BMW M4 Ignition Coil Guide for S55 & S58 Engines (2015-2025)
Keep your M4's twin-turbo engine running smoothly by understanding when and how to replace your ignition coils.
- The 2015-2020 M4 (S55 engine) and 2021-2025 M4 (S58 engine) use different ignition coils; verify the correct part number before ordering.
- For reliability, choose OEM-equivalent brands like Delphi (for S55), Bosch, or Eldor.
- It is strongly recommended to replace all six coils and spark plugs at the same time to ensure even wear and prevent future misfires.
- Driving with a bad coil can damage your expensive catalytic converters, so address the issue promptly.
Signs of a Failing Ignition Coil
Ignition coil failure is a common maintenance item on modern BMWs, including the M4. When a coil goes bad, it can't produce enough voltage, leading to an incomplete burn in the cylinder. This will almost always trigger your Check Engine Light and cause noticeable driving problems. Look out for these common symptoms:
- Engine Misfires: This is the most obvious sign. You'll feel a stuttering, hesitation, or jerking from the engine, especially when you accelerate.
- Rough Idle: When stopped, your M4 might shake or vibrate more than usual because one cylinder isn't firing correctly.
- Check Engine Light: A failing coil will trigger fault codes. Using a simple OBD-II scanner, you'll likely see codes P0300 (random/multiple misfires) or P0301 through P0306, where the last number tells you which cylinder is misfiring (e.g., P0304 is cylinder 4).
- Reduced Power and Fuel Economy: With one cylinder not contributing fully, your M4 will feel sluggish and burn more fuel to compensate.
Don't Ignore a Misfire
Driving for an extended period with a misfiring coil can cause serious and expensive damage. Unburned fuel can escape the cylinder and overheat the catalytic converter, a critical and costly exhaust component.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Ignition Coil
When replacing your M4's ignition coils, you have several options. The 2015-2020 M4 (F82/F83) with the S55 engine and the 2021-2025 M4 (G82/G83) with the S58 engine use different ignition coils. It is critical to order the correct part for your specific engine.
- S55 Engine (2015-2020): The original equipment (OE) manufacturer is typically Delphi. The OE part number is 12138616153.
- S58 Engine (2021-2025): The OE part number is 12138643360.
Here’s a breakdown of common aftermarket brands:
Tier 1: OEM-Equivalent Brands
These brands are the original suppliers to BMW. A part from them is often identical to the Genuine BMW part, just without the BMW logo and price tag. For the M4, this tier includes:
- Delphi: Widely confirmed by owners as the OEM supplier for the S55 engine, making it a top choice for 2015-2020 models.
- Bosch: A trusted OEM for many BMW components. While Delphi is the primary S55 coil supplier, Bosch is a high-quality alternative that meets or exceeds factory specifications.
- Eldor: Another OEM supplier for BMW, often recommended on forums as a reliable alternative for performance applications.
Tier 2: Reputable Aftermarket Brands
These companies produce reliable parts that are a good balance of quality and price, even if they aren't the original BMW supplier.
- NGK: Known globally for spark plugs, their ignition coils are also well-regarded and considered a safe bet by many owners.
- Hitachi: A major Japanese manufacturer that produces quality electronic components for many car brands.
- Standard Ignition (SMP): A long-standing brand in the aftermarket with a reputation for solid, dependable parts.
Tier 3: Value Brands
These brands offer a budget-friendly solution. They can be a good choice if you need a quick fix, but may not offer the same longevity or performance as premium brands.
- Global Parts
- True Tech
- Walker Products
Pro Tip: Replace Coils and Plugs Together
It is highly recommended to replace all six ignition coils at the same time. Coils wear at a similar rate, so if one has failed, the others are likely not far behind. This saves you from doing the same job multiple times. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step S55 ignition coil and spark plug replacement guide. It's also best practice to replace your spark plugs at the same time to ensure a complete ignition system refresh.
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
As of late 2025, there are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) directly concerning ignition coils for the 2015-2025 BMW M4. Failures are generally due to normal wear and tear from heat and age. However, owners who track their cars or have tuned engines may experience a shorter lifespan and should consider more frequent replacement intervals.
Cost to Replace BMW M4 Ignition Coils
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM/Genuine BMW (Set of 6) | $430 - $600 |
| New Aftermarket (Set of 6) | $210 - $450 |
| Shop Labor | $200 - $484 |
| Total Professional Replacement | $410 - $1084 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I replace all six ignition coils at once?
Yes. Ignition coils are subjected to the same amount of heat and wear, so they tend to fail around the same time. Replacing them all at once is a smart preventative measure that saves you from repeated repairs. It also ensures consistent performance across all cylinders.
Can I upgrade my M4's ignition coils?
Yes, there are "high-performance" coils available from brands like Dinan, aFe, and others 🎬 Watch: Upgrading to Dinan high-performance coils for more spark. that claim higher energy output for a more efficient burn. Some owners also adapt the newer B58 engine coils for use on the S55 engine, which requires a special adapter kit. For a stock or lightly modified car, a quality OEM-equivalent brand like Delphi or Bosch is more than sufficient.
How do I know which ignition coil is bad?
First, use an OBD-II scanner to read the fault code (e.g., P0302 for cylinder 2). To confirm, you can swap the suspected bad coil with a coil from a cylinder that is working correctly. Clear the codes, run the engine, and scan again. If the fault code "moves" to the new cylinder, you've confirmed the coil is the problem.
🎬 See this quick tip for diagnosing a BMW engine misfire.Are the ignition coils different for the F82 M4 (S55) and G82 M4 (S58)?
Yes, they are different parts. The 2015-2020 M4 with the S55 engine uses part number 12138616153. The 2021-2025 M4 with the S58 engine uses part number 12138643360. You must order the correct part for your vehicle's engine.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 12138616153 (for S55 Engine) 12138643360 (for S58 Engine)
Coil-on-plug design, one per cylinder. Transforms 12V battery power to high voltage for spark plug ignition.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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