BMW F12 6 Series buying guide: coupé, convertible and Gran Coupé
The F12, F13 and F06 6 Series are elegant and comfortable grand tourers. This guide covers the convertible, coupé and Gran Coupé, their engines, common issues and what to check before buying.
1 view 1 reading now 0 comments 4 min read
On this page
The F12 6 Series convertible arrived in 2011, followed by the F13 coupé and, in 2012, the F06 Gran Coupé with four doors. Together, they offered elegant design, a luxurious interior and powerful six-cylinder and V8 engines.
Today, the F12 6 Series and its sister models are excellent value as used grand tourers. This guide explains the body styles, engines, common issues and what to check before you buy one.
Three body styles
The third-generation 6 Series came in three body styles:
- F12 convertible: a four-seat convertible with a fabric roof.
- F13 coupé: a two-door coupé with a frameless door design.
- F06 Gran Coupé: a four-door coupé with more rear space.
All three share their platform with the F10 5 Series and F01 7 Series. Our F01 7 Series buying guide explains some shared technology.
Engines
The F12 6 Series family was offered with several engines:
- 640i: the N55 six-cylinder turbo petrol, smooth and economical for its size.
- 650i: a twin-turbo V8 petrol, with more power after an update.
- 640d: a twin-turbo six-cylinder diesel, strong and economical. Our article on the BMW N57 diesel explains it.
- M6: the full M version. Our article on BMW M6 history explains it.
xDrive was available on some versions in some markets. All engines were paired with the eight-speed automatic gearbox in most cars.
Choosing between the 640i, 640d and 650i
The 640d is popular in Europe for its torque and economy, making it ideal for long trips. The 640i is smooth and simpler than the V8. The 650i offers the most performance and a V8 sound but has higher running costs.
Many buyers choose the 640d or 640i as the most sensible versions.
F12 6 Series common issues
Points to check include:
- V8 engines, which can suffer from oil consumption, leaks, injectors and timing chain issues. Our article on BMW oil consumption explains this.
- Oil leaks from the valve cover and oil filter housing on the 640i.
- Electric water pump and thermostat. Our article on BMW cooling system problems explains them.
- Diesel DPF and EGR on the 640d.
- Convertible roof operation and seals on the F12.
- Electronic faults in a car with many systems.
- Suspension bushes and adaptive dampers.
The F12 convertible roof
The F12 has a fabric roof with a rear window that can be raised and lowered separately. Check that the roof opens and closes smoothly, with no warning messages, and that the interior and boot are dry. Our article on BMW convertible roof care explains how to look after it.
The F06 Gran Coupé
The Gran Coupé combines the style of a coupé with four doors and more rear space. It is popular as a stylish alternative to the 5 Series and 7 Series. It is longer than the coupé and convertible, and rear passengers have more legroom. Rear headroom is still limited for taller adults.
The Gran Coupé is often the easiest 6 Series to sell later, because it combines style with everyday usability. The boot is a good size for a grand tourer, and the rear seats fold in many cars, which makes it practical for longer trips with luggage or sports equipment.
Running costs
The 640d is the most economical. The 640i is reasonable for a large petrol car. The V8 models use much more fuel and can need costly repairs. Tyres and brakes are expensive, and insurance can be high. Budget for preventive maintenance on any car.
Test drive checklist
On the test drive:
- Start the engine cold and listen for unusual noises.
- Check for smoke under acceleration on V8 cars.
- Test the gearbox for smooth shifts.
- Test the roof on convertible cars.
- Check all electrical functions, including the head-up display and driver assistance.
- Read the fault memory.
Our complete checklist for buying a used BMW M car covers many checks that apply to any BMW.
F12 6 Series: points to remember
Look for a car with full service history, completed recalls and evidence of V8 maintenance where relevant. Check the condition of the leather and the large alloy wheels. Many cars were well equipped, so check that options such as adaptive LED headlights, soft-close doors and the premium audio work correctly.
A specialist inspection is strongly recommended for V8 models.
Is the F12 6 Series a good buy?
A good F12, F13 or F06 6 Series is an elegant, comfortable and fast grand tourer at a fraction of its original price. The 640d is the best all-rounder, the 640i is a smooth petrol choice and the 650i is for enthusiasts who accept higher costs.
Choose the body style that suits you and buy the best documented car you can find.
BMW F12 6 Series key facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Production | 2011 to 2018 |
| Body | F12 convertible, F13 coupé, F06 Gran Coupé |
| Petrol | 640i six-cylinder, 650i V8 |
| Diesel | 640d six-cylinder |
| Gearbox | Eight-speed automatic in most cars |
| Platform | Shared with the F10 5 Series |
| Key checks | V8 condition, leaks, roof, electronics |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the F12, F13 and F06?
The F12 is the convertible, the F13 is the coupé and the F06 is the four-door Gran Coupé.
Which F12 6 Series engine is best?
The 640d offers the best balance of performance and economy.
Is the F12 6 Series reliable?
Six-cylinder models are generally more dependable than the V8, but all need careful maintenance.
Is the Gran Coupé practical?
It has four doors and more rear space, though rear headroom is limited for taller adults.
Comments 0
Join the conversation — be kind, no links.
Loading comments…