2006 BMW 525XI
Only 28 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 28 |
| 2007 | 20 |
| 2011 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 28 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
13 of 28 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
COMPUTER DRAWING DOWN BATTERY AND CAR WILL NOT START SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE WHEN IT'S DAMP AND RAINING THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON BMW WOULD LIKE $2500. TO REBOOT COMPUTER I THINK ITS A SCAM
NHTSA ODI report, 20171117
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525XI. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT CUSHION AND THE CRACK CAUSED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120124
5 of 28 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525XI. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ODOR OF BURNING RUBBER AND THE ALTERNATOR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE POWER FAILED WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161222
MCM BURNED UP GOT WET AND STANK UP WHOLE TRUNK BECAUSE OF DESIGN FLAW BY BMW WE WERE DRIVING AS IT BURNED UP TILL WE HAD TO PULL OVER BECAUSE OF THE AWFUL SMELL
NHTSA ODI report, 20160507
4 of 28 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
WHEN I CAME TO RED LIGHT AND WENT TO PUSH MY BRAKE A WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON DASH WITH THE MESSAGE LEFT BRAKE LAMP MALFUNCTION AND MY BRAKE WOULD NOT PUSH DOWN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120917
3 of 28 total reports mention: engine.
2 of 28 total reports mention: seats.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Driver side Seat mysteriously burned. Not sure how. Seat warmers were not on at the time.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220112
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 525XI — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (4 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 525XI 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 525XI?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 BMW 525XI 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.