BMW 6 Series: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 2,648 BMW 6 Series cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1977 and 2024.
In a sample of 387 cars, 30.5% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, less often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (9.3% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 11 recalls for this model; 16.5% of registered cars still have an open recall.
3.2% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific BMW 6 Series
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 9.3% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 4.9% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 4.1% |
| Tyre damaged | 3.9% |
| Drive shaft boot damaged and not sealing | 3.1% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 2.8% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 1.3% |
| eCall warning indicates a fault | 1.3% |
| Stub axle (kingpin) has too much play | 1% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 1% |
Share of 387 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 6.2% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 3.4% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 3.1% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 2,648 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 16.5% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 3.2% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 1977 to 2024 |
All BMW 6 Series passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-10-01 | electrical system | serious | 13,734 |
| 2024-08-26 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 15,702 |
| 2024-07-08 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 87,520 |
| 2023-12-06 | general construction | serious | 4 |
| 2023-10-24 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 886 |
| 2023-04-20 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 9,823 |
| 2023-01-27 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 10,934 |
| 2019-10-18 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 21 |
| 2017-09-13 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 40 |
| 2017-03-07 | axles, wheels and tyres | – | 1,097 |
| 2017-03-06 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 24 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the BMW 6 Series fail the APK?
In a sample of 387 cars first registered 2012–2021, 30.5% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the BMW 6 Series?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (9.3%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (4.9%), tyre tread depth insufficient (4.1%).
Does the BMW 6 Series have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 11 recalls. 16.5% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other BMW models
3 Series · 1 Series · 5 Series · X1 · 2 Series · X5 · X3 · iX1 · 4 Series · iX3 · i4 · i3 · X2 · i5 · Z4
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.