2006 BMW 550i Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
60/100
#5 most-complained of 11 550i years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2006 BMW 550i has 23 owner complaints and 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 60 out of 100 — #5 highest of 11 550i model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is airbags (13 complaints, 57% of the total). Complaints report 3 crashes and 2 injuries.
- Complaints
- 23
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16
- 14 city / 21 hwy
Top 2006 BMW 550i problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
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 a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 BMW 550i ranks #5 of 11 among 550i model years (Complaint Index 60/100, verdict: Caution). It has 23 complaints and 3 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW 550i?
- The most reported problem areas are airbags (13 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints), and engine (3 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 100,000 miles.
- Does the 2006 BMW 550i have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2006 BMW 550i, most recently reported 2017, covering airbags and engine.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2006 BMW 550i?
- EPA rates the 2006 BMW 550i at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 21 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,000. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.