BMW 6 Series

Importing a used BMW 6 Series from the USA

The BMW 6 Series is Munich's large grand tourer, a coupe, convertible and four-door Gran Coupe that pairs long-legged cruising with real straight-six and V8 performance. The American used market is one of the deepest pools for these cars, particularly the F12/F13 generation with its turbocharged engines and generous equipment. Because the US often specified the 6 Series richly and mileage on garage-kept examples tends to be modest, importing a used BMW 6 Series from the USA can be a rewarding route to a well-optioned GT. USCar Trader acts as an independent broker for these used cars, managing sourcing, inspection and shipping end to end.

Model history and generations

The nameplate began with the elegant E24 coupe (1976-1989). After a long hiatus, BMW revived it as the E63 coupe and E64 convertible (2003-2010), styled under Chris Bangle and powered by naturally aspirated engines. The generation most relevant to importers is the F-series (2011-2018): the F13 coupe, F12 convertible and the four-door F06 Gran Coupe, which added rear doors and a fastback roofline. From 2017 the badge shifted to the G32 6 Series Gran Turismo, a tall five-door hatch. Most desirable US imports are F12/F13/F06 cars.

Engines and drivetrain

US 6 Series buyers chose between the 640i, powered by the N55 (and later B58) 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six making around 315 hp, and the 650i, using the N63 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with roughly 445 hp. Both drive through the excellent ZF 8-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with xDrive all-wheel drive optional on 640i xDrive and 650i xDrive cars. At the top sat the M6, using the S63 twin-turbo V8 with about 560 hp and a dual-clutch gearbox. The straight-six cars are lighter over the front axle and generally cheaper to run.

Which trim makes sense

Three body styles define the modern 6 Series: the two-door coupe, the folding-roof convertible and the four-door Gran Coupe. US cars were typically loaded with the M Sport package, adaptive suspension, Bang & Olufsen or Harman Kardon audio, Nappa leather, ventilated seats and driver assistance systems. The Gran Coupe is the practical pick for buyers who want four doors without giving up the swooping profile.

Supply on the US market

Supply is strong across all three body styles, with the coupe and Gran Coupe most common. Typical used examples are 2012-2018 cars; many were second cars or weekend GTs, so mileage is often lower than an equivalent daily-driven sedan. Condition varies with climate, so cars from dry southern and western states tend to be cleaner underneath. Service history is the key variable on these engines, which reward diligent maintenance.

Who benefits from importing

The 6 Series suits a buyer who wants a genuine grand tourer with presence, a smooth powertrain and a comfortable long-distance gait, at values well below the original list. The 640i is the sensible enthusiast's choice; the 650i and M6 reward those who accept higher running costs for V8 muscle. As a neutral-origin model built in Germany, its customs treatment is VIN-dependent, which we detail below.

Technical data

Known weak points and maintenance

Engine choice drives the ownership experience. The N63 V8 in the 650i is powerful but demanding: oil consumption, timing-chain and guide wear, turbocharger and injector issues, and battery/electrical drain are all documented, and BMW ran a "Customer Care Package" of preventive work on some cars. The N55 inline-six is more forgiving, though water pump and thermostat failures, VANOS solenoids, the oil filter housing gasket and charge-pipe cracks are known 6 Series common problems. Across the range, the air suspension on convertibles, the soft-top mechanism and worn adaptive dampers are worth inspecting. A comprehensive service history is the single best predictor of 6 Series reliability.

US and EU spec compared

US cars run mph clusters, amber rear turn indicators and, on some model years, side marker lights. Lighting must be verified against European requirements, and a rear fog lamp is typically required. Options coding and iDrive language/units are usually straightforward to adapt. Otherwise the F-series 6 Series is mechanically identical to European cars, which simplifies parts and service.

The import process in detail

The route runs from selection to registration: we locate a suitable car, run a VIN and plant/origin check, secure it through escrow, arrange ocean freight to a European port, complete customs clearance, present the car for TÜV and individual approval (Einzelabnahme), and support your final registration.

What customs clearance really costs

Key point: duty depends on the plant of build; only a VIN check secures the 0% rate. Import VAT of 19% applies regardless.

Two charges apply separately. The EU import duty can be 0% under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 from 1 July 2026 until 31 December 2029, but only for vehicles of provable US origin shipped directly. The 6 Series is a neutral-origin model built in Germany (Dingolfing), so in practice the standard duty rate usually applies and the VIN is the deciding evidence. Separately, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) is always due. We never describe an import as duty-free or guaranteed.

TÜV, modifications and registration

Typical measures include adding or enabling a rear fog lamp, confirming headlight conformity, and documenting the odometer in kilometres. On convertibles the soft-top operation is checked. Once the individual approval is issued, the car can be registered locally.

Check before you buy

Confirm the VIN and equipment; obtain a full Carfax or AutoCheck history; inspect for accident, flood or frame damage; review documented oil service and, on the N63, evidence of the preventive maintenance package; check tyres, brakes and adaptive suspension; and verify a clean, non-salvage title.

Common questions

Which BMW 6 Series is best to import?

For balanced running costs the 640i with the inline-six is the sensible pick; the 650i and M6 offer more performance at higher maintenance cost.

Does the 0% EU import duty apply to the 6 Series?

Only with provable US origin and direct transport. As a German-built car this rarely applies, and the VIN is the deciding factor rather than any assumption.

Is the 19% import VAT always due?

Yes. The German Einfuhrumsatzsteuer of 19% is charged on every import regardless of origin.

Are the V8 engines reliable?

The N63 can be strong when maintained but is known for oil consumption and timing and turbo wear; documented service is essential.

Can a US convertible be registered in Germany?

Yes, after the TÜV individual approval, which includes checking the soft top and adapting the lighting.

What mileage is typical?

Many US 6 Series were weekend GTs, so mileage is often lower than a comparable daily sedan, though this varies by car.

Do you add a hidden margin?

No. USCar Trader is an independent broker and works transparently without a hidden dealer margin.

How long does the import take?

Expect several weeks for freight and clearance, depending on port schedules and approval workload.

Discover more Munich metal with BMW in the Carhub, compare the flagship BMW 8 Series and the sharper BMW 4 Series, or view the current 6 Series listings.