YearToAvoid

2006 BMW 5 Series Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

75/100

#3 most-complained of 9 5 Series years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2006 BMW 5 Series has 85 owner complaints and 7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 75 out of 100 — #3 highest of 9 5 Series model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is airbags (36 complaints, 42% of the total). Complaints report 4 crashes, 2 fires, and 5 injuries.

Complaints
85
Recalls
7
Crashes / fires
4 / 2
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2006 BMW 5 Series problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Airbags36 (42%)
  2. Electrical System23 (27%)
  3. Suspension, Wheels & Tires10 (12%)
  4. Brakes9 (11%)
  5. Engine9 (11%)
  6. Structure & Body9 (11%)
  7. Transmission & Powertrain8 (9%)
  8. Visibility & Wipers7 (8%)
  9. Other3 (4%)
  10. Steering2 (2%)
2006 BMW 5 Series complaints: complaints filed per quarter122006 Q12007 Q32009 Q22010 Q32011 Q42013 Q22014 Q42017 Q2
118 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2006 Q1 to 2019 Q2; peak 2006 Q4 (12).

2006 BMW 5 Series recalls

7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

See all 7 recalls for the 2006 BMW 5 Series →

2006 compared with other 5 Series years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100200520062007200820092010201120122023
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2005Caution63214—
2006Avoid75857—
2007Good38133—
2008Avoid1001053—

All BMW 5 Series years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2006 BMW 5 Series a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 BMW 5 Series ranks #3 of 9 among 5 Series model years (Complaint Index 75/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 85 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 5 Series?
The most reported problem areas are airbags (36 complaints), electrical system (23 complaints), and suspension, wheels & tires (10 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 65,000 miles.
Does the 2006 BMW 5 Series have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2006 BMW 5 Series, most recently reported 2022, covering engine, electrical system, brakes, and airbags.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.