Used BMW M2 Timing Chain

All BMW M2 variants — the original F87 M2 (2016–2018), the F87 M2 Competition (2018–2021), and the G87 M2 (2023-onwards) — use a timing chain rather than a timing belt, so there is no cambelt to replace on a service schedule. This means a used timing chain is a genuine and commonly sourced part for this model. Because the chain is internal to the engine, getting the right one depends heavily on your exact engine code rather than simply the year or badge.

This is an important boundary to flag: the original F87 M2 used the S55 engine, while the M2 Competition switched to the S58-related S55 in a revised state of tune — though both are S55-based units, there were internal revisions across production years that can affect chain and tensioner specifications. You should confirm your exact engine code from your V5 or a VIN check and route the specific interchange question to the breaker, as ancillary and internal specification changes mid-production mean a breaker will need to match against your registration rather than year alone. Never assume parts from different production runs are identical without that check.

No — the G87 M2 uses the S58 engine, which is a completely different unit from the S55 fitted to the F87 M2 and M2 Competition, so the timing chains are not interchangeable between generations. When sourcing a used chain for the G87, make sure the breaker is supplying a part from an S58-engined vehicle such as another G87 M2 or an M3/M4 of the same generation, and confirm this against your engine code. Cross-referencing by engine code is far more reliable than going by year or model name alone.

No — trim level, colour, and cosmetic specification have no bearing whatsoever on timing chain fitment; this is a purely mechanical part driven entirely by the engine fitted to the car. The engine code is the single most useful detail you can supply to a breaker, and you can find it on your V5 registration document or via a VIN check. Focus on matching engine codes rather than worrying about what colour or specification the donor vehicle was.

The most important detail is your engine code — S55 for F87-generation M2 and M2 Competition, or S58 for the G87 M2 — which you can find on your V5 or confirm through a VIN check. Alongside that, provide your full registration number so the breaker can cross-reference ancillary specifications and confirm the correct chain, tensioner, and guide configuration for your exact build. Year and mileage are also useful context, but the engine code overrides everything else when it comes to mechanical fitment.

Potentially yes in principle, because the F87 M2 Competition shares the S55 engine with the F80 M3 and F82 M4, and the G87 M2 shares the S58 with the G80 M3 and G82 M4 — making those donor cars a common and often plentiful source for used timing chain components. However, you must confirm the specific chain, tensioner, and guide part numbers with the breaker against your registration, as internal revisions can occur across model years even within the same engine family. A good breaker will cross-reference your engine code and VIN before confirming supply.