🇩🇪 Deutsch
BMW · Full-Size SUV · 2009–2014

BMW X6 M E71

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.5 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

560–575 PS

4.4L V8 Biturbo Benzin

M Coupé-SUV — 555 hp, even less sense, even more fun

Fun to Drive!
Problem Engine

408 PS

4.4L V8 Biturbo Benzin

7 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations


Engine Overview

The BMW X6 M E71 is available with one engine variant at 197 hp.

4.4L V8 Biturbo · Benziner· 555 PS
2009 2014
Be Careful 6 weaknesses

The BMW 4.4L V8 Biturbo (Benziner, 555 PS) has the S63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 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
!Front Axle: Control Arms and Steering

The high weight of the X6 M stresses the front axle disproportionately. Control arms and steering rack show early wear. TÜV regularly flags axle suspension.

Symptoms: Clattering when steering, car pulls under braking, uneven front tyre wear
from 80,000 km
High
!Control Arms and Suspension Components Wear Early

The high vehicle weight of the X6 M places above-average stress on control arms, anti-roll bar bushings and dampers.

Symptoms: Banging or cracking from suspension over bumps, uneven tyre wear
from 100,000 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
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
100 complaints · 2009–2014
Engine
38
Powertrain
29
Airbags
25
Fuel System
11
Electrical
9 ⚠ 1

Top Reported Issues

Engine (38 complaints)
Powertrain (29 complaints)
Airbags (25 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Same Segment

Land Rover Range Rover L405

Großer SUV (2012–2021)

Same Segment

Mercedes-Benz GLS X166

Großer SUV (2012–2019)

Same Segment

Nissan Navara D40-FL

Großer SUV (2010–2015)

Same Segment

Nissan Pathfinder R51-FL

Großer SUV (2010–2014)

Same Segment

Porsche Cayenne 92A

Großer SUV (2010–2017)

Same Segment

VW Touareg II

Großer SUV (2010–2018)


Known Problems and Issues

A total of 42 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW X6 M E71 (2009–2014) — 29 engine-related and 13 vehicle-related. One problem engine: N63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo). Typical issues affect Suspension, Electronics, Gearbox, Other.

X6 M (S63B44, 2009–2014) — Be Careful: Connecting rod bearing wear, Recall: oil pump drive shaft, Turbo coolant lines brittle. Power: 555 PS.

What to watch out for with the BMW X6 M? 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 M E71 have? +
The BMW X6 M E71 has 29 known engine weaknesses and 13 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used BMW X6 M E71? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: N55B30 (3.0L Turbo), N57D30 (3.0L Diesel), S63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the S63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo). Problem engine: N63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo) — stay away!
Which BMW X6 M E71 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the BMW X6 M E71 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} X6 M with 555 hp — same V8 as X5 M, but in a more controversial body. Even less practical, even more show. On the motorway just as fast, in corners just as heavy. For those who want V8 performance packaged in the most irrational way possible.
Is the BMW X6 M E71 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the BMW X6 M E71 — 1 of 4 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW X6 M E71? +
The BMW X6 M E71 is available with engine variants from 197 to 575 hp. Petrol: N55B30 (3.0L Turbo), N63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo), S63B44 (4.4L V8 Biturbo). Diesel: N57D30 (3.0L Diesel).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee