VIN REPORT
5YMGZ0C57CLK149742012 BMW X6X6 M
Risk Score
72
CRITICAL RISK
out of 100
Safety Recalls
7 Found
7 campaigns
NHTSA Complaints
None
No complaints filed
Safety Rating
Not Tested
See iihs.org/ratings
Vehicle Age
14 yrs
Made in UNITED STATES (USA)
Safety Grade
F
Score: 51/100
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄
Executive Summary
2012 BMW X6 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 7 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately.
- ▸7 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Active 'do not drive' recall; Airbag system recall)
- ▸Engine or platform shared with models that have documented failure issues
- ▸Active or settled class action lawsuit on record for this model — BMW N63 V8 Oil Consumption (2008–2017)
- ▸Manufacturer extended warranty program exists: BMW issued a Customer Care Package (CCP) for N63 engines providing free oil and inspections. Extended warranty coverage varies — verify with dealer.
- ▸High lemon law risk indicators — multiple safety-critical recall and complaint patterns present
- ▸TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL — inflator can rupture and send metal shrapnel into the cabin. Do NOT drive until repaired.
72/100
Critical Risk
Critical risk — critical deferred maintenance — safety-critical components overdue. Recommend independent inspection before purchase.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
Contributing Risk Factors — 5 detected
Critical deferred maintenance — safety-critical components overdue
+20
Takata airbag recall — risk of shrapnel injury
+18
Known manufacturer defect on record for this model
+14
7 model-wide recalls on record
+12
Active or settled class action lawsuit
+8
Critical Alerts
⚠
TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL — Do Not Drive
Campaigns: 20V016000, 20V017000, 17V020000
Takata airbag inflators can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin — this defect has caused at least 27 deaths and 400+ injuries worldwide. Do NOT drive this vehicle until this recall is repaired. Contact your dealer immediately.
Title Brand CheckMined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle
Vehicle SpecificationsDecoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- BMW
- Model
- X6
- Year
- 2012
- Trim / Series
- X6 M
- Body Style
- Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
- Vehicle Type
- MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 8-cyl 4.4L 555 hp
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- BMW MANUFACTURER CORPORATION / BMW NORTH AMERICA
- Assembly
- GREER, SOUTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES (USA)
- GVWR
- Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Assembly Plant QualityPlant: GREER, SOUTH CAROLINA
CQuality55/100
Standard📍 GREER, SOUTH CAROLINA
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety
Safety IntelligenceComposite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
Overall Safety Grade
F
Score: 51/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety1/30
Complaint History30/30
Recall Risk Score
98/100Critical
- ▸Active 'do not drive' recall
- ▸Airbag system recall
- ▸Engine recall
Modern Safety Index
2/100
Basic
1 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Lemon Law Risk Indicator
High- ⚠Active 'do not drive' recall issued
- ⚠5 recalls on same component: Safety Systems
- ⚠2 recalls on same component: Engine/Powertrain
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
Shared Platform Risk
4.4L N63 twin-turbo V8: known for excessive oil consumption, coolant leaks, and fuel injector failures
Also affects: 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X5, X6
Driver Assistance FeaturesADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Forward Collision Warning?Unknown
Automatic Emergency Braking?Unknown
Pedestrian AEB?Unknown
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning?Unknown
Lane Keep Assist?Unknown
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring?Unknown
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High Beam?Unknown
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup Camera?Unknown
Electronic Stability Control?Unknown
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Direct
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake Support?Unknown
Keyless Ignition?Unknown
Recalls
Deferred Failure RiskComponents and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
100/100
Critical Deferred Risk
Critical deferred failure risk — 4 safety-critical or high-cost components are past their service interval. Without immediate attention, repair costs will compound significantly.
⚠No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~168,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
EST. OVERDUECriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 14 yr · Past due by age
Service Timing Chain Tensioner immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
EST. OVERDUECriticalWater Pump
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 14 yr · Past due by age
Service Water Pump immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
EST. OVERDUEHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 14 yr · Past due by age
Service Transmission Fluid / Service immediately — already past the 60,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
EST. OVERDUEHighCoolant Flush
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 14 yr · Past due by age
Service Coolant Flush immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
EST. OVERDUEModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 14 yr · Past due by age
Service Spark Plugs (iridium/platinum) immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
EST. OVERDUEModerateFuel Injectors
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 14 yr · Past due by age
Service Fuel Injectors immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
DEFECTCriticalKnown Model Defect
Failure timing unpredictable — defect may already be active
4.4L N63 twin-turbo V8: excessive oil consumption requiring owner top-ups every 1,000 miles
Documented systemic defect with class action or NHTSA investigation. These issues are often unrepaired at point of sale.
CASCADECriticalFailure Cascade
Cascade already triggered — downstream damage likely in progress
Have a specialist inspect all systems connected to the failed component before purchase
One failed component has created stress on connected systems. Repair costs compound quickly — a $500 fix can become $3,000+ if cascade damage is ignored.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
77 RECALLS
ℹ
NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 7 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)
Average repair completion across 7 recalls is ~77%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
77%
avg repaired
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
BMW Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
91%Good
BMW completes recalls at a good rate (91%), averaging about 16 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~16 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
Avg Fix Time
16mo
#19V017000
Invalid DateAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.Read full details...
ConsequenceAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Est. Repair Completion~86%
~14% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
#18V248000
Invalid DateENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.Read full details...
ConsequenceIf the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Est. Repair Completion~66%
~34% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
#20V016000
Invalid DateAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2012 X5 xDrive35d, 2008-2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2007-2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSPI-2) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.Read full details...
ConsequenceAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Est. Repair Completion~75%
~25% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
#20V017000
Invalid DateAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i
xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.Read full details...
ConsequenceAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Est. Repair Completion~75%
~25% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
#18V030000
Sep 2018AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A."
BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2010 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B."
BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xdrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C."
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.Read full details...
ConsequenceAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Est. Repair Completion~86%
~14% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
#17V020000
Oct 2017AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2012 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A."
Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, BMW is recalling certain 2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2009 X6 xDrive 35i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, and 2009 X5 xDrive35d vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B."
Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, BMW is recalling certain 2007-2008 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, and 2008 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling.Read full details...
ConsequenceAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Est. Repair Completion~86%
~14% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
#17V138000
Feb 2017POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
SummaryBMW of North America, LLC, (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2013 X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M and X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2011-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles, and 2011 x6 ActiveHybrid Vehicles. Water and debris may enter the front driveshaft's universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint's failure.Read full details...
ConsequenceIf the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~64%
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall IntelligenceDetailed analysis of recall history and severity
Recall Age — How Long Open
LONG-STANDING OPENPOWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
9.2yr openAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
8.6yr openAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
7.7yr open⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
🚫
DO NOT DRIVE Recall Active
NHTSA has issued a "park it" recall — vehicle should not be driven until repaired.
First Recall
02/03/2017
7 total campaigns
Systems Recalled
Safety SystemsEngine/Powertrain
Recall Remedy Breakdown
7
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
⚠ 3 recalls are over 2 years old — statistically less likely to have been completed. Verify repair status with any dealer using your VIN.
Complaints
Component Failure Cascade RiskKnown patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
CriticalEGR issue detected
▸ Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines
HighABS issue detected
▸ Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances
Manufacturer Extended Warranties & Special Coverage1 known program match this vehicle — verify current eligibility with dealer using your VIN
VERIFY WITH DEALERCUSTOMER SATISFACTIONN63 CCP
BMW N63 V8 Customer Care Package (CCP)
Engine – N63 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (Oil Consumption / Fuel Injectors / Turbos)
COVERAGE:Varies by component — CCP includes free inspections and oil top-ups; powertrain warranty may be extended case-by-case
The N63 engine family (N63B44 / N63B44TU) is known for excessive oil consumption (up to 1 quart per 600 miles), fuel injector failures, coolant leaks, valve stem seal failures, and turbocharger issues. BMW issued Customer Care Package (CCP) bulletins providing free oil top-ups, coolant system inspections, and valve stem seal replacements under goodwill programs.
HOW TO CLAIM: Contact BMW NA (1-800-831-1117) or visit a BMW dealership. Reference the N63 Customer Care Package. Ask specifically about valve stem seal replacement (covered under CCP), fuel injector inspection, and any extended warranty applicable to your build date. Keep all oil purchase records.
Coverage eligibility depends on your VIN, original sale date, and current mileage. Always verify with an authorized dealer or manufacturer customer service — programs may have been updated since this database was compiled.
Details & Analysis
Legal & Regulatory ActionsKnown class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
KNOWN DEFECT ON RECORDBMW N63 V8 Oil Consumption (2008–2017)
- ▸4.4L N63 twin-turbo V8: excessive oil consumption requiring owner top-ups every 1,000 miles
- ▸Coolant leaks, fuel injector failures, and turbocharger issues
- ▸BMW issued a Customer Care Package (CCP) providing free oil top-ups but not addressing the root cause
- ▸Class action filed over BMW's failure to disclose the defect
⚖ Class action lawsuit on record for this model
Extended Warranty Program: BMW issued a Customer Care Package (CCP) for N63 engines providing free oil and inspections. Extended warranty coverage varies — verify with dealer.
Financial
Repair Cost IntelligenceEstimated repair costs for known BMW X6 defects — quantify your risk in dollars
EngineHigh
$400–$2,500
3–15 hrs labor
N63 engine oil consumption
BMW Customer Care Program covers some repairs on affected VINs; verify eligibility
EngineHigh
$2,500–$6,000
15–30 hrs labor
N63 valve stem seals
Worst-case total exposure$2,900–$8,500
Estimates based on RepairPal averages, ASE mechanic surveys, and NHTSA investigation data. Actual costs vary by region and shop.
5-Year Total Cost of OwnershipEstimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
$57,429
~$957/mo over 5 yrs
$0.3/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$10,315
Maintenance
$21,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$11,000
Depreciation
$5,114
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $57,429 (~$957/mo). Repair risk buffer is elevated due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation AmmunitionUse these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
7 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$3,500
Active or settled class action lawsuit for this model−$1,800
3 recalls over 2 years old — likely uncompleted−$1,200
Total recommended deduction−$6,500
Pre-Purchase Inspection ChecklistTailored for the 2012 BMW X6 — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
⚠ 2 critical inspection items must be resolved before purchase. Do not skip these checks.
CRITICAL
Check oil level at cold start — N63 consumes 1 qt per 1,000 miles when failing
The N63 twin-turbo V8's valve stem seals allow oil past them at a rate that causes low oil warnings. If oil is low at purchase, assume seals are failing ($2,500–$6,000 repair).
HIGH
Inspect engine compartment for oil leaks around valve covers and turbos
N63 engine bays are characteristically oily. Multiple simultaneous leak points indicate advanced deterioration of seals and gaskets.
CRITICAL
Verify Takata airbag recall has been completed
Takata inflators can rupture and send shrapnel into the cabin — fatalities have occurred. Confirm repair with NHTSA VIN lookup before purchase.
HIGH
Inspect for egr issue detected — ask for repair records
Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines
HIGH
Inspect for abs issue detected — ask for repair records
Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances
HIGH
Have a specialist inspect: N63 twin-turbo V8
4.4L N63 twin-turbo V8: excessive oil consumption requiring owner top-ups every 1,000 miles
HIGH
Have a specialist inspect: Coolant leaks, fuel injector failures, and turbocharger issues
Coolant leaks, fuel injector failures, and turbocharger issues
HIGH
Have a specialist inspect: BMW issued a Customer Care Package (CCP) providing free oil top-ups but not addressing the root cause
BMW issued a Customer Care Package (CCP) providing free oil top-ups but not addressing the root cause
HIGH
Verify recall AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE has been repaired
Recall on record for: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i an
HIGH
Verify recall ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER has been repaired
Recall on record for: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turis
HIGH
Verify recall AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE has been repaired
Recall on record for: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2012 X5 xDrive35d, 2008-2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6
HIGH
Verify recall AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE has been repaired
Recall on record for: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 200
HIGH
Verify recall AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE has been repaired
Recall on record for: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.
Recall Probability ForecastEstimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
27%
18-month
47%
2-year
Moderate Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 47%
27% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.
- ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model
- ▸Active class action lawsuit — legal pressure often accelerates recalls
Maintenance ScheduleOEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
History & Auctions
Insurance Cost EstimateEstimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Full Coverage
$2,740–$3,490/yr
~$228–$291/mo
Liability Only
$650–$820/yr
~$54–$68/mo
Category: Luxury SUV/SedanModerate surcharge risk
▲ High theft risk model: +18% to comprehensive premium▼ 14-year-old vehicle: −18% (depreciated ACV lowers full-coverage cost)
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Market & Background SignalsTheft risk, fleet history, dealer patterns, and emissions compliance
Theft Risk
High
3.5× national average · 37/1,000 vehicles
Recovery rate:42%of stolen BMW X6s are recovered
BMW X6 has an elevated theft rate (3.5× average). Factor in higher comprehensive insurance costs.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty HistoryFederal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
BMW has been fined $3M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2014: Failure to submit required Early Warning Reports to NHTSA.
2014$3MFailure to submit required Early Warning Reports to NHTSA
Safer Alternatives to ConsiderBased on the risk level of this 2012 BMW X6, these Similar Vehicle Class alternatives have significantly better safety records
2017–2022 Toyota equivalent classNO CLASS ACTIONS
Toyota models consistently rank in the bottom quartile for NHTSA complaint density across all segments
2018–2022 Honda equivalent classNO CLASS ACTIONS
Honda models have below-average recall rates and no known systemic powertrain defects in recent years
2016–2022 Mazda equivalent classNO CLASS ACTIONS
Mazda has the industry's lowest complaint-per-vehicle rate in multiple consecutive NHTSA reporting years
State-Specific Legal ProtectionsWhat consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data TableAll decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 5YMGZ0C57CLK14974 |
| Model Year | 2012 |
| Make | BMW |
| Model | X6 |
| Trim | X6 M |
| Vehicle Type | MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV) |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 8 |
| Displacement (L) | 4.4 |
| Horsepower | 555 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | BMW MANUFACTURER CORPORATION / BMW NORTH AMERICA |
| Assembly City | GREER |
| Assembly Country | UNITED STATES (USA) |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 5YM |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 7 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | C |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | L |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | K14974 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 7 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 0 |
VIN Structure DecodeISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
5
1
Y
2
M
3
G
4
Z
5
0
6
C
7
5
8
7
9
C
10
L
11
K
12
1
13
4
14
9
15
7
16
4
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
5
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
Y
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
M
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
GZ0C5
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
7
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
C
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
L
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
K14974
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
United States
From VIN position 1 (5)
Model Year Character
"C" → 2012
Could also be 1982
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 4/26/2026, 8:33:18 AM.