What are the most common BMW M6 problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 BMW M6 has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: F12/F13 7-Speed M-DCT Mechatronic and Clutch Pack Failure, F12/F13 Electric Water Pump and Thermostat Failure, Rod Bearing Premature Wear (S65/S63 Engines). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the BMW M6 reliable?
The 2012 BMW M6 has 7 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: F12/F13 7-Speed M-DCT Mechatronic and Clutch Pack Failure and F12/F13 Electric Water Pump and Thermostat Failure and Rod Bearing Premature Wear (S65/S63 Engines). 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.
How much does it cost to fix common BMW M6 problems?
Repair costs for known BMW M6 issues range from $100 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, F12/F13 7-Speed M-DCT Mechatronic and Clutch Pack Failure, typically costs $1,500-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2012-2019 BMW M6 F12/F13 7-Speed M-DCT Mechatronic and Clutch Pack Failure?
The F06/F12/F13 M6 uses a 7-speed M dual-clutch transmission (GS7D36/GS7D70). Owners report two main problems: failure of the mechatronic unit (the DCT's electronic/hydraulic control module), which causes erratic shifting, stored transmission fault codes and limp/failsafe mode; a… Repairs typically run $1,500-$5,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2012-2019 BMW M6 F12/F13 Electric Water Pump and Thermostat Failure?
The F06/F12/F13 M6 with the S63 twin-turbo V8 uses an electrically driven coolant pump and an electronic thermostat. Both are common failure points. The electric water pump can fail electronically (no flow) and the thermostat can stick, while cracked radiator end-tanks and a leak… Repairs typically run $700-$1,800. Severity: high.
What is the 2005-2019 BMW M6 Rod Bearing Premature Wear (S65/S63 Engines)?
Both the S65 V8 (E63 M6) and S63 twin-turbo V8 (F06/F12/F13 M6) suffer from premature rod bearing wear. The S65 is particularly notorious — the OEM rod bearings use a copper-lead composition that wears rapidly, especially with frequent cold starts and short trips. The S63 has imp… Repairs typically run $3,000-$6,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2012-2019 BMW M6 F12/F13 Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle and Oil Starvation?
The S63 twin-turbo V8 in the F06/F12/F13 M6 is prone to wastegate rattle as the wastegate actuator linkage develops play with heat cycling, producing a metallic rattle at light throttle/low load. The turbos can also suffer oil-feed coking/starvation due to the intense under-bonne… Repairs typically run $400-$4,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2012-2019 BMW M6 S63 Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection)?
The S63 twin-turbo V8 in the F06/F12/F13 M6 uses direct fuel injection, so no fuel washes over the back of the intake valves. Over time, oil vapor from the crankcase ventilation system bakes onto the intake valves and ports, restricting airflow. This produces rough idle, cold-sta… Repairs typically run $500-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2012-2019 BMW M6 S63 High-Pressure Fuel Pump / Fuel Injector Cold-Start Misfire?
The S63/N63 V8 family used in the F12/F13 M6 is subject to high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) and direct-injector problems. A failing HPFP causes long cranking and hard starting (worst when cold), rough running and misfires from insufficient rail pressure. Separately, the direct inje… Repairs typically run $600-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2012-2019 BMW M6 F12 Convertible Top Hydraulic Pump and Relay Failure?
On the F12 M6 Convertible, the soft-top is operated by a hydraulic pump unit. Owners (including on German forums such as motor-talk.de) report the top stops opening or closing mid-cycle, operates slowly or jams. The most common root causes are the two high-current relays in the h… Repairs typically run $100-$1,600. Severity: medium.
