Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter at 1,200 mi.
| At 1,200 mi | Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) |
Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 X6.
The 2021 BMW X6 utilizes an Automatic (S8) transmission and achieves an EPA rating of 13/18/15 mpg, with a service requirement of 11.1 qt of 0W-30 engine oil. This model year recorded seven owner complaints and seven recalls, placing it between the 2006 low of one complaint and the 2009 peak of 19. These reliability trends are characterized by primary issues in the electrical system, hydraulics, and service brakes.
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 OE oil filter 11428583896. 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 | 11428583896 alt 11428583897 |
| Engine air filter | 13718577170 alt 13718091495 |
| Spark plug | 12122455258 alt 12120054451 |
| Battery | 61216806755 alt 61217604808 |
| Front wiper blades | 61619466377 |
| Thermostat | 11538632664 alt 11539494424 |
| Cabin air filter | 64115A1BDB6 alt 64115A1BDB7 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Overall length | 194.9 in |
| Overall width | 78.7 in |
| Overall height | 66.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.9 in |
| Curb weight | 5126 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 64.6 / 67.3 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 52/48 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 13 / 18 / 15 mpg |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the X6 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | M Competition 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | 3.30 sec | 11.60 sec | 617 hp | AWD |
| 2020 | M50i 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | 3.80 sec | 12.30 sec | 523 hp | AWD |
| 2020 | xDrive40i (xLine) 3.0L Turbo I-6 | 4.70 sec | 13.40 sec | 335 hp | AWD |
| 2020 | xDrive40i (xLine) 3.0L Turbo I-6 | 5.20 sec | 13.80 sec | 335 hp | AWD |
| 2024 | M Competition 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | 3.50 sec | 11.90 sec | 617 hp | AWD |
| 2024 | xDrive40i (M Sport) 3.0L Turbo I-6 | 4.40 sec | 12.90 sec | 375 hp | AWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 11.1 qt of 0W-30 engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 103 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to Use a new seal: 18.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2.
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | ATF3 |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | 9.9 qt |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | ATF3 |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | 9.9 qt |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | ATF3 |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | 9.8 qt |
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs | 88.0 inch lbs. ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Head Instructions | Only use new bolts. |
| Cylinder Head Instructions | Only use new bolts. |
| Engine Flywheel Bolts | Use new bolts. 88.0 ft-lbs |
| Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts | Use new nuts only. 11.0 ft-lbs |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | Use new seal: 30.0 ft-lbs |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | Use new seal: 30.0 ft-lbs |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | Use a new seal: 18.0 ft-lbs |
| Differential Fill Plug | Front: 44.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 33.0 ft-lbs |
| Differential drain Plug | Front: 44.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 33.0 ft-lbs |
| Differential Fill Plug | Final Drive: Use new plug: 44.0 ft-lbs |
| Differential Fill Plug | Final Drive: Use new plug: 44.0 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 103 ft-lbs |
| Transfer Case Fill Plug | Use a new plug: 44.0 ft-lbs |
| Transfer Case Drain Plug | 44.0 ft-lbs |
| Transfer Case Fill Plug | Use a new plug: 44.0 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 |
| Refrigerant | R1234yf |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | 46YF |
| Optional BCI Group Number | 95R |
| Optional BCI Cranking Performance | 950 cca |
| Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque | Front: NS, Rear: 26.0 ft-lbs |
| Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque | Use new bolts. 81.0 ft-lbs |
| ABS Sensor Torque | 6.6 |
| Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque | Front: NS, Rear: 26.0 ft-lbs |
| ABS Sensor Torque | 6.6 |
| Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement | Front: 1.354 |
| Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness after Refinish | Rear: 1.040 |
| 1 | Bolts 1-14 | 22 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 22.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°, Step 3: 140° | 22 ft. lbs |
| 1 | M6 Screw | 7.4 ft. lbs |
| 1 | M6 Screw | 7.4 ft. lbs |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter at 1,200 mi.
| At 1,200 mi | Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 2021 BMW X7 shows 7 complaints and 7 recalls, representing a modest decline from the 2020 peak of 9 complaints and 10 recalls across the generation's arc. Looking at the surrounding model years, 2021 sits in the middle of an elevated complaint period that began in 2020 alongside a surge in TSBs from 63 in 2019 to 295 in 2020, then dropped to 242 in 2021 before falling further to 147 in 2022 and just 87 in 2023. The single investigation in 2021 matches the pattern seen in 2017-2018 and 2022, indicating ongoing regulatory scrutiny but not a specific systemic defect tied to this model year. The complaint categories are diffuse—braking, air bags, engine cooling, and steering—suggesting no singular chronic reliability issue emerges from the data. While 2021 is not the cleanest year in the record (that would be 2023 with just 1 complaint), it represents a transitional point where manufacturer attention appears to be addressing earlier teething problems, making it a reasonable purchase provided a thorough pre-purchase inspection verifies the recall work has been completed.
All 7 complaints on record, top 7 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 7 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i… Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The…
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7… Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW…
Showing 5 of 242 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B652724 | 2026-05-19 | Air Bags | A check control message (CCM) for the restraint system (Air bag) appears. In the… |
| B010325 | 2026-03-06 | Structure | The Radiator Grilles Lower Active Air Flap Assembly limited warranty for defects in… |
| B652724 | 2025-11-25 | Air Bags | A check control message (CCM) for the restraint system (Air bag) appears. In the… |
| B010825 | 2025-05-13 | Structure | A vehicle listed above may arrive with a Check Control Message (CCM), and/or malfunction… |
| B513019 | 2025-04-29 | Structure | A groaning noise is present from the door frame of any door, most commonly when driving… |
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.
11.1 qt of BMW LongLife-01FE 0W-30 is recommended., per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined mpg.