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BMW · Sports Car · 2012–2018 Custom Search

BMW M6 F06

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

1.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants · How we rate

Generations


Engine Overview

The BMW M6 F06 is available with one engine variant at 560 hp.

4.4L V8 Biturbo · Petrol· 560 PS
2012 2018

BMW's first turbo V8 in the M5 — the crossflow exhaust routing between the cylinder banks (hot-V) produces an atypical V8 sound: less primitive burble than the S62 naturally aspirated, more muted growl with turbo whistle in the background. What the S63 loses in character it gains in torque — 680 Nm available from 1,500 rpm, pushing consistently to above 5,000 rpm. The Achilles heel is the con rod bearings: metal swarf in the oil filter on an oil change is the earliest warning sign. Preventive bearing replacement every 80,000–100,000 km is strongly recommended, costing €4,000–6,000. Oil cooler seals weep from 60,000 km; turbocharger oil supply lines coke up with Longlife intervals. Shorten oil changes to 8,000 km and have the bearings done and the result is a robust engine.

  • !! Connecting rod bearing wear from 90,000 km

    Connecting rod bearing shells wear through high revs and turbo boost pressure. Metal particles in the oil filter are the earliest warning sign. Preventive replacement every 80,000–100,000 km for around €2,390 is recommended — compared to €30,000–€50,000 for a replacement engine.

    Symptoms: Knocking or hammering engine noises under load and at idle, metal particles in the oil filter or sump, oil pressure warning light, engine no longer revs freely
    2,000–3,500 $
  • !! Recall: oil pump drive shaft

    Manufacturing tolerance fault on the oil pump drive shaft. The shaft can separate from the rotor, causing immediate total oil pressure loss. Affects approximately 696 US vehicles, produced July–September 2012. NHTSA Recall 12V475000.

    0–0 $
  • !! Turbo coolant lines brittle from 100,000 km

    The rubber lines and plastic T-connectors of the turbo cooling circuit become brittle through permanent radiant heat in the V-valley. Typically first seen from around 100,000 km. A repair kit with silicone hoses and brass T-pieces is the permanent solution.

    Symptoms: Dropping coolant level without visible external leak, gurgling after switching off the engine, rising engine temperature, coolant steam from engine bay
    300–1,200 $

+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
DKG clutch overheating and wear

The 7-speed DKG GS7D36SG of the M6 overheats with frequent sport use and aggressive launches. Aged mechatronics rubber seals allow oil through, causing shifting problems. Fluid change every 40,000–60,000 km is mandatory.

Symptoms: Jerky shifting, gearbox selects higher gears than expected, overheat warning, power reduction.
from 60,000 km
High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above average
13 complaints · 2012–2018
  1. 01 Engine
    5
  2. 02 Electrical
    5
  3. 03 Body Structure
    4
  4. 04 Seats
    3
  5. 05 Cruise Control
    2

Top Reported Issues

Engine (5 complaints)
Electrical (5 complaints)
Body Structure (4 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 13 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW M6 F06 (2012–2018) — 7 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. One problem engine: S63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Brakes, Suspension, Steering.

M6 (S63B44, 2012–2018) — Stay Away!: Connecting rod bearing wear, Recall: oil pump drive shaft, Turbo coolant lines brittle. Power: 560 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 F06 have? +
The BMW M6 F06 has 7 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used BMW M6 F06? +
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 S63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo). Problem engine: S63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo) — stay away!
Which BMW M6 F06 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the BMW M6 F06 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} M6 Gran Coupé with S63 — same brutal drivetrain, more everyday usability via four doors. Best combination of M performance and grand touring capability. Sonically identical to the Coupé, slightly less emotional in four-door form.
Is the BMW M6 F06 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the BMW M6 F06 — 1 of 1 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW M6 F06? +
The BMW M6 F06 is available with engine variants from 560 to 575 hp. Petrol: S63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee