BMW S55 3.0 Twin Turbo: Specs, Engine Codes, ECUs & Maintenance
BMW · Engine information · U.S. & Canada
S55
3.0 twin turbo · Built for sustained performance
Two turbochargers, a closed-deck block and dedicated charge cooling give the S55 its broad torque and sustained pull. Output depends on the model, while the familiar MEVD17.2.G name hides substantial calibration differences.
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Architecture
- Engine code
- S55B30T0 family
- Layout
- Inline-six · DOHC · 24 valves
- Block
- Aluminium · closed deck
- Bore × stroke
- 84.0 × 89.6 mm
- Valve control
- Double VANOS + Valvetronic III
- Cam drive
- Timing chain
Boost & fuel
- Turbochargers
- Two · electronically controlled wastegates
- Charge cooling
- Air-to-water
- Injection
- Direct · solenoid injectors
- Rail pressure
- Up to 200 bar
- Fuel
- Premium gasoline
- Special version
- M4 GTS adds water injection
Engine controllers · Bosch MEVD17.2.G
The S55’s TC1797-based DME controls both turbochargers, direct injection, ignition and Valvetronic. It also coordinates torque with the manual or DCT drivetrain. Standard, Competition and special-edition maps share the controller family but differ in torque delivery and protection strategies.
| Controller | Applications & timing | Technical distinction |
|---|---|---|
| MEVD17.2.G · M3/M4 | F80/F82/F83, 2015–2020 across the respective model runs | Model, transmission and Competition-package calibrations; boost and temperature limits depend on the software version. |
| MEVD17.2.G · M2 Competition/CS | F87, 2019–2021; CS for 2020 | S55-specific control with M2 packaging and output calibration; 405 hp Competition or 444 hp CS. |
| MEVD17.2.G · M4 GTS | F82 GTS, 2016 | Adds water-injection monitoring and control; water availability and system condition affect permitted engine operation. |
The same MEVD17.2.G name also appears on certain N55 engines. Match the engine, hardware number, software version and drivetrain configuration before selecting a replacement or calibration.
Selected U.S. & Canadian vehicles
| Model | Chassis | Model years | Engine / factory output |
|---|---|---|---|
| M3 / M4 | F80 / F82,F83 | 2015–2018 / 2015–2020 | 425 hp / 406 lb-ft; Competition 444 hp / 406 lb-ft |
| M2 Competition | F87 | 2019–2021 | 405 hp / 406 lb-ft |
| M2 CS | F87 | 2020 | 444 hp / 406 lb-ft |
| M4 GTS | F82 | 2016 | 493 hp / 442 lb-ft |
Factory North American ratings. Other limited editions use their own specifications and software.
Common issues & key risks
Charge-cooler leaks. Internal leaks can feed coolant into the intake. A falling level in the small charge-cooling reservoir needs pressure testing, even without an external puddle.
Oil leaks. Filter-housing seals, the valve-cover gasket and oil-pan gasket can leak. Check for wet seams and burning-oil smells; keep leaked oil off the auxiliary belt.
PCV failure. The valve-cover breather diaphragm can fail, causing whistling, rough idle and mixture faults. Measure crankcase pressure before replacing parts.
Valvetronic wear. Wear at the actuator and eccentric-shaft gearing can cause rough running, reduced power and valve-lift faults. Check lubrication and mechanical movement as well as the motor.
Crank-hub / timing slip. This reported failure can upset cam timing and damage the engine. Cam/crank correlation faults require diagnosis; VANOS and software faults can produce similar warnings.
Expansion tanks & belt drive. Ageing tanks can leak coolant, while worn idler pulleys cause noise or belt damage. Investigate falling coolant levels and new pulley noises early.
Keep it consistent: Use the specified oil approval and service plan, accounting for track use and heat. GTS water-injection maintenance is additional to normal engine service.
References
| Topic | Source |
|---|---|
| Engine design | BMW S55 technical training |
| M2 specifications | BMW USA: 2019 M2 Competition |
| GTS controls | BMW F82 GTS technical training |
| Recurring faults | FCP Euro: S55/M4 maintenance and repair guide |
| Valvetronic wear | FCP Euro: N55/S55 eccentric-shaft repair |
| Timing-fault diagnosis | BMW SI B12 26 14: VANOS faults and software |
| Photograph | S55 · BMW M3 · Michael Sheehan · CC BY 2.0. Wikimedia Commons. |
Model years refer to selected U.S. and Canadian applications. Equipment and software vary by build. Use current BMW service information for diagnosis and repair.
