Is the 2006 BMW M5 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 M5?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 68% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2006 BMW M5 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

2006 BMW M5

○ Not enough data

2006 BMW M5
RENDERED 2026-11-01T00:09:03.753Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 38
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2006: 38 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1989	0
1990	0
1991	0
1992	0
1993	0
1994	0
1995	0
2000	4
2001	4
2002	6
2003	3
2006	38
2007	6
2008	6
2009	0
2010	1
2013	10
2014	2
2015	3
2016	1
2018	6
2019	8
2020	2
2021	3
2022	1
2025	1
2026	0

Known problem areas

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

Air bags

68% · 26 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

On June 24, 2006, a-united leased the M5 through BMW of monrovia, formerly assael BMW. During the duration of the lease, a-united incurred less than 1800 miles on the M5 primarily because the M5's safety and reliability had caused serious concerns.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-01-28

Also filed under Power train

The passenger restraint system, airbag, seat belt, belt tensioner warning showed up in the car computer. Went to the dealer and dealer said that they will need to replace the passenger seat mat sensor and battery safety terminal.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-12

Also filed under Electrical system

Seat belts

18% · 7 reports

Power train

16% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing manual transmission and driveline.

CRASHINJURY

Seats

8% · 3 reports

Engine

8% · 3 reports

Show complaint excerpts

Clearance failure on S85 engine to rod bearings causes oil starvation. This in turn causes engine catastrophic failure. If driving this will effect power breaking, power steering and all components requiring the engine to be running.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-05-24

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

R

2012-04-30Electrical system12V126000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2006 BMW M5 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 26 reports on file for this year.
Seat belts: 7 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 12V126000 · Electrical system

FAQ

Is the 2006 BMW M5 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 M5?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 68% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 BMW M5 have?: 1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.