2006 BMW 525xi recalls and problems

The 2006 BMW 525xi has 3 safety recalls and 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 4

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2006 BMW 525xi vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2006 BMW 525xi recalls

Recall 19V-273: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Apr 4, 2019 · 184,505 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 530xi Sports Wagon, 325i, 325xi, 325xi Sports Wagon, 330i, 330xi, Z4 3.0i and Z4 3.0si vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion to recall 17V-683.

Recall 17V-428: Air Bags

Reported Jul 6, 2017 · 2,158 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, Inc. (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, and 550i vehicles equipped with the Sport Seat option and certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i vehicles with standard seats. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if, and how, the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.

Risk: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 1, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall 13V-564: Air Bags

Reported Nov 12, 2013 · 76,565 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.

Risk: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Fix: BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

2006 BMW 525xi problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	13
Electrical System	6
Service Brakes	4
Engine	3
Seats	2
Seat Belts	2
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1
Power Train	1
Engine and Engine Cooling	1

Most reported parts

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum — 1
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 122,000 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 525xi complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 154,000 miles · reported Mar 29, 2023

The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525xi. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the contact smelled the odor of burning coming from the vehicle, and the contact noticed smoke coming from the trunk of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and notice that smoking was coming from the battery. The contact was able to stop the smoke. The vehicle would not restart, and the vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 154,000.

Engine · reported May 9, 2022

The engine overheated on January 27, 2022 and a warning appeared on the dash to pull over and turn off the engine. It was then towed to a repair facility, where it was determined that overheating caused the failure of radiater hoses, loss of coolant, and other damages. Repairs cost $2574.56 on January 29, 2022. When I contacted BMW and the dealer, I was told that did not want to hear about it until they have determined what remedy was available for the recall, and they told me they would noot listen to any complaints about damages until then.

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 119,000 miles · reported May 2, 2022

The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525XI. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. The coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the thermostat and radiator were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the computer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet…

Power Train · reported Feb 12, 2019

While driving on the interstate with speed limit 70 MPH, a warning message appeared transmission failure & reduce speed. The car slowed down itself while ongoing traffic approached extremely fast. My car would not accelerate to the 5th or 6th gear. I had to I get off the interstate as quickly as I could. In a panic I called aaa to tow my car. Thinking there was truly something wrong with my transmission, although I kept up with maintenance. Needless to say this message that popped up was incorrect. There was nothing wrong with my transmission.

Air Bags · at 150,000 miles · reported Nov 17, 2017

Computer drawing down battery and car will not start seems to happen more when it's damp and raining this happens when the car is parked passenger airbag light is on bmw would like $2500. To reboot computer I think its a scam

Other BMW 525xi years

20072006

Compare all BMW 525xi years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 BMW 525xi have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2006 BMW 525xi: 19V-273 (engine and engine cooling), 17V-428 (air bags), 13V-564 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2006 BMW 525xi?

Owners report air bags problems most often (13 reports), followed by electrical system (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 122,000 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.