2006 BMW 5 Series Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2006 BMW 5 Series has 85 NHTSA complaints, 7 recalls, and a complaint index of 75, ranking it 3rd worst of 9 model years and earning an Avoid verdict. Airbags account for 42% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 69,500 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 75/100
- #3 of 9 5 Series years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 85
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 7
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 5
- Top issue
- Airbags
Top 2006 BMW 5 Series problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags36 (42%)
- Electrical System23 (27%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires10 (12%)
- Brakes9 (11%)
- Engine9 (11%)
- Structure & Body9 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain8 (9%)
- Visibility & Wipers7 (8%)
- Other3 (4%)
- Steering2 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags fail to deploy or deploy with very low pressure during low-speed collisions.
- Front passenger airbag sensor mat malfunctions and disables the airbag even when an adult occupant is present.
- Electrical system faults cause lights, turn signals, and the onboard computer to flash or lock up unpredictably.
- Owners report fires linked to preexisting electrical problems, in one case while the vehicle was moving at highway speed.
- Dynamic stability control and brake modules malfunction, sometimes leaving the vehicle described as not road-worthy.
- Brakes fail to engage in at least one case, resulting in a crash.
2006 BMW 5 Series recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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.
- NHTSA 12V126000Mar 26, 2012Electrical System367,682 vehicles
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 10V446000Oct 1, 2010Brakes198,352 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, 6-series, and model year 2002-2008 7-series vehicles. A check valve of the brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.
Risk: Power assist braking performance could be adversely affected. In extreme cases there could be a complete loss of power assist braking. An unexpected reduction or loss in power braking assist may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Bmw will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on november 24, 2010. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.
2006 compared with other 5 Series years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 BMW 5 Series reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2006 model has a complaint index of 75, the 3rd highest among the 9 model years covered, and carries an Avoid verdict relative to other 5 Series years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW 5 Series?
- Airbags are the top problem area, making up 42% of complaints, followed by the Electrical System at 27% and Suspension, Wheels & Tires at 12%. Median mileage at failure for airbag complaints was 69,500 miles.
- Does the 2006 BMW 5 Series have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2006 model, covering areas including airbags, brakes, suspension, transmission, and the electrical system. None are listed as do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2006 5 Series compare to other years?
- The 2006 model's complaint index of 75 is worse than 2005 (63), 2007 (38), and 2010 (13, rated Best), but better than 2008 (100, the worst year).
- Were there any fires or injuries reported for the 2006 BMW 5 Series?
- NHTSA data shows 2 fires, 4 crashes, and 5 injuries linked to the 2006 model, with no deaths reported.