BMW 6 Series

Name: 2012 BMW 6 Series
Brand: BMW

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

The redesigned 6 Series is still a grand touring two-door coupe or convertible, based on the 5 Series. It is longer and wider than the old car, with a lower overall height. Power comes from a 315-hp turbocharged six-cylinder or a 4.4-liter, 400-hp V8 mated to either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. The optional Integral Active Steering turns the front and rear wheels. BMW claims that improves high-speed stability as well as low-speed parking lot maneuvers. All-wheel drive and a more powerful M version are available.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

BMW 6 Series

vs. Similar Cars

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Audi A6

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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2012 Luxury midsized cars Ratings

2012 BMW 6 Series

$7,600 - $9,875

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Acura RL

$6,450 - $7,550

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Acura TL

$7,250 - $8,450

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

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2012 Audi A6

$3,425 - $6,975

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

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2012 Audi A7

$7,300 - $8,825

EPA MPG NA

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Audi S4

$9,925

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 BMW 5 Series

$6,325 - $8,200

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Buick LaCrosse

$5,775 - $6,225

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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2012 Cadillac CTS

$4,475 - $22,100

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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2012 Fisker Karma

$ NA

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2012 Infiniti M

$4,900 - $7,775

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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2012 Jaguar XF

$4,375 - $5,800

EPA MPG NA

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2012 Lexus ES

$10,200

EPA MPG 22 mpg

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2012 Lexus GS

$ NA

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2012 Lincoln MKS

$6,275 - $7,150

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Lincoln MKZ

$4,900 - $5,950

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS

$8,100 - $13,000

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

$5,975 - $12,925

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volvo S80

$5,250 - $5,975

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volvo XC70

$5,625 - $7,950

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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Features & Specs

convertible

coupe

2 front, 2 rear

AWD, Rear

3-liter 6 turbo (315 hp)
4.4-liter V8 turbo (400 hp)
4.4-liter V8 turbo (560 hp)

8-speed automatic
6-speed manual

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2012-2019

2012 Redesign Year

A redesign for 2012 brought the four-door Grand Coupe, along with power from a 3.0-liter, turbo six-cylinder or a 4.4-liter V8 mated to an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. The V8 delivers ferocious acceleration and an invigorating exhaust note. Handling is much sharper than the 5 Series, making this more of a driver's car than its predecessor. The M version is even more performance oriented. The manual transmission is unusual for this class. AWD is available. 2019 was the final year for the big 6 Series.

2004-2010

2004 Redesign Year

The 6 Series coupe and convertible share a platform with the 5 Series. The V8 engine is smooth and punchy and the car's handling is agile. However, the ride can be choppy at low speeds. Although a luxurious and relaxing cruiser with a powerful drivetrain and sporty reflexes, the 650i is hampered by the cumbersome iDrive system. Many simple functions, including radio, climate, navigation and vehicle settings, require multiple inputs and pull the driver's attention away from the road for too long. Voice commands are also available, but they take time to learn. Fortunately, there are dedicated buttons for temperature settings and radio volume. Still though, the rear seat is adequate for small adults on short trips and the 6 Series BMW has a relatively useful trunk.