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BMW · Sports Car · 2006–2010

BMW M6 E64

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

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

Generations

Engine Overview

The BMW M6 E64 is available with one engine variant at 507 hp.

5.0L V10 · Benziner· 507 PS
2006 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 — as in E63/E60

The SMG III gearbox of the E64 Convertible has the same weaknesses as E63 and E60 M5. In the convertible, moisture ingress is an additional hazard.

Symptoms: Yellow or red gear symbol, frequent pumping, gearbox can no longer be shifted.
from 100,000 km
Ad SMG Pumpe E64 M623427534423
 High
✖SMG-III clutch actuator leaking

Identical SMG-III problem as the E63: the clutch actuator leaks and contaminates the clutch disc with hydraulic fluid. In the M6 with 507 hp the clutch also wears quickly.

Symptoms: SMG engages jerkily or no longer, gearbox fault message, vehicle not driveable
from 100,000 km
Ad clutchsaktuator SMG III E64 M6
 Medium
!Rear differential howling

The differential of the E64 M6 Convertible develops howling noise from worn bearings at higher mileage. The increased mass of the convertible places more load on the differential.

Symptoms: Howling noise from the rear, particularly during overrun or in corners
from 120,000 km
Ad differential BMW E64 M6 CabrioHinterachsgearbox E64
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
16 complaints · 2006–2010
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 E64 (2006–2010) — 9 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. One problem engine: S85B50 (5.0L V10). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Body, Electronics, Rust.

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 E64 have? +
The BMW M6 E64 has 9 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used BMW M6 E64? +
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 E64 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the BMW M6 E64 — 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 E64 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the BMW M6 E64 — 1 of 1 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW M6 E64? +
The BMW M6 E64 is available with engine variants from 507 to 507 hp. Petrol: S85B50 (5.0L V10).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee