2006 BMW 5 Series
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 7 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2004 | 64 |
| 2005 | 21 |
| 2006 | 85 |
| 2007 | 13 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2011 | 81 |
| 2012 | 10 |
| 2023 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
25% of complaints: air bags — 21 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE AIRBAG WARNING LAMP COMES ON PERIODICALLY. THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT IT ONLY COVERED TO NOVEMBER 22 OF 2005 PRODUCTION AND MY CAR WAS PRODUCED IN DECEMBER OF 2005. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120327
21% of complaints: electrical system — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
COMPUTER LOCKED KEY, ALL LIGHTS INSIDE CAR AND OUTSIDE FLICKERED OUT OF CONTROL, THEN 2 WEEKS LATER BRAKE DID NOT ENGAGE WHILE TRYING TO STOP AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20060417
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 5 SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY FAILED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE BATTERY UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN ONE MONTH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120503
15% of complaints: air bags — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY7% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: engine — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 5 SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED OIL AND THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE BRAKES WORKED NORMALLY WHEN APPLIED AT HIGH SPEEDS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190524
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR AND REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GUIDE PLATE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 30, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-332-4269.
Campaign 05V504000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE NUTS WHICH SECURE THE FRONT AXLE CONTROL ARM AND TENSION STRUT TO THE FRONT WHEEL HUB MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. OVER TIME THE NUTS COULD LOOSEN
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RETIGHTEN THE FRONT AXLE CONTROL ARM AND TENSION STRUT NUTS TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATIONS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Campaign 06V187000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LOWER RUBBER MOUNT OF THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY NOT ADHERE CORRECTLY TO ITS HOUSING WITHIN THE SHOCK ABSORBER
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Campaign 06V277000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION
BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION
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 PASSENG
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 T
Campaign 08V384000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, 6-SERIES, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2008 7-SERIES VEHICLES. A CHECK VALVE OF THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP MAY LEAK A SMALL AMOUNT OF LUBRICATING OIL. OVER
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 10V446000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. THE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR FOR THE POSITIVE
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND SECURE THE BATTERY BOLT CABLE CONNECTION AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER
Campaign 12V126000 — check if this car was fixed
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 2008-20
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 co
Campaign 12E029000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 22V119000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 BMW 5 Series — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 05V504000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V187000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V277000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V384000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V446000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V126000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12E029000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V119000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2006 BMW 5 Series reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW 5 Series?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 BMW 5 Series have?
8 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.