Is the 2006 BMW 330I reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 BMW 330I is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW 330I?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 65% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2006 BMW 330I have?

7 recalls on file for this model year.

2006 BMW 330I

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2006 BMW 330I
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: 219
Recalls: 7
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2006: 219 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1999	0
2000	0
2001	116
2002	45
2003	77
2004	113
2005	28
2006	219
2007	0
2008	0
2009	0
2010	0
2011	0
2017	41
2018	32
2019	41
2020	53
2021	29
2022	6
2023	4
2024	5
2025	5
2026	1

Known problem areas

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

Air bags

65% · 142 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and occupant classification.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 BMW 330I. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V071000 (Air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-17

Front passenger seat caught fire and burnt a hole from bottom up, took to the mechanic and he said it was from the airbag sensor that caught it fire, I was getting hair done AT6 pm in evening, came out I hour later and smelt fire, looked and there...

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-08-03

My airbag light is on. I checked the website, and realize that there is a recall for Takata airbags, however, when I input my VIN#, my vehicle does not show the active recall.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-06-21

Electrical system

16% · 34 reports

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 BMW 330I. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V676000 (Electrical system) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-05

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 BMW 330I. The contact stated that while traveling 2 MPH, the vehicle accelerated without warning. The contact crashed into a median. There were no injuries. However, the vehicle was totaled.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-15

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Seat belts

11% · 24 reports

Steering

10% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing column and anti-theft device.

Seats

9% · 20 reports

FIRE

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

▮
2006Complaint volume 219 complaints filed for this model year.
I
2014-06-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-03-02 Air Bag Inflator Rupture
R

2014-08-29Air bags13V564000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-12-01Air bags14V428000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports...

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2015-02-24Engineering analysisOpen Air Bag Inflator Rupture
R

2017-09-01Air bags17V428000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-06-29Electrical system17V676000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-05-30Engine and engine cooling19V273000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 530xi Sports Wagon, 325i, 325xi, 325xi Sports Wagon, 330i, 330xi, Z4 3.0i and Z4 3.0si vehicles.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion to recall 17V-683.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-03-11Air bags20V017000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is,...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2024-08-30Air bags24V513000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2006 BMW 330I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 142 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 34 reports on file for this year.
Seat belts: 24 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V564000 · Air bags
Recall 14V428000 · Air bags
Recall 17V428000 · Air bags
Recall 17V676000 · Electrical system
Recall 19V273000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 20V017000 · Air bags
Recall 24V513000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2006 BMW 330I reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 BMW 330I is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW 330I?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 65% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 BMW 330I have?: 7 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.