HIGH System: Ignition & Misfire System SAE J2012 Standard

P0306: Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected

The ECM detects crankshaft speed drop on Cylinder #6.

Driveability & Safety Advisory

Drive short distances only.

Official Manufacturer TSB Advisories

BMW SIB 12-02-12 Target: 2007–2013 BMW 335i / 535i (3.0L N54/N55)

Factory Condition: Cylinder 6 ignition coil overheats due to tight packaging near firewall under microfilter cowl.

OEM Service Remedy: Replace Cylinder 6 ignition coil with updated Bosch/Delphi coil and install heat shielding.

Physical Component Location & Service Access

Rearmost cylinder on Inline-6 engines (BMW), or middle/rear cylinder on V6 engines.

Electrical Specifications & Live PID Benchmarks

Scan Tool Live Data Targets

Cylinder 6 Misfire: Active counts

Digital Multimeter (DMM) Specs

Coil Resistance: 0.8 – 1.3 Ohms

Documented Model-Specific Case Studies

2008–2012 BMW 335i

Root Cause: Cylinder 6 coil failed from exhaust heat.

Verified Fix: Replace coil.

Technician Inspection & Testing Workflow

1

Swap coil with Cylinder 1.

2

Check spark plug condition.

3

Check injector.

Cost Breakdown

DIY Replacement Parts: $35 – $95
Independent Repair Shop (Parts + Labor): $180 – $380
Standard Diagnostic Time: 1.0 – 2.0 Flat-Rate Hours

Tools & Parts Matrix

Recommended Parts: Ignition coil, Spark plug
Required Test Tools: Ratchet set, OBD2 scanner

Diagnostic Questions & Answers

Why does Cylinder 6 fail most frequently on BMW inline-6 engines?

Cylinder 6 is packed tightly against the firewall under the cabin filter cowl, where heat dissipation is poorest, causing thermal degradation of the coil.