Is the S65 reliable?
We rate the S65 78 of 100 for reliability: good. The rating is one of the inputs to every Guide Score below, and it is argued for on the method page with the others.
Why that rating
The lit mark is the S65; each grey mark is another engine on the engines page.
The E9x M3 V8 is stout overall. Its famous caveat is rod bearings, which many owners address preventively, and its two throttle actuators commonly fail. Score reflects a strong engine with a short list of known expensive items.
Cars in this guide with the S65
| Car | Years with this engine | Reliability | Guide Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| M3 E92 | 2008 to 2013 | 68 to 70 | 83 (2013) |
Reliability is each car's score out of 100 for the years it had this engine: the engine rating plus that car's own known problems, service costs and age. The Guide Score is for the car's best year to buy.
Known problems on the S65
| Problem | Named in the guides for | Typical bill |
|---|---|---|
| Rod bearing wear | M3 E92 | $3,000 |
| Throttle actuator failure | M3 E92 | $1,200 |
Bills are the guides' estimates, not quotes; each car's guide says which model years a problem hits and how to check for it. The bars share one scale, up to the costliest bill here.
Other engines
Every engine we rate, from the most reliable down, is on the engines page.