2005-2019 model years · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2005-2019 BMW M6 has 13 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are S85 V10 Rod Bearing Failure (Catastrophic Engine Destruction) ($6,500-$32,000 repair), S85 V10 VANOS High-Pressure Oil Pump Failure ($1,800-$5,500 repair), Rod Bearing Premature Wear (S65/S63 Engines) ($3,000-$6,000 repair), F12/F13 Electric Water Pump and Thermostat Failure ($700-$1,800 repair), SMG Hydraulic Pump and Clutch Actuator Failure ($2,000-$4,000 repair) and F12/F13 7-Speed M-DCT Mechatronic and Clutch Pack Failure ($1,500-$5,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $32,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2019 M6 Gran Coupe vehicles. The third brake light may become loose, possibly allowing the light to detach from the vehicle.
AIR BAGS
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S, Mini 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and 2016 BMW 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5 and 535d vehicles. The affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 BMW M5 sedans manufactured September 4, 2014, through December 4, 2014, 2015 M6 coupes manufactured September 3, 2014, through December 3, 2014, 2015 M6 convertibles manufactured September 8, 2014, through December 4, 2014, and 2015 M6 Gran Coupe vehicles manufactured September3, 2014, through December 4, 2014. The affected vehicles have a driveshaft that may have been inadequately welded during manufacturing.
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2005-2019 BMW M6 has 13 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: S85 V10 Rod Bearing Failure (Catastrophic Engine Destruction), S85 V10 VANOS High-Pressure Oil Pump Failure, Rod Bearing Premature Wear (S65/S63 Engines). Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2005-2019 BMW M6 has 13 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 6 issues are rated critical: S85 V10 Rod Bearing Failure (Catastrophic Engine Destruction) and S85 V10 VANOS High-Pressure Oil Pump Failure and Rod Bearing Premature Wear (S65/S63 Engines) and F12/F13 Electric Water Pump and Thermostat Failure and SMG Hydraulic Pump and Clutch Actuator Failure and F12/F13 7-Speed M-DCT Mechatronic and Clutch Pack Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known BMW M6 issues range from $100 to $32,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, S85 V10 Rod Bearing Failure (Catastrophic Engine Destruction), typically costs $6,500-$32,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Reliability varies across model years of the BMW M6. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2005-2019 BMW M6 with 13 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
The S85 5.0L V10 engine in the E63 M6 (2006-2010) has catastrophically tight rod bearing clearances (0.001" vs 0.0025" industry standard) with thin OEM bearings that fail prematurely, leading to spun bearings and complete engine destruction. This is the single most critical issue… Repairs typically run $6,500-$32,000. Severity: high.
On the S85 5.0L V10 (E63/E64 M6), the VANOS variable-valve-timing system runs off a dedicated high-pressure oil pump mounted in the oil pan that must produce roughly 1,000 psi. Over time the pump's internal seals wear and the high-pressure VANOS lines can split, causing pressure… Repairs typically run $1,800-$5,500. Severity: high.
Both the S65 V8 (E63 M6) and S63 twin-turbo V8 (F06/F12/F13 M6) suffer from premature rod bearing wear. The S65 is particularly notorious — the OEM rod bearings use a copper-lead composition that wears rapidly, especially with frequent cold starts and short trips. The S63 has imp… Repairs typically run $3,000-$6,000. Severity: high.
The F06/F12/F13 M6 with the S63 twin-turbo V8 uses an electrically driven coolant pump and an electronic thermostat. Both are common failure points. The electric water pump can fail electronically (no flow) and the thermostat can stick, while cracked radiator end-tanks and a leak… Repairs typically run $700-$1,800. Severity: high.
The E63/E64 M6 uses a Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG III) that relies on a hydraulic pump and actuator to operate the clutch. The SMG pump is prone to failure, typically between 60,000 and 90,000 miles. When the pump fails, the car displays "SMG Transmission Fault" and may become… Repairs typically run $2,000-$4,000. Severity: high.
The F06/F12/F13 M6 uses a 7-speed M dual-clutch transmission (GS7D36/GS7D70). Owners report two main problems: failure of the mechatronic unit (the DCT's electronic/hydraulic control module), which causes erratic shifting, stored transmission fault codes and limp/failsafe mode; a… Repairs typically run $1,500-$5,000. Severity: high.
On the E63/E64 6 Series and M6, owners report knocking and developing play from the steering gear (Lenkgetriebe), often associated with the Active Steering setup. German forums (motor-talk.de) describe a clacking/knocking noise and light play in the steering, with replacement ste… Repairs typically run $300-$3,500. Severity: medium.
The S63/N63 V8 family used in the F12/F13 M6 is subject to high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) and direct-injector problems. A failing HPFP causes long cranking and hard starting (worst when cold), rough running and misfires from insufficient rail pressure. Separately, the direct inje… Repairs typically run $600-$2,500. Severity: medium.
The S63 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine in the F06/F12/F13 M6 (2013-2018) has rod bearing concerns similar to but less catastrophic than the S85 V10. While the S63 bearing clearances are better than the notoriously tight S85, bearings can still wear prematurely under hard driving or tr… Repairs typically run $4,000-$7,000. Severity: medium.
On the F12 M6 Convertible, the soft-top is operated by a hydraulic pump unit. Owners (including on German forums such as motor-talk.de) report the top stops opening or closing mid-cycle, operates slowly or jams. The most common root causes are the two high-current relays in the h… Repairs typically run $100-$1,600. Severity: medium.
The S85 V10 engine in the E63 M6 (2006-2010) uses individual throttle bodies with internal throttle actuators containing plastic PPA (polyphthalamide) gears that strip over time, typically around 70,000 miles. The plastic gear teeth are gradually worn down by the metal worm drive… Repairs typically run $500-$4,500. Severity: medium.
The S63 twin-turbo V8 in the F06/F12/F13 M6 is prone to wastegate rattle as the wastegate actuator linkage develops play with heat cycling, producing a metallic rattle at light throttle/low load. The turbos can also suffer oil-feed coking/starvation due to the intense under-bonne… Repairs typically run $400-$4,000. Severity: medium.
The S63 twin-turbo V8 in the F06/F12/F13 M6 uses direct fuel injection, so no fuel washes over the back of the intake valves. Over time, oil vapor from the crankcase ventilation system bakes onto the intake valves and ports, restricting airflow. This produces rough idle, cold-sta… Repairs typically run $500-$1,500. Severity: medium.
