S58 Engine
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What is the S58?
The BMW S58 is a high-performance, twin‑turbocharged straight‑six (“inline‑6”) engine used in BMW’s recent M‑division models. It replaces the previous S55, and is based (loosely) on the non‑M B58 engine, but with significant reinforcements and performance‑oriented redesigns. Fast Car+2Wikipedia+2
It first appeared in 2019 in the F97 X3 M and F98 X4 M, then later in the G80/G81 M3 and the G82/G83 M4 (since 2021). Fast Car+2BMW BLOG+2
Key Technical Specs & Engineering Highlights
Here are what make the S58 stand out:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Displacement | ~3.0 L (2,993 cc) inline‑6 Wikipedia+2BMW BLOG+2 |
| Bore × Stroke | 84.0 mm × 90.0 mm Wikipedia+1 |
| Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 – lower than many naturally aspirated engines, tuned for forced induction, durability, etc. Wikipedia+1 |
| Redline | ~7,200 rpm Wikipedia+2BMW BLOG+2 |
| Turbocharging | Two mono‑scroll turbochargers, with electronically controlled wastegates. Air‑to‑water intercooling. autoevolution+1 |
| Fuel injection / Valvetrain | Direct fuel injection (“High Precision Injection”) operating at high pressures (~350 bar), plus BMW’s Double‑VANOS (variable cam timing) and Valvetronic (variable valve lift) systems. autoevolution+1 |
| Block / Head Design | Closed‑deck block (rigid), wire‑arc sprayed cylinder liners to reduce friction and weight; forged crankshaft & connecting rods; cylinder head core using 3D‑printed geometry for better cooling/coolant routing and weight savings. autoevolution+3Fast Car+3BMW BLOG+3 |
Performance Numbers & Variants
BMW offers S58 in different tunes (“standard” vs “Competition” etc.), depending on model and markets. Key outputs:
| Model / Variant | Horsepower / PS | Torque | RPM Range / Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard S58 (e.g. M3/M4 non‑Competition) | ~ 473 hp (≈ 480 PS) BMW BLOG+2autoevolution+2 | ~ 406 lb‑ft (≈ 550 Nm) autoevolution+2BMW BLOG+2 | Torque usable from lower‑mid revs; redline at 7,200 rpm. SlashGear+2BMW BLOG+2 |
| Competition S58 | ~ 503 hp (≈ 510 PS) BMW BLOG+2SlashGear+2 | ~ 479 lb‑ft (≈ 650 Nm in some versions/tuned) BMW BLOG+2BMW M+2 | More aggressive mapping, wastegate & cooling, etc. BMW BLOG |
Acceleration / Speed: depending on model and configuration (Competition, optional packages), 0‑60 / 0‑100 km/h is often in the 3.8‑4.2 seconds range for M3/M4 etc. Top speed around 155 mph (≈250 km/h), more with driver’s packages. SlashGear+2BMW Group PressClub+2
What’s New / Improved vs Older Engines
The S58 builds on lessons from the S55 and B58. Some of the improvements:
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Structural rigidity: Closed deck block helps the engine handle higher pressures, more consistent thermal / mechanical loads. Fast Car+1
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Better cooling: More efficient coolant routing, additional cooling circuits, improved intercooling, water & oil cooling designed for track demands. autoevolution+1
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Reduced friction / weight where possible: Forged internals, lighter crank, sprayed liners, 3D printed cores in heads, etc. Fast Car+2autoevolution+2
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More usable torque across the rev range: The turbo and wastegate setup, along with variable valve systems, help deliver strong low‑mid torque while still allowing revving up to 7,200 rpm for peak power. BMW BLOG+1
Strengths & What Owners Like
From early reviews and owner feedback, here are the strong points:
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Power with refinement: The S58 gives a balance — big power, but relatively smooth delivery, less turbo lag (thanks to its turbos and exhaust / wastegate arrangement) compared to older twin‑turbo M engines.
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High RPM capability: 7,200 rpm redline gives that “sports car feel”.
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Tuning potential: Many tuners are pushing the S58 well past its stock numbers with mods, software calibration, fueling etc. It's considered a robust platform for aftermarket upgrades. BMW BLOG+1
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Better emissions compliance and daily usability than some of the older, more “track‑oriented” engines. More modern fuel injection, better cooling, etc., help with heat, emissions, etc.
Weaknesses & Common Issues
No engine is perfect. The S58 is still fairly new, so long-term issues continue to emerge, but here are known or reported concerns:
| Issue | Description & Potential Impact |
|---|---|
| High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) failures | Some owners have reported premature failures of the fuel pump, which can lead to symptoms like long crank times, loss of power under load, stalling, etc. Adelaide Auto Pro |
| Oil consumption / durability under heavy duty / extreme heat | As with many performance turbo engines, heavy use (lots of high RPM, track days, etc.) can stress components, and there's concern over engine oil and component wear rates. Some reports of needing more frequent maintenance or component replacement. |
| Complexity / Cost | Because there are many high‑precision systems (high‑pressure injectors, variable valve lift, dual cooling circuits, turbo waste‑gates, etc.), maintenance and repair costs are generally higher. If something fails, parts are expensive, labor is more specialized. |
| Potential for heat buildup / cooling stresses | Especially in spirited driving or track use, managing heat is vital. Even with improved cooling systems, heat soak, elevated component temperatures can stress the engine. |
| Warranty / service limitations | Aggressive tuning sometimes voids warranty; owners need to be careful when modifying. Also, since it's newer, some long‑term reliability issues may only show up with higher miles. |
Best Use Cases & Who It’s For
The S58 is targeted at drivers who want high performance but also a degree of refinement. Some usage scenarios where the S58 shines:
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M‑car enthusiasts who want a performance sedan or coupe capable of both daily driving and track days.
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Drivers who appreciate strong mid‑range torque (for overtaking, highway merging) but also want the revs for fun.
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Tuners and aftermarket modifiers who want a solid platform that can handle upgrades.
If someone mostly wants ultra low maintenance, minimal cost of ownership, or plans to drive purely in stop‑and‑go traffic with no performance demands, the trade‑offs may be less attractive.
Outlook & Longevity
Given what we know:
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The S58 seems built with lessons from previous BMW M engines: better structure, better cooling, stronger internals. These should help with long‑term durability.
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Early evidence suggests many owners are happy so far, especially with proper maintenance.
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As usage goes up (mileage, hours at high revs, track vs street), the real test will be how well the materials (turbo bearings, pistons, liners, head cooling) hold up under thermal cycles, how often service items fail, etc.
Bottom Line
BMW’s S58 is among the better modern performance engines: it blends high output, rev capability, and modern tech in a more usable package than many older turbocharged engines that either lagged at low RPM, were thirsty, or fragile under stress. For those who value performance, driving feel, and are willing to keep up with maintenance, it’s a very compelling engine.