How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2006 BMW 3 Series?

NHTSA lists 20 engine complaints for the 2006 BMW 3 Series, which is about 10% of the 202 total complaints filed for that model year.

At what mileage do these engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2006 BMW 3 Series is 79,000 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.

Is there a recall for the 2006 BMW 3 Series engine?

Yes, recall campaign 22V119000 covers an engine-related electrical wiring issue, though it applies mainly to 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe models; the summary lists related BMW models and years.

What is the most common engine complaint pattern?

The most frequently described pattern is broken aluminum cylinder head bolts leading to oil leaks, sometimes with bolt heads falling into the timing chain housing.

Were there any injuries or crashes linked to these engine complaints?

NHTSA data tied to this complaint area logs 2 crashes and 4 injuries among the 20 engine complaints filed for the 2006 BMW 3 Series.

2006 BMW 3 Series Engine Problems

NHTSA logged 20 engine complaints for the 2006 BMW 3 Series, about 10% of all complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 79,000 miles. Owners most often described broken aluminum cylinder head bolts causing oil leaks, plus hesitation and stalling issues; a related recall (22V119000) covers electrical wiring on nearby model years.

Engine complaints: 20; 10% of 202 complaints
All complaints this year: 202
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 4
Median mileage: 79,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Aluminum cylinder head bolts shear or break, sometimes dropping bolt heads into the timing chain housing and causing a major oil leak.
Broken head bolts near the oil filter housing paired with a leaking gasket, discovered during routine dealer service.
Sudden loss of acceleration or a growling, neutral-like feel while trying to pass another car at highway speed.
Repeated hesitation when pressing the accelerator, sometimes progressing to a stall while pulling into traffic.
Motor seals begin failing around 70,000 miles, followed by bolt breakage near 80,000 miles and a resulting oil leak.

When 2006 BMW 3 Series engine complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 30, 2007, latest Jun 30, 2019.

20 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2007 to Jun 2019; peak Mar 2010 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2006 BMW 3 Series

NHTSA 22V119000Mar 2, 2022Engine917,106 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
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.
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 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.

Engine complaints by 3 Series model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20051 (4%)
200620 (10%)
200726 (23%)
200818 (26%)
20098 (15%)
20108 (27%)
20111 (100%)
20123 (43%)
20139 (43%)
20230 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2006 BMW 3 Series?: NHTSA lists 20 engine complaints for the 2006 BMW 3 Series, which is about 10% of the 202 total complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do these engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2006 BMW 3 Series is 79,000 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
Is there a recall for the 2006 BMW 3 Series engine?: Yes, recall campaign 22V119000 covers an engine-related electrical wiring issue, though it applies mainly to 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe models; the summary lists related BMW models and years.
What is the most common engine complaint pattern?: The most frequently described pattern is broken aluminum cylinder head bolts leading to oil leaks, sometimes with bolt heads falling into the timing chain housing.
Were there any injuries or crashes linked to these engine complaints?: NHTSA data tied to this complaint area logs 2 crashes and 4 injuries among the 20 engine complaints filed for the 2006 BMW 3 Series.