Second Hand BMW M2 Engine

The F87 M2 (2016–2021) used the S55 straight-six in the M2 Competition and CS, while the earlier base M2 used the N55; the G87 M2 (2023 onwards) uses the S58 straight-six. Engine code matters far more than the year or badge, because an N55-engined car cannot simply accept an S55 unit without significant additional work, and vice versa. Check your V5 or run a VIN check to confirm your exact engine code before approaching a breaker, as this single detail will determine what units are compatible.

The M2 Competition (from 2018) uses the S55 engine, whereas the earlier base M2 (2016–2018) uses the N55, and these two units are not a straightforward swap despite both sitting in the F87 generation. Mechanically the ancillary mounts, cooling circuits, and ECU architecture differ between the two engine families, so fitting an S55 into an N55 car is a substantial conversion rather than a like-for-like replacement. If you specifically want a like-for-like replacement, confirm your engine code with your breaker and supply your registration so they can cross-reference the correct unit.

Both the 2018 and 2020 M2 Competition use the S55 engine within the same F87 generation (2016–2021), so the engine code matches and a used unit is likely to be compatible on that basis. However, there were mid-production running changes across the F87 lifespan that may affect ancillary brackets and mountings, so you should confirm against your specific registration with the breaker rather than assuming every component lines up perfectly. ECU pairing and immobiliser coding will also need to be addressed by a specialist once the engine is fitted.

No — the G87 M2 (2023 onwards) uses the S58 engine in an entirely different platform and generation to the F87 (2016–2021), so the two engines are not interchangeable as a like-for-like replacement. The engine mounts, subframes, and supporting systems are generation-specific, meaning an S58 would require extensive modification to fit an F87 shell. Always supply your exact generation, year, and engine code to the breaker so they can source the correct unit for your car.

The M2 CS (2020–2021) and the M2 Competition both use the S55 engine within the F87 generation, so trim level alone does not change the fundamental engine code. That said, the CS received specific tuning and some hardware differences over the standard Competition, so while the block family is the same, confirm with the breaker whether any ancillary or internal specification differences affect your particular replacement. Trim level is not the deciding fitment factor here — your engine code and registration are what matter most.

This question spans the key boundary within the F87 generation: the base M2 (2016–2018) uses the N55, while the M2 Competition (2018–2021) uses the S55, and they are different engine families despite sharing the same body. A like-for-like replacement for your 2016 M2 should be another N55 unit; using an S55 would be a significant conversion project rather than a straightforward swap. Confirm your engine code via a VIN check and discuss compatibility directly with the breaker, supplying your registration for an accurate match.