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BMW · Sports Car · 2005–2010

BMW M6 E63

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
1.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The BMW M6 E63 is available with one engine variant at 507 hp.

5.0L V10 · Benziner· 507 PS
2005 2010
Stay Away! 9 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The BMW 5.0L V10 (Benziner, 507 PS) has the S85B50 (5.0L V10) — rated: "Stay Away!", 9 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖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
Ad SMG Pumpe E63 M623427534423
 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
Ad clutchsaktuator SMG III E63 M6Nehmerzylinder SMG BMW M6
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
16 complaints · 2005–2010
Steering
6
Powertrain
3
Airbags
3 ⚠ 1
Engine & Cooling
2
Electrical
2

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Steering (6 complaints)
⚠ Powertrain (3 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (3 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 15 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW M6 E63 (2005–2010) — 9 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? +
The BMW M6 E63 has 9 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used BMW M6 E63? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
None of the available engines are rated 'Good Choice'. Stay away! The most fun to drive is the S85B50 (5.0L V10). Problem engine: S85B50 (5.0L V10) — stay away!
Which BMW M6 E63 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the BMW M6 E63 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} The E63 M6 Coupé sounds like a racing car with a number plate when revved. V10, individual throttle bodies, 507 hp — in the Coupé body the package feels particularly coherent. For connoisseurs who don't shy away from maintenance.
Is the BMW M6 E63 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the BMW M6 E63 — 1 of 1 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW M6 E63? +
The BMW M6 E63 is available with engine variants from 507 to 507 hp. Petrol: S85B50 (5.0L V10).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee