2006 BMW 5 Series recalls and problems
The 2006 BMW 5 Series has 7 safety recalls and 85 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2006 BMW 5 Series vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2006 BMW 5 Series recalls
Recall 22V-119: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 12V-126: Electrical System
Problem: 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 connection is possible and could cause the cable connection to overheat.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 10V-446: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 08V-384: Air Bags
Problem: 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 warning lamp as well as the passenger air bag "on-off" lamp will be illuminated.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 06V-277: Suspension
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 06V-187: Suspension
Problem: 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.
Risk: Vehicle handling and control could compromise increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 05V-504: Power Train
Problem: Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with an incorrectly manufactured automatic transmission parking pawl guide plate.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
2006 BMW 5 Series problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 37 | |
| Electrical System | 20 | |
| Power Train | 8 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 7 | |
| Visibility | 7 | |
| Engine | 6 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 | |
| Tires | 4 | |
| Wheels | 4 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 3 | |
| Structure | 3 | |
| Suspension | 3 |
Most reported parts
- Air Bags › Frontal — 13
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 6
- Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 3
- Wheels › Rim — 2
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 1
- Back Over Prevention › Warnings › External/Pedestrian Alert — 1
- Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 65,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2006 BMW 5 Series complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other BMW 5 Series years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2006 BMW 5 Series have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2006 BMW 5 Series: 22V-119 (engine and engine cooling), 12V-126 (electrical system), 10V-446 (service brakes, hydraulic), 08V-384 (air bags), 06V-277 (suspension) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 BMW 5 Series?
Owners report air bags problems most often (37 reports), followed by electrical system (20). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 65,000 miles.
Are BMW recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.