What does code P0306 mean on a BMW and is it safe to drive?
P0306: Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected. Here's what it means on your BMW, what usually causes it, what repairs typically cost, and how safe it is to keep driving.
What this code means
Misfire on cylinder 6, found on V6 and V8 engines. On transversely-mounted V6 engines the rear bank cylinders (including cylinder 6) often have higher labor costs due to access difficulty.
Common causes for your BMW
- Worn spark plug on cylinder 6
- Failed coil-on-plug
- Fuel injector fault
- Low compression
Symptoms
- Check Engine Light, may flash under load
- Rough idle or vibration
- Hesitation and power loss
Typical fixes
- Replace spark plug and COP coil on cylinder 6
- Replace or clean injector on cylinder 6
- Compression and leak-down test if no improvement
Repair cost range
For a BMW, repairs for P0306 often fall between $150 and $1200, depending on the cause and whether you use OEM or aftermarket parts. Labor rates vary by location.
Known issues on BMW
BMW N54 P0306 on cylinder 6 (rear of engine) is frequently an injector failure. Rear injectors are more prone to heat-related failure. A contribution test via ISTA confirms injector vs. coil. Injector coding to the DME is required after replacement.
Most commonly affected models