YearToAvoid

2006 BMW 650i Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

78/100

#3 most-complained of 10 650i years

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

The 2006 BMW 650i has 20 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 78 out of 100 — #3 highest of 10 650i model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is brakes (5 complaints, 25% of the total). Complaints report 1 crash, 2 fires, and 2 injuries.

Complaints
20
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
1 / 2
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2006 BMW 650i problems

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

  1. Brakes5 (25%)
  2. Structure & Body5 (25%)
  3. Airbags3 (15%)
  4. Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (15%)
  5. Seat Belts2 (10%)
  6. Steering2 (10%)
  7. Electrical System1 (5%)
  8. Engine1 (5%)
  9. Fuel System1 (5%)
  10. Other1 (5%)
2006 BMW 650i complaints: complaints filed per month3Nov 2007Jul 2012Nov 2014Jul 2015Apr 2016Dec 2016Jul 2021
24 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2007 to Dec 2021; peak Dec 2016 (3).

2006 BMW 650i recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. 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 compared with other 650i years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002006200720082009201020122013201420152017
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2006Avoid78201—
2007Avoid100221—
2008Caution5660—

All BMW 650i years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2006 BMW 650i a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 BMW 650i ranks #3 of 10 among 650i model years (Complaint Index 78/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 20 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW 650i?
The most reported problem areas are brakes (5 complaints), structure & body (5 complaints), and airbags (3 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 79,999 miles.
Does the 2006 BMW 650i have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2006 BMW 650i, most recently reported 2007, covering engine.

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.