Home/WBSEH93416B797429
VIN REPORT

WBSEH93416B7974292006 BMW M6

Risk Score
20
MODERATE RISK
out of 100
Clear
No active recalls
7
Reported to NHTSA
Not Tested
See iihs.org/ratings
20 yrs
Made in GERMANY
B-
Score: 80/100
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2006 BMW M6 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 7 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.

20/100
Moderate Risk
1 moderate risk signal detected. Negotiate accordingly and verify service history.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
Contributing Risk Factors — 1 detected
Critical deferred maintenance — safety-critical components overdue
+20
Critical Alerts

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle
Make
BMW
Model
M6
Year
2006
Trim / Series
6-Series
Body Style
Coupe
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
10-cyl 5L 500 hp
Doors
2
Manufacturer
BMW M GMBH
Assembly
DINGOLFING, GERMANY
CQuality55/100
Standard📍 DINGOLFING, GERMANY

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety
B-
Score: 80/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety30/30
Complaint History30/30
0/100Clear

✓ No high-risk recall components found

2/100
Basic
1 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
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
82/100
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 ~240,000 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: 20 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: 20 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: 20 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: 20 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: 20 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: 20 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.
0CLEAR
No Recall Campaigns Found
NHTSA has no active or historical recalls for this 2006 BMW.
Complaints
Engine/Powertrain
2
Suspension/Wheels
2
Steering
1
Brakes
1
Safety Systems
1
2006
1
2007
1
2011
2
2013
2
2016
1
67% trend in recent years (increasing complaints)
7HIGH VOLUME
ODI #10855167STEERING

STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP

ODI #10557885POWER TRAIN

HYDRAULIC UNIT FAULTS. CAR SHIFT TO NEUTRAL WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN A BUSY HIGHWAY. I WAS NOT ABLE TO SELECT OR CHANGE GEARS. TRANSMISSION WAS STUCK IN NEUTRAL GEAR. I WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. I HAVE NOTICED MULTIPLE CONSUMERS REVIEWS AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT SIMILAR ISSUES WITH BMW. PLEASE HELP. *TR

ODI #10494963SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 6 SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED DURING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AT THE DEALER THEY STATED THERE WAS A DEFECT ON THE FRONT AXLE CONTROL ARM AND THE TENSION STRUT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT AXLE CONTROL ARM AND TENSION STRUT NUTS IN ORDER TO THE REMEDY THE DEFECT. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THE CONTACT NOTICED NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALL NUMBER 06V187000 (SUSPENSION) AND ASKED THE DEALER IF HIS VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE DEALER STATED THEY COULD NOT CONFIRM IF THE VIN WAS A PART OF THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000. UPDATED 2/12/13 *CN UPDATED 2/15/2013 *JS

ODI #10419989SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 6-SERIES. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V446000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM) AND WAS REPAIRED. AFTER REPAIRS WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE POWER ASSIST BRAKING WOULD NOT FUNCTION. THE CONTACT HAD TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIANS ADVISED THAT THE VACUUM PUMP, BRAKE AND THE BRAKE BOOSTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

ODI #10407568ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 650I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S AC WAS NOT COLD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE HE WAS TOLD THAT ENGINE OIL WAS LEAKING BELOW THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V479000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT THEN CALLED BMW USE WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT, THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WITH THE BRAKES CAUSING A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000. UPDATED 07/12/11 *BF UPDATED 12/30/11

ODI #10177704TIRES

TIRE INTERNAL FAILURE - LOOKS LIKE A CUT INSIDE THE TIRE. *JB

ODI #10162635ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS,SEATS

2006 BMW 650I, MARCH 2006 PASSENGER SEAT WOULD LOCK, AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, ENGINE BEGAN BACKFIRING. MAY 2006 THE SEAT LOCKED AND THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONED AGAIN. IN JUNE THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND WAS REPAIRED. *KB ***NAR*** *JB

Annual complaints and reliability score for BMW M6 — recall years marked in red
01205010020062009201220152018202120242026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 7 NHTSA complaints on file for the BMW M6 — a relatively low volume that spans from 2006 to 2016.

The amber reliability line averaged 98/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 88/100 in 2011.

Details & Analysis
Financial
$46,614
~$777/mo over 5 yrs
$0.2/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$21,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$3,000
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $46,614 (~$777/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: STEERING
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: POWER TRAIN
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: SUSPENSION
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
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.
5%
18-month
10%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 10%

5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

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
Full Coverage
$2,360–$3,000/yr
~$197–$250/mo
Liability Only
$670–$860/yr
~$56–$72/mo
Category: Performance LuxuryModerate surcharge risk
20-year-old vehicle: −28% (lower ACV reduces comprehensive/collision cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

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

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Vehicle Identity

VINWBSEH93416B797429
Model Year2006
MakeBMW
ModelM6
Series6-Series
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleCoupe
Doors2
Fuel TypeGasoline

Engine

Engine Cylinders10
Displacement (L)5
Horsepower500

Manufacturer

ManufacturerBMW M GMBH
Assembly CityDINGOLFING
Assembly CountryGERMANY

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)WBS
Check Digit (Char 9)1
Model Year Code (Char 10)6
Plant Code (Char 11)B
Sequence (Chars 12–17)797429

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count0
NHTSA Complaint Count7
W
1
B
2
S
3
E
4
H
5
9
6
3
7
4
8
1
9
6
10
B
11
7
12
9
13
7
14
4
15
2
16
9
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
W
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
B
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
S
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
EH934
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
1
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
6
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
B
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
797429
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Germany
From VIN position 1 (W)
Model Year Character
"6" → 2006
Unambiguous model year
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm

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: 5/31/2026, 11:40:59 PM.