2006 BMW 525I
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 | 4 |
| 1990 | 11 |
| 1991 | 13 |
| 1992 | 18 |
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1994 | 7 |
| 1995 | 24 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 22 |
| 2002 | 28 |
| 2003 | 32 |
| 2004 | 84 |
| 2005 | 35 |
| 2006 | 77 |
| 2007 | 72 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
55% of complaints: air bags — 42 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND EVENTUALLY STALLED. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED AS A RESULT OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20111116
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER RESTRAIN SYSTEM BELT TENSIONER AND AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120514
I GOT A WARNING LIGHT ON MY DISPLAY PANEL PASS. RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER. CONTINUE TO WEAR THE SEAT BELT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20111104
10% of complaints: service brakes — 8 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525-I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, SMOKE STARTED EMERGING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE HOOD WAS OPENED AND A FIRE WAS DISCOVERED COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190729
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MICRO POWER MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150213
8% of complaints: seat belts — 6 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: exterior lighting — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 w
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 repai
Campaign 13V564000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 17V428000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 19V273000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 BMW 525I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (42 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V564000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V428000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V273000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2006 BMW 525I 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 525I?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 BMW 525I have?
3 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.