Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 0 | −67% | 2 | — | Few |
| 2009 | 0 | −67% | 2 | — | Few |
| 2008 | 6 | 1.6× | 2 | Electrical | Average |
| 2007 | 2 | −33% | 3 | Electrical | Few |
| 2006 | 5 | 1.6× | 5 | Engine | Average |
| 2005 | 7 | 1.8× | 3 | Airbag | Average |
| 2004 | 3 | typical | 4 | Engine | Few |
* Complaints compared with the median 6 Series year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common BMW 6 Series problems
Latest BMW 6 Series recalls
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables
BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 m5, and model year 2007-2010 m6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable May have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, 6-series, and model year 2002-2008 7-series vehicles. A check valve of the brake vacuum pump May leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on November 24, 2010. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive
Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' the front passenger seat has a sensing system to detect if the seat is occupied.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front passenger seat sensor. The recall began on May 21, 2007. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Suspension › Rear › Shock absorber
On certain passenger vehicles, the lower rubber mount of the rear shock absorbers May not have been manufactured to specifications and May not adhere correctly to its housing within the shock absorber.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear shock absorber free of charge. The recall began on September 13, 2006. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Suspension › Front › Control arm
On certain passenger vehicles, the nuts which secure the front axle control arm and tension strut to the front wheel hub May not have been tightened to specification. Over time the nuts could loosen and the control arm and tension strut could be damaged.
Remedy: Dealers will retighten the front axle control arm and tension strut nuts to the correct specifications free of charge. The recall began on June 28, 2006. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the BMW 6 Series should you avoid?
None of the BMW 6 Series years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the BMW 6 Series?
2009 has the fewest complaints compared with other 6 Series years at the same age, followed by 2010 and 2007. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common BMW 6 Series problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (7), air bags (6) and engine & cooling (4). Electrical complaints peak in the 2008 model year.
How many recalls has the BMW 6 Series had?
8 recalls across 2004–2010. The model year with the most is 2006. See all BMW 6 Series recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.