vinkodex.

BMW X6 X6 xDrive50i common faults.

2014–2019, SUV, petrol, 450 HP.

The fault list covers: N63B44 engine, ZF8HP70 transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

5 fault write-ups. All are important. 23 recalls.

If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.

Before you buy

Known faults

5 important faults

critical2

N63 V8: failing piezo injectors and hydraulic lock in the cylinder

critical

On this engine the injectors were also listed as parts to be replaced in the maker's own programme, which means their failure is a known one. A faulty injector puts too much fuel into the cylinder. The liquid cannot be compressed, so the piston hits it on its way up: this is hydraulic lock, and it can damage the connecting rod bearing and the connecting rod as well. The early sign is rough running and hard starting. The fault can start from 60,000 km. The maker ran a separate programme for this engine, called the Customer Care Package, from December 2014. The franchised dealers had to check seven parts: the timing chain, the fuel injectors, the mass air flow sensor, the crankcase vent lines, the battery, the vacuum pump and the low pressure fuel sensor. These had to be replaced free of charge, even if the car had already fallen out of the four-year, 50,000-mile warranty. The same programme also shortened the oil change interval: 10,000 miles or one year instead of 15,000 miles or two years. Before buying it is therefore worth asking whether this programme was carried out on the car.

above 60,000 km

What to check

  • Ask whether the Customer Care Package was carried out, and whether the injectors were replaced
  • Start the engine cold and watch for hard starting and rough running
  • Read the fault memory and look for a code reporting a misfire on a specific cylinder
2 more steps in the write-up

N63 V8: a stretching timing chain and broken guides blocking the oil system

critical

The timing chain stretches between 80,000 and 120,000 km, and the plastic chain guides break. The broken pieces end up in the sump and block the lubrication system. From then on the engine is starved of oil, which takes the bearings and the turbochargers with it. The early sign is a metallic rattling from the front of the engine on a cold start. The stretching of the chain also features in the American class actions, alongside the extreme oil consumption. The maker ran a separate programme for this engine, called the Customer Care Package, from December 2014. The franchised dealers had to check seven parts: the timing chain, the fuel injectors, the mass air flow sensor, the crankcase vent lines, the battery, the vacuum pump and the low pressure fuel sensor. These had to be replaced free of charge, even if the car had already fallen out of the four-year, 50,000-mile warranty. The same programme also shortened the oil change interval: 10,000 miles or one year instead of 15,000 miles or two years. Before buying it is therefore worth asking whether this programme was carried out on the car.

between 80,000 and 120,000 km

What to check

  • Start the engine cold and listen for metallic rattling from the front of the engine
  • Ask whether the Customer Care Package was carried out, and whether the chain was replaced
  • Read the fault memory and look for a code reporting a camshaft position deviation
2 more steps in the write-up

expensive3

XDrive transfer case (ATC): binding in corners, plastic actuator gear

expensive

The heart of the four wheel drive in the longitudinal engine BMW X models (X3, X5 and the X1 E84) is the ATC transfer case. It has two faults, and you can feel both while driving.

Show the rest

The first is wear of the clutch pack and the fluid: in a slow, tight corner (a car park, a roundabout) the car jerks and "hops", as if the drive grabbed and let go. You can also get a jerk when pulling away on a slope. The second is the plastic actuator gear: the position signal is lost, the brake, ABS and 4x4/DSC lights come on together on the dash, and a clicking is audible from the transfer case when you switch the ignition off.

Workshops often propose a full transfer case replacement straight away. But the plastic gear can be replaced on its own, and the wrong tyre size or a mixed set of tyres also imitates the jerking, because the transfer case then slips continuously. So clear up the tyres and the fault code first, before you pay for a transfer case replacement.

between 72,000 and 175,000 km

What to check

  • In a slow, tight corner (a car park) watch for jerking, binding and a "skipping" feel
  • When pulling away on light throttle, can you feel the drivetrain jerk
  • Watch the dash: 4x4, ABS, DSC and brake lights together point at the actuator
4 more steps in the write-up

N63 V8: the valve stem seals leak and oil consumption is extreme

expensive

The valve stem seals start to lose their sealing from 90,000 km, and oil gets into the combustion chamber along the valve stem. The burning oil lays soot on the piston rings, they start to stick, and from then on the consumption grows further; the lubrication also gets tighter and the exhaust smokes. The scale of the consumption on this engine is extraordinary. In the American class action the plaintiffs report around one litre every 1,200 km, and one of them one litre every 1,600 km. In 2013 the maker issued a new oil consumption standard for this engine in a bulletin, and took the position that this is not a defect: according to it every one of its engines may use that much. The lawsuit points out that with this standard the owner has to top up the oil twenty times before reaching the factory 15,000-mile oil change interval. The maker ran a separate programme for this engine, called the Customer Care Package, from December 2014. The franchised dealers had to check seven parts: the timing chain, the fuel injectors, the mass air flow sensor, the crankcase vent lines, the battery, the vacuum pump and the low pressure fuel sensor. These had to be replaced free of charge, even if the car had already fallen out of the four-year, 50,000-mile warranty. The same programme also shortened the oil change interval: 10,000 miles or one year instead of 15,000 miles or two years. Before buying it is therefore worth asking whether this programme was carried out on the car. The repair means opening the cylinder head, and because of the V layout of the engine on both sides.

above 90,000 km

What to check

  • Ask how much oil has to be added between two changes, and ask for a figure
  • Ask whether the Customer Care Package programme was carried out, and ask for the confirmation
  • Read the service book: the shortened, one-year oil change cycle is expected here
2 more steps in the write-up

ZF 8HP automatic: mechatronics unit and connector sleeve leak

expensive

The ZF eight speed automatic (BMW Steptronic 8HP family) has two faults, and you can feel both.

Show the rest

The first is the mechatronics unit: the valve body and the control electronics in one. If the solenoids or the pressure regulation weaken, the gearbox jerks, the D/R engagement is delayed, it logs a gear ratio fault code, and finally drops into limp mode (often staying in 2nd or 3rd).

The second, and often misdiagnosed, is the connector sleeve of the mechatronics unit: the O-ring of the plastic sleeve ages, and ATF leaks from the side of the housing, exactly where the wiring harness enters. This is easy to mistake for a rear crankshaft seal. The trail starts from the driver's side of the housing, not from the clutch side.

On cars built in 2023 there was also a separate safety recall for a welding fault in the mechatronics unit. That is not the same as the wear related sleeve and the valves.

Check the fluid level, the area around the sleeve and the fault codes first; do not accept a "full gearbox replacement" quote straight away.

above 120,000 km

What to check

  • On the test drive watch for delayed D/R engagement, a jerk when shifting, and limp mode (a stuck gear)
  • Look at the driver's side of the gearbox housing where the wiring harness enters: an ATF trail from the sleeve is suspect
  • Do not confuse it with a rear crankshaft seal leak: the direction of the trail decides
3 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

BMW X6 X6 xDrive50i

First what you would check on any car. Then the faults of this model.

Before you buy

Checklist

The printed sheet starts with what you would check on any car. What you tick stays on this device only.

On every car

Ask the owner

Faults of this model

vinkodex.com · Before you buy it, see what can go wrong.

Official recall23 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.

Most recent: 30 March 2023

A12/00868/23Safety recallInjuries30 March 2023 · EU Safety Gate

The airbag may deteriorate over time, and if deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 30/03/2023

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/01929/23Safety recallInjuries29 June 2021 · EU Safety Gate

The propellant in the driver airbag can deteriorate due to high humidity and temperature variations. In the event of an accident in which the airbag deploys, this could result in fragments from the inflator casing coming loose and injuring the vehicle’s occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 29/06/2021

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

20V017000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE15 January 2020 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW 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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

19V823000CHILD SEATCHILD SEAT18 November 2019 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2015-2019 X6 sDrive35i, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6M vehicles equipped with rear seat lower anchor bars used in securing child restraint seats. The lower anchor bars may become damaged over time when used with an ISOFIX-type, rigid-style connector, child restraint system.

Risk: Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will weld a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and the vehicle body, free of charge. Owner notification began January 17, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

19V017000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE14 January 2019 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW 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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

18V680000SUSPENSION:REARSUSPENSION:REAR28 September 2018 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 BMW X6 sDrive35i, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles. The rear upper control arm pivot bolts may have been improperly hardened, possibly causing the rear upper control arms to break.

Risk: If a rear upper control arm breaks, it can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: All affected vehicles remain on dealer lots, therefore owner letters will not be mailed. BMW dealers will replace both rear upper control arms, free of charge. The recall began September 21, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

18V614000WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDSWHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS12 September 2018 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X6 sDrive35i, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6M vehicles. The wheel bolts on these vehicles may not have been properly tightened.

Risk: The improperly tightened wheel bolts may loosen and break, affecting vehicle handling and control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and tighten all of the wheel bolts, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

18V439000SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARMSUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM28 June 2018 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 xDrive35d, and X6 sDrive35i vehicles. The pivot bolt on the front lower-left control arm may not have been properly hardened, which may cause the control arm to break.

Risk: If the lower control arm breaks, vehicle handling and control can be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower-left control arms and replace if necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 11, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

17V727000SUSPENSIONSUSPENSION17 November 2017 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW X5 SAV, X5 M SAV, X6 SAV, and X6 M SAV vehicles. Bolts that secure the front suspension may not have been properly tightened.

Risk: Loose bolts can affect the performance of the suspension, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the wishbone suspension bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

17V327000EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSEQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS18 May 2017 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017 BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with 21-inch tires, however the Tire Information Label states that the vehicles are equipped with 20-inch tires. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: The incorrect tire size on the label does not comply with FMVSS number 110.

Remedy: BMW has notified the affected owners and is providing them with a corrected tire information placard, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

17V138000POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFTPOWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT2 March 2017 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW 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.

Risk: If 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.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00042/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The four ISOFIX child-seat attachment brackets on the rear seats may not have the necessary structural durability. As a result, one or more of the brackets could break under increased fatigue loading during operation. This may increase the risk of injury in the event of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00447/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The upper spoiler might have been inappropriately manufactured. Consequently, it may detach while the car is in movement, increasing the risk of accident to the following traffic.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00590/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Defective hydraulic unit of the braking system may cause a limited braking support and increased braking distance. Moreover, in such cases the ABS system would not be available. This will lead to increased risk of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00783/23Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The airbag propellant may deteriorate over time, and If deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/01382/23Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The driver or passenger airbag inflator may malfunction. In the event of an airbag activation this can lead to the release of fragments from the generator housing, increasing the risk of injury. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/02466/24Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

The software-based overload protection function cannot sufficiently prevent the starter being overloaded in the event of repeated long start-up attempts. The starter may overheat or sparks may be produced as a result of an increased current flow. This increases the risk of a fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/02573/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/02833/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/1182/18Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The ball stud of the left wishbone (control arm) on the front axle is inadequate. As a consequence, it could break and lead to impaired steering.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/1325/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The nuts on the left-hand side wheels may not have been tightened in accordance with the specifications. This may cause a wheel to detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

SR/03823/25Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

The engine starter’s electrical contacts may overheat and cause the vehicle to start improperly. Continued starting attempts can intensify the overheating and ignite surrounding components, potentially leading to a vehicle fire while driving or shortly after parking. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

SR/03830/25Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

Water may come into contact with the starter relay and gradually cause corrosion. This could affect the electrical connection inside the relay and make the engine difficult to start. It may also result in a short circuit and could cause the starter to overheat leading to a fire when the vehicle is in motion or when it is parked with the ignition off. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

Engine and transmission

N63B44

300–357 kW (408–485 HP) · petrol

ZF8HP70 · 8-speed automatic, longitudinal (ZF 8HP70)

automatic · 8 speed

Torque limit700 Nm
MakerZF

We built the code from the model and the gear count. The factory sheet does not state it.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
X6 xDrive50i
Body
SUV
Fuel
petrol
Transmission
automatic
Engine size
4395 cc
Power
330 kW (449 HP)
Drive
AWD
Production
2014–2019

Factory service interval

The manufacturer specifies this for this version. Of the mileage and the time, the one that comes first is the one that counts.

  • Air filter

    • 60,000 km or 4 years

  • Cabin (pollen) filter

    • 30,000 km or 2 years

  • Brake fluid change

    • first: 3 years, then 2 years(first change at 3 years, then every two years)

  • Engine oil and oil filter (BMW condition-based service)

    • LongLife25,000 km or 2 years

  • Spark plugs, petrol

    • 60,000 km or 6 years
All F16 versions

Information, not an expert opinion

We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.

  • A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
  • A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
  • You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.
Details in the terms