The Used Car Index

2006 BMW 5 Series problems

NHTSA lists 85 complaints for the 2006 BMW 5 Series, 4 of them mention a crash and 2 mention a fire. 5 complaints mention an injury, with 5 injuries and 0 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-09.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as BMW 5 SERIES.

At a glance

Complaints
85
With crash
4
With fire
2
With injury (complaints)
5
Injuries
5
Deaths
0
Recalls
7
Do not drive recalls
0
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
917,106
Investigations
2
Open investigations
0
Manufacturer communications
57

Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. No sales source is available for this record.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
AIR BAGS3642.4%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1922.4%
POWER TRAIN89.4%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING78.2%
VISIBILITY78.2%
ENGINE67.1%
EQUIPMENT55.9%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC44.7%
TIRES44.7%
WHEELS44.7%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints
AIR BAGSFRONTAL16
POWER TRAINAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION6
SUSPENSIONFRONT2
VISIBILITYSUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY2
WHEELSRIM2
BACK OVER PREVENTIONWARNINGS1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMINSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSOFTWARE1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROLAUTOMATIC (ASC)1
EQUIPMENTAPPLIANCE1

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags: This model year has not been tagged.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

7 recalls.

22V119000

Date: 2022-03-02. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

Defect: 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 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Ser (excerpt)

Consequence: 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. (excerpt)

Remedy: 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 recal (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

12V126000

Date: 2012-03-26. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: 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 IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CON (excerpt)

Consequence: 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. (excerpt)

Remedy: 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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

10V446000

Date: 2010-10-01. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

08V384000

Date: 2008-08-05. Systems: AIR BAGS.

Defect: 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, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNIN (excerpt)

Consequence: 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. (excerpt)

Remedy: 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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

06V277000

Date: 2006-07-26. Systems: SUSPENSION.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

06V187000

Date: 2006-05-30. Systems: SUSPENSION.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL COULD COMPROMISE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

05V504000

Date: 2005-11-01. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

2 investigations; 0 open.

EA08001

Opened: 2008-01-04. Closed: 2008-12-31.

BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION

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 O

Systems: AIR BAGS.

Linked campaign numbers: 08V384000.

PE07045

Opened: 2007-09-04. Closed: 2008-01-04.

BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION

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 ELECTRIC

Systems: AIR BAGS.

Linked campaign numbers: None listed.

Manufacturer communications

57 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
EQUIPMENT6
POWER TRAIN6
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE5
EXTERIOR LIGHTING4
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY2
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER2

10249437

Date: 2024-01-16. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY.

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

10249027

Date: 2024-01-11. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle A A?A A A A discharged batteryA A?A A A A compl

10247567

Date: 2023-12-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.

Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (- 0x33E) missing, rec

10245422

Date: 2023-11-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT.

Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleA A?A A A A s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm L

10244242

Date: 2023-10-19. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, LANE DEPARTURE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.

Various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (ADCAM system) can lead to customer complaints.

10182619

Date: 2020-10-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY.

Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to

10145306

Date: 2018-06-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT.

NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:

10143564

Date: 2018-05-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT.

NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:

10142910

Date: 2018-01-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SEATS.

FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY (OC3) MAT FOR SRS: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 15 YEARS/UNLIMITED MILES

10056703

Date: 2014-09-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: AIR BAGS.

BMW: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. LIMITED WARRANTY HAS BEEN EXTENDED, UP TO 15 YEARS, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, WITHOUT MILEAGE LIMITATION FOR FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR (OC3) (MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP). MODEL 2006-2007 E60 (5 SERIES SEDAN, E61 (5 SERIES SPORTSWAGON

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
5 SERIES85

Same model, other years

All model years | All BMW models

Other BMW models, 2006

Sources

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