Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2010 X6 M.
The 2010 BMW X6 M is a high‑performance SUV built on the E71 platform, powered by a robust engine that requires 6.9 qt of 15W‑40/10W‑40/10W‑30 API SJ oil and is mated to an automatic S7 transmission, delivering EPA‑rated 17/19/18 mpg city/highway/combined. Its standout specification lies in the combination of the E71 chassis with a powerful, oil‑intensive powertrain that sets it apart from conventional luxury SUVs of the era. In the broader reliability context, the 2010 model sits within a decade of the X6 line’s history that saw a peak of 34 complaints in 2012 and a low of 7 in 2021, indicating that while the 2010 X6 M is relatively reliable, it still carried a higher-than-average engine‑related complaint rate of 19 for that model year.
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 11427953129 |
| Engine air filter | 13717571355 alt 13717577457 |
| Spark plug | 12120037581 alt 12120037580 |
| Battery | 61217594976 alt 61217586960 |
| Front wiper blades | 61610077821 |
| Thermostat | 11538632664 alt 11537550172 |
| Cabin air filter | 64319194098 alt 64119248294 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (S7) |
| Overall length | 192.5 in |
| Overall width | 78 in |
| Overall height | 66.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 115.4 in |
| Curb weight | 4894 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 65 / 64.6 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 50/50 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 17 / 19 / 18 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 | 1.5 Pints |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 2.1 Pints |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 2.1 Pints |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 2.5 pints |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 1.1 Pints |
| Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts | 18 ft-lbs |
| Engine Flywheel Bolts | AT: 92 ft-lbs, MT: 89 ft-lbs |
| Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts | 11 ft-lbs |
| Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts | 15 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 |
| Optional BCI Group Number | 48 |
| Optional BCI Cranking Performance | 570 cca |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 49 |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 900 cca |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 48 Hybrid |
| 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 | 203-232 PSI. 29 maximum variation. psi |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | Front: 0.145; Rear: 0.145 pads |
| 1 | 15 ft. lbs., Step 2: 137 | 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 |
| 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) |
| Every 100,000 mi | Transmission Assembly (drain & refill) |
| At 150,000 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 2010 model year sits at the onset of a troubling reliability arc, with federal data documenting 4 fire complaints and 6 engine-related filings alongside powertrain and fuel system issues—a sharp departure from the zero complaints recorded in both 2008 and 2009. This positions the 2010 X6 M as the immediate precursor to 2011's dramatic surge to 31 complaints and 11 recalls with 260 TSBs, indicating 2010 represents the leading edge of a defect cluster that peaked in 2011-2012 before gradually tapering through 2014. The concentration of fire and propulsion-system complaints in 2010, occurring just before the generation's worst reliability years and without the benefit of subsequent production changes visible in the declining 2013-2014 data, indicates this inaugural year carried significant safety risks that the data does not specify as resolved. Consequently, with documented fire complaints and engine issues preceding the generation's 2011-2012 reliability crisis, the 2010 model represents a high-risk entry point that prospective buyers should avoid despite its earlier position in the production cycle.
All 19 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 9 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d… Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of…
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 299 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… |
| 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… |
| B068824 | 2024-12-18 | Unknown Or Other | Screw Cap Return |
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 12 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 17 city / 19 highway / 18 combined mpg.