2006 BMW 5 Series

Routine

Owners filed 85 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 8 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
65,000 milesMedian miles at failure

79 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags18
111
Electrical System15
011
Air Bags › Frontal11
100
Power Train › Automatic Transmission5
000
Tires3
000
Service Brakes3
000
Engine3
000
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module3
000
Visibility2
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
000

8 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (pcv)22V119000
Filed Mar 2, 2022917,106 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. 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 (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Risk. An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.

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. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan12E029000
Filed Aug 10, 2012585 vehiclesValeo

Defect. 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 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.

Risk. This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.

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 contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables12V126000
Filed Mar 26, 2012367,682 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. 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 BATTERY CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE TRUNK FLOOR PANEL, WHICH CAN LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE BOLT CONNECTION. AS IT LOOSENS, AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE AND COULD CAUSE THE CABLE CONNECTION TO OVERHEAT.

Risk. OVERHEATING COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, EVEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN USE. AS A PRECAUTION, OWNERS ARE ADVISED TO PARK OUTSIDE UNTIL THE REMEDY HAS BEEN MADE.

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 RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum10V446000
Filed Oct 1, 2010198,352 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. 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 TIME THIS COULD RESULT IN CONTAMINATION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER.

Risk. POWER ASSIST BRAKING PERFORMANCE COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED. IN EXTREME CASES THERE COULD BE A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER ASSIST BRAKING. AN UNEXPECTED REDUCTION OR LOSS IN POWER BRAKING ASSIST MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

Air Bags › Frontal08V384000
Filed Aug 5, 2008200,000 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. 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 PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED.

Risk. IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY EVEN IF A SUFFICIENTLY SEVERE ACCIDENT WOULD OCCUR AND OCCUPANT PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE SYSTEM WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE.

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 THE WARRANTY ON THESE VEHICLES TO 10 YEARS FROM FIRST REGISTRATION WITHOUT ANY MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

Suspension › Rear › Shock Absorber06V277000
Filed Jul 26, 200611,640 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. THE BUSHING COULD LOOSEN AND OVER TIME COULD SEPARATE FROM ITS HOUSING. THE DRIVER WILL EXPERIENCE IMPAIRED VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm06V187000
Filed May 30, 200640 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. 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 AND THE CONTROL ARM AND TENSION STRUT COULD BE DAMAGED.

Risk. VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL COULD COMPROMISE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission05V504000
Filed Nov 1, 2005240 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE.

Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE THE PARKING LOCK SYSTEM NOT TO ENGAGE, AFTER THE TRANSMISSION IS PLACED IN THE PARK ("P") POSITION. IF THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, AND THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT ENGAGED, THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ROLLAWAY CONDITION.

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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed May 24, 2019104,932 milesCA

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. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW POWER BRAKE BOOSTER AND VACUUM PUMP NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,932. *DT

Air Bags
Filed Sep 18, 201774,000 milesVA

FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTION MAT HAD TO BE REPLACED AS IT WAS DEFECTIVE. THOUGH NOT IN PREVIOUS RECALLS IN SIMILAR BMWS AND SIMILAR YEARS, THE ERROR PRESENTED A SAFETY ISSUE THAT WOULD DISABLE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS AND INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY DURING A CRASH. WITH THIS ERROR, I WAS FORCED TO REPAIR THE SEAT MAT AND EXPENDED $1.5K TO REMEDY THIS SAFETY ISSUE. THIS SEAT MAT ISSUE IS A KNOWN BMW PROBLEM THAT BMW AND NHTSA HAVE NOT ADDRESSED. VIN: [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Electrical System
Filed May 8, 2017200,000 milesTX

NAVIGATION DISPLAY REBOOTS CONSTANTLY. WORKS PERIODICALLY. THIS DISPLAY GIVES ME ACCESS TO ALL OF THE CARS FEATURES INCLUDING WARNINGS AND MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE VEHICLE. IF THE DISPLAY WORKS WHEN THE CAR IS ON IT MAY NOT WORK IF YOU TURN OFF THE CARD AND TURN IT BACK ON.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 20, 2017140,000 milesCA

HEAD LIGHTS ANGLE LIGHTS WIRES GETTING VERY DRY FROM THE HEAT OF THE LIGHT AND THE INSULATION COMING OFF THE OPTICAL WIRES, LIGHTS GO OUT, POSSIBLE SHORTING AND BECOME VERY UNSAFE.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 5, 201769,000 milesNY

THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONED CASING THE SEAT TO HAVE TO BE REMOVED AND SENSOR REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS BUT MY CAR, AND 2 OF MY FRIENDS CARS WERE NOT INCLUDED ON THE RECALL, MY FRIENDS WERE CHARGED BY THE DEALERSHIP. MY ENGINE LEAKS OIL ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CAUSING SMOKE IN THE CAB AND POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. ON EVERY BM I HAVE EVER OWNED THE RADIATOR LEAKS FLUID WHICH IS ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 13, 201680,000 milesCA

MY PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON ABOUT A MONTH AGO FOR APPARENT REASON AND STAY ON EVER SINCE. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL BMW DEALER AND WAS TOLD MY VIN WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED AND DONT UNDERSTAND WHY SOME CARS WERE ON THE RECALL AND SOME WERE NOT. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH ALL BMWS AND A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THIS SAFETY ISSUE SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY THE MANUFACTURE.

Steering
Filed Jul 29, 2015100,000 milesTN

STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTION LOCKS PREVENTING THE VEHICLE TO START STEERING WHEEL LOCKS WHILE DRIVING

Electrical System
Filed Jul 29, 2015103,000 milesTN

AIR CONDITIONING STOP WORK CAUSING MOTOR TO HEAT

Electrical System
Filed Feb 14, 2015138,570 milesTX

A MESSAGE ON THE VEHICLE DISPLAY SCREEN INDICATED THAT THE RIGHT-SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WAS MALFUNCTIONING. I REMOVED THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY TO REPLACE THE BULB AND FOUND THE WIRING INSULATION IS CRUMBLING TO THE TOUCH, RESULTING IN A SHORT CIRCUIT. THE HEADLIGHT BULB IS NOT ACTUALLY BURNED OUT. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ON THE BMW FORUMS BUT BMW AND THE HEADLIGHT MANUFACTURER, HELLA, REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM OR DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR

Engine
Filed Jan 21, 2015120,000 milesCA

THE 2006 BMW 5 SERIES USED ALUMINUM HEAD AND VALVE COVER BOLTS WHICH WERE OVER-TORQUED DURING ASSEMBLY AND BREAK AFTER APPROXIMATELY 80K. BMW ADMITS THIS PROBLEM EXISTS BUT REFUSES TO ISSUE A RECALL. BMW'S REPAIR COST IS ~$6000. THESE BOLTS ARE NON SERVICEABLE AND SHOULD NEVER BE REMOVED, WHEN BROKEN THEY CAUSE MASSIVE OIL LEAKS AND POSSIBLY FIRE. I CONTACTED BMW, THEY REQUESTED TO REVIEW THE CAR. BMW AGREED THAT THE BOLTS WERE BROKEN THEN REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM CLAIMING THE CAR HAS TOO MANY MILES. BMW KNEW THE MILEAGE WHEN THEY REQUESTED TO REVIEW THE PROBLEM ... WHY WASTE MY TIME IF THEY KNEW THEY WERE GOING TO DO NOTHING? MY VEHICLE NOW LOSSES APPROXIMATELY 1-2 QUARTS OF OIL PER 100 MILES. I AM CHAGRINED THAT BMW WILL NOT ADMIT THEIR MANUFACTURING DEFECT. I HAVE MAINTAINED THIS CAR WITH CARE AND OTHER THAN THE OIL LEAK FROM THE BROKEN BOLTS THE CAR IS IN PERFECT CONDITION - BUT IS NO LONGER DRIVABLE. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Nov 18, 2014FL

MY CAR IS NOT ON THE AIRBAG RECALL LIST BUT I HAVE HAD THIS ERROR FOR AWHILE NOW & IT APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO THE AIRBAG ISSUE (NOT SURE IF MY CAR HAS A TEKATA.) THE MESSAGE COMES UP ON THE SCREEN- PASS. RESTRAINT SYSTEM- FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT FORCE LIMITER. CONTINUE TO WEAR THE SAFETY BELT. I ALSO HAVE A PICTURE OF THE ERROR. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 20, 2014CA

A LEAK DEVELOPED IN THE POWER BRAKING SYSTEM,CAUSING A VACUUM LOSS AND CONSEQUENT REDUCTION OF POWER BRAKING ASSISTANCE. MECHANICAL BRAKING IS STILL AVAILABLE TO SLOW AND STOP THE VEHICLE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed May 12, 201477,000 milesNY

SINCE 2011, I HAVE NEEDED TO HAVE MY, 2006 BMW 530XI, VEHICLE SERVICED. SERVICED FOR TRUNK LEAKAGE, BATTERY CABLE REPLACEMENT, SUNROOF/MOONROOF NON-DRAINAGE ISSUES AND PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR ISSUES. I HAVE PAID PERHAPS THREE - TO FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR ALLEGED REPAIRS. NONE OF THOSE REPAIRS WERE PERMANENT AND THE ISSUES CONTINUED ON/OFF UNTIL 5/10/14. ON THAT DAY/DATE I DROVE THE CAR SEVERAL HOURS SHOPPING AND PREPARING FOR MOTHER'S DAY. WHEN I STOPPED THE ENGINE IN MY DRIVEWAY THE CAR SHUT OFF BUT I COULD NOT REMOVE THE KEY FOB FROM THE IGNITION. THERE WAS NO POWER THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE, E.G. NO DASH LIGHTING, NO INTERNAL LIGHTING, NO ALARM LIGHT FLASHING AND NO ABILITY TO LOCK DOORS OR OPEN THE TRUNK. NEITHER BMW-N.A. NOR DEALERSHIP ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WATER LEAKAGE OR OTHER REPAIR ISSUES, EVEN THOUGH SOME MANUFACTURER RECALLS WERE ANNOUNCED TO THE PUBLIC FOR THESE ISSUES, THOSE WERE SAID TO ME TO BE ONLY FOR SPECIFIED VIN NUMBERED VEHICLES AND NOT MINE. I WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION AGAINST BMW FOR THESE ISSUES AND I HAVE SAVED ALL MY REPAIR RECEIPTS TO VALIDATE MY VEHICLE PROBLEMS. *TR

Engine
Filed Apr 30, 201469,000 milesNY

I BOUGHT THE CAR IT HAD AN OIL LEAK, RADIATOR LEAK, DEVELOPED AN AIR BAG MALFUNCTION, THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, TAR IS ACCUMULATING ON TOP OF THE SUNROOF EVERY TIME I OPEN IT, THE HEATER FAN MAKES NOISE, THE TRANSMISSION MAKES NOISE AFTER FOUR ATTEMPTS IT IS STILL LEAKING OIL. ALL OF MY FRIENDS WHO OWN BMW'S HAVE ALSO HAD AIR BAG MALFUNCTIONS. NONE WERE PART OF THE RECALL, ALL PAID $1,300.00 TO HAVE IT FIXED. BMW SHOULD HAVE RECALLED ALL OF THEM. THE PURPOSE OF RECALLING SOME IS TO AVOID A TOTAL RECALL. THEY ARE BUILDING THEIR CARS WITH INFERIOR PARTS SO THAT THEY DO NOT LAST FOR MORE THAN 60,0000 BEFORE MAJOR PROBLEMS OCCUR. ONE OF MY FRIENDS HAS SPENT OVER $10,000 ON REPAIRS TO HIS 2004 X3. *JS

Engine
Filed Mar 20, 201468,000 milesNY

I BOUGHT A USED BMW FROM LONG ISLAND AUTO FIND. BEFORE PICKING IT UP I TOLD NICK CERTAIN THINGS NEEDED TO BE DONE THERE WAS A DRAFTY SOUND COMING FROM THE MOON ROOF THE CENTER RIMS WERE CORRODED, BOLTS WERE MISSING FROM THE VALVE COVER. I WAS CALLED THREE DAYS IN A ROW BY NICK WHO CLAIMED EVERYTHING WAS DONE AND THE CAR WAS READY TO BE PICKED UP. WHEN I GOT THE RE NOT ONLY WAS THE BATTERY DEAD, NOTHING ON MY LIST WAS DONE! I HAVE SINCE HAD THE CAR 5 MONTH AND I HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 5 WEEKS SO FAR. PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK THAT CAUSED MY EYES TO WATER AND LEAVES A FUNNY TASTE IN MY MOUTH. THIS TOOK THREE DIFFERENT ATTEMPTS TO FIX. THE CAR MOVES FROM SIDE TO SIDE AT 65 MPH. THE CAR JUST DIED WHILE TAKING MY WIFE TO WORK. I BROUGHT IT TO THE SHOP IT DID IT ON THE MECHANIC BUT HE COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. HE SAID IT WAS SAFE TO TAKE TO FLORIDA WHICH IS THE REASON I BOUGHT IT. IT STALLED IN FLORIDA WHILE ENTERING AN INTERSECTION THEN AGAIN IN DELAWARE AT 3:30 IN THE MORNING AND 13 DEGREES! AND AGAIN ON THE BQE AS THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC MERGED INTO ONE.I HAVE 2 FRIENDS WITH THE SAME CAR THEY WERE CHARGED $1300 TO FIX THE "AIR BAG MALFUNCTION"EVERYONE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED. I AM TOLD THE GASKETS BECOME BRITTLE AND LEAK. ALL OF THESE ISSUE'S SHOULD BE PART OF A RECALL. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Mar 18, 201482,000 milesCA

ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING, MY CAR HAD AN ALERT COME ON THE I DRIVE SAYING THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM WAS MALFUNCTIONING. IT STAYED ON A FEW MONTHS AND THEN WENT AWAY FOR A FEW MONTHS. NOW THE PROBLEM IS OCCURRING AGAIN. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 3, 2014122,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 528XI. THE CONTACT THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND TO DECELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED AND DIAGNOSED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 5, 201382,000 milesRI

I OWN BMW 530XI ,I HAVE PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER AIR BAG , LIGHT STILL ON ALL TIME . I CHECKED IN THE WEB SIDE BMW HAVE RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE ,BUT I CONTACT BMW ASK ME FOR THE VIN # ,I GIVING ALL NUMBER, BUT LATER THEY SAID TO ME MY CAR NOT QUALIFY FOR THIS ISSUE I DON'T KNOW WHY MY CAR NOT QUALIFY FOR THIS ISSUE, I DO NOT PAID $ 1000, FOR THIS.... LET'S BMW DO THIS... THANKS... *TR

Air Bags
Filed Nov 20, 201370,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW M5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 9, 2013142,000 milesGA

MY BMW 525I JUST RECEIVED A PASSENGER RESTRAINT FAILURE ERROR. I SAW ONLINE WHERE THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL FOR THIS MATTER. YET, WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND BMW USA, I WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE WASN'T COVERED BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER.THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! MY FAMILY IS AT STAKE HERE! THE LIVES OF MYSELF AND ANYONE I CARRY AS A PASSENGER RISK HARM. I ASK THAT THIS BE REVIEWED FOR IT IS A KNOWN FLAW WITH THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE CONTACT ME AT [XXX] OR PHONE AT [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

20 of 85 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2008
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20230100Routine
201210000Routine
201181420Routine
20106500Routine
20098400Routine
2008105430Routine
200713400Routine
2006 — this page85820Routine
200521510Routine
200464890Routine
200315210Routine
20027210Routine
20013200Routine
20002200Routine
19992100Routine
19980200Routine
19971300Routine
19960300Routine
19953300Routine
19940300Routine
19930300Routine
19920300Routine
19910200Routine
19900200Routine

Compare every 5 Series year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 2, 2022. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.