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BMW E63 6 Series and M6 common problems
2006–2010 · 650i coupe and convertible, M6 coupe and convertible (N62 V8, S85 V10). The known weak spots of the engines used in the E63, with sources, plus the topics that come up most in BMW's service bulletins and NHTSA recalls for this chassis.
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N62 engine
650i coupe and convertible (2006–2010)
Valve stem seals (oil burning, blue smoke)
Hardened valve stem seals cause blue smoke after idling or on start-up and rising oil consumption.
Sources: BMW Tuning: N62 common problems
Alternator bracket and valve cover gasket leaks
Oil leaks from the alternator bracket gasket and valve covers are common and labor-heavy because of where they sit.
Sources: BMW Tuning: N62 common problems
Coolant transfer pipe leak
The coolant pipe in the engine valley leaks as its seals age, causing coolant loss and low-coolant warnings.
Sources: BMW Tuning: N62 common problems
S85 engine
M6 coupe and convertible (2006–2010) · S85 bulletins →
Rod bearing wear
Shared with the S65: worn rod bearings are the V10's best-known risk, and BMW later released revised bearings.
Sources: Performance Technic: S85 rod bearings · BMW Tuning: S85 engine problems
Throttle actuators
The two throttle actuators wear their plastic gears and fail, putting the car in limp mode.
BMW bulletins on file for the E63:
- NHTSA 10148166 Throttle reduced power Throttle reduced power on BMW E60/E61/E63/E64 and other models (2006–2010); BMW gives diagnosis and repair guidance. Service bulletin · Dec 2014
Sources: Lang Racing: M5 and M3 throttle actuator failure
SMG gearbox hydraulic pump
On SMG cars the hydraulic pump motor is the most common gearbox failure, causing slow shifts and transmission warnings.
Sources: BMW Tuning: S85 engine problems
Most frequent bulletin topics 87 bulletins
| Topic | Bulletins | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 3 | SIB 61 03 14, SIB 61 13 05 |
| Navigation | 3 | NHTSA 10147623, NHTSA 10147624 |
| VANOS | 2 | SIB 12 08 15, SIB 12 09 07 |
| Transmission | 2 | SIB 24 02 10, SIB 23 01 08 |
| Transmission failure | 2 | SIB 12 09 08, SIB 25 03 07 |
| Exhaust rough running | 1 | SIB 11 07 12 |
| Plastic Fuel Tank Return | 1 | SIB 06 78 24 |
| Fuel tank | 1 | SIB 16 15 14 |
BMW service bulletins and warranty extensions filed with NHTSA that list the E63, grouped by topic. A bulletin tells technicians how to diagnose and fix a known issue; it doesn't mean every car has the problem.
NHTSA recalls by component 2
Matched from NHTSA's public recall file by model and model year. Recall repairs are free; check a VIN.
BMW warranty extensions that list the E63
- SIB 01 24 17 Convertible top class-action settlement Convertible top class-action settlement on BMW E63/E64 models (2006–2010); covers eligible repairs and reimbursement under the court settlement. Service bulletin · Nov 2018
If a car qualifies, the listed repair may be free. Check eligibility for the VIN with a BMW center.
Sources: BMW service bulletins and recalls filed with NHTSA (public data) and the specialist and owner write-ups linked above. Not affiliated with BMW.