2006 BMW 550i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2006 BMW 550i has a complaint index of 60, ranking 5th worst of 11 model years, with a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 23 complaints, 3 recalls, and airbags as the top problem area at 57% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 60/100
- #5 of 11 550i years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 23
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16
- 14 city / 21 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2006 BMW 550i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags13 (57%)
- Electrical System3 (13%)
- Engine3 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (13%)
- Brakes2 (9%)
- Steering2 (9%)
- Fuel System1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags deployed unexpectedly during low-speed swerving maneuvers and caused chemical burns to the neck and wrist.
- Passenger airbag warning light illuminated, with dealers saying the seat occupant sensor needed replacement but the vehicle was excluded from the related recall.
- Brakes failed to respond on a rainy day at a road curve, leading to a collision.
- The engine stalled repeatedly at highway speed before restarting on its own, tied to the engine ground cable recall.
- The steering wheel lock faulted electronically, sometimes preventing the car from starting.
- A battery cable in the trunk overheated and began charring.
2006 BMW 550i recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 17V428000Jul 6, 2017Airbags2,158 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification
BMW of North America, Inc. (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, and 550i vehicles equipped with the Sport Seat option and certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i vehicles with standard seats. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if, and how, the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Risk: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 1, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 13V564000Nov 12, 2013Airbags76,565 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Risk: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
- NHTSA 07V479000Oct 12, 2007Engine29,250 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling
On certain vehicles equipped with v8 engines, in conditions of below freezing temperatures combined with low humidity, it is possible for electrostatic discharge to occur at the fuel rails. If this were to occur, the engine electronic control unit (ecu) could be affected so that engine stalling could result.
Risk: If stalling were to occur, the driver may not be able to maintain vehicle speed or accelerate and the power steering could fail increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will attach two ground cables in the engine compartment free of charge. The recall began on october 29, 2007. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
2006 BMW 550i fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14 MPG
- Highway
- 21 MPG
- Combined
- 16 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $5,000
- 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 550i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 BMW 550i reliable?
- NHTSA data gives it a complaint index of 60 and a Caution verdict, ranking 5th worst among the 11 model years with data. Airbags are the top reported problem area, making up 57% of complaints.
- What problems does the 2006 BMW 550i have?
- Owners most often reported airbag issues (57% of complaints), plus electrical system, engine, and suspension complaints. Median mileage at failure across all reported problems was 100,000 miles.
- Does the 2006 BMW 550i have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2006 550i, covering airbags (two separate campaigns) and an engine electrostatic discharge issue affecting V8 engines in cold, dry conditions.
- How does the 2006 550i compare to other model years?
- Its complaint index of 60 is worse than 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2015, but better than 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2012, which all carry Avoid verdicts.