BMW 6 Series Common Problems and Solutions
Vibrating Steering Wheel (M6)
Problem:
The steering wheel has started to vibrate excessively.
Solution:
Your control arms have either worn out or been damaged. You might be able to get away with installing new bushings or ball joints, but in most cases, you will have to replace the bad control arms entirely. Check our parts pages for new control arms, and although this is a job that takes time, it's a relatively straightforward task.
Difficulty level
Control Arm
Juddering Gear Stick (M6)
Problem:
The gear stick has started to judder when in gear.
Solution:
This is a simple case of your clutch release bearing and the guide bush wearing out. Both are an easy replacement job, and you order both of these vital parts at the same time from BreakerYard.
Difficulty level
Clutch Release Bearing
Gear Slip (M6)
Problem:
Your gears keep slipping, making the car more dangerous to drive and unpredictable.
Solution:
In most cases, this will be a faulty flywheel. We always have replacements available to order for quick delivery. However, check your whole clutch as you may notice obvious signs of wear or damage. If so, then replacing the clutch assembly is a big job, but there are a lot of online guides that will show you how to do the work successfully.
Difficulty level
Flywheel
Ticking Sound When Idling (M6)
Problem:
You can hear a ticking sound coming from the engine when you're idling and when you have lower RPMs. If you look at the oil, you can see metal shavings in it. In extreme cases, the engine will fail.
Solution:
You have the worn rod bearings that are the bane of the M6. The good news is that you don't have to remove the engine to fit a replacement. The bad news is that once you have fitted the new bearings, you also have to flush your oil and replace it. You should also order a new oil pump tensioner from our parts list and replace that too. Addressing all of these parts is critical if you don't want to ruin your crankshaft and then suffer the predictable engine failure.
Difficulty level
Rough Suspension
Problem:
You can feel that there is a problem with the suspension and the drive is much bumpier.
Solution:
The suspension on the 6-Series is extremely prone to excessive wear, but you may not have to replace the entire system. In most cases, it will be the front strut spring cups, which you can find sitting on top of the suspension dampers. They are extremely prone to rotting out, and if left untreated, will end up in complete suspension collapse. You can order new strut spring cups directly from our parts list.
Difficulty level
No Battery Power
Problem:
Despite recently charging the battery, it is not turning the engine.
Solution:
Of course, this could just be a matter of your battery coming to its end of life, in which case it will need to be replaced. However, in some 6-series built between 2002 and 2020, the branch-off point of the positive battery cable may have corroded. This is a known weak spot of the early 6-series models. You might be able to rework the cable, but you can order a new one from our parts list if that's not possible.
Difficulty level
Irregular Idling Speed
Problem:
The idling speed is irregular for the first 20-seconds of running. In some cases, the check engine light will illuminate, and a diagnostic check shows misfire codes.
Solution:
This will be a problem with the Valvetronic Intermediate Levers, which are the key part of the innovative throttle system designed by BMW. It might sound like this is a very technical job to do yourself, but it's one of the easier DIY repairs you can do on a BMW 6-Series. Find replacement levels in our store and have them delivered.
Difficulty level
Rattly Engine
Problem:
There is a rattling sound coming from the engine, and the check engine light may be on.
Solution:
One of the main causes of concern for 6-Series drivers is the variable valve timing (VVT) system. It's very prone to developing a leak and is going to need to be replaced. It can be a tricky job simply due to where it's placed, but if you have the patience, then you can order a replacement from our drop-down menu and tackle the installation.
Difficulty level
Overheating Engine
Problem:
Your engine is overheating quickly, even from a cold start.
Solution:
This will likely be caused by a short circuit on the water pump. If left untreated, then the result will be an under bonnet fire. The solution is simply to find a new water pump on the BreakerYard page for the 6-Series and get rid of the old one.
Difficulty level
Water Pump
Loose Seats
Problem:
The front seats of the car feel very loose.
Solution:
The good news is that you won't have to replace the entire seat or the seating rails. Instead, look for a loose bolt on the seat unit, which affected 6-Series' built in 2017. You can order the right bolt from us, and it's very easy to apply.
Difficulty level
Loud Whirring From Engine
Problem:
You can hear a loud whirring sound coming from the engine.
Solution:
If your BMW was built between September 2018 and January 2019, then there may be a serious problem with your engine. The pressing force of the counterbalance shaft bearing bushing that goes into the crankcase is likely to be of the incorrect specification. The bad news is that the only solution is to replace the entire engine. We have engines for the 6-Series in stock at all times, and we can deliver when you order from us.
Difficulty level
Engine Complete Full
Uneven Acceleration
Problem:
Acceleration feels very uneven, with the occasional jolt forward. You have issues starting the engine, and the car intermittently stalls. There may be engine misfires, and the check engine light may turn on.
Solution:
Any or all of these problems will, in most cases, be caused by nothing more than a faulty crankshaft sensor. We always have new sensors in stock, and they are very easy to install.
Difficulty level
Crankshaft Sensor
