What engine problems does the 2006 BMW 330i have?

NHTSA lists 27 engine-related complaints for this year, including reports of fires, oil leaks from broken cylinder head bolts, and water pump failures. Median mileage at failure was 100,000.

Is there a recall for the 2006 BMW 330i engine?

Yes. Recall 19V273000 covers the PCV valve heater on 2006 330i and related models; BMW dealers replace it free of charge.

Did the engine problems cause fires?

Owners reported 6 fires among the 27 engine complaints filed for the 2006 330i, with no injuries and one crash reported.

How common are engine complaints compared to other problems that year?

Engine complaints made up 12% of the 219 total complaints filed for the 2006 330i.

2006 BMW 330i Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 27 engine complaints for the 2006 BMW 330i, 12% of all 219 complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 100,000 and 6 reported fires. A related recall (19V273000) covers the PCV valve heater, which BMW says can crack and leak oil that may contact hot engine parts.

Engine complaints: 27; 12% of 219 complaints
All complaints this year: 219
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 6
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 100,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Under-hood fires reported after unusual odors, smoke, or popping noises, sometimes starting within minutes of engine start or while driving at highway speeds.
Multiple owners describe smoke entering the cabin or coming from under the hood before flames appeared underneath the transmission or engine bay.
Several owners report broken cylinder head bolts causing oil leaks onto belts, exhaust, and brakes, which they call a safety hazard.
One owner reported the engine stalling at 45 mph followed by an explosion-like failure and fire under the hood.
A water pump failure was linked to smoke and an abnormal odor shortly after starting the engine.

When 2006 BMW 330i engine complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 12, 2011, latest Aug 18, 2025.

27 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2011 to Aug 2025; peak Aug 2022 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2006 BMW 330i

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.

Engine complaints by 330i model year

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

20051 (4%)
200627 (12%)
20070 (0%)
20080 (0%)
20090 (0%)
20100 (0%)
20110 (0%)
201723 (56%)
201816 (50%)
201911 (27%)
202020 (38%)
20219 (31%)
20220 (0%)
20231 (25%)
20241 (20%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

What engine problems does the 2006 BMW 330i have?: NHTSA lists 27 engine-related complaints for this year, including reports of fires, oil leaks from broken cylinder head bolts, and water pump failures. Median mileage at failure was 100,000.
Is there a recall for the 2006 BMW 330i engine?: Yes. Recall 19V273000 covers the PCV valve heater on 2006 330i and related models; BMW dealers replace it free of charge.
Did the engine problems cause fires?: Owners reported 6 fires among the 27 engine complaints filed for the 2006 330i, with no injuries and one crash reported.
How common are engine complaints compared to other problems that year?: Engine complaints made up 12% of the 219 total complaints filed for the 2006 330i.