Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 60,000 mi.
| Every 60,000 mi | Spark Plugs (replace) |
| At 120,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2011 X6 M.
The 2011 BMW X6 M is an SUV built on BMW's E71 platform, pairing an engine requiring 6.9 quarts of oil (specified for 15W-40, 10W-40, or 10W-30 API SJ viscosity) with a seven-speed automatic transmission and returning EPA figures of 17 city, 19 highway, and 18 combined mpg. Across the model's 2008–2021 production history, this year's 31 owner complaints—dominated by engine issues and accompanied by 11 recalls—place it just shy of the 2012 peak of 34, meaning the 2011 sits squarely within the model's most problematic window rather than in the gradual decline that followed toward 2021's low of seven complaints. For researchers, that positions it as a year where engine-related concerns were near their historical ceiling, making it a critical data point when assessing the X6 M's early-production reliability trajectory.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 48 Hybrid · 760 Hybrid CCA battery, OE oil filter 11428683168. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | 11428683168 alt 11428637821 |
| Engine air filter | 13717589642 alt 13717577457 |
| Spark plug | 12120037580 alt 12120037581 |
| Battery | 61217594976 |
| Front wiper blades | 61610077821 |
| Thermostat | 11538632664 alt 11537586885 |
| Cabin air filter | 64319194098 alt 64316804939 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (S7) |
| Overall length | 192.5 in |
| Overall width | 78 in |
| Overall height | 66.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 115.4 in |
| Track (front / rear) | 65 / 64.6 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 50/50 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 17 / 19 / 18 mpg |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 6.9 qt of 15W-40 / 10W-40 / 10W-30 API SJ engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 103 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | BMW part number 83222152426 |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | 10.5-11.5 |
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 1.5 Pints |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 2.1 Pints |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 2.1 Pints |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 2.5 pints |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 1.1 Pints |
| Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts | 18 ft-lbs |
| Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts | 11 ft-lbs |
| Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts | 11 ft-lbs |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 103 ft-lbs |
| Transfer Case Fill Plug | 24.0 ft-lbs |
| Transfer Case Drain Plug | 24.0 ft-lbs |
| Front Wheel Hub | 310 ft-lbs |
| Rear Wheel Hub | 310 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 |
| Spark Plug Manufacturer | BMW |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | 46 |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 48 Hybrid |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 760 Hybrid cca |
| Optional BCI Group Number | 95R |
| Optional BCI Cranking Performance | 950 cca |
| Optional BCI Group Number | 95R |
| Pressure Test | 21.7 psi |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 17-22 psi |
| Pressure Test | 29 psi |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 28-32 psi |
| Engine Compression | 145-232 PSI. 29 maximum variation. psi |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | Front: 0.145; Rear: 0.145 pads |
| 1 | 15 ft. lbs., Step 2: 140 | 15 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 73 ft. lbs., step 2: 60 degrees, step 3: 60 degrees, step 4: 60 | 73 ft. lbs |
Prep Do not reuse old bolts
| 1 | 22.0 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 3 | Bolts 1-10 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 4 | 45 degrees | 45 degrees |
| 1 | 22.0 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 3 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
Prep Do not reuse old bolts
| 1 | 22.0 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 3 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 1 | 6 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9.6 | 6 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 7 ft. lbs., Step 2: 11 ft. lbs., Step 15 | 7 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 15 ft. lbs., Step 2: 70 | 15 ft. lbs |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 60,000 mi.
| Every 60,000 mi | Spark Plugs (replace) |
| At 120,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 2011 BMW X6 M sits at the apex of a dramatic early-generation spike in federal records, transitioning from the quiet 2008 and 2009 model years—which saw zero complaints and only one recall each—to a peak of 31 complaints and 11 recalls. For the target year specifically, engine and powertrain issues dominate the complaint roster, accounting for 9 and 4 respective primary categories, alongside 3 fire complaints, though the data does not specify the root causes. Following 2011, the generation's record shows a downward arc in problem frequency, with complaints dropping to 26 in 2013 and 11 in 2014, indicating that 2011 bears the brunt of the model's early lifecycle issues. Its position at the height of this volatility implies that 2011 models carry the highest concentration of the generation's documented vulnerabilities, underscored by a staggering 260 technical service bulletins. Given the disproportionate volume of recalls and engine-related complaints compared to the smoother years immediately preceding and following it, the 2011 model year is a risky purchase and should be avoided in favor of later, more refined model years.
All 31 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M… Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however…
Showing 5 of 260 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B012016 | 2026-05-06 | Electrical System | The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship… |
| B110614 | 2025-03-27 | Engine | This bulletin outlines the Customer Care Package program that has been designed… |
| B012016 | 2025-03-13 | Electrical System | The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship… |
| B012016 | 2025-02-20 | Electrical System | The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship… |
| B510819 | 2024-01-16 | Electrical System | The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
6.9 qt of HIGH PERFORMANCE MINERAL OILS: ABOVE 5 degrees F: 15W-40 API SJ, SL OR SM, -5 degreesF TO 68 degrees F: 10W-40 API SJ, SL OR SM, 5 degreesF TO 50 degrees F: 10W-30 API SJ, SL OR SM, BELOW 50 degrees F: 5W-30 API SJ, SL OR SM, BELOW 32 degrees F:, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 11 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 17 city / 19 highway / 18 combined mpg.