Research · Subcompact Cars

2018 BMW M6Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 1 owner complaint for the 2018 BMW M6. Most complaints involve steering (1) and suspension (1). The EPA rates it 16–17 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
16–17mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Feb 2020
Owner complaints
1
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$4,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Exterior lighting: brake lights

Free remedy

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2019 M6 Gran Coupe vehicles. The third brake light may become loose, possibly allowing the light to detach from the vehicle.

Exterior lightingReported Feb 19, 2020NHTSA 20V094000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2026 – Jan 2026
  1. Steering1
  2. Suspension1
  3. Vehicle speed control1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each M6 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20067
20077
20082
20132
20145
20164
20171
20181
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Steering

1 report
“My 2018 BMW M6 which cost me almost $90,000 suddenly lost its suspension balance and height. Driving got bouncy, axles lost balance, driving turned hazardous. It was diagnosed that , The Virtual Dynamics Management module was fried and defected. The replacement cost $2,571.40 which Irvine California BMW made the recommended repair. After revisiting and researching the root cause, speaking with BMW certified master technicians, with 50+ years of working on MBW cars said, they never seen this defect nor this module failed before. They shared that this looks like a design flaw, with no recall and no history. I sent a certified letter dated Dec. 22, 2025 to BMW North America CEO Sebastian Mackensen and BMW Global CEO Oliver Zipse. Unfortunately, both did not read the letter. I was told they are too busy with other things, which is appalling. The letter was passed to their customer relations. They shared with me and confirmed that although this defect is rare, they will not reimburse me the cost of the repair since my car is out of warranty. I am aware that the car is out of warranty however they should stand and held accountable to the quality of the module since…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 24, 2026Steering, Suspension, Vehicle speed controlODI 11713104

Suspension

1 report

Vehicle speed control

1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Subcompact Cars, Compact Cars
Engines
4.4L 8-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Manual 6-spd · Automatic (AM-S7)
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
M6 Convertible
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
152217$4,700522
M6 Gran Coupe
Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
152217$4,700522
M6 Convertible
Auto (AM-S7), 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
142016$5,000553
M6 Gran Coupe
Auto (AM-S7), 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
142016$5,000553
  • M6 Convertible
    Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo
    15 city · 22 hwy · $4,700/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • M6 Gran Coupe
    Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo
    15 city · 22 hwy · $4,700/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • M6 Convertible
    Auto (AM-S7), 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo
    14 city · 20 hwy · $5,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • M6 Gran Coupe
    Auto (AM-S7), 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo
    14 city · 20 hwy · $5,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 BMW M6 as of Oct 27, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 27, 2026Vehicle 12537Vehicle 12536
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2018 M6 questions

How many recalls does the 2018 BMW M6 have?

1 safety recall as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2018 BMW M6 problems?

Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (1), suspension (1), vehicle speed control (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2018 BMW M6 get?

The EPA rates the 2018 BMW M6 at 16–17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026