6 Series (E63)
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
N62B48
4.8L 8-cyl / 360 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
N62B44
4.4L 8-cyl / 328 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
BMW 6 Series Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
5.0-V10-Gas
5.0L 10-cyl / 500 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the BMW 6 Series, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2004-2010 BMW 6 Series
On a used 2004-2010 BMW 6 Series, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (33), the seats, seat belts and interior (29) and the electrical system (25). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 33 owner complaints on the 2004-2010 BMW 6 Series about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Latch and tug every seat belt, move every seat through its full travel and lock each seatback.Safety. NHTSA has 29 owner complaints on the 2004-2010 BMW 6 Series about the seats, seat belts and interior.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 25 owner complaints on the 2004-2010 BMW 6 Series about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 19 owner complaints on the 2004-2010 BMW 6 Series about the engine, all engines combined.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 18 owner complaints on the 2004-2010 BMW 6 Series about the brakes.
Recalls (8)
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.
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. AS IT LOOSENS, AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE AND COULD CAUSE THE CABLE CONNECTION TO OVERHEAT.
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.
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.
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.
Show 3 older recalls
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8 AND 12 CYLINDER ENGINES, THE DIGITAL ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL (EMC) UNITS WERE NOT PRODUCED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8-CYLINDER ENGINES, A CIRCULAR RETENTION CLIP AT THE QUICK-RELEASE COUPLING ALONG THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE WAS INADVERTENTLY NOT INSTALLED.
All Generations
Alternatives in Grand Tourer
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2004-2010 BMW 6 Series complaints?
Owners have filed 133 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004-2010 BMW 6 Series. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the interior and the electrical system.
Is the 2004-2010 BMW 6 Series a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 133 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004-2010 BMW 6 Series. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004-2010 BMW 6 Series have?
NHTSA has 133 owner complaints on file for the 2004-2010 BMW 6 Series as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2004-2010 BMW 6 Series?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls covering some 2004-2010 BMW 6 Series vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used BMW 6 Series?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the safety systems, the interior and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the 6 Series have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2004-2010 BMW 6 Series. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 133 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.