MYRModel Year Report

2006 BMW 3 Series

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2006 BMW 3 Series
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
202
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2006

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

54% of complaints

Complaints per year

1986: 1 complaint 1986 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 0 complaints 1994: 1 complaint 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1996: 2 complaints 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1999: 6 complaints 2000: 88 complaints 2000 2001: 36 complaints 2002: 26 complaints 2003: 51 complaints 2003 2004: 77 complaints 2005: 25 complaints 2006: 202 complaints 2006 202 2007: 115 complaints 2008: 68 complaints 2009: 53 complaints 2009 2010: 30 complaints 2011: 1 complaint 2012: 7 complaints 2012 2013: 21 complaints 2023: 0 complaints
1986: 1 complaint 1986 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 0 complaints 1993 1994: 1 complaint 1995: 3 complaints 1995 1996: 2 complaints 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1999: 6 complaints 1999 2000: 88 complaints 2001: 36 complaints 2001 2002: 26 complaints 2003: 51 complaints 2003 2004: 77 complaints 2005: 25 complaints 2006: 202 complaints 2006 202 2007: 115 complaints 2008: 68 complaints 2009: 53 complaints 2009 2010: 30 complaints 2011: 1 complaint 2011 2012: 7 complaints 2013: 21 complaints 2013 2023: 0 complaints
1986: 1 complaint 1986 1992: 0 complaints 1992 1993: 0 complaints 1993 1994: 1 complaint 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1995 1996: 2 complaints 1996 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 6 complaints 1999 2000: 88 complaints 2000 2001: 36 complaints 2001 2002: 26 complaints 2002 2003: 51 complaints 2003 2004: 77 complaints 2004 2005: 25 complaints 2005 2006: 202 complaints 2006 202 2007: 115 complaints 2007 2008: 68 complaints 2008 2009: 53 complaints 2009 2010: 30 complaints 2010 2011: 1 complaint 2011 2012: 7 complaints 2012 2013: 21 complaints 2013 2023: 0 complaints 2023

2006: 202 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19861
19920
19930
19941
19953
19962
19975
19983
19996
200088
200136
200226
200351
200477
200525
2006202
2007115
200868
200953
201030
20111
20127
201321
20230

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

54% · 109 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The air bag and seatbelt sensor on the passenger side is on while driving the vehicle. The indicator lights are always on.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-12-22

Also filed under Seat belts

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 BMW si (Na). While driving approximately 5 MPH, the driver's side of the contact's vehicle was struck. The air bags failed to deploy. Both driver's side doors were damaged. There were no warnings prior to the crash.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-08-13

BMW 330I 2006, passenger airbag injured 18YR old on face - burned, lacerated face and fx nose. Left eye, affected with extreme swelling. Victim traumatized and having blurred vision on left eye.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-06-14

Electrical system

16% · 33 reports

Most commonly citing cables and instrument cluster/panel.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

While driving the vehicle the glove box department caught on fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-02-09

Latches/locks/linkages

13% · 26 reports

Most commonly citing latch.

Steering

12% · 24 reports

Most commonly citing column.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Steering wheel lock up light come on and lock up some time.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-10-28

Tires

7% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt and pressure monitoring and regulating systems.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

I have been complaining to BMW for 20,000 miles about noisy tires. They kept telling me that it needs rotation and did so. There was alot of road noise coming from the tires and BMW did not assume responsibility.

NHTSA ODI report, 2007-09-20

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2006Complaint volume 202 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2006-11-21Suspension06V400000 On certain vehicles, one of the suspension control arm and swivel bearing connection bolts was not tightened correctly. The bolted connection could loosen.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the bolted connection and, if necessary, adjust the connection. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the suspension control arm and the swivel bearing. The recall…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2008-01-04Engineering analysisClosed 2008-12-31 BMW airbag light illumination
  4. R
    2008-11-06Air bags08V384000 BMW is recalling 200,000 my 2006 3 Series sport seat, my 2004-2006 5 Series standard and sport seat, and my 2004-2006 X3 passenger vehicles. Depending on the manner and frequency of the front…

    Remedy: Dealers will rework the front passenger seat sensor mat so that external force application to the seat does not cause a crack to the mat. The recall began on November 6, 2008. BMW will also extend…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2012-08-22Engine and engine cooling12E029000 This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year…

    Remedy: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2022-07-22Engine and engine cooling22V119000 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...

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2006 BMW 3 Series — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 109 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 33 reports on file for this year.
  • Latches/locks/linkages: 26 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06V400000 · Suspension
  • Recall 08V384000 · Air bags
  • Recall 12E029000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 22V119000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2006 BMW 3 Series reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 BMW 3 Series is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW 3 Series?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 54% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 BMW 3 Series have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.