Preventative Maintenance – 2020 BMW M8 Competition

Red BMW Car parked outside of our shop | Euro Auto Tech & Smog

Project Name: Preventative Maintenance – 2020 BMW M8 Competition


Project Type: Residential


Location: La Mesa, CA


Duration: 1 Day


Project Cost: $250 – $425


Primary Service(s) Provided:

  • Spark plug replacement (misfires at high boost are common)
  • Cooling system inspection (water pump, thermostat, plastic fittings)
  • ZF 8-speed transmission fluid and filter service
  • Belt tensioner & idler pulley check
  • Oil filter housing & oil pan gasket inspection
  • Intake valve cleaning (carbon buildup from direct injection)


Project Details:

The S63 engine in the 2020 BMW M8 Competition packs incredible performance, but it also has well-known areas that require careful attention. Just because your car isn’t showing any error codes doesn’t mean it’s in peak condition. At Euro Auto Tech & Smog, we’ve seen neglected M8s with cooling system failures, oil leaks, worn belts, and spark plug misfires—all of which could have been easily prevented with routine service.


Preventative maintenance is about ensuring reliability and performance, not waiting for something to fail. In addition to routine oil changes every 5,000 miles (with a full inspection), we recommend the following every 30,000–40,000 miles or as needed:

  • Spark plug replacement, especially for misfires under boost
  • Full cooling system inspection, including water pump, thermostat, and plastic fittings
  • ZF 8-speed transmission fluid and filter service
  • Belt tensioner and idler pulley check
  • Oil filter housing & oil pan gasket inspection
  • Intake valve cleaning for carbon buildup due to direct injection
August 28, 2026
Let’s talk shop. This 2014 Audi SQ5 came through the shop with what looked like a fairly routine oil leak. But once we got it on the lift and started digging deeper, we found a little surprise hiding behind the symptoms. Let’s dive in. Diagnosis On the 3.0 supercharged V6, timing chain system issues can become a serious concern as mileage adds up. Chain stretch, worn guides, tensioner problems, and related components can lead to timing faults, rattling noises, especially on cold starts, and, if ignored, potentially major engine damage. Another major issue is that the timing chain is located at the rear of the engine, which means that replacement is an intensive, labor-heavy service requiring partial or full engine removal. What Needs to Be Done When timing chain wear is confirmed, the repair needs to be approached as a complete system, not simply “replace the chain” and call it a day. Depending on what the inspection reveals, this can include timing chains, guides, tensioners, seals, and other related components. We also inspect the surrounding areas for oil leaks and signs of wear while everything is accessible. Pro Tip: If you start hearing noticeable rattling on startup, the car develops timing fault codes, or you’re seeing unexplained oil leaks, don’t wait until the check engine light comes on. By that time, you might be dealing with a bigger problem. Result: A smooth ride and a happy driver. The goal isn’t just to quiet a noise or clear a code. It’s proper diagnostics to know the root cause and a proper mechanic who knows the proper repairs. Catch us every Friday for more shop talk. And remember: Good work ain’t cheap. Cheap work ain’t good. Euro Auto Tech & Smog | European Specialist | 7633 El Cajon Blvd #217, La Mesa, CA 91942
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