2006 BMW M5 recalls and problems

The 2006 BMW M5 has 1 safety recall and 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 0

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2006 BMW M5 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2006 BMW M5 recalls

Recall 12V-126: Electrical System

Reported Mar 26, 2012 · 367,682 vehicles affected · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

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.

2006 BMW M5 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	26
Seat Belts	7
Power Train	6
Electrical System	3
Seats	3
Engine	3
Engine and Engine Cooling	2
Unknown or Other	1
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Exterior Lighting	1
Fuel/Propulsion System	1
Steering	1

Most reported parts

Air Bags › Frontal — 3
Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
Power Train › Driveline — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 56,200 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 M5 complaints

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

Electrical System · at 97,000 miles · reported Aug 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2006 BMW M5. The contact stated that while opening the trunk of the vehicle, the positive terminal on the battery was fully melted and was very hot. The contact believed that the issue was a fire hazard and was lucky to have found the issue before any other damage could occur. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V126000 (Electrical System) as a possible cause for the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was inspected in 2012 under the recall but had…

Engine · at 102,156 miles · reported May 24, 2020

Clearance failure on s85 engine to rod bearings causes oil starvation. This in turn causes engine catastrophic failure. If driving this will effect power breaking, power steering and all components requiring the engine to be running. This is a very common issue, I now have symptoms requiring a change of rod bearings.

Air Bags · at 72,812 miles · reported Aug 3, 2017

Upon starting my car, I received an error message " fault in passenger restraint system affecting air bags, belt tensioner or belt force limiter" the message continues to show up every day.. This is the same issue that has a recall in all other 5 series models for this year, 2006 and has a recall for those vehicles. This model should be added since its the same issue. See attached.

Power Train · at 95,000 miles · reported Feb 17, 2017

The early m5 with the smg (Sequential manual gearbox) 7 speed have numerous TSB's and warranty campaigns. The shifting of the gearbox is up executed by pressure from the hydrualic pump that stores aaprx 80psi in the accumulater. This accumulator or pump has a hi chance of failing and when it does the car shuts down without warning. My car shut down in the middle of the intersection just recently. And I have had this pump replace twice out of warranty and once within warranty. A major flaw of the getrag smg 7spd. Bmw discontinued this transmission but continues to raise prices on the…

Air Bags · at 35,000 miles · reported Dec 10, 2015

The contact owns a 2006 bmw m5. The contact stated that the air bag light remained illuminated while a passenger occupied the seat. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the base of the seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.

Other BMW M5 years

2026 2025 2021 2020 2019 2018 2016 2015 2014 2013 2010 2009 2008 200720062003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all BMW M5 years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 BMW M5 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2006 BMW M5: 12V-126 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2006 BMW M5?

Owners report air bags problems most often (26 reports), followed by seat belts (7). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 56,200 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.