The BMW M8 Years To Avoid
We've identified two BMW M8 years to avoid based on common consumer complaints and reported issues. Read on to learn which BMW M8 years you should steer clear of.
The BMW M8, a newer nameplate for the German automaker and known for its luxurious design and high-performance chops, has enthralled many car enthusiasts. With a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine producing up to 617 horsepower, the M8 delivers a great combo of exhilarating speed, precision handling, and the smoothest of rides. Moreover, it features advanced all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension, and a high-end interior equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a 12.3-inch digital display and premium leather upholstery – all the good stuff you can expect from a BMW.
However, not every model year of the M8 offers the same reliability and value. Certain years have been plagued with issues such as transmission problems and electronic malfunctions, and most people would rather not deal with those issues. Knowing which M8 years to avoid can save prospective owners from costly repairs and disappointment, especially when these cars aren’t cheap, even in the second-hand market.
So today, we rounded up the BMW M8 years to avoid due to consumer complaints and known reliability woes. Let’s take a look.
Which BMW M8 Years to Avoid?
First, let’s briefly touch on BMW’s reliability as a whole, as there is limited information about the M8’s reliability record.
That said, BMW’s reliability is far from top-notch, ranking 30th out of 32 car brands as per RepairPal. Owning a BMW can be a pricey affair, with an average annual repair cost of $968 and a higher frequency of unscheduled repairs. Plus, there’s a 15% chance of facing a severe issue. But for many BMW enthusiasts, the thrill of driving these precision-engineered machines is worth the extra costs and trips to the repair shop.
For the BMW M8 years to avoid, keep an eye out for these models and their reported problems:
2020 BMW M8
Based on several discussions in the BMW enthusiast forum, Bimmerpost, it seems that the 2020 BMW M8 models, particularly those built before December 2019, had a few notable issues that potential buyers should be aware of.
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AC Issues
One of the most significant problems was related to the air conditioning system. Many owners reported that their M8s would sometimes blow hot air when trying to cool the car, or the temperature would fluctuate depending on the engine’s RPMs.
This issue was so severe in some cases that the entire AC system needed to be replaced, which is a pretty extensive repair. However, this problem was eventually resolved, and if you find a 2020 M8 now, the AC will likely have been fixed under warranty.
Camera System Problems
Another issue that cropped up for M8 owners was related to the camera system. Due to a shortage of parts, some 2020 M8s were built without the full surround-view camera setup. Instead, they came with a reduced package called “Drivers Assistance Package 2.” To ensure you’re getting the complete camera system, you’ll want to look for the “ZDA” option code when checking the car’s build info. If you see “ZDX,” that’s the incomplete package, and you might want to steer clear.
What Owners Think of the 2020 BMW M8
Interestingly, forum discussions didn’t mention any other widespread mechanical issues with the 2020 M8. One owner did report a steering rack failure during a track day, but that seems to be an isolated incident rather than a common problem.
Despite these early hiccups, the overall sentiment among the M8 owners in the forum is positive. They praise the car’s performance and seem to be enjoying their ownership experience. As with any new model, there are bound to be some teething issues, but it appears that BMW has addressed the major ones.
However, if you’d rather not contend with these known electrical issues, the 2020 model is undoubtedly one of the BMW M8 years to avoid.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE BMW M8
Those who want to make the wisest selection with their money should know more about the most reliable BMW M8 year.
2022 BMW M8
Another BMW M8 year you should approach with caution is the 2022 model, no thanks to several major problems.
Rough Idling
Sadly, the 2022 BMW M8 Gran Coupe is a high-performance luxury car that occasionally suffers from rough idling. A vacuum leak, faulty spark plugs, or a failing ignition coil most commonly cause this issue. When the engine starts shaking at a stoplight, it’s not the smooth experience you’d expect from a car in this class.
RepairPal says ignition coil replacements can cost between $213 and $295, while spark plug replacements range from $212 to $276. However, 30% of the time, the problem might be something else entirely, like a faulty sensor or clogged fuel injector.
If your M8 is idling roughly, don’t ignore it – take it to a trusted mechanic for a proper diagnosis. However, brace yourself because the repairs will not be cheap.
ARE BMWs EXPENSIVE TO MAINTAIN?
When you talk about the “German engineering” concept in the automotive world, most people think of BMW. So, are BMWs expensive to maintain?
Check Engine Light
Another potentially central pain point for M8 owners is the engine. Some owners have reported check engine lights (CEL) with code 16050A, indicating a crankcase ventilation leakage, particularly after installing aftermarket Eventuri turbo inlet tubes.
One owner tried fixing the issue, but the light kept reappearing. The dealer couldn’t find any leaks but suggested the mods might be pushing the engine outside of factory specs. Another owner had a similar problem, but Eventuri sent new gaskets that seemed to do the trick.
While some prefer to keep their M8s stock to avoid such hassles, others enjoy pushing the limits. As such, this issue shouldn’t concern the majority of M8 buyers. If you do choose to modify your M8, just be prepared to deal with any potential hiccups along the way. And if that CEL does come on, don’t ignore it – get it checked out pronto.
Faulty Collision Avoidance System
Another concerning issue with the BMW M8 lies with one of its safety features, the collision avoidance system. According to some reports, the collision avoidance system in the 2022 BMW M8 has been acting up, causing the car to unexpectedly swerve to the left, seemingly triggered by something on the right side.
This alarming issue occurs randomly, about once every few days, leaving drivers startled and concerned for their safety. As with many of these car problems, dealerships struggle to replicate it despite multiple attempts. After much persistence, the rear right radar sensor was replaced, but the ghost in the machine struck again just moments after the fix.
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