BMW Buyer's Guide

Comprehensive Used Car Analysis
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M6 E63 / E64 M6

M6 E63 / E64 M6

E63 • 2005–2010 • Coupe, Convertible
Engines: 1 Issues: 8 Reliability: 30%
1
Engine Options
8
Known Issues
3
Critical Issues
30%
Reliability Score
30% – Poor

Engines

S85B50 – 5.0L V10 M Petrol

M6 • 507 hp • 520 Nm
Displacement 5.0L
Layout V10
Fuel Petrol
Transmission 7-Speed DCT (DKG/M-DCT)
F1-inspired V10 architectureIndividual throttle bodies (10)8,250 RPM redlineDouble-VANOSDry sump lubrication
Known Issues4 issues
critical Rod Bearing Failure Very Common (>50%)
This is the S85's most critical and well-documented issue. Rod bearings wear prematurely and can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Proactive replacement is absolutely essential – not optional. Many specialists recommend replacement every 60,000–80,000 km.
Typical Mileage
40,000–100,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€3,000–€5,000 (proactive) or €15,000–€25,000+ (engine replacement)
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Knocking from bottom endMetal in oilLow oil pressureEngine seizure
critical VANOS Bolt Failure Common (~30%)
VANOS bolts can back out due to insufficient thread engagement (similar to S65), causing catastrophic engine damage. BMW issued a service action – verify completion.
Typical Mileage
Mileage independent – check if addressed
Est. Repair Cost
€500–€1,000 (repair) or €15,000+ (if damage occurs)
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
VANOS rattleTiming codesPotential engine destruction
high SMG Pump Failure Very Common (>40%)
The SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) hydraulic pump wears out, causing slow or failed gear changes.
Typical Mileage
60,000–120,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€1,500–€3,000
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Slow gear changesGear display flashingGrinding shiftsFailure to engage
high Throttle Actuator Failure Common (>30%)
Similar to S65, the throttle actuators can fail, causing drivetrain malfunction and limp mode.
Typical Mileage
80,000–150,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€800–€2,000
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Drivetrain malfunctionLimp modeReduced power

Common Issues (E63-specific)

Engine 1

critical Rod Bearing Failure Very Common (>50%)
Identical S85 rod bearing issue as the E60 M5. Absolutely essential to address proactively.
Typical Mileage
40,000–100,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€3,000–€5,000 (proactive) or €15,000–€25,000+ (engine)
Category
Engine
KnockingMetal in oilEngine seizure

Transmission 1

high SMG III Pump Failure Very Common (>40%)
SMG hydraulic pump failure is almost guaranteed at higher mileages.
Typical Mileage
60,000–120,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€1,500–€3,000
Category
Transmission
Slow shiftsFailure to engageFlashing gear indicator

Brakes 1

medium Electronic Parking Brake Issues Common (~30%)
Electronic parking brake actuators fail, a common E63/E64 platform issue.
Typical Mileage
80,000–150,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€400–€1,000
Category
Brakes
Parking brake warningWon't engage/releaseGrinding noise

Electrical 1

medium Dashboard Electronics Failure Common (~30%)
The E63/E64 platform is notorious for electronic gremlins – CCC iDrive failure, seat module issues, and comfort access faults.
Typical Mileage
Age-related
Est. Repair Cost
€500–€2,000
Category
Electrical
Random warningsiDrive black screenSeat electronics failure

Wear Items

S85B50 – Wear Items

M6

Rod Bearing Replacement 60,000–80,000 km
NewReplace
Replacement Cost€3,000–€5,000
Wear Factor90%
Spark Plugs (10) Every 30,000 km
NewReplace
Replacement Cost€150–€300
Wear Factor65%
SMG Pump & Fluid Every 50,000 km
NewReplace
Replacement Cost€200–€500
Wear Factor60%
Oil (10W-60 recommended) Every 8,000 km
NewReplace
Replacement Cost€100–€180
Wear Factor70%

All Variants

All Variants

Complete list of model variants for E63 / E64 M6

ModelEngineDisplacementLayoutPowerTorqueTransmission
M6 S85B50 5.0LV10507 hp520 Nm Dct