The BMW X6 M is undoubtedly one of the best-performing cars in its class. It is also elegant with top-notch features and the latest car technologies. Regardless, this car also comes with several issues that interested buyers should familiarize themselves with. But what are the common problems with the BMW X6 M?
Common problems with the BMW X6 M are excess oil consumption, electrical issues, rod bearing problems, electric handbrake issues, faulty VANOS Solenoids, worn-out spark plugs, and ignition coils, and faulty EGR, engine overheating, and defective hydraulic unit of the braking system.
What are the common problems with BMW X6 M?
Electrical problems
A common problem that BMW X6 M users experience is electrical issues. Some of the nagging electrical problems are connected to battery life, starting the car, electrical warning lights, sat-nav, and air-conditioning problems. Note that most of these issues can be addressed by a professional mechanic.
Excess oil consumption
Another common problem that BMW X6 M users face is excess oil consumption. The BMW X6 M is equipped with the BMW S63 engine that uses a lot of oil. This is partly because of the hot-V design where the turbos lie within the V of the engine. In an actual sense, this is not a problem but something BMW X6 M users should be ready to deal with.
Rod bearings issues
Rod bearings issues are very common on the BMW X6 M. Since this part is excessively used on this luxurious SUV, expect it to wear out faster. Nonetheless, most rod bearing problems start due to lack of oiling or the use of poor quality oil. One of the common signs of bad rod bearings is a rod knock. Replace all 16-rod bearings to fix the issue.
Electric handbrake issues
If you’re having trouble releasing the handbrake on your BMW X6 M, there is a high chance that you have got a failing handbrake actuator. This is normally caused by a software failure. Hence, you will have to update the software to fix the issue.
Faulty VANOS Solenoids
VANOS Solenoid problem is quite difficult to avoid on BMW models. The BMW X6 M is not an exception. Since VANOS Solenoids work by oil flowing through them, they take a lot of beating over time. As a result, oil deposits form on VANOS Solenoids and start causing issues with smooth operation.
Signs of bad VANOS Solenoids are loss of power, limp mode, rough idle, and engine fault codes. Ensure to inspect VANOS Solenoids on your BMW X6 M when you hit over 80,000 miles. Besides, you need to use quality oil to prolong your car’s lifespan.
Worn out spark plugs and ignition coils
Spark plugs and ignition coils wear out faster on the BMW X6 M model. Therefore, this is not a problem but something that you will have to deal with frequently. You may have to change spark plugs and ignition coils every 25,000 to 40,000 miles if you want your car’s engine to perform optimally.
Engine overheating
This issue is common in BMW X6 M models built after 2014. Some of the signs of an overheated engine are check engine light coming on, leaks coming from the exhaust pipes, reduced engine power, the car smelling hot, and much more. Some of the parts that you should check and diagnose are faulty radiator fan, cooling system leak, broken water pump, and faulty EGR cooler.
Loss of brake power or a defective hydraulic unit of the braking system
If you’re having difficulty bringing your car to a complete stop, or if the car is taking far too long to stop, this is a sign of lack of brake power. There is a likelihood that the hydraulic unit of the braking system has a problem. This problem is common in BMW X6 M made in 2020. Nonetheless, BMW recalled some cars that had this issue and fixed the problem.
Faulty EGR module
Another manufacturer defect that this car comes with is a faulty EGR module. This issue is common in most BMW X6 M models made between 2017 and 2018. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Module could leak and cause a thermal incident. If the EGR cooler is bad, it should be replaced to avoid further damage.
FAQ
Is the BMW X6 M a reliable car?
No, the BMW X6 M is not a reliable car. This is because most reliability agencies give it a below-average reliability score. For instance, repairpal has rated it with a 2.0 out of 5.0. Besides, the annual repair cost of the BMW X6 M is about $1,206, which is way above the market average.
After how many miles does the BMW X6 M start having problems?
Minor issues start showing up on the BMW X6 M model as early as 25,000 miles. On the contrary, more serious issues start to show up after clocking 100k miles. But with proper care and maintenance, most of these issues won’t show up and the car will perform optimally.
What is the high mileage for the BMW X6 M?
If you’re in the market for a used BMW X6 M, consider one with less than 100k miles. This is because most BMW X6 M models start having serious issues after clocking over 100k miles. Besides, the car should have a good history and a proper maintenance record.
Is it expensive to maintain the BMW X6 M?
Yes, maintaining the BMW X6 M is quite costlier than most of its competitors. First and foremost, this car encounters several issues. Secondly, the cost of repair and maintenance is also high. Finally, the cost of spare parts is high, meaning you will spend more to get spare parts for this model.
Conclusion
The BMW X6 M is one of the best mid-size luxury cars on the market. It comes with an elegant design, powerful engine, high-end features, and advanced technology. Nonetheless, it also comes with multiple problems that interested buyers should know about.
Note that the issues we’ve highlighted above are common on the BMW X6 M, but don’t affect every X6 M model. So, before buying a particular model year, it is vital to know what kinds of issues you will face along the way. But with proper care and maintenance, you won’t experience most of the problems.
