The 2013 BMW M5 and M6 Coupe and Convertible are unquestionably very good cars. But it appears about two months' production of them are fitted with faulty oil pumps--which may fail so catastrophically and suddenly as to result in "severe engine damage" due to a complete loss of oil pressure.
According to a Reuters report, BMW sent a technical service message to its dealers of a potential problem with the oil pump on 2013 M5 and M6 models equipped with the 4.4-liter S63Tü twin-turbo V8 engine. Having found a manufacturing defect in vehicles built between July and September 2012, BMW is contacting owners affected by the issue.
The defect could cause the engines to suddenly lose oil pressure, resulting in significant engine damage. Deliveries of cars equipped with the S63Tü engine have been halted until they can be inspected and repaired prior to customer delivery.
That's not good. It's also not something that appears to have a quick and ready fix. One owner in the thread documenting the issue at Bimmerpost says he was told not to drive his car, the dealership would come pick it up—and they might have it "for a few weeks."
That's also not good. It's not just an inconvenience to the owners—although most buyers of the 2013 M5 or M6 probably have another car or three in the garage—it's a black mark on the company's reputation, happening nearly at launch of the 2013 cars. First impressions are important, and this isn't a good one. The notice outlining the problem to BMW dealers says that more information will be coming shortly.––Paul Duchene
