Typical M6 issues

[csepipeti]

Hello Everyone!

First of all, i'm new to this forum, but have been reading you for a while. My name is Peter, I'm from Hungary.
I've bought my 2005 M6 this february, and since it is a used one (no warranty), i knew that i will have to open my wallet to fix some hidden issues, even though that the car had full service history.
But i was not ready for having my car towed to the service station four times in a short period (like two months).
Here's the list of what was broken up to now:

AC pump
fuel pump
accelerator pedal
oil-cooling had a hole
transmission pump (?)
clutch

Sorry, might not used the correct words, but i don't really know the hungarian names of these parts

I would like to know what other typical issues might happen to an M6? It has 120.000 km-s, and always had the oil, etc... changed.
I heard that vanos would die at some point, but typically when?

Thanks!
Peter

[M6Cabrio]

I am not aware of a 2005 M6???? You mean 2006? Maybe they came out a year early over there? Someone can correct me if I am an idiot lol.

I can't help you with any of the typical problems because I haven't seen much problems to be honest. Maybe the clutch issue, but that can happen soon from what I hear. I always like to buy warranties just in case. Also, I am not sure about in your country, but here if you buy a car from a dealer or other places you can have them take the car back under a "lemon" law if more than 3 or 4 things are wrong with it in a certain time period. Maybe see a lawyer?? Hope things get figured out for you!

[csepipeti]

Yep, I mean 2005. It was made in Germany, and I bought from a dealership in Hungary after they imported it.
Our laws are not that good, unfortunatelly After you take the car away from the dealership, there is no way you can have your money back if the car has some kind of problem. But i still don't want to sell it, I just would like to prepare for the worst. What else can go wrong?

[M6Cabrio]

Originally Posted by csepipeti

Yep, I mean 2005. It was made in Germany, and I bought from a dealership in Hungary after they imported it.
Our laws are not that good, unfortunatelly After you take the car away from the dealership, there is no way you can have your money back if the car has some kind of problem. But i still don't want to sell it, I just would like to prepare for the worst. What else can go wrong?

interesting, I never knew they made a 2005 version. I am not sure what else to tell you. Some of the other seasoned people in here can give you hints or heads up. You can search too maybe while you wait.

[snowball]

When I had the 2006 coupe the only common problems I had were the SZL optical sensor and the SMG bang.
The optical sensor in the steering column had to be replaced (I'll attach the service bulletin) and the SMG problem was the fact that the factory forgot to grease the inside of the release bearing. The SMG would bang/slam while sitting still at a stop light and just after you just let your foot off the brake and bang felt like you were rear ended. The release bearing was finally letting go because it became galded with no grease (simple fix but requires removing tranny and most dealerships don't understand and refuse to fix it because BMW has never admitted their problem). My dealership has pictures of many an early M5 and M6 with this problem (pictures show the galding very clearly). They have to submit pictures to get BMW to cover it under warranty. However, like I said most dealerships are stubborn and don't understand this issue.

Banging SMG Problem:

Slamming when stopped

SZL Optical Sensor Problem:

Full bulletin attached as pdf

SI B34 05 06
BrakesSeptember 2006
Technical Service
This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. B34 05 06 dated August 2006.

PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS AND PRIOR TO RETAIL DELIVERY.

SUBJECT
Service Action: Replace SZL Optical Element


MODEL
E60, E61 (5 Series)

E63, E64 (6 Series)


SITUATION
The optical sensor in the SZL (Steering Column Switch Sensor) may fail.

A defective optical steering angle sensor leads to failure of Active Steering, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), ARS (Active Roll Stabilization), AHL (Adaptive Headlights), ACC (Active Cruise Control) and the automatic turn signal reset function.

The failure of DSC, ARS and Active Steering is indicated by indicator lamps and display messages.

Note: One or more systems may fail, depending on the degree of damage to the optical steering angle sensor.

This Service Action checks the SZL and replaces the optical element if necessary.

A copy of the customer notification letter is attached.

To minimize the customer's inconvenience caused by this Service Action, pick-up (and deliver after repair) the affected vehicle from customer's home and provide appropriate alternative transportation.

Customers will be impressed when you return their cars cleaned inside and out and with a full tank of gas. Reimbursement information for the vehicle fueling and valet costs may be found in the Warranty portion of this bulletin.

AFFECTED VEHICLES
This Service Action involves E60, E61 (5 Series), E63, E64 (6 Series) vehicles, which were produced from August 26, 2005 to July 28, 2006.

In order to determine if a specific vehicle is affected by this Service Action, it will be necessary to utilize the "Service Menu" of the DCS (Dealer Communication System). Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the corrective action or take no further action.

The Chassis Number Ranges listed below are only for informational purposes and are not to be considered as the only deciding factor.

M5
B581063 – B584900
645CiA
CF95411 – CF95414
650Ci
CR46004 – CR46236
650CiA
CR49007 – CR50900
M6 Coupe
B797012 – B797380
645Cic
B261310
645CicA
B328934 – B328946
650Cic
CN72005 – CN72289
650CicA
CN75006 – CN78834
M6 Conv.
CS32013 – CS32015[/quote]

[AlpineMsix]

another common problem; on my 08 that i just actually brought in to the dealer today..is the illuminated m6 door sill.. second time its gone out on me, half of it just fades and is not lit up anymore

[Mark Carson]

There a lot of reports of early (2005/2006) VANOS problems (oil line or pump if memory serves). In fact, BMW in 2005 halted delivery of cars for a number of weeks until they got a handle on it. Search the Board for "VANOS". Hopefully your car already has the fixes for this.

The first M5 I saw was in July 2005 in Switzerland at a dealership, so yes there were 2005 M5 (and even M6) cars in some markets.

[M5 Roggan]

Hi Peter, really sorry to hear about all the problems you have faced with your car! I think its like with most cars, you need some good luck to stay clear of the issues and you seam to have had some bad luck so far. How the car has been driven would affect these things to some degree but mainly in my experience these things happen by chance.

Outside that and a potentially very expensive problem would be what Mark mentioned with the "Vanos" (the variable valve timing mechanism) which is a mechanical and hydralic system that works under high preassure. You can hear if there is a problem with your vanos by listening for mechanical slamming and grinding noise from the front of the cylinderbanks (black plastic bumps at the front). It is though normal for the S85 V10 to sound somewhat like a diesel.

In Germany and parts of Europe the M5 and M6 where sold during 2005 (from around May production I think). Most of the "affordable" M5's and M6's are 2005's today, i managed to get hold of a mid 2006 production with low milage for a bit more $$$ but im hoping it was worth it.

I also have a full mechanical insurance through my insurance company until the car is 8 years old and has 100.000km on it. E.g. if the Vanos would fail and BMW wont do it on goodwill, then my insurance company would pay.

I really hope you have some better luck in the future with your M6! Its sad when something you really like and is proud of breaks down!