The Used Car Index

2006 BMW M3 problems

NHTSA lists 14 complaints for the 2006 BMW M3, 0 of them mention a crash and 0 mention a fire. 0 complaints mention an injury, with 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-07.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as BMW M3.

At a glance

Complaints
14
With crash
0
With fire
0
With injury (complaints)
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0
Recalls
5
Do not drive recalls
3
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
702,965
Investigations
2
Open investigations
1
Manufacturer communications
13

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 BAGS964.3%
POWER TRAIN214.3%
TIRES214.3%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING17.1%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGENGINE1
POWER TRAINMANUAL TRANSMISSION1

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

5 recalls.

20V018000

Date: 2020-01-15. Systems: AIR BAGS.

Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellan (excerpt)

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. (excerpt)

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. (excerpt)

Do not drive: Yes. Park outside: No.

20V017000

Date: 2020-01-15. Systems: AIR BAGS.

Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 3 (excerpt)

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. (excerpt)

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

14V428000

Date: 2018-06-11. Systems: AIR BAGS.

Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convert (excerpt)

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants. (excerpt)

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or (excerpt)

Do not drive: Yes. Park outside: No.

17V676000

Date: 2017-10-25. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.

Consequence: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

15V318000

Date: 2015-05-28. Systems: AIR BAGS.

Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles a (excerpt)

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. (excerpt)

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air (excerpt)

Do not drive: Yes. Park outside: No.

Investigations

2 investigations; 1 open.

EA15001

Opened: 2015-02-24. Closed: Not listed.

Air Bag Inflator Rupture

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive a

Systems: AIR BAGS.

Linked campaign numbers: 14V668, 15E040, 15E041, 15E042, 15E043, 15V284, 15V285, 15V286, 15V287, 15V312, 15V313, 15V318, 15V319, 15V320, 15V322, 15V323, 15V324, 15V361, 15V370, 15V444, 16E005, 16E006, 16E009, 16E042, 16E043, 16E044, 16V036, 16V061, 16V063, 16V071, 16V077, 16V078, 16V079, 16V081, 16V127, 16V128, 16V267, 16V334, 16V340, 16V341, 16V344, 16V346, 16V347, 16V349, 16V352, 16V358, 16V359, 16V361, 16V363, 16V364, 16V373, 16V374, 16V382, 16V384, 16V418, 16V499, 16V947, 17E001, 17E002, 17E034, 17V004, 17V005, 17V006, 17V013, 17V014, 17V015, 17V016, 17V017, 17V020, 17V022, 17V023, 17V024, 17V026, 17V027, 17V028, 17V029, 17V030, 17V031, 17V032, 17V047, 17V068, 17V429, 17V449, 17V457, 17V474, 17V478, 17V479, 17V480, 17V569, 17V787, 17V788, 17V793, 17V806, 17V807, 18E001, 18E002, 18E003, 18V004, 18V007, 18V009, 18V010, 18V011, 18V012, 18V013, 18V014, 18V015, 18V016, 18V018, 18V021, 18V022, 18V023, 18V024, 18V025, 18V030, 18V031, 18V032, 18V038, 18V039, 18V040, 18V041, 18V042, 18V043, 18V044, 18V045, 18V046, 18V082, 18V148, 18V220, 18V247, 18V381, 18V401, 18V402, 18V403, 18V404, 18V427, 18V452, 18V661, 18V662, 18V717, 18V883, 19E001, 19E002, 19E003, 19E016, 19V001, 19V002, 19V003, 19V004, 19V005, 19V006, 19V007, 19V008, 19V009, 19V010, 19V014, 19V015, 19V016, 19V017, 19V018, 19V141, 19V181, 19V182, 19V488, 19V499, 19V500, 19V501, 19V502, 19V698, 19V741, 19V781, 19V782, 20E001, 20V001, 20V002, 20V003, 20V007, 20V008, 20V011, 20V016, 20V017, 20V018, 20V747, 20V785, 21E013, 21V050, 21V051, 21V052, 21V053, 21V054, 21V076, 21V081, 21V158, 21V162, 22V945.

PE14016

Opened: 2014-06-11. Closed: 2015-03-02.

Air Bag Inflator Rupture

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive a

Systems: AIR BAGS.

Linked campaign numbers: 13V172000, 14E073000, 14V428000, 14V700000, 14V763000, 14V770000, 14V772001, 14V787000, 15V226000.

Manufacturer communications

13 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
SERVICE BRAKES3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2
EQUIPMENT2
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC1

11024229

Date: 2025-09-12. Type: Other. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES.

Brake Disc Return

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

10244237

Date: 2023-10-13. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.

Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material-

10225126

Date: 2022-09-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT.

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.

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

10145331

Date: 2018-07-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES.

Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles:

10057534

Date: 2014-12-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES.

BMW: RUNNING NOISES HEARD WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED, WITH HIGH BRAKE LOADS; THROUGH WHEEL OPENING, VISIBLE CRACKS CAN BE SEEN IN BRAKE DISCS AND STEERING WHEEL TORSIONAL VIBRATES WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. *PE

10052012

Date: 2013-03-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

BMW: BATTERY HAS AN INCREASED DEMAND DUE TO DEVELOPEMENTAL PROCESS OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS IS CAUSING THE BATTER TO NEED TO UNDERGO AN ENERGY DIAGNOSIS. *KB

10042684

Date: 2011-09-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

BMW: ON SOME VEHICLES, THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAS AN INTERNAL COMPONENT THAT MAY FAIL AND CAUSING DRIVABILITY SYMPTOMS SUCH AS ERRATIC ENGINE OPERATION AND LONGER STARTING TIMES. *PE

10040853

Date: 2011-07-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SUSPENSION.

BMW: A GRINDING NOISE IS COMING FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL DURING SLOW CORNERING. WHEN TURNING A SLIP/STICK EFFECT IS CREATED ON THE LINING AND STEEL DISCS INCORPORATED IN THE DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH CAUSES A GRINDING NOISE. *RM

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
M314

Same model, other years

All model years | All BMW models

Other BMW models, 2006

Sources

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