How much does a BMW 6 Series F13 engine replacement cost in the UK?

A reconditioned F13 engine typically costs £3,500–£18,000 supply only, depending on engine -the N55 six-cylinder sits at £3,500–£6,000, while the Alpina V8 can reach £10,000–£18,000. Fitting adds £780–£1,560. Use our calculator for a personalised figure.

What are the common problems with the BMW 6 Series F13?

Valve stem seal and turbo coolant line failures on the N63 V8 (650i), crank hub and rod bearing issues on the S63 M6, turbocharger and injector issues on the N57 diesel, water pump and VANOS issues on the N55, and -unrelated to the engine -the occasional electronic gremlins and suspension component wear.

Is the BMW 6 Series F13 reliable?

Reliability varies significantly by engine choice. The N55 and N57 are the most dependable, while the N63 V8 is complex and expensive to maintain. The S63 in the M6 demands meticulous maintenance. A well-maintained F13 can be a rewarding grand tourer; a neglected one will be expensive.

Which BMW 6 Series F13 engine should I avoid?

The N63 V8 (650i) without meticulous service history -the hot-vee design leads to expensive heat-related failures including valve stem seals and turbo coolant lines. An S63-powered M6 without documented crank hub and rod bearing history is also a risky purchase. No engine is inherently bad, but history is everything.

How do I know if my F13 engine needs replacing?

Blue smoke on start-up (N63 valve stem seals), whining noise from the engine or drop in power (N57 turbo issues), overheating with no obvious external leak (cooling system failure), or rough idle and check engine lights are the key warning signs. Use our diagnostic calculator for a personalised assessment.

Is it worth replacing a BMW 6 Series F13 engine, or should I scrap the car?

Depends on the car's value. Against a £12,000 F13, a £6,000 N63 recon is 50% -borderline but within our 70% BMW threshold. Against a well-kept £20,000+ example, the same recon is 30% -a repair decision. Against a sub-£10,000 example, a V8 engine failure is a write-off. On an M6, the calculus is different -the car's value justifies the S63's high replacement cost.

How long do BMW 6 Series F13 engines last?

The N55 can exceed 150,000–200,000 miles with proper maintenance. The N57 diesel is similarly durable. The N63 V8 can also reach high mileage but requires meticulous cooling system and valve train maintenance. The S63 is robust but requires crank hub and rod bearing preventative work.

What is the difference between the F13 and the E63?

The F13 is the third-generation 6 Series Coupé (2011–2018), built on the L6 platform with a range of turbocharged engines -marking the first time the 6 Series used forced induction. The E63 is the second-generation 6 Series (2003–2010), built on the E60 platform with naturally aspirated engines including the N62 V8 and S85 V10 in the M6. The F13 is significantly more refined and technologically advanced.

How do I find my BMW 6 Series F13 engine code?

Listed on the VIN plate and vehicle documentation; block stamping is visible on the engine itself. Tell us your variant (640i, 650i, M6, 640d, etc.) and approximate registration date and we'll identify it -20+ vetted specialists will confirm it for free.

F13 Engine Replacement Cost UK -Compare Quotes

BMW 6 Series F13 Engine Codes -The Complete Database

Every engine fitted to the F13 coupé -from the 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol and diesel units to the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 in the 650i and M6.

Engine CodeFamilyFuelDisplacementPowerYears (F13)

VariantsReliability2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon CostN55B30N55

Petrol, turbo3.0L (2979cc)315 bhp2011–2018640i, 640i xDrive★★★★☆ [PATTERN DATA]

-(pattern data)£3,500–£6,000 [PLACEHOLDER -confirm vs cost sheet]N63B44O0N63Petrol, twin-turbo4.4L (4395cc)

402 bhp2011–2013650i, 650i xDrive★★★☆☆ [PATTERN DATA]-(pattern data)£6,000–£10,000 [PLACEHOLDER -confirm vs cost sheet]

N63B44O1 (N63TU)N63Petrol, twin-turbo4.4L (4395cc)444 bhp2013–2018

650i, 650i xDrive★★★☆☆ [PATTERN DATA]-(pattern data)£6,500–£11,000 [PLACEHOLDER -confirm vs cost sheet]S63B44T0S63

Petrol, twin-turbo4.4L (4395cc)553 bhp2012–2018M6, M6 Competition★★★★☆ [PATTERN DATA]

-(pattern data)£9,000–£15,000 [PLACEHOLDER -confirm vs cost sheet]N57D30N57Diesel, twin-turbo3.0L (2993cc)

308 bhp2011–2018640d, 640d xDrive★★★★☆ [PATTERN DATA]-(pattern data)£4,000–£7,500 [PLACEHOLDER -confirm vs cost sheet]

AlpinaN63/S63Petrol, twin-turbo4.4L (4395cc)533–600+ bhp2012–2018

Engine CodeFuelPowerYearsReliabilityEnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

VariantsReliability2025 EnquiriesN55B30N55

Petrol, turbo3.0L (2979cc)315 bhp640i, 640i xDrive★★★★☆ [PATTERN DATA]

-(pattern data)£3,500–£6,000 [PLACEHOLDER -confirm vs cost sheet]N63B44O0Petrol, twin-turbo4.4L (4395cc)

402 bhp2011–2013650i, 650i xDrive-(pattern data)£6,000–£10,000 [PLACEHOLDER -confirm vs cost sheet]

N63B44O1 (N63TU)N63Petrol, twin-turbo444 bhp2013–2018

650i, 650i xDrive★★★☆☆ [PATTERN DATA]-(pattern data)S63B44T0S63

Petrol, twin-turbo4.4L (4395cc)553 bhpM6, M6 Competition★★★★☆ [PATTERN DATA]

-(pattern data)£9,000–£15,000 [PLACEHOLDER -confirm vs cost sheet]N57D30Diesel, twin-turbo3.0L (2993cc)

308 bhp2011–2018640d, 640d xDrive-(pattern data)£4,000–£7,500 [PLACEHOLDER -confirm vs cost sheet]

AlpinaN63/S63Petrol, twin-turbo533–600+ bhp2012–2018

Overview

BMW 6 Series F13 -Overview

The F13 is the two-door coupé variant of the third-generation BMW 6 Series, unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show alongside the F12 convertible.

Built on the BMW L6 platform shared with the F10 5 Series and F01 7 Series, the F13 introduced a range of turbocharged engines -including the N63 twin-turbo V8 and the S63 in the M6 -marking the first time the M6 used forced induction. Production ran until 2018.

Key Facts

Platform

BMW L6 (shared with F10 5 Series, F01 7 Series)

Predecessor

BMW 6 Series E63/E64

Successor

BMW 8 Series G15 (for body style and class)

Sibling body styles in this generation

F12 (convertible), F06 (Gran Coupé)

Market Intelligence

As a low-volume grand tourer that ended production in 2018, the F13 is a niche enthusiast vehicle -the 640i remains the most common variant, while the M6 and 650i are the most sought-after for their V8 performance.

BMW 6 Series F13 -Overview

The F13 is the two-door coupé variant of the third-generation BMW 6 Series, unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show alongside the F12 convertible.

Built on the BMW L6 platform shared with the F10 5 Series and F01 7 Series, the F13 introduced a range of turbocharged engines -including the N63 twin-turbo V8 and the S63 in the M6 -marking the first time the M6 used forced induction. Production ran until 2018.

Key Facts

Platform

BMW L6 (shared with F10 5 Series, F01 7 Series)

Predecessor

BMW 6 Series E63/E64

Successor

BMW 8 Series G15 (for body style and class)

Sibling body styles in this generation

F12 (convertible), F06 (Gran Coupé)

Market Intelligence

As a low-volume grand tourer that ended production in 2018, the F13 is a niche enthusiast vehicle -the 640i remains the most common variant, while the M6 and 650i are the most sought-after for their V8 performance.

Best & Worst Engines

Thin-Data Summary

“The F13's engine range spans three distinct characters. The N55 3.0-litre turbocharged six (640i) is the most dependable engine in the range -smooth, responsive, and with a reputation for reliability that makes it the sensible choice. The N57 3.0-litre diesel six (640d) is the torque king -308 bhp and 630 Nm of effortless pulling power -and is generally more reliable than the V8 options. The N63 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 (650i) is the most complex -the "hot-vee" design places the turbochargers inside the V of the engine, leading to heat-related failures including valve stem seals, turbo coolant lines, and timing chain issues. The S63 in the M6 is a high-performance twin-turbo V8 with 553 bhp, but it demands meticulous maintenance and has known crank hub and rod bearing concerns. The Alpina B6 is a rare, high-performance variant with up to 600+ bhp. If you're buying an F13, the N55 is the sensible choice; the N57 is the torque-rich alternative; the N63 demands deep pockets; the S63 is for enthusiasts who can absorb the running costs.”

Who it's for:

Thin-Data Summary

“The F13's engine range spans three distinct characters. The N55 3.0-litre turbocharged six (640i) is the most dependable engine in the range -smooth, responsive, and with a reputation for reliability that makes it the sensible choice. The N57 3.0-litre diesel six (640d) is the torque king -308 bhp and 630 Nm of effortless pulling power -and is generally more reliable than the V8 options. The N63 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 (650i) is the most complex -the "hot-vee" design places the turbochargers inside the V of the engine, leading to heat-related failures including valve stem seals, turbo coolant lines, and timing chain issues. The S63 in the M6 is a high-performance twin-turbo V8 with 553 bhp, but it demands meticulous maintenance and has known crank hub and rod bearing concerns. The Alpina B6 is a rare, high-performance variant with up to 600+ bhp. If you're buying an F13, the N55 is the sensible choice; the N57 is the torque-rich alternative; the N63 demands deep pockets; the S63 is for enthusiasts who can absorb the running costs.”

Who it's for:

BMW 6 Series F13 -Ownership Economics

EngineTypical MileageCommon Major FailureRepair Cost (Specialist)Replacement Cost (Recon)Ownership Verdict

N55 3.0 (640i)40k–80kWater pump, VANOS solenoids£500–£1,200£3,500–£6,000

Best Petrol -the sensible choice

N57 3.0 Diesel (640d)60k–120kTurbocharger wear, injectors, DPF£800–£2,000£4,000–£7,500

Best Diesel -effortless torque

N63 4.4 V8 (650i, pre-LCI)40k–80kValve stem seals, turbo coolant lines£2,000–£5,000£6,000–£10,000

High Risk -hot-vee complexity

N63TU 4.4 V8 (650i, LCI)40k–80kValve stem seals (less common), cooling£1,500–£4,000£6,500–£11,000

Improved -N63TU is better but still complex

S63 4.4 V8 (M6)30k–60kCrank hub, rod bearings, cooling£2,500–£6,000£9,000–£15,000

Most Expensive -outstanding performance, outstanding costs

Alpina B630k–60kSimilar to N63/S63, specialist-only£3,000–£8,000£10,000–£18,000

Collector's Piece -rare and expensive

EngineTypical MileageCommon Major FailureRepair Cost (Specialist)Replacement Cost (Recon)Ownership Verdict

N55 3.0 (640i)40k–80kWater pump, VANOS solenoids£500–£1,200£3,500–£6,000

Best Petrol -the sensible choice

N57 3.0 Diesel (640d)60k–120kTurbocharger wear, injectors, DPF£800–£2,000£4,000–£7,500

Best Diesel -effortless torque

N63 4.4 V8 (650i, pre-LCI)40k–80kValve stem seals, turbo coolant lines£2,000–£5,000£6,000–£10,000

High Risk -hot-vee complexity

N63TU 4.4 V8 (650i, LCI)40k–80kValve stem seals (less common), cooling£1,500–£4,000£6,500–£11,000

Improved -N63TU is better but still complex

S63 4.4 V8 (M6)30k–60kCrank hub, rod bearings, cooling£2,500–£6,000£9,000–£15,000

Most Expensive -outstanding performance, outstanding costs

Alpina B630k–60kSimilar to N63/S63, specialist-only£3,000–£8,000£10,000–£18,000

Collector's Piece -rare and expensive

The F13 rule

A £6,000–£10,000 N63 recon against a £12,000 F13 sits at 50–83% of the car's value -above our 70% BMW threshold on lower-value examples. Against a well-kept £20,000+ example, the same recon drops to 30–50% -a repair decision. Against a sub-£10,000 F13, a V8 engine failure is a write-off. On an M6, the calculus is different -the car's value justifies the S63's high replacement cost. Value the car first.

Key Takeaways

Which F13 Costs Least To Own?
N55 640i -simpler six-cylinder with lower running costs.
Which F13 Costs Most To Own?
N63 650i -hot-vee V8 with expensive heat-related failures.
Which F13 Is Best Value?
N55 640i -six-cylinder grand touring without the V8 bills.

Common Problems

01

N63

Hot-Vee V8 Heat-Related Failures

Affected models:

F13 650i (2011–2018, N63/N63TU engine).

Typical failure mileage:

40,000–80,000 miles.

Root cause:

The N63's "hot-vee" design places the turbochargers inside the V of the engine, generating significant heat. This leads to premature failure of valve stem seals (causing blue smoke on start-up), turbo coolant lines, and the battery drain issues associated with the N63. The N63TU (2013–2018) improved some aspects but retained the hot-vee architecture. Timing chain stretch is also a known issue.

Tiered Cost Table

Our Recommendation

If you own an N63-powered F13, budget for valve stem seal replacement as a preventative measure -a £500–£1,200 investment is far cheaper than the £6,000–£11,000 engine replacement that follows a failure. Monitor oil consumption and investigate any blue smoke on start-up immediately.

Compare N63 engine prices for your F13 650i

02

S63

Crank Hub & Rod Bearings (M6)

Affected models:

F13 M6, M6 Competition (2012–2018, S63 engine).

Typical failure mileage:

30,000–60,000 miles.

Root cause:

The S63's crank hub can spin on the crankshaft, causing timing to slip and potentially catastrophic engine damage. The rod bearings can also wear prematurely, particularly on cars that have been tracked or driven hard. Both issues are well-documented in the M community.

Tiered Cost Table

Our Recommendation

If you own an F13 M6, budget for a crank hub fix and rod bearing replacement as preventative maintenance. A £1,500–£3,500 investment is far cheaper than the £9,000–£15,000 engine replacement that follows a failure. Use the correct oil and warm the engine properly before hard driving.

Compare S63 engine prices for your F13 M6

03

N57

Diesel Turbocharger & Injector Issues

Affected models:

F13 640d (2011–2018, N57 engine).

N57 Diesel Turbocharger & Injector Issues

Typical failure mileage:

60,000–120,000 miles.

Root cause:

The N57's twin-turbo setup can suffer from turbocharger failure due to excessive wear and tear, leading to a noticeable drop in power and performance. Fuel injectors can also become clogged or fail, leading to rough idling, decreased fuel efficiency, and poor engine performance.

Tiered Cost Table

Our Recommendation

If your 640d experiences a drop in power or rough running, have the turbochargers and injectors inspected immediately. A £500–£1,000 preventative service is far cheaper than the £1,500–£3,000 repair that follows a failure. Use premium diesel and change the fuel filter regularly.

Compare N57 engine prices for your F13 640d

04

N55

Water Pump & VANOS Solenoids

Affected models:

F13 640i (2011–2018, N55 engine).

Typical failure mileage:

40,000–80,000 miles.

Root cause:

The N55's electric water pump has a finite service life and can fail without warning, leading to overheating. The VANOS solenoids can also become clogged or fail, causing rough idle, reduced power, and check engine lights.

Tiered Cost Table

Our Recommendation

Replace the water pump proactively at 60,000–80,000 miles on any N55-powered F13. A £400–£800 preventative job is far cheaper than a £3,500+ engine replacement. Clean the VANOS solenoids at the same time.

Compare N55 engine prices for your F13 640i

F13 Engine Replacement Costs -By Engine and Condition

VariantEngine CodeUsed (Supply)Reconditioned (Supply)Rebuilt (Supply)Labour Hours

640i / 640i xDriveN55B30£2,000–£3,500£3,500–£6,000£5,000–£7,50012–16 hrs

650i / 650i xDrive (pre-LCI)N63B44O0£3,000–£5,000£6,000–£10,000£8,000–£14,00016–22 hrs

650i / 650i xDrive (LCI)N63B44O1 (N63TU)£3,500–£5,500£6,500–£11,000£9,000–£15,00016–22 hrs

M6 / M6 CompetitionS63B44T0£5,000–£8,000£9,000–£15,000£12,000–£20,00018–24 hrs

640d / 640d xDriveN57D30£2,500–£4,500£4,000–£7,500£5,500–£9,50012–16 hrs

Alpina B6Alpina (N63/S63)£6,000–£10,000£10,000–£18,000£15,000–£25,00018–24 hrs

Core Variants

Diesel & Petrol Lineup

Diesel Variants

640d640d xDrive

Petrol Variants

640i640i xDrive650i650i xDriveM6M6 CompetitionAlpina B6

Scope note: All variants listed are F13-generation 6 Series Coupé only (2011–2018). The F12 Convertible, F06 Gran Coupé and the 6 Series Gran Turismo (G32) share some engines but are covered on their own Generation Pages.

Diesel & Petrol Lineup

Diesel Variants

640d640d xDrive

Petrol Variants

640i640i xDrive650i650i xDriveM6M6 CompetitionAlpina B6

Scope note: All variants listed are F13-generation 6 Series Coupé only (2011–2018). The F12 Convertible, F06 Gran Coupé and the 6 Series Gran Turismo (G32) share some engines but are covered on their own Generation Pages.

Market Intelligence

Most Requested E90 Engines (2025)

Most Requested E90 Variants

Average E90 Replacement Cost

Most Common E90 Failures

FAQ

BMW 3 Series E90 rear three-quarter view

Why UK BMW 6 Series F13 Owners Trust bmwengines.uk

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UK Engine Replacement Services for F13
covering every variant from 640i to M6 and Alpina B6, with supply-only or full supply & fit available nationwide.

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Why UK BMW 6 Series F13 Owners Trust bmwengines.uk

Trusted F13 Engine Suppliers
every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real F13 owners, as part of the Engine Finders network.
Compare F13 Engine Replacement Companies
see prices, warranty terms and supply & fit options side-by-side before you commit.
UK Engine Replacement Services for F13
covering every variant from 640i to M6 and Alpina B6, with supply-only or full supply & fit available nationwide.

Find the best BMW 6 Series F13 engine replacement UK drivers rely on. Compare real prices from trusted specialists on EnginesMarket today and get back on the road with confidence.

Compare BMW 6 Series F13 Engine Prices on EnginesMarket

BMW 6 Series F13 Engines -The Complete UK Guide

BMW 6 Series F13 Engine Codes -The Complete Database

BMW 6 Series F13 -Overview

BMW 6 Series F13 -Overview

Best &amp; Worst Engines

BMW 6 Series F13 -Ownership Economics

Common Problems

F13 Engine Replacement Costs -By Engine and Condition

Diesel &amp; Petrol Lineup

Diesel &amp; Petrol Lineup

Market Intelligence

FAQ

Why UK BMW 6 Series F13 Owners Trust bmwengines.uk

Why UK BMW 6 Series F13 Owners Trust bmwengines.uk

Best & Worst Engines

Diesel & Petrol Lineup

Diesel & Petrol Lineup