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 2012 X6 M.
The 2012 BMW X6 M is a performance-oriented SUV built on the E71 platform, pairing its aggressive body with an automatic S8 transmission. It demands 6.9 quarts of oil with a choice of 15W-40, 10W-40, or 10W-30 viscosity, while delivering EPA estimates of 16 mpg city, 23 highway, and 19 combined. Within the model’s 2008–2021 complaint history, this year registers the highest total at 34 owner-reported issues—predominantly engine-related—and 7 recalls, marking it as the generation’s most trouble-prone entry.
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 49 · 900 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 | 13717571355 alt 13717577457 |
| Spark plug | 12120037580 alt 12120037581 |
| Battery | 61217594976 |
| Front wiper blades | 61610077821 |
| Thermostat | 11538632664 alt 11537586885 |
| Cabin air filter | 64319194098 alt 64119248294 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| 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 | 16 / 23 / 19 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 | 1.1 Pints |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 2.1 Pints |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 2.1 Pints |
| Engine Coolant | ETHYLENE GLYCOL |
| Engine Oil | 15W-40 · API · 10W-40 · 10W-30 · 5W-30 |
| 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 | 49 |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 900 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 2012 BMW X6 M sits at the apex of a distinct complaint and recall arc within its generation, following a dramatic spike from near-zero activity in 2008–2009 to 31 complaints and 11 recalls in 2011, then peaking in 2012 with 34 complaints—the highest single-year count in the dataset—while recalls dropped to 7, suggesting the tail end of a major remediation effort rather than a new outbreak. By 2013, complaints fell to 26 and the model registered its first investigation (1), with the trajectory continuing downward to just 11 complaints and 4 recalls by 2014, and reaching zero consumer complaints from 2015 onward, indicating that whatever drove the 2011–2012 surge was substantially resolved. The 2012 model's top complaint areas—Engine (11 of 34) and Power Train (3)—suggest powertrain-related concerns dominated consumer filings, though no fire complaints and only 2 crash-related complaints distinguish this year from more safety-critical patterns. The 218 TSBs for 2012 reflects a manufacturer actively issuing service bulletins, consistent with BMW addressing systemic issues across this generation. The takeaway: 2012 represents the most complaint-dense year of the X6 M's generation, likely capturing a concentration of unresolved or newly-manifested defects; a buyer should budget for thorough pre-purchase inspection of engine and drivetrain components and verify all recall and TSB work has been completed, while recognizing that subsequent model years demonstrated markedly improved reliability.
All 34 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 218 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… |
| B065825 | 2025-11-18 | Visibility/Wiper | Rear Glass Return |
| 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… |
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 7 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined mpg.