Used BMW X6 (Mk1, 2008-2014) buyer’s guide: controversial SUV is luxurious and refined
A full used buyer’s guide on the BMW X6 covering the Mk1 that was on sale between 2008 and 2014
Verdict
When the BMW X6 launched, it proved to be one of the most controversial cars ever released, in modern times at least. Few could understand its purpose, yet it would go on to be a big success story for BMW. It’s easy to see why; get past the ungainly looks (which are less shocking now than in 2008), and there’s a luxurious, fast SUV that’s refined, beautifully built and as good to drive as a BMW should be – and far better than the laws of physics should allow. Purchase and running costs tend to be high because this is a luxury car, after all, but don’t be too quick to judge the X6 – it’s much more accomplished than you might be prepared to admit.
Luxury SUVs weren’t all that plentiful when BMW launched the first X5 in 1999, but a range of competitors soon followed in its wake. Always keen to stay one step ahead of the pack, BMW then did the unthinkable when it came up with the coupé-SUV in 2008, in the form of the X6.
Essentially a less practical and more rakish X5, the X6 was one of the most divisive cars on the market, but that didn’t stop it from being a runaway success for BMW, which sold almost a quarter of a million of them before the second-generation car arrived in 2014.
Used - available now
Expensive when new, but now very affordable used, the X6 Mk1 is still a superlative family car – but you need to buy with care.
History
The X6 arrived in showrooms in May 2008, in 30d and 35d (diesel) forms, along with a 35i (petrol), all with xDrive four-wheel drive as standard. All had a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Just three months later the xDrive50i joined the range, with a 408bhp twin-turbo V8 petrol unit. The even-more-ludicrous X6 M appeared in April 2009, with a 547bhp twin-turbo V8. It could do 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds.
By the end of 2010 there was a 302bhp 40d option, then from August 2011 there was a more extensive options list, a five-seat option (early cars were four-seat only), a wider range of colours and the more luxurious Exclusive Edition went on sale.
A facelift in March 2012 brought optional LED headlights, a tweaked nose design, plus an optional Euro 6-compliant 3.0-litre diesel engine. There was also now a triple-turbo 3.0-litre diesel: the 381bhp M50d.
Prices
As you would expect, virtually all X6s have a diesel engine, with the 40d the most common variant, followed by the 30d. There are a few 35ds and M50ds available, although the mileage and condition are what dictates an X6’s value in the main.
You can buy a used BMW X6 via our Buy a Car service, with prices starting at less than £10,000.
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On the road
Something so big and heavy has no right to handle as well as the X6 does. Of course, it isn’t agile exactly, but the steering is sharp and there’s much less roll than you’d expect of such a leviathan. All models have ample power, and because all X6s are autos (and with four-wheel drive), they’re a doddle to drive around town or over long distances.
Having said that, the X6 is a big car and wider than you might expect, so parking can be tricky, which is why urban spaces aren’t its natural habitat. Plus, the car’s firm ride can make things uncomfortable on poor surfaces.
Which should I buy?
Only the diesel engine makes sense from a running costs point of view, but just a handful of these engines are Euro 6-compliant, so you’ll have to pay to drive in any clean-air zones.
Petrol-engined X6s are very costly to run, in terms of fuel, insurance and road tax; buy one and you might struggle to sell it on, although the X6 M is a particularly special piece of kit.
Predictably, all X6s were well-equipped when new. As a minimum you can expect 19-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, a 6.5-inch colour screen, leather trim, a six-speaker hi-fi, an electric tailgate and xenon headlights. The options list was extensive, so it’s worth seeing what extras are fitted. It’s worth seeking out versions with Nappa leather trim, the Media Package, active steering and self-levelling rear air suspension.
Alternatives to the BMW X6
When the X6 was current, it had few rivals, but since then the likes of the Audi Q8, Porsche Cayenne Coupé and Mercedes GLE Coupé have come along. Those cost more than the BMW second-hand because they’re newer.
If your budget is tight, you’ll have to settle for something with less of a coupé silhouette. The most obvious is the BMW X5, which is more plentiful and more practical, while the Audi Q7 is similarly priced and readily available. The Q7 is a seven-seater and so are the Mercedes GL and Land Rover Discovery, although the five-seat Range Rover Sport and Cayenne are closer in concept to the X6; all are desirable, but costly to run.
What to look for
Tyred out
The X6 came with run-flat tyres as standard, but some have been swapped for conventional tyres, for better ride comfort, handling, grip and braking. Make sure all four tyres are one type or the other.
Engine room
Any X6 that has covered lots of miles can suffer from oil and injector leaks, as well as turbochargers that need to be replaced. Regular maintenance is key, but costly problems will crop up eventually.
Common problems
Big bills could be looming to fix tired suspension and brakes, plus worn tyres; owners often sell up rather than pay to fix these things. Also ensure that all electrical items are working properly; they often don’t.
On the pull
The X6 makes a great tow car because all models weigh at least two tonnes (from 2,070kg for the 35i), so stability is superb. All X6s can pull anything that weighs up to 2,700kg.
Interior
The X6’s dashboard was taken from the X5 and while it looks dated, it’s crammed with kit and easy to get on with. The cabin quality is superb and so are the front seats.
The sloped tail reduces rear-seat headroom but it’s okay, although pre-2011 cars are four-seaters only. Boot space is good; it’ll stow 570 litres, or 1,450 litres with the seats folded.
Running costs
Compared to when new, used X6s are a bargain to buy, but running costs are steep. Insurance groups range from 43 (30d) to 50 (50i, M50d, X6 M), and VED is a minimum of £395 a year. That’s for the 30d and 40d, which are rated at 195g/km and 198g/km of CO2 respectively. The M50d is pegged at 204g/km (so £430 per year); petrol models are at least £735 per year.
The 30d and 40d can return from 30-34mpg on a run; the M50d is not far behind, but the 35i won’t give more than 25mpg, and the 50i is likely to be more like 20mpg at best.
Condition-based servicing means maintenance costs aren’t fixed, and with BMW dealers charging £300 for an oil change (£463 with new air and fuel filters), most owners use an independent specialist instead, to shave costs by 25-30 per cent.
Recalls
The X6 Mk1 has been the subject of 11 recalls so far, spanning from July 2009 through to August 2023.
The first one was because the rear brake discs could fail; the second, third and fourth recalls (in October and November 2011, and April 2012) were all because of different problems that could lead to short circuits and a fire.
Recall number five (July 2012) was because of oil leaks in the engine bay, which could lead to a fire, while recalls six, eight and nine (December 2012 and 2016, then February 2019) were because of power steering failures.
The further possibility of short circuits and a fire were behind recalls seven and 10 (September 2013, March 2019), while the latest recall (number 11, in August 2023) was because of faulty airbags.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
The X6 has never appeared in our Driver Power surveys; even the more common X5 has been in there only very occasionally, most recently in 74th place (out of 75) in 2022. There are lots of owner reviews on carbuyer.co.uk, and they generally rate the X6 highly, because of the great handling and performance, the luxurious cabin and fairly manageable running costs for the diesels. With an average score of 4.5 out of five across the 25 reviews, the X6 is a big hit with owners.
Did you know you can sell your car through Auto Express? We’ll help you get a great price and find a great deal on a new car, too.
Used BMW X6s for sale
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