BMW M8 years to avoid

How we rated the best and worst BMW M8 years

The 2020 M8 is the single worst model year because it arrived with a documented transmission wiring harness defect that can cause the transmission to shift to neutral, resulting in a loss of propulsion and an increased risk of a crash. Our methodology draws on NHTSA complaint and recall filings, CarComplaints per-year counts and PainRank, and RepairPal ownership cost data, plus owner reports on the Bimmerpost M8/8-Series forum. CarComplaints ranks the worst year by its PainRank algorithm, which weights repair cost and the mileage at which failures occur, while NHTSA measures raw complaint volume filed by owners. The two metrics can point to different years; where they do, this guide attributes each figure to its correct source. The years-to-avoid methodology weights inputs by severity, frequency, and repair cost.

Every BMW M8 model year ranked

The 2020 M8 carries the heaviest recall load of any model year; 2022 and 2023 are the cleanest picks in the lineup.

Most common BMW M8 problems

The single biggest documented failure on the M8 is the 2020 transmission wiring harness defect that forced a recall, followed by persistent electrical and infotainment glitches, an S63 engine cooling and oil system vulnerability, a rough-idle complaint pattern, and an air conditioning fault concentrated in early-build 2020 cars.

1. Transmission wiring harness defect (2020)

BMW recalled certain 2020 M8 Gran Coupe, M8 Coupe, and M8 Convertible vehicles because the transmission wiring harness can become damaged, resulting in an electrical short circuit that can cause the transmission to shift to neutral and a resulting loss of propulsion. This is the most safety-critical fault documented specifically on the M8 nameplate, and it affects all three 2020 body styles (coupe, convertible, Gran Coupe).

BMW notified owners, and dealers replaced any damaged transmission harnesses, rerouted and secured all harnesses, free of charge, with the recall beginning February 3, 2020. No TSB number or warranty extension separate from the recall was confirmed in research for this fault. If you are looking at a 2020 M8, verify at the dealer or via the NHTSA VIN checker that this repair has been completed before purchase.

2. Integrated brake system (IBS) recall - 2020-2021

BMW recalled certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Gran Coupe, and Convertible M8 models because 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 loss of the Anti-lock Brake System and braking assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

BMW notified owners, and dealers replaced the integrated brake system free of charge. This recall spans both the 2020 and 2021 M8 model years. A drivetrain malfunction warning can sometimes accompany braking-system faults on the M8's platform - always have this checked by an authorized BMW service center rather than an independent shop unfamiliar with the M-car electronics.

3. Starter motor fire risk - 2019-build 2020 and 2021 M8s

BMW of North America issued a recall for nearly 200,000 model year 2019-2022 BMW vehicles due to a risk of fire while parked or being driven. The engine starter relay in the recalled vehicles may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit, which may cause a fire. The 8 Series - including M8 models built in that window - is part of this campaign.

The recall impacts various BMW models from the 2019-2021 model years, including some 8 Series vehicles built within a specific timeframe. An issue with the engine starter motor can cause it to overheat, potentially leading to an engine stall or a fire risk if the surrounding acoustic protection material becomes contaminated with oil. Confirm via VIN check whether your specific car is covered, as this recall is VIN-specific rather than blanket-year.

4. S63 engine cooling and oil system stress

The hot-V layout inherently stresses coolant lines, gaskets, and seals through elevated temperatures, making proactive cooling system monitoring and strict oil change intervals essential. The S63B44T4 is the most developed version of BMW's hot-V twin-turbo V8 and benefits from years of improvements over earlier N63 variants, and many M8 owners report trouble-free ownership.

Preventative rod bearing replacement at 60,000-80,000 miles is standard practice in the M-car community, with costs running roughly $2,000 - $3,500 at an M-specialist. Oil leaks from the hot-V's internal coolant pipes and valve cover gaskets are the most common early symptoms - a small coolant leak detected at a pre-purchase inspection can save you from a far larger repair. No BMW TSB number for an M8-specific warranty extension on this item was confirmed in research.

5. Electrical and infotainment glitches

A documented TSB covering the 2020 M8 Competition notes that the central information display goes black intermittently due to resets of the head unit (HU-H3). A separate bulletin notes that increased demands placed on the battery by the BMW electrical system have led to discharged-battery complaints in early M8 cars.

Based on discussions on the BMW enthusiast forum Bimmerpost, the 2020 BMW M8 models, particularly those built before December 2019, had notable electrical issues that potential buyers should be aware of. These faults are mostly software-addressable but can be persistent on pre-December-2019-build cars. Ask sellers for dealer service records showing any software update history.

6. Air conditioning system faults (early 2020 builds)

One of the most significant problems reported by early M8 owners was related to the air conditioning system, with many owners reporting 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.

RepairPal cites ignition coil replacements at $213 - $295 and spark plug replacements at $212 - $276 as the typical starting point for rough-idle diagnosis, though the AC fault is a separate refrigerant or compressor issue. About 30% of the time, the underlying problem may be something else entirely, like a faulty sensor or clogged fuel injector. The AC concern appears concentrated in pre-December-2019-build 2020 cars and is less documented in 2021-2023 examples.

Which BMW M8 years should you avoid

The BMW M8 years to avoid are 2020 and 2021. The 2020 carries the most serious individual fault, a transmission wiring harness defect confirmed in a NHTSA recall that caused transmission-to-neutral shift events, plus the integrated brake system recall and early electrical issues. The 2021 shares the IBS brake recall and the starter fire campaign. No per-year PainRank from CarComplaints is available for the M8 specifically (it is a low-volume model), so the avoid designation is based on NHTSA recall data and Bimmerpost owner reporting.

**Worst BMW M8 years:** 2020, 2021

1st-generation BMW M8 (2020-2021)

The 2020 M8 Gran Coupe, M8 Coupe, and M8 Convertible were recalled because the transmission wiring harness can become damaged, resulting in an electrical short circuit that can cause the transmission to shift to neutral and a loss of propulsion. This is the most model-specific fault in the M8's short history and puts the 2020 at the top of the avoid list.

The 2020 and 2021 M8 were also included in the integrated brake system recall covering 8 Series Coupe, Gran Coupe, and Convertible models, where the rotor and shaft within the system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, resulting in a loss of ABS and braking assistance and an increased crash risk. Verify both recall repairs are complete via the NHTSA VIN lookup before signing any purchase agreement.

What are the best BMW M8 years to buy

The best BMW M8 years to buy are 2022 and 2023. Both years dropped the base M8 trim in favor of the Competition-only spec, carry zero NHTSA-confirmed recalls per Edmunds' recall listings, and benefit from BMW's post-2020 software and build corrections.

**Most reliable BMW M8 years:** 2022, 2023

2022 BMW M8

For 2022, BMW chose to offer only the Competition model, which brings 17 extra horsepower, a throaty M Sport exhaust, more aggressive suspension tuning, and a dedicated Track mode. The 2022 BMW M8 has a 4 years/50,000-mile basic warranty and no recalls on record at Edmunds - the cleanest single-year picture in the M8 lineup.

The ZF 8-speed automatic used across all M8 model years is one of the most reliable transmission options available, and the 2022 car benefits from not sharing the 2020's harness-routing issue. If your budget allows only one year, the 2022 Competition is the pick.

2023 BMW M8

Certain 2023 8 Series Coupe and Gran Coupe M8 variants were subject to a power-window recall where the ECU software may still allow windows and sunroof to close when the digital key is removed, failing to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118. The fix is a dealer software update to the ECU, free of charge - a minor, low-stakes recall that does not affect the drivetrain or safety systems. With that update confirmed, the 2023 is a strong buy alongside the 2022.

BMW M8 submodel years to avoid

The M8 family spans three distinct body styles - the coupe (F92), convertible (F91), and Gran Coupe (F93) - plus a Competition performance tier. Each is assessed below on its own documented record rather than as a proxy for the parent model.

BMW M8 Gran Coupe years to avoid

The BMW M8 Gran Coupe was offered for model years 2021 through 2025 (the coupe and convertible debuted for 2020; the Gran Coupe entered the US lineup a year later). The Gran Coupe rides on the same F93 platform and carries the same S63 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 as the coupe and convertible. Because the powertrain is identical, the transmission wiring harness recall and the IBS brake recall both applied to the 2021 Gran Coupe - the 2020-2021 8 Series Gran Coupe was explicitly included in the IBS brake system recall alongside the Coupe and Convertible.

The 2023 BMW M8 Gran Coupe has a 4 years/50,000-mile basic warranty and no recalls on record at Edmunds, making it the clearest Gran Coupe buy. No M8 Gran Coupe model year has accumulated enough of its own distinct complaint data on CarComplaints to flag a Gran Coupe-specific avoid year beyond the shared 2021 recall concerns. For a Gran Coupe buyer, the same rule applies: prefer 2022-2023, verify the IBS and transmission harness recalls on any 2021 car, and check the VIN before purchase.

• Verify: IBS brake recall completed (2021 Gran Coupe)

• Verify: Transmission wiring harness recall (2021 Gran Coupe - shared with all 2020 M8 body styles, extended into 2021 production)

• Check: Cooling system hoses and valve cover gaskets on any example above 50,000 miles

BMW M8 Competition years to avoid

The M8 Competition is a power-tier trim rather than a separate model - it adds 17 hp over the base M8 (617 hp versus 600 hp) via revised S63 engine mapping, along with stiffer suspension, the M Sport exhaust, and a Track mode. From the 2022 model year onward, BMW dropped the base M8 entirely and offered only the Competition trim for both coupe and convertible, so every 2022-2023 M8 coupe/convertible you encounter used is a Competition.

No M8 Competition model year has accumulated a distinct avoid-year complaint record separate from the standard M8 - the transmission harness recall and IBS brake recall both covered "M8" broadly across body styles in the 2020-2021 window regardless of Competition badge. The S63B44T4 Competition engine is the most developed variant of the hot-V V8, and many M8 owners report trouble-free ownership. The elevated output does place marginally greater thermal stress on the cooling circuit, so the same pre-purchase cooling-system check covered earlier applies - but this is not a Competition-specific fault.

• Prefer: 2022 or 2023 Competition (the only options for those years anyway)

• Avoid: 2020 Competition (shares the transmission harness and IBS recalls)

• Check: Rear tire wear; rear tires on M8s wear quickly due to aggressive alignment settings.

BMW M8 pre-purchase checklist

Before buying any used BMW M8, run through these model-specific checks:

• VIN recall check: Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall tool to confirm every open campaign is closed - the transmission harness, IBS brake, and starter fire recalls must all show as completed on 2020-2021 cars.
• Transmission harness (2020 all body styles): Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the harness was replaced and rerouted. An unrepaired car can shift to neutral without warning.
• Integrated brake system (2020-2021): Confirm the IBS was replaced by a BMW dealer. Test ABS by looking for the ABS warning light and asking for the dealer completion record.
• Starter relay (2020-2021 production-window cars): Confirm via VIN whether the car falls inside the starter fire recall; if it does, verify the starter has been replaced at a BMW center.
• S63 cooling system inspection: On any M8 above 50,000 miles, have an M-car specialist inspect the coolant hoses, turbo coolant lines, and valve cover gaskets for weeping. Early detection avoids a far larger repair.
• Infotainment and battery (pre-December-2019 build 2020 cars): Check the build date on the door jamb sticker. Cars built before December 2019 are more likely to show the head-unit reset and discharged-battery faults; confirm software updates have been applied.
• Oil level and service history: Check the oil level cold, review service records for adherence to BMW's oil-change interval, and look for signs of the metal shavings in oil that can precede rod-bearing wear on high-mileage S63 engines.
• Tire condition: Check tread depth, age, and inner edge wear patterns, as rear tires on M8s wear quickly due to aggressive alignment settings - factor replacement cost into your offer.

Better alternatives to consider

If the BMW M8 years in your budget land on the avoid list, these same-class grand tourers are worth pricing out:

• Porsche 991 - the 991-generation 911 has a well-documented year-by-year reliability record and lower annual maintenance costs than the M8

• Porsche 997 - the 997 generation offers strong used-market transparency and a clear set of years to target, with a well-understood IMS bearing service window

• Mercedes-Benz AMG GT - cross-shops directly with the M8 coupe at similar price points, with a generally lower recall count across its first-generation run

• Aston Martin DB11 - competes with the M8 as a two-door grand tourer; the BMW M8 competes with the Porsche 911 Turbo, Bentley Continental GT, Aston Martin DB11, and other six-figure grand tourers in this segment

Is the BMW M8 worth buying

Yes, the BMW M8 is worth buying as long as you avoid the 2020 and 2021 model years. The S63B44T4 is the most developed version of BMW's hot-V twin-turbo V8, and many M8 owners report trouble-free ownership when the car is maintained correctly and the open recalls have been addressed. The 2022 and 2023 Competition models carry no significant open recall load, and with 17 extra horsepower, a throaty M Sport exhaust, more aggressive suspension tuning, and a dedicated Track mode, the Competition is the best version of this high-performance luxury car. Before signing, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall checker and verify full maintenance history with a BMW dealer or authorized M-specialist. For broader context on how long the S63-powered platform holds up, the data behind how long a BMW lasts is a useful reference point.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best BMW M8 years to buy?

The best BMW M8 years to buy are 2022 and 2023. The 2022 BMW M8 has a 4 years/50,000-mile basic warranty and no recalls on record, and the 2023 carries only a minor ECU software recall that is resolved with a free dealer update. Both years are Competition-only and benefit from post-2020 build corrections.

What are the worst years for the BMW M8?

The worst BMW M8 years are 2020 and 2021. The 2020 M8 was recalled for a transmission wiring harness defect that can cause an electrical short circuit, causing the transmission to shift to neutral and resulting in a loss of propulsion. The 2021 shares the IBS brake recall and the starter fire recall campaign.

Which year BMW M8 is most reliable?

The 2022 BMW M8 is the most reliable pick. The 2022 BMW M8 has a 4 years/50,000-mile basic warranty and no recalls confirmed at Edmunds, the cleanest record of any M8 model year, and it is only offered in the fully developed Competition specification.

What year BMW M8 has the worst transmission problems?

The 2020 BMW M8 has the documented transmission fault. BMW recalled the 2020 M8 Gran Coupe, Coupe, and Convertible for a transmission wiring harness defect that causes an electrical short circuit and loss of propulsion; dealers replaced and rerouted harnesses free of charge, with the recall beginning February 3, 2020. No TSB or separate warranty extension beyond the recall itself was confirmed for this fault - verify via VIN that the repair is closed.

How long does a BMW M8 last?

Overall, the S63 engine itself is fairly reliable when serviced on schedule, and the ZF 8-speed automatic is one of the most reliable transmission options available. With documented service history, adherence to BMW's oil-change intervals, and the preventative rod-bearing service around 60,000-80,000 miles, a well-maintained M8 can be expected to reach 150,000 miles or more without a major powertrain failure - though repair costs when things do go wrong are high, with an average annual BMW repair cost of $968 and a higher frequency of unscheduled repairs versus the broader industry average.