BMW S55 Crank Hub Upgrade – Insane Performance 4-Pin | Supply & Fit
Complete supply & fit package for BMW M2 Competition, M3 and M4.
Upgrade the factory BMW S55 crank hub arrangement with the Insane Performance one-piece 4-pin crank hub, professionally installed by Swift Performance at our specialist workshop in Stoke Mandeville, Aylesbury.
£1,950 including VAT – supplied and fitted.
Key Benefits
- Insane Performance one-piece 4-pin crank hub
- Complete professional installation
- Replacement gaskets, seals and required fixings
- New BMW S55 oil filter
- Suitable BMW LL-04 specification engine oil
- Performance oil upgrades available for tuned and track-focused cars
- Workshop consumables included
- Installation at Swift Performance in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
Flexible payment options may be available at checkout for eligible customers.
The BMW S55 Crank Hub – Why Owners Upgrade It
The BMW S55 engine used in the F87 M2 Competition, F80 M3 and F82/F83 M4 has a factory crank hub and timing drive arrangement that has become a well-known concern among S55 owners and BMW performance specialists.
The factory arrangement relies on clamping force and friction between the crankshaft, crank hub and timing components rather than using a positive keyed or pinned connection to mechanically locate the hub to the crankshaft.
In most cars the factory arrangement can operate without issue. However, if the hub moves relative to the crankshaft, the engine timing can also move out of its intended position. This is commonly referred to as a slipped or spun crank hub.
What Can Happen if an S55 Crank Hub Slips?
The effect depends on how far the timing moves. Possible symptoms can include:
- Drivetrain malfunction warnings
- Engine timing fault codes
- Reduced-power or limp mode
- Poor or irregular engine running
In a more severe event, the engine timing can move far enough to create the risk of internal engine damage.
Not every S55 engine will suffer a crank hub issue. However, many owners choose to upgrade the crank hub preventatively, particularly when the vehicle is tuned, producing increased torque, regularly driven hard or used on track.
For owners planning further performance upgrades, addressing the crank hub arrangement beforehand can provide additional confidence in the engine's timing drive setup.
Want to understand the S55 crank hub issue in more detail?
Read our complete BMW S55 Crank Hub Guide, covering symptoms, the factory crank hub arrangement, tuned vs standard cars and how pinned 4-pin upgrades work.
How Does a 4-Pin Crank Hub Upgrade Address the Factory Arrangement?
The purpose of a pinned crank hub upgrade is to add a positive mechanical connection between the upgraded crank hub and the crankshaft rather than relying solely on the original friction-based arrangement.
During installation of the Insane Performance 4-pin system, the crankshaft is precisely drilled using the appropriate fixture and the upgraded hub is mechanically located using four pins.
Installation requires accurate engine timing, crankshaft positioning and specialist tooling, which is why this is supplied as a complete workshop installation rather than simply selling the component.
Why We Always Remove the Sump
Installing a pinned crank hub requires the crankshaft to be precisely drilled to create the locating points for the new hub.
At Swift Performance, we always remove the engine sump as part of our S55 crank hub installation.
Some crank hub installations are carried out with the sump left in position. While this can reduce the amount of labour involved, drilling the crankshaft produces metal swarf and drill shavings.
Our approach is to remove the sump so that we have proper access to clean and inspect the area after drilling, helping to minimise the risk of metal debris being left inside the engine.
As part of the process we therefore include:
- Removal and refitting of the engine sump
- Cleaning and inspection following the drilling procedure
- Replacement sump gasket
- Replacement sump and oil-pump fixings where required
- Fresh engine oil
- New BMW S55 oil filter
For us, sump removal is not an optional extra. It is part of the installation procedure included in our £1,950 supplied-and-fitted price.
About the Insane Performance 4-Pin Crank Hub
For this package, Swift Performance uses the Insane Performance one-piece 4-pin crank hub.
Insane Performance specifies the hub as a one-piece design manufactured from heat-treated steel and precision-machined using 5-axis CNC equipment.
Swift Performance uses the 4-pin version, providing four mechanical locating points between the upgraded crank hub and crankshaft as part of the installation.
The one-piece design replaces the factory multi-piece crank hub arrangement and is designed as an upgraded solution for BMW S55 performance applications.
What's Included for £1,950?
The £1,950 including VAT price is the complete supplied-and-fitted package, not simply the cost of the crank hub.
Included:
- Insane Performance 4-pin crank hub
- Professional installation by Swift Performance
- Rocker/cam cover gasket
- Sump gasket
- Required sump and oil pump fixings
- Fuel pump seal
- Crankshaft seal
- Timing-chain tensioner seal
- Replacement cam gear bolts
- Replacement crankshaft bolt
- BMW S55 oil filter
- Suitable BMW LL-04 specification engine oil
- Workshop consumables and waste-oil disposal
Tuned or Track-Driven S55?
Our standard crank hub package includes a suitable BMW LL-04 specification engine oil.
For tuned, high-power and track-focused vehicles, upgraded performance engine-oil options are available.
If you're unsure which oil is appropriate for your vehicle and level of tune, speak to the Swift Performance team before your booking.
Additional Work While Your S55 Is With Us
A crank hub installation involves significant dismantling and access to areas of the S55 engine that would normally require substantial labour to reach.
Because this access has already been created, there are a number of additional maintenance and performance jobs that can be carried out at significantly reduced labour while the crank hub work is being completed.
If you are considering any of the following upgrades or maintenance items, having them completed at the same time can avoid paying for much of the same strip-down labour again at a later date.
Popular Add-Ons
-
Camshaft alignment – additional £220
Camshaft alignment can be carried out while the engine is already prepared for the crank hub procedure. -
ACL Race Series rod bearings – additional £500
ACL Race Series 6B1584H/STD conrod bearings, new OEM BMW rod bolts and installation when carried out alongside the crank-hub upgrade. Selecting the combined package can avoid approximately six hours of duplicated workshop labour. -
Bench unlock and bootmod3 installation/setup – additional £500
Available for customers planning to tune their S55 or requiring the appropriate ECU setup. -
Sports cat installation – additional £220
Reduced installation labour when the sports cats are supplied by Swift Performance. -
DO88 S55 charge pipes – fitting included
Free installation of the DO88 S55 turbo-to-intercooler pressure/charge pipes when purchased from Swift Performance as part of the crank hub booking. -
DO88 S55 J-pipe – fitting included
Free installation of the DO88 intercooler-to-throttle-body J-pipe when purchased from Swift Performance as part of the crank hub booking. -
Infinity Carbon intake installation – fitting included
Free installation when the Infinity Carbon intake system is supplied by Swift Performance with the crank hub booking. Also available for F80 M3 and F82 M4. -
Spark plug installation – fitting included
Spark plug fitting is included when carried out alongside the crank hub installation. Spark plugs are available separately. -
Performance panel filter installation – fitting included
Free installation when supplied by Swift Performance. ITG performance panel filters are available for S55 applications. BMC performance panel filters are also available – contact us for details. -
Minor service additions – additional £100
Add the microfilter, Standard Scope, CBS reset and applicable iDrive/service-history update. -
Replacement rocker cover
Available on request and worth considering where the existing cover requires replacement. -
Insane Performance crank seal guard – additional £75
Available as an additional upgrade when fitted during the crank hub installation.
Tuned and Track Cars
For mapped, high-power or track-driven S55 vehicles, we recommend discussing the engine oil specification with us before the booking.
Our standard package includes a suitable BMW LL-04 specification oil, with upgraded performance oil options available. A 5W-40 grade is one of the options we recommend for appropriate mapped or track-driven applications.
ACL Race Series Rod Bearing Upgrade – £500 With Crank Hub
While the BMW S55 is not generally regarded as having the same widespread rod-bearing reputation as some earlier BMW M engines, connecting-rod bearings are still highly loaded internal engine components and can wear over time.
For customers who want to address the rod bearings preventatively, we offer an ACL Race Series rod-bearing upgrade for an additional £500 including VAT when carried out alongside our crank-hub installation.
Our standard package uses:
- ACL Race Series 6B1584H/STD conrod bearings
- New OEM BMW connecting-rod bolts
- Complete installation
Why Rod Bearings Wear
The connecting-rod bearings operate between the crankshaft journals and connecting rods under substantial engine load.
During normal operation, the crankshaft journal is supported by a thin hydrodynamic film of engine oil rather than running directly against the bearing surface.
Bearing condition can therefore be influenced by factors including:
- Mileage and accumulated engine hours
- Engine load and power output
- Oil condition and contamination
- Oil pressure and lubrication quality
- High operating temperatures
- Repeated high-RPM or track use
- Cold operation before the engine oil has reached a suitable operating temperature
- General long-term wear
The S55 is not automatically expected to suffer rod-bearing failure, but the bearings remain wear components that can be inspected and replaced preventatively where appropriate.
Why Do Them With the Crank Hub?
Replacing S55 rod bearings as a separate job requires significant labour simply to gain access to the bottom of the engine.
As part of our crank-hub installation procedure, the engine sump and associated components are already removed.
This means the rod bearings can be replaced at the same time without repeating much of the strip-down and reassembly work required for a standalone rod-bearing job.
Having the rod bearings replaced during the crank-hub installation can save approximately six hours of duplicated workshop labour compared with carrying out the two jobs independently.
This is why we can offer the complete ACL Race Series bearing replacement, new OEM BMW rod bolts and installation for £500 additional when booked with the crank hub.
What About ARP Rod Bolts?
Our standard £500 package uses new OEM BMW connecting-rod bolts.
For higher-output, high-RPM or more severe-duty S55 builds, an upgraded ARP rod-bolt option is also available.
The appropriate fastener choice depends on the specification and intended use of the engine.
Ask the Swift Performance team if you are planning a high-power build and would like to discuss the ARP rod-bolt upgrade.
Vehicle Compatibility
This service is suitable for S55-powered BMW models including:
BMW F87
- M2 Competition
- M2 CS
BMW F80
- M3
- M3 Competition
- M3 CS
BMW F82 / F83
- M4
- M4 Competition
- M4 CS
- M4 GTS
Engine: BMW S55 3.0 Twin Turbo
This service is not intended for N55, B58 or S58-engined vehicles.
Booking Lead Time & How Long We Need Your Car
Our current booking lead time for S55 crank hub installations is approximately 5 weeks, although this can vary depending on workshop availability.
We require the vehicle for two working days to complete the crank hub installation correctly.
This allows us sufficient time to carry out the installation without rushing the procedure, reassemble the vehicle correctly and complete our post-installation checks and testing before the car is returned to you.
Once you purchase the package online, a member of the Swift Performance team will contact you to confirm the next suitable workshop date.
Purchase Online – Book Your Workshop Appointment
Purchase your S55 crank hub upgrade online for £1,950 including VAT.
Current booking lead time: approximately 5 weeks.
Vehicle required for: two working days.
Once your order has been placed, a member of the Swift Performance team will contact you to arrange a suitable workshop booking date. Purchasing online does not automatically reserve a specific workshop date.
Installation takes place at:
Swift Performance
Stoke Mandeville
Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire
HP22 5GT
£1,950 including VAT – complete supply & fit package.
After purchase, we'll contact you to arrange your workshop booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the S55 crank hub a known problem?
The factory S55 crank hub arrangement is a well-known concern within the BMW performance community. If the hub moves relative to the crankshaft, the engine timing can move from its intended position. Not every S55 will experience this issue, but many owners choose to upgrade the arrangement preventatively.
Does every S55 need a crank hub upgrade?
No. It would be misleading to suggest every S55 will suffer crank hub slip. The upgrade is commonly considered by owners of tuned, high-performance, hard-driven or track-used cars, as well as owners who simply want to address the factory arrangement preventatively.
What happens if the crank hub slips?
A slipped crank hub can cause engine timing faults, drivetrain warnings, reduced-power mode or poor running. If the timing moves significantly, there is the potential for internal engine damage.
How does the 4-pin upgrade work?
The upgraded hub is mechanically located to the crankshaft using four pins, providing a positive mechanical connection rather than relying solely on the factory friction-based arrangement.
Do you remove the sump when installing the crank hub?
Yes. At Swift Performance we remove the sump as part of every S55 4-pin crank hub installation. Drilling the crankshaft creates metal swarf, so removing the sump gives us proper access to clean and inspect the area before reassembly. A replacement sump gasket, associated fixings, fresh engine oil and a new S55 oil filter are included in our package.
How long does an S55 crank hub installation take?
We require the vehicle for two working days. This gives us the time required to carry out the installation, reassemble the vehicle correctly and complete our post-installation checks and testing.
How long is the wait for a crank hub booking?
Our current lead time is approximately five weeks. This can vary depending on workshop demand, and we will confirm the next suitable booking date with you after purchase.
Is there any other work worth doing at the same time?
There can be. Because the crank hub installation involves substantial dismantling, some maintenance and performance upgrades require significantly less additional labour when completed at the same time. Options include rod bearings, camshaft alignment, spark plugs, sports cats, charge pipes, intakes and other S55 upgrades. Contact us if you would like advice for your particular car.
How much does an S55 crank hub upgrade cost?
Our Insane Performance 4-pin BMW S55 crank hub upgrade is £1,950 including VAT, supplied and fitted at Swift Performance.
Is the £1,950 price parts and labour?
Yes. It is the complete supplied-and-fitted package including the crank hub, installation and associated parts and consumables listed on this page.
What crank hub does Swift Performance use?
We use the Insane Performance one-piece 4-pin crank hub for this package.
Is an oil change included?
Yes. A new BMW S55 oil filter and suitable BMW LL-04 specification engine oil are included.
Can I upgrade the oil on a tuned car?
Yes. Performance engine-oil upgrades are available for tuned, high-power and track-driven S55 vehicles.
Which BMW models is this suitable for?
S55-powered BMW F87 M2 Competition and M2 CS, F80 M3 variants and F82/F83 M4 variants.
What happens after I purchase?
Swift Performance will contact you after checkout to arrange a suitable workshop booking date.
Does the BMW S55 have rod-bearing problems?
The S55 is not generally regarded as having the same widespread rod-bearing reputation as some earlier BMW M engines. However, rod bearings are highly loaded wear components and their condition can be influenced by mileage, lubrication, temperature, engine load and vehicle use.
What rod bearings does Swift Performance use?
Our standard S55 upgrade uses ACL Race Series 6B1584H/STD conrod bearings with new OEM BMW connecting-rod bolts.
Why are rod bearings only £500 when fitted with the crank hub?
Our crank-hub installation already requires removal of the sump and significant surrounding components. This means much of the labour required to access the rod bearings has already been completed. Carrying out both jobs together can avoid approximately six hours of duplicated workshop labour.
Are ARP rod bolts available?
Yes. Our standard package uses new OEM BMW rod bolts. An upgraded ARP rod-bolt option is available for suitable higher-output, high-RPM or severe-duty builds. Contact Swift Performance to discuss your vehicle specification.