A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 BMW 6-Series

With an eye-catching restyled exterior that still boasts the basic signature grille shape, the 2012 6-Series is packed with modern features while maintaining its classic image and top-of-the-line performance.

Key Features

  • 4-way adjustable suspension
  • BMW apps – interface with your iPhone to control Pandora and social media apps
  • 10.2” display
  • Rearview camera
  • Front and rear parking sensors

Changes This Model Year

New features for the 2012 series include a restyled dashboard with built-in iDrive infotainment system, available all-wheel drive, and a 6-cylinder turbo-powered engine.

What We Like

The features and technology packed into this model for the price and class – plus the attention-getting sporty exterior – will definitely captivate your senses. The trunk is roomy and the soft top on the convertible not only moves fast but doesn’t eat up cargo space.

What Concerns Us

Some of the smaller models in this class have a sportier driving feel, and the interior could have a more luxurious touch.

Available Models

Coupe 2D 640i:

  • 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo 8-speed automatic, 315 HP, 332 lb.-ft. torque, 23/33 mpg

Coupe 2D 650i:

  • 4.4L V8 twin turbo 6-speed manual, 400 HP, 450 lb.-ft. torque, 15/22 mpg

Coupe 2D 650xi AWD:

  • 4.4L V8 twin turbo AWD 8-speed automatic, 400 HP, 450 lb.-ft. torque, 15/20 mpg

Convertible 2D 640i:

  • 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo 8-speed automatic, 315 HP, 332 lb.-ft. torque, 21/31 mpg

Convertible 2D 650i:

  • 4.4L V8 twin turbo 6-speed manual, 400 HP, 450 lb.-ft. torque, 15/22 mpg

Convertible 2D 650xi AWD:

  • 4.4L V8 twin turbo AWD 8-speed automatic, 400 HP, 450 lb.-ft. torque, 15/20 mpg

Major Recalls

In April of 2012 the 6-Series convertible with 8-cylinder engine was recalled due to the possibility of the electric auxiliary water pump circuit board overheating, creating the potential for smoldering or fire in the engine compartment or cabin. BMW offered free replacement of the water pump and involved parts.

Common Issues

While most reviews on the 6-Series are glowing, there have been some complaints of the computer system going out repeatedly, as well as the car burning an excessive amount of oil, even when purchased brand new. In one very odd complaint, a driver was traveling on the highway in a thunderstorm when a bolt of lightning hit the grass near the area where the car was traveling. Most of the 650i’s systems immediately failed, including the engine. Upon repair, no parts showed any sign of electrical damage or melting.

BMW 6-Series 2012 Interior


Next Step

Schedule Pre-purchase Car Inspection

The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Pre-purchase Car Inspection. YourMechanic’s technicians bring the dealership to you by performing this job at your home or office 7-days a week between 7AM-9PM. We currently cover over 2,000 cities and have 100k+ 5-star reviews... LEARN MORE

SEE PRICING & SCHEDULING

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Recent Pre-purchase Car Inspection reviews

Excellent Rating

(5,493)

Rating Summary
5,137
193
39
38
86
5,137
193
39
38
86

Jermaine

25 years of experience
382 reviews
Jermaine
25 years of experience
Dodge Durango V6-3.6L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Silver Spring, Maryland
Awesome mechanic! Very reliable !! Awesome personality! Explained everything and now I feel less stressed.
Hyundai Ioniq - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Chevy Chase, Maryland
Jermaine was very friendly, efficient and professional. He kindly explained to me those things that did not score well in the service report, so that it didn't come as a surprise, and I would know what to do about it.

Caz

18 years of experience
146 reviews
Caz
18 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz GLA250 L4-2.0L Turbo - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Woodstock, Georgia
Caz was extremely knowledgeable, personable and provided excellent service. He was on time for the appointment and answered and explained everything I asked concerning my vehicle. I will definitely use the company again and I would love to have Caz as my mechanic! Excellent!
Mercedes-Benz S550 - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Mableton, Georgia
Caz Arrived on time much earlier than scheduled. He was very professional in inspecting the car and made excellent recommendations.

Brian

19 years of experience
138 reviews
Brian
19 years of experience
Lexus RX350 V6-3.5L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - McDonough, Georgia
Brian was very informational and knowledgeable about the Inspection. He throughly inform me what issues on vehicle. Great Mechanic !!!
Ford Transit-350 HD - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - McDonough, Georgia
Great service. Honest , respectful and truly cares about making sure you get the best options possible at an affordable price. Finding a mechanic you can trust is rare. I highly recommend Brain.

Jay

24 years of experience
262 reviews
Jay
24 years of experience
Honda CR-V L4-2.4L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Glendale Heights, Illinois
Jay did a great job! Excellent at taking time to explain things about your car. And provided sound recommendation on repair. Courteous and responsive. I would definitely recommend Jay!
BMW 535i xDrive - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Des Plaines, Illinois
Excellent ! Jay is very detail oriented and forward thinking. I would highly recommend him to anyone.

Need Help With Your Car?

Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair.

GET A QUOTE

Related articles

How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Car Title in Ohio
Quickly, Quickly, can you name where you have your car title stored? Now how about checking if it’s actually there? All too often people lose this rather important piece of paper, or worse yet, have it stolen. Your car title...
How to Buy a Classic Car
Some things truly do get better with age, and a classic car in good condition is one example. There’s a reason why a car is considered a classic, and it has a lot to do with it having a time-tested...
What Does Car Value Mean?
Knowing Knowing whether or not you’re getting a good car for your money is difficult because “good” is open to interpretation. You and a friend can have the same new car, yet have widely differing views of its value and...

Related questions

How do you attach a child seat tether to the upper anchor?
If you’re using a child seat that features a tether, it should be secured to the anchor point above the rear seat in the car. Here’s how to attach it: Pull the tether out and up to the top of...
loud humming noise front in passenger side
It sounds like your humming noise is likely a bad wheel bearing or tire. I would lean more towards a bad wheel bearing. A visual inspection can easily determine where the noise is coming from in this case. Keep in...
i have just installed a led light kit
Without knowing which kit was used and how it was installed I will answer this the best I can. With any electrical parts, the most common failures are due to heat and corrosion. Any wiring should be sealed as close...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com