BMW M6 E63
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The M6 E63 is BMW's V10 coupé — built 2005–2010 with the legendary S85B50 (373 kW, 507 hp). A high-revving V10 to 8,250 rpm, the last naturally aspirated M engine of this size.
The S85B50 is an experience engine — but with known risks. Rod bearings wear from ~90,000 km and can cause engine loss. Preventive replacement every 90k km is mandatory. Throttle actuator plastic gears wear from 100k km — limp mode follows.
The SMG III gearbox is the second major risk: hydraulic pump fails on many examples. Alternative: manually shifted M6 (available until 2006) bypasses SMG risk entirely.
Test drive: Cold start: knocking from block = rod bearings, walk away. SMG: pull-away when cold — hesitation = accumulator/pump.
Market 2026: M6 E63 from $16,000, well-maintained with bearing service up to $38,000.
Insider pick: An S85B50 with documented rod bearing service, manual 6-speed, under 120k km.
Generations
Engine Overview
The BMW M6 E63 is available with one engine variant at 507 hp.
The S85 is a 5.0-litre V10 with ten individual throttle bodies and an 8,250 rpm rev limiter — Formula 1 technology in road trim. Above 5,000 rpm a shriek sets in that stands apart from everything else BMW builds. Naturally the engine needs care: con rod bearings should be preventively replaced every 80,000 km at the latest — with ACL bearing shells and ARP bolts; OEM is not an option here. Oil changes every 7,500 km with 10W-60 full synthetic, no compromises. The VANOS high-pressure pump in the oil sump is the second critical component: bearing failure leads to metal particles in the oil that contaminate solenoids and camshaft phasers. Regular oil analysis catches problems early. All ten throttle body actuators should be replaced as a set — individual replacement pulls the next one along shortly after. Those who take this seriously have one of the most emotional engines in BMW history.
- !! Connecting rod bearings — critical wear issue from 90,000 km
Standard connecting rod bearings with too-tight clearance (0.025 mm instead of the recommended 0.063 mm) wear prematurely through heat and high revs. Metal particles enter the oil and damage the VANOS pump and solenoids.
Symptoms: Knocking from the engine block, metal particles in the oil filter, VANOS fault codes, dropping oil pressure at high revs. - !! VANOS high-pressure pump — bearing failure from 100,000 km
The pump bearing in the oil sump breaks at higher mileages. Gears shatter and metal fragments circulate in the oil circuit. In the worst case the camshaft phasers and timing chain are irreparably damaged.
Symptoms: Rattling from the engine block, VANOS fault codes 27B6/271A–271D, sudden power loss, MIL illuminates. - !! Throttle body actuators — plastic gears break from 110,000 km
All ten individual throttle bodies have electric actuator motors with plastic gears that wear prematurely and overload the control board. Renew both banks simultaneously. Fault codes 2B15/2B16.
Symptoms: Sudden power loss, limp mode active, DSC and EML lights on, engine runs rough after about 5 minutes of driving.
+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| SMG-III hydraulic pump defective — identical to E60 M5 The SMG III gearbox shares all weaknesses with the E60 M5. Hydraulic pump, pressure accumulator and clutch control valves are the most common failure points. Symptoms: Yellow or red gear symbol, frequent audible pumping, gear selection no longer possible. from 100,000 km | High | |
| SMG-III clutch actuator leaking The clutch actuator of the SMG-III gearbox is the biggest weakness of the E63 M6. With increasing mileage the actuator leaks; hydraulic fluid contaminates the clutch disc. Symptoms: SMG engages or disengages jerkily or not at all, gearbox warning, vehicle no longer driveable from 100,000 km | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Audi TTS 8J
Sports Car (2008–2014)
Dodge Challenger LC
Sports Car (2008–2023)
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
Sports Car (2008–2015)
Subaru STI GR
Sports Car (2008–2014)
VW Scirocco III
Sports Car (2008–2017)
Alfa Romeo 8C 920
Sports Car (2007–2010)
Explore more
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 16 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW M6 E63 (2005–2010) — 10 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. One problem engine: S85B50 (5.0L V10). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics, Suspension, Body.
M6 (S85B50, 2005–2010) — Stay Away!: Connecting rod bearings — critical wear issue, VANOS high-pressure pump — bearing failure, Throttle body actuators — plastic gears break. Power: 507 PS.
What to watch out for with the BMW M6? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the BMW M6 E63 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used BMW M6 E63? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which BMW M6 E63 engine is the most fun? +
Is the BMW M6 E63 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW M6 E63? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee