IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2012 BMW 6 Series (F12/F13/F06)

2012 added the F06 Gran Coupé with a 113mm longer wheelbase and four doors, plus xDrive on the 650i. It widened the 6 Series' appeal to buyers who wanted a Panamera alternative with a BMW badge.

What changed for 2012

  • •F06 Gran Coupé launched at Geneva with a 2,968mm wheelbase
  • •xDrive all-wheel drive offered on the 650i
  • •650i engine updated to the N63TU with Valvetronic
  • •Traffic sign recognition with No Passing Info added

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Transfer-case judder on xDrive cars with mismatched tyres
  • !Panoramic glass roof drains blocking and wetting the headlining
  • !Rear air suspension faults on cars with self-levelling
4
Known Issues
3
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

N63 V8 Engine Failures

SeriousEngine

The early 4.4L hot-V twin-turbo V8 in the 650i suffers from extreme thermal stress, leading to hardened valve stem seals, stretched timing chains, cracked turbo coolant hoses, and leaking piezoinjectors that can cause bore wash or hydraulic lock.

Est. Repair Cost: £2,000–£6,000
Warning Signs:

Excessive oil consumption exceeding 1 litre per 600 miles, Smoke from exhaust after warm idling, Misfires and "Drivetrain: check engine" warnings

What to Inspect:
  • Check BMW service history for Customer Care Package (CCP) work
  • Inspect turbo coolant lines in engine V for brittle plastic and leaks
  • Check for Index 11 or 12 fuel injector installation
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated
Official Recalls & Reference Documents:

Adaptive LED Headlight Moisture

SeriousElectrics & Electronics

The factory sealing beads on the front adaptive LED headlight assemblies can degrade, admitting rainwater and road spray. Condensation inside the lens shorts out the TMS driver modules positioned at the bottom of the housing.

Est. Repair Cost: £600–£1,500
Warning Signs:

Heavy water droplets on the inside of the headlight lens, "Adaptive Headlight Failure" dash alert, One dipped beam or angel eye ring fails to illuminate

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect both headlight lenses under daylight for internal misting
  • Check operation of automatic high-beam assist and steering swivel
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

EGR Cooler Leak

SeriousExhaust & Emissions

The twin-turbo N57 diesel engine in the popular 640d is subject to BMW UK recall campaigns for leaking exhaust gas recirculation coolers, which can create intake manifold thermal damage and fire risk.

Est. Repair Cost: £0 (Recall)
Warning Signs:

Gradual coolant loss without external puddles, Burning exhaust or plastic smell under the bonnet, Drivetrain warning or reduced engine power

What to Inspect:
  • Check BMW main dealer recall records for EGR cooler replacement
  • Inspect intake manifold around EGR pipe for melting or soot deposits
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated
Official Recalls & Reference Documents:

Soft Close Door Actuators

ModerateBodywork & Rust

The motorized pull-down latches for the optional soft-close doors can experience cable stretch or internal microswitch failure, causing the door to fail to cinch or bounce slightly open instead of latching.

Est. Repair Cost: £300–£600
Warning Signs:

Door fails to pull shut on first latch click, Door ajar warning while driving, Motor buzzing continuously inside door shell

What to Inspect:
  • Gently push each door until it clicks once and ensure the motor cinches it fully closed
  • Test all doors on Gran Coupe 4-door variants
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2012 BMW 6 Series (F12/F13/F06)

  • On xDrive, check all four tyres match and listen for a whine from the transfer case
  • Pour water around the panoramic roof and check the boot and headlining for stains
  • Verify the rear ride height is even on both sides after the car has sat overnight
20112013–2014
Check a 2012 BMW 6 Series (F12/F13/F06) by Registration