2006 BMW 330i Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 16 330i years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2006 BMW 330i has 219 owner complaints and 7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 100 out of 100 — the highest of 16 330i model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is airbags (133 complaints, 61% of the total). Complaints report 5 crashes, 10 fires, and 1 injury.
- Complaints
- 219
- Recalls
- 7
- incl. Do Not Drive
- Crashes / fires
- 5 / 10
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 27 hwy
Top 2006 BMW 330i problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags133 (61%)
- Structure & Body36 (16%)
- Electrical System34 (16%)
- Engine27 (12%)
- Seat Belts24 (11%)
- Steering20 (9%)
- Other7 (3%)
- Fuel System3 (1%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (1%)
- HVAC1 (0%)
2006 BMW 330i recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V513000Jul 3, 2024Airbags394,029 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 20V017000Jan 15, 2020Airbags59,965 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
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 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
- NHTSA 19V273000Apr 4, 2019Engine184,505 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
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.
Remedy: 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.
2006 BMW 330i fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2006 compared with other 330i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 BMW 330i a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 BMW 330i ranks worst among 330i model years (Complaint Index 100/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 219 complaints and 7 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW 330i?
- The most reported problem areas are airbags (133 complaints), structure & body (36 complaints), and electrical system (34 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 86,000 miles.
- Does the 2006 BMW 330i have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2006 BMW 330i, most recently reported 2024, covering airbags, engine, and electrical system. At least one carries a Do Not Drive advisory.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2006 BMW 330i?
- EPA rates the 2006 BMW 330i at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,800. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.