Generation-specific owner insights from 44+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?151
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2012–2018
5
recall campaigns
engine
most-complained area
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2012-2018 F06 6 Series generally love the car's styling, describing it as a "dopest looking BMW" that draws constant attention and comments, with one owner noting people ask if it's a supercar.
5 problems reported (2 recurrent, 3 isolated) · high confidence
Described by a dealer as normal.
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus, though the 640i with the N55 engine receives the most positive mentions for reliability and manageable maintenance costs. One owner who had owned both a 650i and an M6 stated they might choose a 640i if given a do-over due to the smaller engine being more manageable. The 650i with the N63 engine is repeatedly cautioned against.
Owners compare it most often with the Mercedes CLS, BMW 5 Series, BMW 4 Series convertible, BMW 2 Series (M235i) and Cadillac CT6.
Is a 2012–2018 6 Series right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Owners of the 2012-2018 F06 6 Series generally love the car's styling, describing it as a "dopest looking BMW" that draws constant attention and comments, with one owner noting people ask if it's a supercar. The interior and feature set, including lane departure warning, collision control, and 360-degree cameras, are frequently praised as the best owners have experienced. However, sentiment is tempered by consistent warnings about maintenance costs and the potential for expensive repairs, with owners emphasizing that routine oil changes and preventative maintenance are essential to keeping the car reliable. The 650i with the N63 engine is repeatedly flagged as a concern, while the 640i with the N55 is viewed more favorably for lower running costs. Depreciation is noted as steep, which makes used examples attractive but also means buyers should be prepared for significant value loss.
Owners position the 6 Series as better looking and sportier than the Mercedes CLS, with one describing it as feeling "more raw and sportier on the road." However, the Mercedes is acknowledged by some as having an edge in long-term quality and a better infotainment system, with BMW's system described as taking a long time to get used to. Against the 5 Series, owners see the 6 Series as essentially the same car underneath but with more style, less practicality, and a sportier, more exclusive feel. The 4 Series convertible is cross-shopped primarily because the 6 Series depreciates faster, bringing prices closer together. Some owners suggest alternatives like the M235i or a newer 540i for those prioritizing value or newer technology.
Owners recommend the 640i over the 650i, primarily due to the N63 engine's reputation for reliability issues and higher maintenance costs. Adaptive suspension is described as a must. When considering a 650i, owners advise verifying that the N63 engine's known issues have been addressed. For those wanting maximum performance, the M6 is mentioned positively but with warnings about technology-related repairs such as soft-close door failures. Buyers are advised to look for examples with documented routine maintenance and to consider a pre-purchase inspection.
This generation suits buyers who prioritize style, presence, and grand touring comfort over outright practicality and low running costs. Buyers should be prepared for unexpected repair bills exceeding $3,000 and should avoid examples above 80,000 miles unless maintenance records are thorough, as these cars are often driven hard. The 640i is the safer choice for those concerned about maintenance, while the 650i and M6 demand a willingness to keep up with preventative maintenance. A pre-purchase inspection is strongly advised, and buyers should check for leaks, verify all technology features function correctly, and confirm that major services have been performed. Doing your own maintenance can significantly reduce ownership costs.
Owners consistently note that the 6 Series depreciates heavily, which makes used examples a relative bargain but also means buyers should not expect strong resale value. The car is described as a very good grand tourer that is "an absolute monster when everything is copacetic." Some owners note the car is longer than a 5 Series, which is worth considering for tight parking. The 6 Series Gran Coupe is described as a 5 Series with a sexier body and a 4+1 seating arrangement where the middle rear seat is not really usable. Analysis based on approximately 44 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 11 | 0 | unknown or other |
| 2017 | 1 | 0 | electrical system |
| 2016 | 1 | 0 | structure |
| 2015 | 19 | 1 | wheels |
| 2014 | 32 | 0 | engine |
| 2013 | 60 | 0 | engine |
| 2012 | 27 | 4 | engine |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
2015 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 24V527000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo, and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
2012 · engine and engine cooling:engine:other fuel types:turbo/superchargercampaign 12V161000
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 5-SERIES, 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO, MODEL YEAR 2012 6-SERIES CONVERTIBLE, 7-SERIES, X5 SAV, AND X6 SAV VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8- OR 12-CYLINDER, TURBOCHARGED, ENGINES BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP CAN OVERHEAT.
2012 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 16V746000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.
2012 · engine and engine cooling:enginecampaign 14V176000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
2012 · engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/superchargercampaign 18V248000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.