Models · BMW
BMW M6 F12/F13/F06 buying guide
The twin-turbo V8 M6, built from 2012 to 2018 as the F13 coupé, F12 convertible and F06 four-door Gran Coupé. It shares its engine and gearbox with the F10 M5, and the checks are well established.
The versions
- 4.4 twin-turbo V8 (S63B44T0), 560PS
- Competition Package versions with more power, reaching 600PS on later cars
- Coupé (F13), convertible (F12) and four-door Gran Coupé (F06)
- 7-speed M DCT dual-clutch gearbox and Active M Differential, rear-wheel drive
- Steel brakes as standard, carbon ceramic brakes optional
What to check on a F13 M6
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Clunks from the rear over bad roads
What to look for: On the drive, find a broken or bumpy road and listen for a clunk from the back of the car. Ask the seller for the build date.
Why it matters: Early cars could suffer from defective rear coil springs. BMW fitted upgraded springs from December 2012 production, so earlier cars are the ones to listen carefully to, and many will have been changed by now.
"Drivetrain error" warnings
What to look for: Watch the dashboard on start-up and under hard acceleration for a "Drivetrain error, maximum power not available" message, and note any rough cold start or hesitation. Ask whether the high-pressure fuel pump or fuel pressure sensor has been replaced.
Why it matters: The warning is linked to the fuel pressure sensor or the high-pressure fuel pump, which was improved on later cars. A car with the updated parts fitted, and invoices to show it, is the one to look for.
DCT gearbox at low speed
What to look for: Drive slowly in traffic and manoeuvre forwards and backwards. Pull-away and low-speed changes should be smooth, without jerks, shudder or warnings. Ask whether the gearbox oil has been changed.
Why it matters: Jerky low-speed behaviour and fault codes on the M DCT are usually down to the clutch control unit and its calibration after repeated heat cycles from hard use. A gearbox oil and filter change in the history is a sign of a car that's been looked after.
Also in the full guide
- Rod bearings and a cold start
- Boost hoses and charge pipes
- Oil leaks around the top of the engine
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the F13 M6
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with BMW.