BMW M3 G80 (2020–2026)
Generation-specific owner insights from 111+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
78
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2020–2026
19
recall campaigns
engine
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2020-2026 G80 M3 broadly regard it as a highly capable, reliable high-performance sedan, with the S58 engine repeatedly described as "a complete monster" and "very reliable." The dominant praise centers on the powertrain, the improved ride quality over the previous generation, and the availability of a six-speed manual, which many owners consider a defining reason to buy the car.
8 problems reported (2 recurrent, 6 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentOccasional "Unknown artist" display and CarPlay connection bugs on iDrive 7
- RecurrentWireless CarPlay dropping and requiring a restart or re-pairing
- IsolatedJerky, sensitive throttle response in Sport Plus over bumpy roads
+ 5 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedCoolant hoses, suspension bushings, and mounts cited as likely wear items
- IsolatedSmall electronic sensors and pumps cited as the typical out-of-warranty expenses
- IsolatedOne report of a cylinder 5 problem on a 2023 Competition
- IsolatedOne owner reported a tech advising against keeping the car out of warranty due to complexity and repair cost
- IsolatedOne owner reported a 2021 car hit while parked, with repair estimate around $4,400
Note: crank hub, S55, DCT, and rod bearing issues discussed in these threads pertain to other generations and are not reported against the G80.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal: the Competition xDrive is frequently described as the quicker and more traction-secure choice, with one owner stating all-wheel drive "is way quicker in a line than rwd" and another calling xDrive "the way to go." However, a strong and vocal contingent of owners specifically sought out and praise the six-speed manual, with one owner trading in a previous M3 Competition because the manual was not offered on the Competition at the time. No single trim or model year is unanimously declared best.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Mercedes-AMG C63 and C63S, Audi RS4, Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, BMW M340i and BMW M2.
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Overall sentiment
Owners of the 2020-2026 G80 M3 broadly regard it as a highly capable, reliable high-performance sedan, with the S58 engine repeatedly described as "a complete monster" and "very reliable." The dominant praise centers on the powertrain, the improved ride quality over the previous generation, and the availability of a six-speed manual, which many owners consider a defining reason to buy the car. The most persistent criticism is the polarizing front grille, though a notable number of owners report it "grows on" them over time. Early cars (2021-2022) are discussed mainly around the DCT-to-ZF8 transition and iDrive 7 quirks, while later cars (2023+) are discussed around the LCI, iDrive 8, and xDrive availability. A recurring theme is that the car is reliable but expensive to run, with insurance, tires, brakes, and fuel cited as the real cost drivers rather than mechanical failures.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the G80 as the more practical and more reliable choice against two-door rivals, with one owner noting the 718 cannot seat four. Against the C63, owners cite the G80's available all-wheel drive as making it usable year-round in snowy areas where the rear-drive C63S is not. Against the M340i, owners acknowledge the M340i is close in interior, transmission, and sound, and cheaper fully loaded, but argue the M3 "feels more special, looks cooler, handles better," and holds value better, with one owner stating the M340i "will depreciate like a brick." Against the F90 M5, owners describe the M5 as roomier, more luxurious, and better-looking to some, while the G80 is "less raw" in comparison but more nimble. Against the CT5-V Blackwing, at least one owner felt the price did not justify it over alternatives. Several owners cross-shopped the C8 Corvette but found it unobtainable due to markups.
Recommended configurations
Owners who want the manual should note it is not offered on the Competition trim, so a non-Competition car is required for the six-speed. Owners seeking maximum traction and launch performance recommend the Competition xDrive. For the manual, owners report that a CDV delete, short shifter kit, and short throw clutch pedal "truly transformed the manual," and that the CDV delete "smoothed out" the 1-2 shift. One owner specifically sought a pre-LCI car because they prefer physical buttons over the LCI's interface. Owners considering tuning are advised that both common unlock methods void the warranty, and one owner suggested the Femto unlock as the safer, better-performing option. For exhaust sound, owners report that deleting one resonator adds burbles and pops without being obnoxious, and deleting both amplifies it further.
General recommendations
Owners recommend this car for buyers who can comfortably absorb running costs, with multiple owners warning that an M car sits "right under Porsche level costs" and that insurance, gas, and tires will "drain your wallet." Several owners explicitly advise against purchase if funds are being scraped together, and one advises an 18-year-old buyer against it outright. Buyers are advised to get a pre-purchase inspection, verify the 1200-mile break-in service was performed, confirm regular oil changes, and check pads and rotors around 40k miles. Owners suggest targeting cars under roughly 60k miles, as "that's when things tend to go downhill," and note that early cars coming off the four-year warranty are why prices have softened. One owner recommends an extended warranty on a 2021 for peace of mind. Buyers concerned about the grille are repeatedly told it looks better in person and grows on you.
Remarks
A significant portion of discussion around this generation concerns the front grille, with opinions ranging from strong dislike to owners reporting it grew on them after seeing it in person; several owners note the criticism is repetitive and stale. The ZF8's replacement of the DCT is discussed at length, with owners split between missing the DCT's rawness and finding the ZF8 shifts "incredibly quick and smooth." One owner noted BMW's stated rationale was that the ZF8 is smoother and does not upset the car's balance while turning. Owners repeatedly highlight the manual's availability as a reason to celebrate the car, with one noting "we should just be thankful BMW makes a high performance luxury sedan with a manual in 2023." The drive recorder's 20-second buffer was discussed, with owners split on its usefulness versus an aftermarket dash cam. Wait times for ordering were reported between roughly 6 and 12 months. Analysis based on approximately 111 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 0 | unknown or other |
| 2023 | 1 | 1 | power train |
| 2022 | 8 | 1 | power train |
| 2021 | 14 | 7 | engine |
| 2020 | 53 | 10 | engine |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2023 · electrical system:body control module:softwarecampaign 23V118000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, 330e, 330e xDrive, 430i Convertible, 430i xDrive, M440i, 2022-2023 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive, i4 eDrive40, and i4 M50 vehicles. During a service visit, a replacement electronic control unit (ECU) may have been installed with incorrect programming, which can cause the automatic door locking (ADL) function to not lock the doors as intended.
2022 · seat beltscampaign 23V584000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 2022 430i Coupe, 2021-2022 430i, M440i Convertible, and 2020-2022 228i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2021 · seat beltscampaign 21V554000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible (430i, M440i), BMW X1 sDrive28i, xDrive28i, 2 Series Gran Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i xDrive), M2 Competition Coupe, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, M3 Competition, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, CooperS, JCW), X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X2 M35i, Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper SE), MINI Convertible (Cooper, Cooper S, JCW), MINI Clubman (Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW), MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), Rolls Royce Ghost, MINI Countryman (Cooper S E All4), Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and Toyota Supra vehicles. The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2021 · service brakes, hydrauliccampaign 21V062000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
2021 · seat belts:front:buckle assemblycampaign 21V298000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M3, and 330e xDrive vehicles. The bolt securing the seat belt assembly to the frame was not tightened to specification.
2021 · electrical system:12v/24v/48v batterycampaign 20V761000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
2021 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 21V096000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2021 · seatscampaign 23V211000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.
2021 · seat beltscampaign 23V584000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 2022 430i Coupe, 2021-2022 430i, M440i Convertible, and 2020-2022 228i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2020 · seatscampaign 19V600000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one 2020 M340i and one M340i xDrive vehicle. Due to improper welding, the rear center headrest may fold in the event of a rear impact crash.
2020 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 21V096000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2020 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 19V684000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
5 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.