BMW · Known Issues

2012-2018 BMW 6 Series Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2012-2018 model years · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated July 2026

2004 BMW 6 Series: limited data

We don't yet have 2004-specific data for the BMW 6 Series. Showing the 2012–2018 generation we've researched. Most mechanical issues reported on later years also appeared in earlier production runs — use the issues below as a starting point and verify against your vehicle's service manual.

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012-2018 BMW 6 Series has 2 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Early N63 650i Timing-Chain Wear Check and N63TU1 650i Oil Consumption Requires BMW Diagnosis. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common BMW 6 Series problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012-2018 BMW 6 Series has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Early N63 650i Timing-Chain Wear Check, N63TU1 650i Oil Consumption Requires BMW Diagnosis. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the BMW 6 Series reliable?

The 2012-2018 BMW 6 Series has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Early N63 650i Timing-Chain Wear Check and N63TU1 650i Oil Consumption Requires BMW Diagnosis. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

What year BMW 6 Series is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the BMW 6 Series. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2012-2018 BMW 6 Series with 2 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.

What is the 2012-2013 BMW 6 Series Early N63 650i Timing-Chain Wear Check?

BMW SIB 11 16 14 includes F12 6 Series convertibles with the N63 engine produced from March 2011 through July 2012 and F13 6 Series coupes with the N63 engine produced from July 2011 through July 2012. It defines an ISTA timing-chain elongation test; BMW states that the check and… Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2018 BMW 6 Series N63TU1 650i Oil Consumption Requires BMW Diagnosis?

BMW SIB 01 01 22 identifies U.S.-specification F12 650i and 650i xDrive vehicles from model years 2013-2018 and F13 650i and 650i xDrive vehicles from model years 2013-2017 with the N63TU1 engine, subject to the production and class definitions in the bulletin. The settlement pat… Severity: high.