BMW 6 Series Cylinder Head Replacement Parts

The BMW 6 Series ran as the E63/E64 generation from 2003 to 2010, with a facelift in 2007, so there are two distinct phases within that single generation. Whether a cylinder head from a pre-facelift car crosses over to a post-facelift car depends primarily on the engine code, not the model year alone — ancillary and mounting changes can occur mid-production, so you should confirm with the breaker against your registration before buying.

The second-generation 6 Series ran as the F12 (convertible), F13 (coupé) and F06 Gran Coupé from 2011 to 2018, so parts within that family can look similar but the engine code is the critical match — a 3.0 diesel N57 head is not the same as a 3.0 petrol N55 head even though both sat in the same body era. Confirm the exact engine code from your V5 or a VIN check and supply it directly to the breaker to make sure they're quoting the right unit.

Trim or badge names on the 6 Series reflect engine size rather than a cosmetic trim ladder, so a 640i and a 650i carry different engines and will need different cylinder heads — this is an engine-code difference, not a trim difference. What does not matter at all is whether the donor car was a base model or a high-specification car with extra equipment, because none of that affects the cylinder head. Always match on the engine code, not the badge or spec level.

No: petrol and diesel cylinder heads are completely different components and are not interchangeable under any circumstances, even within the same generation. Make sure you tell the breaker explicitly whether your car is petrol or diesel and supply your engine code so they can source the correct part.

The cylinder head itself is the same regardless of whether your 6 Series has a manual or automatic gearbox, because the head is part of the engine rather than the drivetrain. That said, always lead with the engine code when speaking to a breaker, as that single detail does more work than any other when identifying the right head.

A used cylinder head does not carry electronic coding in the way some other BMW components do, but whether any sensors, VVT solenoids, or other ancillaries supplied with it will need attention or pairing to your car is something you should confirm with the breaker against your registration, as this can vary. Focus first on matching the engine code exactly, then discuss with your fitting garage whether any additional work will be required after installation.