nm of torque at 1,850 rpm - substantially more torque than the S65 V8 and with a flatter torque curve thanks to the biturbo. Additionally the F80 was delivered as Sedan only; the Coupé and Convertible specifications were renamed to M4 F82 (Coupé) and M4 F83 (Convertible) as a separate model offering.
The biturbo 3.0-litre S55 represents BMW M's transition to modern turbo engineering. Key features: two single-scroll turbochargers (unlike the twin-scroll N55), dual VANOS variable valve timing, Valvetronic variable valve lift, close-coupled catalyst, direct injection system, and oil cooler. The engine has a 7,600 rpm redline - lower than the naturally aspirated S65 V8 (8,400 rpm) but still high for a biturbo engine. The S55 however has known points of attention: carbon build-up on valves due to direct injection, turbo condition at higher mileage, charge pipes that can fail under high boost load. For collectors an S55 with proven completed service is essential.
In 2016 BMW M introduced the Competition Package for the F80 M3. The package includes power increase to 450 hp (an increase of 19 hp), sharpened chassis with Adaptive M suspension and lower ride height, lighter 20-inch wheels, Aluminium-Effect M trim in interior, improved exhaust specification, and differential settings. For collectors the Competition Package is an attractive entry into modern BMW M collecting; the F80 M3 Competition Package is generally higher priced than regular F80 M3 specifications.
In 2018 BMW M unveiled the F80 M3 CS as the closing specification of the F80 generation. Production was limited; the M3 CS received 460 hp biturbo S55 (a 10 hp increase over Competition Package), Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres (a specific factory tyre choice for track performance), carbon bonnet with air channels, carbon rear diffuser, improved Adaptive M suspension with factory-sharpened settings, and lighter wheels. The paint colours were limited to Lime Rock Grey Metallic and Black Sapphire Metallic. For collectors the F80 M3 CS is the most sought-after regular F80 M3 specification and trades consistently above Competition Package prices.
The F80 M3 has seen a stable to rising valuation curve since 2020. Regular F80 M3 Sedans (particularly manual specifications) in original specification with proven service history sit consistently in a strong segment for modern BMW M buyers. F80 M3 Competition Package specifications are substantially higher priced, with factory designo or Edition specifications in their own price tier. The F80 M3 CS (2018, limited production) is the most sought-after regular specification and trades for well-documented examples consistently above regular F80 M3 Competition Package prices. For sellers this means a well-documented F80 M3 with proven service history at BMW M Classic or recognised M specialist, original original specification, and (for M3 CS) confirmed original specification attracts strong international interest.
Regular F80 M3 (2014-2018, 431 hp), F80 M3 Competition Package (2016-2018, 450 hp, sharpened chassis and Adaptive M suspension), or F80 M3 CS (2018, 460 hp, limited production, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres and carbon details). For collectors the M3 CS is the most sought-after regular F80 M3 specification.
The F80 M3 was delivered with manual six-speed gearbox or M-DCT seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. For collectors and enthusiast drivers, the manual version is substantially more valuable, particularly for the Sedan specification which could be specified manual only (a unique position within modern BMW Ms). M-DCT specifications remain attractive to track-oriented buyers due to faster shifts.
The 3.0-litre biturbo S55 inline-six is technically advanced but has several points of attention: carbon build-up on valves at higher mileage, turbo condition, head gaskets, and charge pipes. An S55 with proven completed service at BMW M Classic or recognised M specialist is considerably more attractive to collectors and buyers.
For F80 M3 collectors, iconic colours such as Yas Marina Blue, Austin Yellow, Mineral Grey Metallic, Sakhir Orange Metallic, Tanzanite Blue Metallic, and rare Frozen specifications strongly drive price. For M3 CS: Lime Rock Grey Metallic or Black Sapphire Metallic with contrast details.
F80 M3 service is specialist work due to the biturbo S55: turbo condition, head gaskets, active differential, M-DCT (for M-DCT specifications), and Adaptive M suspension. Service at BMW M Classic or a recognised M specialist is essential for collector-oriented sales.
The F80 M3 CS (2018, limited production) has 460 hp biturbo S55, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, carbon bonnet with air channels, carbon rear diffuser, Adaptive M suspension with sharpened settings, and lighter wheels. For collectors, confirmation via BMW Group Classic is essential for top valuation.
For F80 M3 collectors low-to-moderate mileage (under 60,000) with full service history is more attractive. For M3 CS low mileage is substantially value-driving; for regular F80 M3 specifications an average use with proven service is acceptable. Document any trackday participation and factory build sheet.
Note: These factors may influence buyer interest. Value depends on many factors.
Regular F80 M3 (2014-2018, 431 hp), F80 M3 Competition Package (2016-2018, 450 hp, Adaptive M suspension and sharpened chassis), or F80 M3 CS (2018, 460 hp, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres and carbon details). Model year, chassis number, and engine number.
Recommended for the F80 M3 CS due to limited production. Apply via BMW Group Classic in Munich based on the chassis number. Confirms original specification, colour (Lime Rock Grey Metallic or Black Sapphire Metallic), carbon bonnet, carbon rear diffuser, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
All invoices from BMW M Classic or recognised M specialist. The biturbo S55 requires expertise: turbo condition, head gaskets, factory coolant, direct injection system (and walnut blasting for carbon build-up on valves). For M-DCT specifications: factory mechatronics service.
The biturbo S55 with direct injection has known points of attention with carbon build-up on valves at higher mileage (above 60,000 km, depending on use). Document walnut blasting (the procedure where walnut shells are blasted through the intakes to remove carbon build-up) with invoices from BMW M Classic or recognised M specialist.
The charge pipes (connecting hoses between turbos and intercooler) are a known point of attention on the S55; particularly on tuned F80 M3s they can fail under high boost load. Document diagnostic report on charge pipes and turbo condition via BMW M Classic. For collectors, confirmation of original charge pipes (not aftermarket replacement) is essential.
Paint colour with BMW factory code, designo confirmation if applicable, Edition packages (Edition 30 Jahre M3 from 2018, Frozen Editions), M trim, Adaptive M suspension, Aluminium-Effect M trim (Competition Package), or carbon details (M3 CS).
Number of previous owners, mileage, manual or M-DCT specification, any trackday participation, geographic distribution. For collector-oriented sales the manual specification is generally higher priced. For M3 CS: low mileage is substantially value-driving. For regular F80 M3 an average use with full service history is acceptable.
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