BMW 6 Series Common Faults: What to Know Before Buying
The BMW 6 Series is a good-looking car. Whether you’re looking at the coupe, convertible, or Gran Coupe, it’s got that premium feel, strong performance, and the kind of road presence that turns heads. But — like any used luxury car — it’s important to know what you’re getting into. The 6 Series comes with a few known issues that can lead to expensive repairs if you’re not careful.
So if you’re thinking about buying one, here are the most common BMW 6 Series problems you should know about.
1. High-Pressure Fuel Pump Problems (Petrol Models)
If you’re looking at a 640i or other turbocharged petrol models with the N54 or N55 engines, you’ll want to check if the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) has been replaced.
🛠️ Signs to look for:
- Engine taking longer to start
- Loss of power while driving
- Check engine light suddenly coming on
It’s a well-known issue on some older engines, and while BMW did recall a few models, not every car was covered.
2. Oil Burning and Smoke (V8 Engines)
The 650i, with its powerful N63 V8 engine, sounds like a dream — until the valve stem seals start failing.
🔥 What that means for you:
- It burns oil faster than it should
- You may see blue smoke from the exhaust
- It can lead to bigger engine problems if left alone
This issue is expensive to fix, so it’s worth asking if the seals have ever been replaced, especially on high-mileage cars.
3. Infotainment Glitches (iDrive)
BMW’s iDrive system is one of the better infotainment setups out there — but it’s not without its bugs.
📱 Owners have reported:
- Frozen or unresponsive screens
- Bluetooth dropping calls
- Navigation or audio randomly cutting out
These are more annoying than serious, but still worth testing thoroughly on a test drive. A simple software update can sometimes help.
4. Transmission Hesitation
In some models, especially older ones or those with high mileage, you might feel the automatic gearbox hesitate or jerk.
⚙️ You might notice:
- Rough shifting
- Delayed response when changing gears
- Clunking when putting the car in drive or reverse
Even though BMW says the transmission fluid is “lifetime,” most specialists recommend changing it every 60k–80k miles.
5. Suspension Wear
The 6 Series handles beautifully, but with its sporty setup, suspension parts tend to wear out faster than in more comfort-focused cars.
🚗 Keep an ear out for:
- Knocking noises when going over bumps
- Loose steering feel
- Uneven tyre wear
It’s not unusual, especially on older or heavily driven cars — but parts aren’t cheap, so it’s good to catch it early.
6. Battery Drain & Electrical Quirks
Like a lot of tech-heavy BMWs, the 6 Series can be prone to battery issues and weird electrical faults — especially if the car hasn’t been driven regularly.
🔋 Watch for:
- A dead battery after sitting for a few days
- Warning lights flashing randomly
- Power windows or mirrors acting strange
If you’re looking at a used model, check the battery health and consider getting it scanned for fault codes.
7. Coolant Leaks
BMWs have a bit of a reputation for cooling system issues, and the 6 Series is no exception.
💧 Common problems:
- Leaking water pumps
- Cracked expansion tanks
- Overheating on longer drives
Replacing parts before they fail is always cheaper than dealing with an overheated engine.
So, Is the BMW 6 Series Worth It?
Absolutely — if you choose carefully.
The 6 Series is powerful, luxurious, and surprisingly practical (especially the Gran Coupe). But with any used luxury car, maintenance history matters more than mileage.
✅ Look for full service records
✅ Ask if major issues (like the valve stem seals or HPFP) have already been addressed
✅ Get a pre-purchase inspection — ideally with a BMW specialist or service like Carexamer
Final Thoughts
The BMW 6 Series delivers a premium driving experience that’s hard to match. But knowing the common faults — from transmission hesitation to infotainment bugs — means you can shop smarter and avoid any nasty surprises.
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