Second Hand BMW X6 Intercooler

Yes, but only on the turbocharged petrol and diesel engines – every engine ever fitted to the X6 is turbocharged, so all variants of the X6 do have an intercooler. However, the size, design and mounting position of the intercooler varies significantly between engine families, so you cannot assume any X6 intercooler will fit any other. Your engine code (found on your V5C or via a VIN check) is the single most important detail to supply when requesting a quote from a breaker.

Almost certainly not – the E71 is the first-generation X6 (2008–2014) and the F16 is the second generation (2014–2019), and the two generations use different engine families with different intercooler configurations. Even where an engine code appears similar across generations, the packaging and mounting can differ, so this is one to confirm with the breaker against your exact registration rather than assume a cross-over. Always quote your engine code alongside your reg when getting a quote.

Both years fall within the first-generation E71 (2008–2014), so provided the engine codes match you are much more likely to find a compatible unit than when crossing generations. That said, there were running production changes during the E71's life, so confirm the engine code with your breaker and ask them to check the part against your registration to be sure. Quoting your engine code – for example 306D5 for the 30d or N57 derivatives – gives the breaker the best chance of matching correctly.

Yes, trim and badge names on the X6 reflect different engines, so an xDrive35i (turbocharged inline-six petrol) and an xDrive50i (twin-turbocharged V8 petrol) will have completely different intercooler setups and the parts will not interchange. The trim name itself is not what matters – it is the engine code underneath it that determines the correct intercooler. Tell your breaker both the badge and the engine code, and they can match accordingly.

For the intercooler itself, gearbox type does not directly affect fitment – the intercooler is part of the air charge system and is determined by the engine, not the transmission. That said, all BMW X6s were sold in the UK with an automatic gearbox, so this is unlikely to be a variable you will encounter in practice. Focus on matching the engine code and generation to find the right unit.

No – the X6 M uses a high-output version of the V8 engine with a different state of tune, and its intercooler and charge-cooling system are specific to the M variant rather than shared with the standard xDrive50i. You should make clear to the breaker that you have an X6 M and supply the engine code so they can source a unit from a matching donor vehicle. Do not assume an intercooler from a non-M X6 will be a straight swap.