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BMW · Full-Size SUV · 2008–2014

BMW X6 E71

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.3 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

306–360 PS

3.0L Turbo Benzin

Turbo Straight-Six

Decent
Problem Engine

408 PS

4.4L V8 Biturbo Benzin

7 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations


Engine Overview

The BMW X6 E71 is available with 4 engine variants — from 197 to 408 hp.

xDrive30d · Diesel· 245 PS
2008 2014
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
xDrive40d · Diesel· 306–313 PS
2010 2014
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
xDrive35i · Benziner· 306 PS
2010 2014
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
xDrive50i · Benziner· 408 PS
2008 2014
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses

The BMW xDrive30d (Diesel, 245 PS) has the N57D30 (3.0L Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The BMW xDrive40d (Diesel, 306–313 PS) has the N57D30 (3.0L Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The BMW xDrive35i (Benziner, 306 PS) has the N55B30 (3.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

The BMW xDrive50i (Benziner, 408 PS) has the N63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Rear Air Spring Leaking

The rear air springs on the X6 E71 develop leaks and can't hold air pressure. The car sags to one side, the compressor runs continuously and also wears out. A very common fault on used E71s.

Symptoms: X6 sits low at rear, often one-sided, compressor running noise audible, levelling fault message, whistling from rear axle
from 100,000 km
High
!Axle Suspension and Shock Absorbers Worn

TÜV reports for the E71 list axle suspension, suspension springs and shock absorbers as the most frequent defect points — attributable to the vehicle's high weight. Brake hoses also show early wear.

Symptoms: Banging over bumps, excessive rebound after road humps, uneven tyre wear, car sits unevenly
from 80,000 km
High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
42 complaints · 2008–2014
Engine
16
Airbags
7
Fuel System
7
Electrical
5
Engine & Cooling
4

Top Reported Issues

Engine (16 complaints)
Airbags (7 complaints)
Fuel System (7 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 30 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW X6 E71 (2008–2014) — 23 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: N63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo). Typical issues affect Suspension, Electronics, Gearbox, Other.

X6 (N57D30, 2008–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage, EGR cooler leak — coolant loss. Power: 245 PS.

X6 (N57D30, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage, EGR cooler leak — coolant loss. Power: 306–313 PS.

X6 (N63B44, 2008–2014) — Stay Away!: Valve stem seals porous — extreme oil consumption, Piezo injectors defective — hydraulic hammer and misfires, Timing chain stretches — guide rails break. Power: 408 PS.

X6 (N55B30, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Bearing wear from neglected maintenance, Electric water pump failure, High oil consumption. Power: 306 PS.

What to watch out for with the BMW X6? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the BMW X6 E71 have? +
The BMW X6 E71 has 23 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used BMW X6 E71? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: N55B30 (3.0L Turbo), N57D30 (3.0L Diesel). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the N55B30 (3.0L Turbo). Problem engine: N63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo) — stay away!
Which BMW X6 E71 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the BMW X6 E71 — rated: "Decent". {description} Turbo R6 in the F16 X6 — a proper match.
Is the BMW X6 E71 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the BMW X6 E71 — 1 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW X6 E71? +
The BMW X6 E71 is available with engine variants from 197 to 408 hp. Petrol: N55B30 (3.0L Turbo), N63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo). Diesel: N57D30 (3.0L Diesel).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee