2006 BMW 5 Series
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Vehicles › BMW › 5 Series › 2006
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 2006 BMW 5 Series. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
8 recalls name the 2006 BMW 5 Series. Newest first.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3…
An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may…
This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.
Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.
BMW IS recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 M5, and model year 2007-2010 M6 vehicles. the insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable may have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection. as it loosens, an increase…
Overheating could lead to a fire, even while the vehicle IS not in use. as a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. the safety recall began on april 30, 2012. owners may contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW IS recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, 6-series, and model year 2002-2008 7-series vehicles. a check valve of the brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil. over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.
Power assist braking performance could be adversely affected. in extreme cases there could be a complete loss of power assist braking. an unexpected reduction or loss in power braking assist may increase the risk of a crash.
BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. the safety recall began on november 24, 2010. owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW IS recalling 200,000 my 2006 3 series sport seat, my 2004-2006 5 series standard and sport seat, and my 2004-2006 X3 passenger vehicles. depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit, small cracks have developed in the mat. if this occurs, the front passenger air bags, with the exception of the head protection system…
In this situation the front passenger air bags will not deploy even if a sufficiently severe accident would occur and occupant protection provided by the system would not be possible.
Dealers will rework the front passenger seat sensor mat so that external force application to the seat does not cause a crack to the mat. the recall began on november 6, 2008. BMW will also extend the warranty on these vehicles to 10 years from first registration without any mileage limit. owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
On certain passenger vehicles, the lower rubber mount of the rear shock absorbers may not have been manufactured to specifications and may not adhere correctly to its housing within the shock absorber.
The bushing could loosen and over time could separate from its housing. the driver will experience impaired vehicle handling and control increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the rear shock absorber free of charge. the recall began on september 13, 2006. owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
On certain passenger vehicles, the nuts which secure the front axle control arm and tension strut to the front wheel hub may not have been tightened to specification. over time the nuts could loosen and the control arm and tension strut could be damaged.
Vehicle handling and control could compromise increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will retighten the front axle control arm and tension strut nuts to the correct specifications free of charge. the recall began on june 28, 2006. owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with an incorrectly manufactured automatic transmission parking pawl guide plate.
This could cause the parking lock system not to engage, after the transmission IS placed in the park ("p") position. if the vehicle was parked on an incline, and the parking brake was not engaged, this could result in a vehicle rollaway condition.
Dealers will repair and replace the automatic transmission guide plate free of charge. the recall began on november 30, 2005. owners may contact BMW at 1-800-332-4269.
TL* the contact owns a 2006 BMW 5 series. The contact stated that the vehicle leaked oil and the brakes failed while driving at low speeds. The brakes worked normally when applied at high speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that a new power brake booster and vacuum pump needed to be installed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 104,932. *Dt
Front passenger seat occupancy detection mat had to be replaced as it was defective. Though not in previous recalls in similar bmws and similar years, the error presented a safety issue that would disable the front passenger air bags and increase the risk of injury during a crash. with this error, I was forced to repair the seat mat and expended $1.5K to remedy this safety issue. this seat mat issue IS a known BMW problem that BMW and nhtsa have not addressed. Vin: [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
Navigation display reboots constantly. Works periodically. This display gives me access to all of the cars features including warnings and malfunctions with the vehicle. If the display works when the car IS on it may not work if you turn off the card and turn it back on.
Head lights angle lights wires getting very dry from the heat of the light and the insulation coming off the optical wires, lights go out, possible shorting and become very unsafe.
The passenger seat airbag malfunctioned casing the seat to have to be removed and sensor replaced. there was a recall on this but my car, and 2 of my friends cars were not included on the recall, my friends were charged by the dealership. My engine leaks oil onto the exhaust manifold causing smoke in the cab and potential fire hazard. On every bm I have ever owned the radiator leaks fluid which IS environmentally hazardous and should have been recalled.
My passenger air bag warning light came on about a month ago for apparent reason and stay on ever since. I contacted the local BMW dealer and was told my vin was not on the recall list. I was very disappointed and dont understand why some cars were on the recall and some were not. apparently this IS a common problem with all bmws and a very serious safety issue. this safety issue should be taken care of by the manufacture.
Air conditioning stop work causing motor to heat
Steering wheel malfunction locks preventing the vehicle to start steering wheel locks while driving
A message on the vehicle display screen indicated that the right-side low beam headlight was malfunctioning. I removed the headlight assembly to replace the bulb and found the wiring insulation IS crumbling to the touch, resulting in a short circuit. the headlight bulb IS not actually burned out. there are many complaints about this on the BMW forums but BMW and the headlight manufacturer, hella, refuses to acknowledge the problem or do anything about it. *tr
The 2006 BMW 5 series used aluminum head and valve cover bolts which were over-torqued during assembly and break after approximately 80K. BMW admits this problem exists but refuses to issue a recall. bmw's repair cost IS ~$6000. these bolts are non serviceable and should never be removed, when broken they cause massive oil leaks and possibly fire. I contacted BMW, they requested to review the car. BMW agreed that the bolts were broken then refused to fix the problem claiming the car has too many miles. BMW knew the mileage when they requested to review the problem ... Why waste my time if they knew they were going to do nothing? my vehicle now losses approximately 1-2 quarts of oil per 100 miles. I am chagrined that BMW will not admit their manufacturing defect. I have maintained this car with care and other than the oil leak from the broken bolts the car IS in perfect condition - but IS no longer drivable. *tr
My car IS not on the airbag recall list but I have had this error for awhile now & it appears to be related to the airbag issue (not sure if my car has a tekata.) the message comes up on the screen- pass. Restraint system- fault in passenger-restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt force limiter. Continue to wear the safety belt. I also have a picture of the error. *tr
A leak developed in the power braking system,causing a vacuum loss and consequent reduction of power braking assistance. Mechanical braking IS still available to slow and stop the vehicle. *tr
Since 2011, I have needed to have my, 2006 BMW 530xi, vehicle serviced. serviced for trunk leakage, battery cable replacement, sunroof/moonroof non-drainage issues and passenger airbag sensor issues. I have paid perhaps three - to five thousand dollars for alleged repairs. None of those repairs were permanent and the issues continued on/off until 5/10/14. On that day/date I drove the car several hours shopping and preparing for mother's day. When I stopped the engine in my driveway the car shut off but I could not remove the key fob from the ignition. There was no power throughout the vehicle, e.g. No dash lighting, no internal lighting, no alarm light flashing and no ability to lock doors or open the trunk. Neither bmw-n.a. Nor dealership accept any responsibility for the water leakage or other repair issues, even though some manufacturer recalls were announced to the public for these issues, those were said to me to be only for specified vin numbered vehicles and not mine. I would like to participate in a class action against BMW for these issues and I have saved all my repair receipts to validate my vehicle problems. *tr
I bought the car it had an oil leak, radiator leak, developed an air bag malfunction, the engine stopped running, tar IS accumulating on top of the sunroof every time I open it, the heater fan makes noise, the transmission makes noise after four attempts it IS still leaking oil. all of my friends who own bmw's have also had air bag malfunctions. none were part of the recall, all paid $1,300.00 to have it fixed. BMW should have recalled all of them. the purpose of recalling some IS to avoid a total recall. They are building their cars with inferior parts so that they do not last for more than 60,0000 before major problems occur. one of my friends has spent over $10,000 on repairs to his 2004 X3. *js
I bought a used BMW from long island auto find. Before picking it up I told nick certain things needed to be done there was a drafty sound coming from the moon roof the center rims were corroded, bolts were missing from the valve cover. I was called three days in a row by nick who claimed everything was done and the car was ready to be picked up. when I got the re not only was the battery dead, nothing on my list was done! I have since had the car 5 month and I has been in the shop 5 weeks so far. Passenger side air bag malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. There was an oil leak that caused my eyes to water and leaves a funny taste in my mouth. This took three different attempts to fix. The car moves from side to side at 65 mph. The car just died while taking my wife to work. I brought it to the shop it did it on the mechanic but he could not determine the cause. he said it was safe to take to florida which IS the reason I bought it. It stalled in florida while entering an intersection then again in delaware at 3:30 in the morning and 13 degrees! And again on the bqe as three lanes of traffic merged into one.i have 2 friends with the same car they were charged $1300 to fix the "air bag malfunction"everyone should be reimbursed. I am told the gaskets become brittle and leak. all of these issue's should be part of a recall. *tr
One day while driving, my car had an alert come on the I drive saying the passenger restraint system was malfunctioning. It stayed on a few months and then went away for a few months. Now the problem IS occurring again. *tr
TL* the contact owns a 2006 BMW 528xi. The contact the contact stated that the brakes failed to respond to deceleration attempts. The vehicle was being repaired and diagnosed by a private mechanic. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 122,000.
I own BMW 530xi ,i have problem with the passenger air bag , light still on all time . I checked in the web side BMW have recall for this issue ,but I contact BMW ask me for the vin # ,i giving all number, but later they said to me my car not qualify for this issue I don't know why my car not qualify for this issue, I do not paid $ 1000, for this.... let's BMW do this... thanks... *tr
TL* the contact owns a 2006 BMW M5. The contact stated that the passenger's side air bag warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 08v384000. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
My BMW 525I just received a passenger restraint failure error. I saw online where there IS an active recall for this matter. Yet, when I contacted the dealer and BMW USA, I was told the vehicle wasn't covered based on the vin number.this IS not acceptable! My family IS at stake here! The lives of myself and anyone I carry as a passenger risk harm. I ask that this be reviewed for it IS a known flaw with this vehicle. Please contact me at [xxx] or phone at [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Tr
TL* the contact owns a 2006 BMW 5 series. The contact started the ignition and the front passenger's side air bag warning indicator began to illuminate continuously, although the seat was not occupied. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and repaired. The manufacturer was notified and they stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number: 08v384000 (air bags). The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
TL* the contact owns a 2006 BMW 5 series. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated that the front passenger side seat mat would have to be replaced. The technician also informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 08v384000 (air bags). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
The passenger side occupancy seat mat for the airbag failed. BMW has bulletin sib 65 75 06, airbag warning lamp for OC3 seat mat fault, that covers my cars build date, but BMW states my vin IS not covered. There IS also a current recall, nhtsa campaign number: 08v-384, but BMW states my car IS not covered and refuses to honor the 10 year extended warranty. My car IS experiencing this same issue, as diagnosed by a local BMW dealers, but they have failed to cover it. This IS a major safety issue that IS affecting many cars outside of the recall. They are many people posting on various BMW forums that are experiencing the same issue. BMW should be held accountable to fix all the vehicles experiencing this problem. *tr
While driving, the passenger airbag warning light was on, and the airbag was disabled, although there IS passenger sitting there. *tr
TL* the contact owns a 2006 BMW 535xi. The contact stated that the brake light assembly shorted out. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who decided to replace all three rear brake lights, rear driver side reverse light and both turn signals in the rear. In addition, the contact stated that the doors on the vehicle appear to close and latched and inadvertantly open. The contact was informed of recall nhtsa campaign ID number: 12v504000 (latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch) but was informed it only affected the 2007 model. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 82,000.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
BMW IS conducting a safety recall campaign on approximately 200,000 MY04 through MY06 subject vehicles built through 11/30/05 to correct the front passenger seat air bag occupant detection mat. The specific vehicles included in the recall aremy04- 06/ 5-series with standard and sport seats, my04-06/ x3-series and MY06/ 3-series with sport seats. In addition, BMW will extend the warranty coverage of the passenger seat air bag occupant detection mat to 10-year/unlimited mileage on approximately 120,000 remaining my04-06 subject vehicles built through 11/30/05. The specific vehicles included in the extended warranty are my 06/ 6 series, my 06/ 3-series with standard seats, my04-05/ Z4, my04-06/ 7 series, my 06/ X5, and my04-06/ 5-series with comfort seats.the average frequency of failures among the extended warranty groups was less than 1/7TH of the recall vehicle groups.please see bmw's 08v-384 recall notification for further detailsdepending on seat configuration and vehicle geometry, the occupant detection mat can fatigue during use depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit.specifically, over time, micro-cracks could develop in the side flanks of the mat causing a broken circuit.a brokencircuit can lead to the deactivation of the passenger air bag and the illumination of both the air bag warning light and the passenger air bag light.
In certain my 2005 through my 2006 BMW vehicles, the occupant classification system (ocs) for the passenger frontal airbag may malfunction and render the passenger airbag inoperative.in june 2006, BMW issued a technical service bulletin (si b 72 02 06) regarding the illumination of the airbag warning light and the passenger airbag status lamp.illumination of these lights warn that an open electrical circuit may be present within the passenger seat mat sensor.when both of the lights are illuminated, the passenger frontal air bag will not deploy in a frontal crash.certain BMW vehicles in addition to the subject vehicles contain the same seat mat sensor.these are the my 2004 5-series, 7-series and X3, the my 2004 through 2006z-4 series and my 2006 3-series, 6-series and X5 vehicles.an improved seat mat sensor was introduced in december 2005 for the mid-my 2006 production.in response to odi's information request letter, BMW provided 1,172 owner reports and 28,238 warranty claims.initial review of the data indicate that 280 non-duplicating owner reports and 13,051 non-duplicating warranty claims may be related the subject defect issue on the subject vehiclesthis preliminary evaluation IS being upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea08-001).
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.