2017 BMW M6 Convertible Service Requirements & Maintenance Schedule

Key Takeaways

• The 2017 M6 Convertible is equipped with the S63 twin-turbo V8 engine, which has specific maintenance needs related to oil consumption, valve seals, and cooling system components documented in multiple BMW service bulletins .
• A BMW service bulletin reduced the CBS engine oil service interval to 1 year / 10,000 miles for affected N63/S63 engine vehicles, making it consistent with other N63x engine-equipped models .
• The factory BMW Ultimate Care program covers scheduled maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles from the original in-service date, with a 4-year/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty .
• Spark plugs should be replaced with every second engine oil change, and the engine requires eight high-performance plugs from OEM suppliers like Bosch .
• Brake fluid requires replacement after 3 years for the first time, then every 2 years thereafter, as a time-based safety-critical service .
• Projected maintenance costs increase significantly in year 5, with estimates showing $3,441 in ownership costs for that year .

Understanding the 2017 BMW M6 Convertible

The 2017 BMW M6 Convertible represents the final generation (F12) of the 6 Series convertible. It is powered by the S63 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine, a high-performance powerplant with specific maintenance needs that owners must understand and respect.

BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) System

The 2017 M6 Convertible does not follow a traditional fixed-mileage maintenance schedule. Instead, it employs BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system, which uses sensors and algorithms to monitor actual driving conditions—including engine temperature, driving style, trip length, and component wear—to determine when service is required .

Service notifications appear on the vehicle's display, alerting you when specific maintenance is due. Most service intervals are calculated dynamically by the CBS system, though some components follow fixed schedules .

Never ignore CBS alerts. Prompt attention to service notifications prevents minor issues from developing into costly repairs.

BMW Service Bulletin: Oil Interval Change

A BMW service bulletin (B012418) states that on affected vehicles, the CBS engine oil service interval has been reduced to 1 year / 10,000 miles to make these vehicles consistent with all other N63x engine-equipped vehicles. This is particularly relevant for the 2017 M6 Convertible, as the S63 shares engineering with the N63 engine family.

BMW Ultimate Care & Warranty Coverage

The 2017 BMW M6 Convertible includes comprehensive factory coverage from its original in-service date:

Projected maintenance costs for the 2017 M6 Convertible show modest expenses through the first four years, with a significant increase in year 5 as major services become due:

• Year 1: $155
• Year 2: $86
• Year 3: $312
• Year 4: $51
• Year 5: $3,441

Scheduled Service Intervals

The following intervals represent factory-specified guidance for the 2017 BMW M6 Convertible. The CBS system remains the definitive authority for your specific vehicle's needs .

Engine Oil Service

Factory Guidance

The S63 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine requires BMW Longlife-approved fully synthetic oil with viscosity suited to your climate. The engine oil capacity is approximately 9.5 liters, though some sources indicate a service fill capacity closer to 8.5 liters .

Oil Approvals: BMW recommends oils meeting BMW LL-01 approval standards . Suitable viscosity grades include 5W-40 or 0W-30 depending on climate .

Oil Filter: Always replace the oil filter simultaneously with an oil change. Motor oil is the single most important element in keeping your engine healthy .

Service Bulletin Note: A BMW service bulletin (B012418) reduced the CBS engine oil service interval to 1 year / 10,000 miles for affected vehicles, making these vehicles consistent with all other N63x engine-equipped vehicles . This is an important consideration for owners of the 2017 M6 Convertible.

Conservative Owner Guidance

Pelican Parts recommends changing synthetic motor oil every 5,000 miles for optimal engine protection, despite CBS intervals potentially extending beyond that . This is particularly important for the high-performance S63 V8, which places significant demands on oil quality.

Signs that an oil change may be needed sooner include:

• Check engine/oil change light is on
• Engine knocking sounds
• Oil smell inside the vehicle
• Excess amount of vehicle exhaust
• Frequent dusty road driving, heavy loads, or low-speed driving for long distances

Spark Plugs

Factory Guidance

The 2017 M6 Convertible's S63 V8 engine requires spark plug replacement with every second engine oil change according to the factory service schedule . The engine uses eight spark plugs.

Recommended Spark Plugs: Bosch is a leading OEM supplier of spark plugs for BMW vehicles, including the M6 Convertible . OEM suppliers such as NGK also provide compatible plugs.

Symptoms of Worn Spark Plugs:

• Rough idle
• Hesitation during acceleration
• Misfires under load
• Reduced fuel economy
• Check engine lights related to cylinder misfires

Air Filters

Engine Air Filter

The engine air filter should be replaced with every second engine oil change according to the factory service schedule . A clean engine air filter ensures optimal airflow for combustion, enhancing engine efficiency and preventing contaminants from entering the engine.

Cabin Air Filter (Microfilter)

The cabin air filter (microfilter) should be replaced at every engine oil change according to the factory service schedule . This filter removes pollen, dirt, and harmful airborne pollutants from the cabin air and maintains HVAC system performance.

Brake Fluid

Factory Guidance

Brake fluid replacement is a time-based, safety-critical service. BMW recommends replacing brake fluid after 3 years for the first time, then every 2 years thereafter according to the service schedule .

Brake Fluid Specification: The 2017 M6 Convertible requires DOT 4 specification brake fluid . Hawk Performance DOT 4 premium brake fluid is a suitable option for this vehicle.

Significance: Brake fluid is hygroscopic—it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere over time. This moisture accumulation lowers the fluid's boiling point, which can lead to brake fade during spirited driving.

Conservative Owner Guidance: Some specialists recommend changing brake fluid every time you service your brakes .

Transmission Fluid

Factory Guidance

The 2017 M6 Convertible is equipped with an M-specific dual-clutch transmission (M DCT). For 2015-2018 models (through 12/15 production), the transmission uses Pentosin DCTF-1 equivalent fluid . The transmission fluid capacity is approximately 8.8 liters for a new fill.

Service Consideration: While the BMW factory schedule does not specify a fixed interval for transmission fluid replacement under normal driving conditions, many independent specialists recommend transmission fluid changes at major service intervals for performance-driven vehicles. Check your owner's manual for the exact transmission fluid specification for your vehicle.

Rear Axle Differential Oil

Factory Guidance

The rear axle differential oil should be replaced with each third engine oil change according to the factory service schedule . This service is particularly important for the M6's Active M Differential, which uses electronically controlled multi-plate clutches.

S63 Engine-Specific Service Bulletins

The 2017 M6 Convertible's S63 engine has several documented service bulletins that owners should be aware of:

N63 & S63 Engine: Valve Seal Replacement (B110117): BMW has issued a service bulletin providing a new tool and procedure for replacing valve seals on N63TU and S63TU engines . Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke on startup, or blue smoke during aggressive acceleration may indicate valve seal wear.

Turbocharger Coolant Lines (B110817): A service action bulletin addresses replacing turbocharger coolant lines on S63 engines, as the coolant lines may develop a leak over time .

Oil Leak from Rear of Engine (B110916): A bulletin addresses oil leaks from the rear of the engine and transmission bell housing on N63, N63TU, S63, and S63TU engines .

Engine Oil Consumption: A bulletin (B110113) addresses customer complaints that the engine's oil consumption is "too high," resulting in engine oil top-ups and workshop visits .

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2017 BMW M6 Convertible have a fixed maintenance schedule?

The 2017 M6 uses BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system, which monitors actual driving conditions and component wear to determine most service intervals. However, some components follow fixed schedules, including spark plugs with every second oil change and brake fluid after 3 years then every 2 years .

What is the oil change interval for the 2017 BMW M6 Convertible?

A BMW service bulletin reduced the CBS engine oil service interval to 1 year / 10,000 miles for affected vehicles . Pelican Parts recommends changing synthetic motor oil every 5,000 miles for optimal engine protection .

What oil does the 2017 BMW M6 Convertible use?

The S63 V8 engine requires BMW Longlife-approved fully synthetic oil meeting BMW LL-01 approval standards . The engine oil capacity is approximately 9.5 liters .

When should spark plugs be replaced on the 2017 BMW M6 Convertible?

Spark plugs should be replaced with every second engine oil change . The S63 V8 uses eight spark plugs, and Bosch is an OEM supplier .

How often does brake fluid need replacing in the 2017 BMW M6 Convertible?

BMW recommends brake fluid replacement after 3 years for the first time, then every 2 years thereafter . The vehicle requires DOT 4 specification brake fluid .

When should the engine air filter be replaced?

The engine air filter should be replaced with every second engine oil change .

When should the cabin air filter be replaced?

The cabin air filter (microfilter) should be replaced at every engine oil change .

What transmission fluid does the 2017 M6 Convertible use?

The M DCT transmission uses Pentosin DCTF-1 equivalent fluid for 2015-2018 models (through 12/15 production) . Check your owner's manual for the exact specification for your vehicle.

What warranty coverage does the 2017 BMW M6 Convertible include?

The 2017 BMW M6 Convertible includes a 4-year/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty, a 3-year/36,000-mile maintenance plan under BMW Ultimate Care, a 144-month/unlimited-mile corrosion perforation warranty, and 4 years of unlimited-mileage roadside assistance .

What are common engine issues on the 2017 M6 Convertible?

Documented issues include valve seal wear (excessive oil consumption, blue smoke on startup), coolant line leaks to the turbochargers, and oil leaks from the rear of the engine .