2006 BMW 650i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2006 BMW 650i has 20 complaints and a complaint index of 78, ranking 3rd worst of 10 model years with data. NHTSA lists 1 recall. Brakes and Structure & Body each account for 25% of complaints, giving this year an Avoid verdict relative to other 650i years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 78/100
- #3 of 10 650i years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 20
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Brakes
Top 2006 BMW 650i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes5 (25%)
- Structure & Body5 (25%)
- Airbags3 (15%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (15%)
- Seat Belts2 (10%)
- Steering2 (10%)
- Electrical System1 (5%)
- Engine1 (5%)
- Fuel System1 (5%)
- Other1 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brake pedal goes soft and sinks to the floorboard with reduced response, in one case leading to a rear-end crash at low speed.
- Heated seats have smoked and burned through seat padding, clothing, and even a wallet after only a short drive.
- The convertible top warning light comes on and windows stop operating, with the convertible top sensor reportedly failing and being replaced multiple times.
- Owners flagged with an existing brake vacuum pump recall (10V446000) report the dealer still charged them because their specific VIN was excluded.
- The engine has stalled while driving in cold weather, later traced to thermostat and hose problems.
- Front and rear run-flat tires have developed bubbles with low mileage and no reported pothole impact.
2006 BMW 650i recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 BMW 650i reliable?
- NHTSA data shows 20 complaints and a complaint index of 78 for the 2006 650i, the 3rd worst of 10 model years tracked, so it carries an Avoid verdict compared to other 650i years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW 650i?
- Brakes and Structure & Body issues each make up 25% of complaints, followed by Airbags and Suspension, Wheels & Tires at 15% each.
- Does the 2006 BMW 650i have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists one recall (07V479000) covering V8 engines where electrostatic discharge at the fuel rails could occur in below-freezing, low-humidity conditions; the fix involves attaching two ground cables in the engine compartment.
- At what mileage do 2006 650i brake problems usually happen?
- Owner complaints about brakes show a median mileage at failure of 72,000 miles, based on NHTSA data.
- How does the 2006 650i compare to other 650i years?
- The 2007 650i has a higher complaint index of 100 and is also rated Avoid, while 2010 and 2014 are rated Good with lower complaint indexes of 33 and 44.