17 Best & Worst BMW 6 Series Years (Facts & Stats)

The 6-Series first debuted in the U.S. in 1977 as BMW’s flagship grand touring coupe.

It has always stood out in BMW’s model lineup for its attention-grabbing looks, luxurious interiors and powerful engine options.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the best and worst model years of the 6-Series since it was introduced.

Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The BMW 6-Series Are:

The best BMW 6-Series model years are 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2010, 2009, 2008, 1989, 1988 and 1987. The worst model years of the 6-Series are the 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2012. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.

2016, 2017 & 2018 BMW 6-Series

The 2016, 2017 and 2018 models are the final years of the 6-Series in the U.S. and have the most up-to-date tech and engines.

These model years have the LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) updates which includes restyled front and rear fascias, new LED headlights, standard sports exhaust.

The 2017 model year comes with a newer version of iDrive, wireless phone charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot feature. However, Apple CarPlay only became an option in the 2018 and newer models. 

2017 is also the final year of the 2-Door coupe. By 2018, only the convertible and 4-door Gran Coupe were available, and eventually, the convertible was also discontinued for the 2019 model year.

The high performance M6 Competition model also received a power bump in 2016 from 567 hp to 591 hp, allowing it to go from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 3.8 seconds.

2018 BMW 6-Series:

• Edmunds: 4.3 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.8 / 5.0
• JD Power: NA

2017 BMW 6-Series:

• Edmunds: 4.3 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.8 / 5.0
• JD Power: NA

2016 BMW 6-Series:

• Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.8 / 5.0
• JD Power: NA

2016 BMW 6-Series, Edmunds review:

“This is the kind of large stylish coupe that used to be more popular but is practically extinct now. The luxury elements in this car are great, especially the beautiful leather seats and the sleek body. Great finish and build quality. The 6 cyl is very strong and smooth. Makes for a perfect long distance GT. The problem is this car is very heavy, this means handling while good is not outstanding, and certainly not a nimble sports car feel. The ride is good but the factory run flat tires are poor and not performance oriented (no spare tire either). Very reliable. MPG is OK. The interior is a smaller than you would expect, especially since it is a large coupe. The rear seats are not very usable, but the car does look great in this 2 door coupe form. “

2013, 2014 and 2015 BMW 6-Series

The 2014 to 2015 model years of the 6-Series have more reliable engines compared to the first year of the third generation F12 and F13 models.

In 2013, the 650i received the updated N63TU engine which added more power and solved many of the reliability issues of the older models.

BMW also addressed the 640i N55 engine’s fuel pump and VANOS issues with the 2013 model year.

2014 saw the addition of the Competition package for the M6 which added 15 more horsepower to the standard model, along with better suspension and steering. 

All-wheel drive also became an option for the 640i in 2014.

Many 2015 models came with LCI refresh updates such as newer headlights, launch control, a digital instrument cluster, and a touchpad controller for the iDrive system.

2015 BMW 6-Series:

• Edmunds: 4.3 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.8 / 5.0
• JD Power: 86 / 100

2014 BMW 6-Series:

• Edmunds: 4.3 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.8 / 5.0
• JD Power: 80 / 100

2013 BMW 6-Series:

• Edmunds: 4.5 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.8 / 5.0
• JD Power: 79 / 100

2013 BMW 6-Series, Edmunds review:

“I bought my 2013 640 ragtop used with 19k miles. It has been a joy. Plenty of giddy up. Comfort setting makes for great ride on Chicago’s potholed streets. Minimal back seat space and trunk. Strictly a 1 or 2 person driver. Car is now 6 years old. 55k miles. Minimal issues. A pure joy to drive and own. I’ll pass it on to my grand kids.”

Related: 11 Most Common BMW 5-Series Problems (Explained)

2008, 2009 and 2010 BMW 6-Series

The 2008 to 2010 model years of the second generation 6-Series solves many of the reliability concerns of the older E63 models.

However, these cars still use the N62 engine which is notorious for requiring expensive repairs.

But if you’re dead set on getting a second generation 6-Series, it’s best to stick with the later model years.

By 2008, the optional yet high maintenance SMG (Sequential M Gearbox) was discontinued and replaced by a sport-oriented traditional automatic.

2008 also marks the start of the second gen 6-Series’ LCI refresh which updates the exterior and adds a newer iDrive system and lane departure warning.

The 2010 model, being the last year of the E63 6-Series, got a newer version of iDrive that features hard drive based navigation and several gigabytes of multimedia storage. 

New trim and paint options were also added for this final model year.

2010 BMW 6-Series:

• Edmunds: 4.7 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
• JD Power: NA

2009 BMW 6-Series:

• Edmunds: 4.7 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
• JD Power: NA

2008 BMW 6-Series:

• Edmunds: 4.7 / 5.0
• Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
• JD Power: 79 / 100

2008 BMW 6-Series, Edmunds review:

“This car has great performance and the used prices are good for most budgets. It also has great styling and the convertible adds a whole new dimension to the driving experience.”

1983 to 1989 BMW 6-Series

The first generation E24 6-Series, nicknamed the “Shark” or “Shark Nose”, is arguably one of the more iconic BMW designs from the 1980s.

These are now considered collectibles as many have rusted away.

If you’re thinking of picking up an E24, it’s best to go with a 1983 or newer model. These share many parts with the E24 5-Series and have more up-to-date engines, suspension, steering and interiors.

1983 and newer models also had a 4-speed automatic versus the 3-speed found in older models. 

The 1987 to 1989 models have the updated M30B35 engine which produces around 10% more power compared to the older M30B34.

1987 was also the first year of the M6 in North America, although it had a different engine compared to the European models.

1985 BMW 6-Series, BimmerForums.com review:

“I had a US spec 85 635CSi that came from California. It had around 90k miles on it when I got it. It eventually needed some suspension parts, a new clutch slave cylinder and a clutch. I did all of the work myself (I have a lift in my garage) and it wasn’t that bad. The engine was completely reliable and never gave me any issues. It had enough power to get up and go, but nothing special. I sold it to a friend when I found an 85 M635CSi that was a grey market import back in the 80’s. It’s also from California. Although significantly more expensive to maintain, the extra 100 hp makes it a totally different experience. I really like the way both of them handled, it’s smooth, a bit heavy, but feels sturdy. Both cars are over-built to a level not found in anything new.”

Consumer Scores For the Best BMW 6-Series Years

What Are The Worst Years For The BMW 6-Series?

2004 to 2007 BMW 6-Series

The 2004 to 2007 model years 6-Series have the highest average number of complaints overall.

All second generation 6-Series were equipped with the N62 V8 engine which had a poor reputation for reliability and required lots of expensive repairs.

This same engine was used in the 5-Series, X5, and 7-Series, which were just as problematic as the second gen 6-Series.

The 2004 to 2005 645Ci and 2006 to 2007 650i have the most number of reported issues.

Although the 2008 to 2010 models also used the same N63 engine as the 2006 and 2007 models, these newer examples of the second gen 6-Series had less complaints overall.

The most concerning problem for these BMW V8 engines is the excessive oil consumption caused by worn valve stem seals.

“I need help replacing the valve stem seals on my N62. It is a 2006 650i no SES light yet, and it runs like a charm…but I want to keep it that way. I have been seeing blue smoke at extended idle for about 7 months now, and wanted to wait until my oil consumption became noticeable. Well it is now starting to consume a bit of oil, and smoke isn’t yet horrible but I would like to take care of this before it wears on my cats.”

Oil and coolant leaks are also common in the second generation 6-Series

“Alternator oil bracket gasket on my 2005 645. I only have my car for a few months and love it. It started leaking oil under pressure, never in the drive way. Bimmer world is going to replace it for $350.00.”

“I had the transfer pipe leak problem on my 2004 645Cic with only 81,000+ miles on it. I used an independent BMW certified mechanic, and it took a full two days in the shop.”

In the 2004 to 2005 models, the Micro Power Module or MPM was located in the trunk which often got flooded and caused all sorts of electrical issues.

“I have an 04 645Ci convertible and there is no sound. The stereo works on the screen, but no sound.”

“I took the amp out and there has been water in there, but I have no idea how much or for for how long as I haven’t had the car that long.”

• The 2004 BMW 6-Series had a total of 18 complaints on CarProblemZoo.com and 13 complaints on the NHTSA website
• The 2005 BMW 6-Series had a total of 45 complaints on CarProblemZoo.com and 40 complaints on the NHTSA website
• The 2006 BMW 6-Series had a total of 26 complaints on CarProblemZoo.com and 33 complaints on the NHTSA website
• The 2007 BMW 6-Series had a total of 31 complaints on CarProblemZoo.com and 31 complaints on the NHTSA website

Common problems of the 2004 to 2007 BMW 6-Series include:

• Electrical issues
• Oil consumption
• Oil and coolant leaks
• Radio failures
• Suspension wear

2012 BMW 6-Series

2012 was the first year of the third generation 6-Series and it had more engine problems compared to the later model years.

This generation of the 6-Series used the N63 turbocharged V8 engine which had just as many, if not more, problems as the older naturally aspirated N62 V8 engine.

Aside from oil consumption, oil leaks and coolant leaks, the very first N63 engines had lots of cases of faulty fuel injectors.

“2012 N63 650i (Constant Injector Problems). Purchased this car back in March of 2014 (10K miles). The same day I bought the car, it broke down. Took it in to the shop, and it was the injectors. Dealership quickly replaced, and no problems. Fast forward to approx. Aug2015, I read about the N63 Customer Care Package, and take it in to the dealer to be serviced. The injectors, along with a few other things under the program were changed. On Oct 5, 2016 with 58K miles, the injectors failed again, and the dealer is trying to charge me $6,000 to replace.”

Some 6-Series owners also had premature timing chain issues.

“I have had an intermittent drivetrain malfunction which i could usually clear by turning the car off and on again, however it became more frequent. i was advised the error was camshaft position so the sensors and solenoids were replaced. following this work the issue became permanent. I am now being advised to replace the timing chain as it has stretched. Cost to do this is £8000.”

Due to the number of issues reported with the early N63 engines, BMW announced a Customer Care program for all models equipped with this engine.

This program updated lots of problematic parts of the N63 engine.

BMW eventually released an updated version of the N63 called the N63TU in 2013, but many still reported oil consumption problems with this unit.

The N55 engine of the third gen’s 640i model also had issues with faulty fuel pumps.

“At 60k i just spent 2 grand in all for my car to come out the shop. 1200 for the pump itself.”

Fortunately, BMW offered an extended 10 year/120,000 mile warranty for the fuel pumps.

• The 2012 BMW 6-Series had a total of 28 complaints on CarProblemZoo.com and 22 complaints on the NHTSA website

Common problems of the 2012 BMW 6-Series include:

• Fuel pump failure
• Injector problems
• Oil consumption
• Oil and coolant leaks
• Faulty Air Mass sensors
• Timing chain issues
• Suspension problems

What Years Have the Most Complaints?

What Problems Do BMW 6-Series Have?

• Oil consumption
• Rust (first generation)
• Electrical issues
• Radio problems (second generation)
• Fuel system issues
• Coolant leaks
• Oil leaks
• Faulty valve stem seals
• Worn suspension
• Timing chain (third generation)

Related: 11 Common BMW 6 Series Problems (Explained)

What Are The Best Alternatives To The BMW 6-Series?

Source: cars.usnews.com

References

https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/6-series/2018/review/

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/bmw/6-series/2018

https://www.kbb.com/bmw/6-series/

https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/6-series

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2019/bmw/6-series

https://www.cars.com/research/bmw-650/

https://www.carproblemzoo.com/bmw//650/

https://www.carcomplaints.com/BMW/650i/

https://www.nhtsa.gov/