BMW 6 Series Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every BMW 6 Series model year (2004–2019) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
BMW 6 Series Years to Avoid
2 recalls · 11 complaints
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 17
3 recalls · 7 complaints
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 16
4 recalls · 3 complaints
Top issue: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Problem score: 15
Best BMW 6 Series Years to Buy
2 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 6
2 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 6
2 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 6
Found the right year? Verify that specific 6 Series with a free VIN report.
BMW 6 Series — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2012 | 1 | 3 | — | — | 6 | Caution |
| 2011 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2010 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 6 | Caution |
| 2009 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 6 | Caution |
| 2008 | 2 | 11 | — | — | 17 | Avoid |
| 2007 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 6 | Caution |
| 2006 | 4 | 3 | — | — | 15 | Avoid |
| 2005 | 3 | 7 | — | — | 16 | Avoid |
| 2004 | 4 | 1 | — | — | 13 | Avoid |
All 16 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
BMW 6 Series Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2019Recent 6 Series models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2019 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade 6 Series units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder 6 Series models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year 6 Series should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2008 BMW 6 Series if possible. It has 2 recalls, 11 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 17 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year 6 Series to buy?+
The 2007 BMW 6 Series is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 6. It has only 2 recalls and 0 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which 6 Series has the fewest problems?+
The 2007, 2009, 2010 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More BMW 6 Series Research
Check a Specific BMW 6 Series VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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