2022–2023 McLaren 720S 4.0L V8 Twin Turbo RWD

Factory-verified torque specs156 values, each checked by hand

ABS Module Bolts11.8 lb-ft16 Nm

ABS Sensor BoltDo not overtighten5.9 lb-ft8 Nm

AC Compressor Bolts18.4 lb-ft25 Nm

AC Line FittingsUse new O-rings, add PAG oil7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

AC Line FittingsUse new O-rings5.9 lb-ft8 Nm

Airbag Module BoltsTorx - disconnect battery and wait 2 minutes3.7 lb-ft5 Nm

Airbag Module BoltsTorx - disconnect battery and wait 2 minutes5.2 lb-ft7 Nm

Alternator Mounting Bolts18.4 lb-ft25 Nm

Axle NutUse new cotter pin or stake nut184.4 lb-ft250 Nm

Axle Nut191.8 lb-ft260 Nm

Ball Joint NutNew cotter pin66.4 lb-ft90 Nm

Battery Cable Nut13.3 lb-ft18 Nm

Battery Hold-Down Bolt4.4 lb-ft6 Nm

Battery Terminal BoltsDo not overtighten - can crack terminal4.4 lb-ft6 Nm

Battery Terminal BoltsDo not overtighten9.4 lb-ft12.8 Nm

Bleeder Screw11.8 lb-ft16 Nm

Bleeder ScrewDo not overtighten12.5 lb-ft17 Nm

Boost Sensor7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Brake Hose Banjo BoltNew copper washers31 lb-ft42 Nm

Brake Line Banjo BoltUse new copper washers31 lb-ft42 Nm

Brake Line FittingsUse flare nut wrench12.5 lb-ft17 Nm

Brake Line FittingsUse flare nut wrench11.1 lb-ft15 Nm

Brake Rotor Set Screw7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Bumper Cover Bolts3.3 lb-ft4.5 Nm

Bumper Cover Bolts4.4 lb-ft6 Nm

Caliper Bracket BoltsThreadlocker recommended68.6 lb-ft93 Nm

Caliper Bracket Bolts - FrontThreadlocker recommended | ⚠️ VERIFY SEQUENCE WITH SERVICE MANUAL68.6 lb-ft93 Nm

Caliper Mounting Bolts68.6 lb-ft93 Nm

Caliper Mounting Bolts44.3 lb-ft60 Nm

Cam Phaser BoltApply threadlocker, hold cam stationary36.9 lb-ft50 Nm

Camshaft Bearing Cap BoltsTighten in sequence, 3 passes7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Camshaft Cap BoltsTighten in sequence from center outward, multiple passes7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Camshaft Position Sensor7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Camshaft Sprocket BoltsHold cam with wrench on hex36.9 lb-ft50 Nm

Compressor Bolts18.4 lb-ft25 Nm

Condenser Mounting Bolts3 lb-ft4 Nm

Console Screws2.2 lb-ft3 Nm

Control Arm BoltsTorque with vehicle weight on wheels42 lb-ft57 Nm

Coolant Temperature SensorUse thread sealant14.8 lb-ft20 Nm

Crankshaft Position Sensor7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Crankshaft Pulley BoltOften TTY - check spec, may require impact18.4 lb-ft25 Nm

Crossmember Bolt55.3 lb-ft75 Nm

CV Axle Nut191.8 lb-ft260 Nm

Cylinder Head BoltsTTY - tighten in sequence plus angle33.2 lb-ft45 Nm

Cylinder Head Bolts - Step 1Always use new TTY bolts22.1 lb-ft30 Nm

Cylinder Head Bolts - Step 2Tighten in sequence33.2 lb-ft45 Nm

Cylinder Head Bolts - Step 3Plus 90 degrees33.2 lb-ft45 Nm

Differential Cover Bolts36.9 lb-ft50 Nm

Door Hinge Bolts51.6 lb-ft70 Nm

Door Panel Screws4.4 lb-ft6 Nm

Drain PlugNew washer36.9 lb-ft50 Nm

Engine Mount-to-Block Bolts73.8 lb-ft100 Nm

Engine Mount-to-Frame Bolts73.8 lb-ft100 Nm

Exhaust Clamps10.3 lb-ft14 Nm

Exhaust Flange BoltApply anti-seize25.8 lb-ft35 Nm

Exhaust Manifold NutsApply anti-seize, work hot-to-cold25.8 lb-ft35 Nm

Expansion Valve5.9 lb-ft8 Nm

Fan Motor Bolts3 lb-ft4 Nm

Fan Shroud Bolts3 lb-ft4 Nm

Fender Bolts3.7 lb-ft5 Nm

Fender Liner Screws2.2 lb-ft3 Nm

Fill Plug36.9 lb-ft50 Nm

Filler Neck Bolts3.7 lb-ft5 Nm

Filler Neck Clamp5.9 lb-ft8 Nm

Flywheel BoltsOften TTY, tighten in star pattern66.4 lb-ft90 Nm

Fuel Rail Bolts7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Grille Mounting Screws2.2 lb-ft3 Nm

Guide Bolts20.7 lb-ft28 Nm

Hanger Bolts5.9 lb-ft8 Nm

Hanger Bracket Bolts5.9 lb-ft8 Nm

Heat Shield Bolts7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Hood Hinge Bolts5.9 lb-ft8 Nm

Hood Latch Bolts3.7 lb-ft5 Nm

Hub Bolts51.6 lb-ft70 Nm

Hub Bolts44.3 lb-ft60 Nm

Hub NutIf removed191.8 lb-ft260 Nm

Ignition Coil Bolt4.4 lb-ft6 Nm

Intake Manifold Bolt7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Knock SensorTorque critical for function14.8 lb-ft20 Nm

Linkage Pivot Nuts17.7 lb-ft24 Nm

Lower Ball Joint NutNew cotter pin66.4 lb-ft90 Nm

Lower Control Arm BoltsTorque at ride height42 lb-ft57 Nm

MAF Sensor Screws2.2 lb-ft3 Nm

Main Bearing Cap BoltsTTY - tighten in sequence plus angle40.6 lb-ft55 Nm

MAP Sensor Screws7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Module Mounting Bolts4.4 lb-ft6 Nm

Module Mounting Bolts5.9 lb-ft8 Nm

Module Mounting Bolts3.7 lb-ft5 Nm

Muffler Clamps10.3 lb-ft14 Nm

O2 SensorApply anti-seize to threads only36.9 lb-ft50 Nm

Oil Drain PlugUse new crush washer17.7 lb-ft24 Nm

Oil Feed LineUse new crush washers17.7 lb-ft24 Nm

Oil Filter Housing CapFor cartridge-type filters18.4 lb-ft25 Nm

Oil Level Sensor28 lb-ft38 Nm

Oil Pressure SensorUse thread sealant14.8 lb-ft20 Nm

Oil Pump Bolts7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Oil Return Line7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Pinch Bolt⚠️ VERIFY SEQUENCE WITH SERVICE MANUAL16.2 lb-ft22 Nm

Power Steering Line FittingsUse new O-rings18.4 lb-ft25 Nm

Power Steering Pump Bolts6.6 lb-ft9 Nm

Pump Mounting Bolts6.6 lb-ft9 Nm

Radiator Mounting BoltDo not overtighten plastic mounts3 lb-ft4 Nm

Receiver Drier Bolts5.9 lb-ft8 Nm

Reservoir Mounting Bolts3.7 lb-ft5 Nm

Reservoir Mounting Bolts5.9 lb-ft8 Nm

Rocker Arm BoltsTighten with cam lobe pointing away7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Rocker Arm Shaft BoltsTighten evenly in sequence7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Seat Mounting BoltsSafety critical18.4 lb-ft25 Nm

Seat Track Bolts14.8 lb-ft20 Nm

Shock Lower Bolt42 lb-ft57 Nm

Spark PlugGap before install13.3 lb-ft18 Nm

Spark Plugs - Aluminum HeadApply anti-seize to threads13.3 lb-ft18 Nm

Starter Mounting Bolt22.1 lb-ft30 Nm

Starter Solenoid NutFor B+ cable5.2 lb-ft7 Nm

Steering Column Bolts⚠️ VERIFY SEQUENCE WITH SERVICE MANUAL14.8 lb-ft20 Nm

Steering Rack Bolts31.7 lb-ft43 Nm

Steering Wheel Nut59 lb-ft80 Nm

Strut Bolts42 lb-ft57 Nm

Strut Top Mount Nuts33.2 lb-ft45 Nm

Strut Tower Nuts33.2 lb-ft45 Nm

Sway Bar Bracket Bolts14.8 lb-ft20 Nm

Sway Bar End Link Nuts44.3 lb-ft60 Nm

Sway Bar Link NutsHold shaft with Allen key44.3 lb-ft60 Nm

Tail Light Bolts2.2 lb-ft3 Nm

Tank Strap Bolts6.6 lb-ft9 Nm

Thermostat Housing Bolt7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Throttle Body Bolts7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Tie Rod End Castle NutUse new cotter pin42.8 lb-ft58 Nm

Tie Rod End NutNew cotter pin42.8 lb-ft58 Nm

Tie Rod Jam NutAfter alignment50.5 lb-ft68.5 Nm

Tie Rod Nut50.5 lb-ft68.5 Nm

Tie Rod Nut42.8 lb-ft58 Nm

Timing Chain Guide BoltsReplace if worn19.9 lb-ft27 Nm

Timing Chain Guide BoltsReplace if worn7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Timing Chain Idler Sprocket81.1 lb-ft110 Nm

Timing Chain Tensioner BoltInstall with pin/clip to compress19.9 lb-ft27 Nm

Timing Chain Tensioner BoltInstall with pin/clip to compress7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Timing Cover BoltTighten in sequence7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Timing Cover Bolts - 6mmTighten in sequence7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Timing Cover Bolts - 8mmTighten in sequence7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Transmission Cooler LinesIf equipped, use new washers5.9 lb-ft8 Nm

Transmission Drain PlugUse new crush washer if equipped36.9 lb-ft50 Nm

Transmission Filter BoltsIf equipped with bolted filter7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Transmission Mount Bolts99.6 lb-ft135 Nm

Transmission-to-Engine Bolts36.9 lb-ft50 Nm

Turbo-to-Downpipe Bolts25.8 lb-ft35 Nm

Upper Ball Joint Nut66.4 lb-ft90 Nm

Upper Control Arm BoltsTorque at ride height42 lb-ft57 Nm

Valve Cover BoltsTighten in sequence7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Visor Mounting Screws4.4 lb-ft6 Nm

VVT Solenoid Bolt4.4 lb-ft6 Nm

Wastegate Actuator Bolts2.2 lb-ft3 Nm

Water Pump BoltsTighten in criss-cross pattern7.4 lb-ft10 Nm

Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts51.6 lb-ft70 Nm

Wheel Bearing Hub BoltsApply threadlocker if specified44.3 lb-ft60 Nm

Wheel Lug Nuts95.9 lb-ft130 Nm

Fluids & battery

A/C RefrigerantR-1234yf24.7 oz

Brake FluidDOT 4 low viscosity1.1 qt

CoolantMcLaren-spec OAT coolant7.4 qt

Engine Oil0W-40 full synthetic10.6 qt

Power Steeringelectro-hydraulic PAS fluid1 qt

Rear Differential75W-140 synthetic gear oil2.1 qt

Automatic TransmissionMcLaren SSG DCT fluid7.4 qt

Washer Fluidwindshield washer fluid concentrate1.6 qt

BatteryGroup H8 · AGM900 CCA

Common Problems & Known Issues

The 2023 720S with its M840T twin-turbo V8 is a high-strung supercar that demands meticulous maintenance. While extremely capable, it suffers from heat management issues, transmission cooling inadequacies, and catastrophic engine failures often tied to detonation and bearing failures—problems that can devastate your wallet.

Engine Knock and Catastrophic Bearing Failure

Occasional · high severity

Typical onset: 15,000-40,000 mi

Symptoms: metallic knocking from engine bay especially under load, sudden loss of power, oil pressure warning, complete engine seizure in worst cases

Fix: Full engine rebuild or short block replacement required. Typically involves removing entire powertrain, replacing main bearings, rod bearings, and often pistons/rings if damage has progressed. 60-80 labor hours at specialist facility. Root cause often traced to detonation from poor fuel quality, aggressive tuning, or inadequate oil cooling during track use.

Estimated cost: $35,000-65,000

Transmission Oil Cooler Failure

Common · high severity

Typical onset: 20,000-50,000 mi

Symptoms: transmission overheating warnings on dash, limp mode after spirited driving, burnt smell from trans fluid, erratic shifting when hot

Fix: Cooler itself fails or lines crack due to heat cycling. Requires dropping undertray, sometimes rear subframe work for access. Replace cooler, lines, and flush transmission fluid. If caught early, 8-12 hours labor. If trans was cooked, add clutch pack replacement and you're looking at transmission-out work.

Estimated cost: $4,500-8,500

Head Gasket Failure from Overboost/Detonation

Occasional · high severity

Typical onset: 25,000-60,000 mi

Symptoms: white smoke from exhaust, coolant loss with no visible leaks, rough idle and misfires, oil contamination in coolant reservoir

Fix: M840T is sensitive to fuel octane and heat. Running pump premium (91 octane) instead of required 93+ or track use without proper cool-down leads to head gasket breaches. Engine-out job, resurface heads if warped, replace gaskets and studs. 45-60 hours labor minimum.

Estimated cost: $18,000-28,000

Shift Solenoid Pack Failures

Occasional · medium severity

Typical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi

Symptoms: hard shifts or delayed engagement, transmission fault codes, stuck in single gear, refusal to shift above 4th gear

Fix: SST dual-clutch transmission uses electronically-controlled solenoids that fail from heat and contamination. Requires dropping transmission, replacing entire solenoid pack, updating software. 12-18 hours labor. Often covered under extended warranty if you have it.

Estimated cost: $5,500-9,000

Piston Ring Land Cracking

Rare · high severity

Typical onset: 10,000-35,000 mi

Symptoms: excessive oil consumption (quart per 500 miles), blue smoke on startup, loss of compression in one or more cylinders, rattling from damaged piston skirts

Fix: Aggressive driving with inadequate heat soak management causes ring land failures. Requires full teardown, piston replacement, honing cylinders, new rings on all pistons even if only one failed. 55-75 hours. Sometimes combined with bearing replacement if debris circulated.

Estimated cost: $25,000-45,000

Fuel Filter Clogging from Contaminated Premium Fuel

Occasional · medium severity

Symptoms: hesitation under hard acceleration, loss of power above 5000 RPM, engine stumbling at WOT, check engine light with fuel trim codes

Fix: High-flow fuel system is sensitive to contamination. Filter requires partial tank drop and fuel system depressurization. Replace filter and sometimes entire pump assembly if debris damaged pump. 4-6 hours labor. Prevention: only fill at high-volume premium stations.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200

Owner tips

Always use 93+ octane fuel minimum; track use demands race gas or E85 blend with proper tune
Change engine and trans oil every 3,000-4,000 miles if driven hard; factory 10k intervals are fantasy for performance use
After track sessions or spirited drives, do 5-10 minute cool-down at moderate RPM before shutdown to prevent heat soak damage
Budget $5,000-8,000 annually for maintenance at specialist shop; avoid general mechanics—these need McLaren-trained techs
Extended warranty is almost mandatory; catastrophic engine failures can exceed vehicle value on older examples

Buy only with comprehensive warranty and full service records showing religious maintenance; otherwise, you're one track day away from a $50k engine bill that totals the car.

AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.

2023 MCLAREN 720S