BMW M6
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.
V10 Coupé — the most beautiful sound with a road permit
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.
Engine Weaknesses 9
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.
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.
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.
Metal particles from connecting rod bearing wear settle in the VANOS solenoids and jam the valves. Often the first visible symptom of deeper engine problems. OEM part number 11367841072.
Symptoms: Engine stumbles at idle, power loss at low revs, VANOS fault codes, rough engine running.
The nitrogen pressure accumulator loses pre-charge and causes the pump to cycle every few seconds, wearing the pump motor prematurely. The pump motor alone is often sufficient. Part number for pressure accumulator: 23427567720.
Symptoms: Frequent short pump cycles every few seconds, jerky gearshifts, SMG warning in the instrument cluster, gear cannot be selected.
The four PCV check valves of the crankcase ventilation system block over time. Oil collects in the intake manifolds and is drawn into the combustion chambers. Increased oil consumption results. Inexpensive if caught early.
Symptoms: Oil consumption above 1 L/1,000 km, blue smoke on cold start, oil visible in intake tract.
Plastic impellers of the mechanical water pump disintegrate from around 80,000 km. Replace the thermostat at the same time. Miss this and overheating and expensive consequential damage to the V10 are the result.
Symptoms: Temperature gauge rises unusually quickly, coolant loss, overheating warning, power reduction through limp mode.
Ten cylinders mean ten coils and ten spark plugs. A single failure causes misfires and can damage catalytic converters. Complete set change every 30,000 km is recommended — mixing brands must be avoided.
Symptoms: Engine stumbling, rough running, MIL with misfire codes, increased fuel consumption, power loss at high revs.
With increasing age, cam cover gaskets and the rear crankshaft seal develop leaks. The V10 has two cam covers — labour is substantial, parts cost is moderate.
Symptoms: Oil smell in engine bay, visible oil traces on the engine block, oil spots on the parking surface after switching off.
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
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.
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.
On E63/E64 models the third brake lamp can detach from the tailgate and enter the traffic space. BMW recalled affected vehicles.
CCC control unit fails through thermal stress and moisture problems. HUD often affected by separate projector failure.
Shaft seals at the differential input and axle outputs leak with age. Differential is under higher loads with the S85 V10.
The heavy doors of the E63 coupé disproportionately stress the window regulator mechanism. Rails, cables and motors fail regularly.
Reports & Tests
16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2005–2010). Most reported: Steering (6), Powertrain (3), Airbags (3).