2006 BMW 525I

○ Not enough data
2006 BMW 525I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:46:22.155Z

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
77
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2006

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Air bags

68% of complaints

Complaints per year

1989: 4 complaints 1989 1990: 11 complaints 1991: 13 complaints 1992: 18 complaints 1992 1993: 5 complaints 1994: 7 complaints 1995: 24 complaints 1995 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 1 complaint 2000: 0 complaints 2000 2001: 22 complaints 2002: 28 complaints 2003: 32 complaints 2003 2004: 84 complaints 2005: 35 complaints 2006: 77 complaints 2006 77 2007: 72 complaints 2008: 1 complaint 2009: 1 complaint 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 0 complaints
1989: 4 complaints 1989 1990: 11 complaints 1991: 13 complaints 1991 1992: 18 complaints 1993: 5 complaints 1993 1994: 7 complaints 1995: 24 complaints 1995 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 0 complaints 2001: 22 complaints 2001 2002: 28 complaints 2003: 32 complaints 2003 2004: 84 complaints 2005: 35 complaints 2006: 77 complaints 2006 77 2007: 72 complaints 2008: 1 complaint 2009: 1 complaint 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 0 complaints 2011
1989: 4 complaints 1989 1990: 11 complaints 1990 1991: 13 complaints 1991 1992: 18 complaints 1992 1993: 5 complaints 1993 1994: 7 complaints 1994 1995: 24 complaints 1995 1998: 2 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 0 complaints 2000 2001: 22 complaints 2001 2002: 28 complaints 2002 2003: 32 complaints 2003 2004: 84 complaints 2004 2005: 35 complaints 2005 2006: 77 complaints 2006 77 2007: 72 complaints 2007 2008: 1 complaint 2008 2009: 1 complaint 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2010 2011: 0 complaints 2011

2006: 77 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19894
199011
199113
199218
19935
19947
199524
19982
19991
20000
200122
200228
200332
200484
200535
200677
200772
20081
20091
20100
20110

Known problem areas

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

Air bags

68% · 52 reports

Most commonly citing occupant classification and frontal.

FIREINJURY
Show 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, 2011-11-16

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, 2012-05-14

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, 2011-11-04

Service brakes

16% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Electrical system

9% · 7 reports
FIRE
Show 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, 2019-07-29

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, 2015-02-13

Seat belts

9% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing warning light/devices.

Exterior lighting

6% · 5 reports

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. 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…

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

Buy-smart checklist

2006 BMW 525I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 52 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 12 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 13V564000 · Air bags
  • Recall 17V428000 · Air bags
  • Recall 19V273000 · Engine and engine cooling

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 68% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 BMW 525I have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.