2006 BMW 5 Series

Routine

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

Not among the BMW 5 Series years to avoid. Which BMW 5 Series years to avoid →

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

79 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 2006 BMW 5 Series problems

32 of the 85 complaints (38%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags18
111
Electrical System15
011
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags11
100
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission5
000
Tires3
000
Service Brakes · brakes3
000
Engine3
000
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module · airbags3
000
Visibility2
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes2
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.

All 8 campaigns on file, newest first.

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

Air Bags
Filed Apr 22, 201365,000 milesMT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 5 SERIES. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE CONTINUOUSLY, ALTHOUGH THE SEAT WAS NOT OCCUPIED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 7, 201375,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 5 SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT MAT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 7, 201292,000 milesCA

THE PASSENGER SIDE OCCUPANCY SEAT MAT FOR THE AIRBAG FAILED. BMW HAS BULLETIN SIB 65 75 06, AIRBAG WARNING LAMP FOR OC3 SEAT MAT FAULT, THAT COVERS MY CARS BUILD DATE, BUT BMW STATES MY VIN IS NOT COVERED. THERE IS ALSO A CURRENT RECALL, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V-384, BUT BMW STATES MY CAR IS NOT COVERED AND REFUSES TO HONOR THE 10 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY. MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE, AS DIAGNOSED BY A LOCAL BMW DEALERS, BUT THEY HAVE FAILED TO COVER IT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT IS AFFECTING MANY CARS OUTSIDE OF THE RECALL. THEY ARE MANY PEOPLE POSTING ON VARIOUS BMW FORUMS THAT ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. BMW SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE TO FIX ALL THE VEHICLES EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Dec 6, 201255,000 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ON, AND THE AIRBAG WAS DISABLED, ALTHOUGH THERE IS PASSENGER SITTING THERE. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Oct 25, 201282,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 535XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY SHORTED OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DECIDED TO REPLACE ALL THREE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS, REAR DRIVER SIDE REVERSE LIGHT AND BOTH TURN SIGNALS IN THE REAR. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS ON THE VEHICLE APPEAR TO CLOSE AND LATCHED AND INADVERTANTLY OPEN. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V504000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES: DOORS: LATCH) BUT WAS INFORMED IT ONLY AFFECTED THE 2007 MODEL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

Electrical System
Filed May 3, 201240,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 5 SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY FAILED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE BATTERY UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN ONE MONTH. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BATTERY AND DID NOT NOTIFY THE DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT 40,936.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 27, 201220 milesMN

THE AIRBAG WARNING LAMP COMES ON PERIODICALLY. THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT IT ONLY COVERED TO NOVEMBER 22 OF 2005 PRODUCTION AND MY CAR WAS PRODUCED IN DECEMBER OF 2005. *TR

Suspension
Filed Mar 21, 201277,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 530XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING, WHICH FRACTURED AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,000.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 29, 201191,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 530I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000 (COMPONENT: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL). THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,000.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 29, 201172,000 milesCA

ON MY BMW 2006 530I, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT INDICATING A RESTRAINT FAILURE. I SAW A RECALL ON THE NHTSA WEB SITE (CAMPAIGN ID 08V384000) COVERING THE 2004- 2006 MODEL YEAR BMW 5 SERIES WITH THIS EXACT PROBLEM. MY VEHICLE WAS BUILT IN MAY 2005. I CONTACTED BMW USA TO REPORT THE SAFETY FAILURE. BMW SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED AND HAS REFUSED TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. I ASKED THEM TO EXPLAIN WHY IF MY VEHICLE, IS IN THE MIDDLE MODEL YEARS AND EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM, WHY THE RECALL DOES NOT APPLY. THEIR REPLY, BMW WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL, IT'S MY PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH. PLEASE REVIEW THIS CAMPAIGN ID AND EXPAND OR ISSUE A NEW RECALL. BMW WOULD NOT HELP ME IN THIS MATTER. THANK YOU FOR REVIEWING THIS SAFETY CONCERN, *TT

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Aug 24, 201186,000 milesTN

I CONTACTED BMW REGARDING A RECALL (ID # 08V384000) (ACTION # EA08001). THEY TOLD ME THAT MY 2006 BMW 525XI WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. YET, MY CAR EXHIBITS THE EXACT PROBLEMS OUTLINED IN THE RECALL. NAMELY, 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. HOW IS IT THAT OTHER 2006 5 SERIES VEHICLES WERE INCLUDED AND MY CAR WAS NOT? *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 12, 2011123,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 5 SERIES 530XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO PARK. ONCE THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO PARK, THE MESSAGE DISPLAY INFORMED HER THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT LOCKED INTO PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING INSPECTION OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V504000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

Suspension › Front
Filed Aug 4, 201155,000 milesCA

THE FRONT SUSPENSION MAKES LOUD NOISES WHEN THE CAR GOES OVER BUMPS. I ALSO FIND THAT I HAVE TO PERFORM WHEEL BALANCING EVERY 2-3 MONTHS, WHICH IS A LOT MORE THAN OTHER VEHICLES I HAVE OWNED. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE SUSPENSION, EXCEPT FOR DIRTY BUSHINGS. I FIND THIS HARD TO BELIEVE. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 4, 201189,000 milesCA

I'VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SINCE PURCHASING IN DEC 2008. THE VEHICLE JERKS VIOLENTLY AS IT SHIFTS AFTER STOPS. A FEW MONTHS AGO, THE TRANSMISSION WOULDN'T SHIFT UP UNTIL I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND SHIFTING IT BACK TO D. CURRENTLY, IT JERKS DURING UP SHIFTS THRU ALL GEARS, MOST OF THE TIME. I HAVE BROUGHT IT IN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE YEARS. THEY CLAIM THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I AM VERY WORRIED OF THE TRANSMISSION FAILING SUDDENTLY AND CAUSING A CRASH. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 27, 201185,047 milesCA

I HAD A RECENT PROBLEM WITH OUR 525I. I WAS DRIVING IT AND IT LOST POWER/DIED. WHEN THE VEHICLE DIED, I LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART AND NO ERROR LIGHTS OR MESSAGES WERE DISPLAYED ON THE IDRIVE. I HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME. AFTER THE INITIAL CHECK OF THE VEHICLE, IT SHOWED THE CRANK SENSOR FAULT. I NOTICED A BUNCH OF METAL THROW OFF IN THE OIL FILTER AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE COMPRESSION IN CYLINDER 2 AND 6. I WAS THINKING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. SINCE I AM VERY FAMILIAR WITH AMERICAN/JAPANESE VEHICLES, I DECIDED TO LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM MYSELF AFTER GETTING NO RESPONSE FROM BMWNA. THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY WITH 85K MILES. THE METAL THROW OFF WAS DUE TO THE TIMING CHAIN JUMPING OFF OF THE EXHAUST CAM GEAR AND GRINDING AGAINST THE BACK OF IT. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS THE TWO ALUMINUM SCREWS UNDER THE CAM SHAFT GEARS. BOTH HEADS WERE BROKEN OFF AND ONE MADE ITS WAY UP THE CHAIN GETTING CAUGHT IN THE CHAIN AND GEAR. THESE SCREWS ARE ALUMINUM. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT FOR THE BOLTS TO BREAK IT WOULD BE DUE OVER TORQUED/TIGHTEN BOLTS OR EXTREME PRESSURE FROM EXPANDING/CONTRACTING OF THE MAGNESIUM VS ALUMINUM. THE OTHER BROKEN BOLT HEAD IS STILL SOME WHERE IN THE BOTTOM OF THE OIL PAN. THE EXHAUST CAM GEAR WAS CHEWED UP, BUT STILL SERVICEABLE. I RE-TIMED THE CAR AND CHECKED THE COMPRESSION. I GOT LUCKY AND COMPRESSION IS GOOD SO NO BENT VALVES. I DISASSEMBLE EVERYTHING AND NOW I PATIENTLY WAITING FOR SEVERAL PARTS. HO

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Jul 20, 2011157,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000, AIR BAGS FRONTAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILES WERE 157,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 13, 201174,200 milesNC

PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT LIGHT HAS STARTED SHOWING ON MY BMW, THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL REPORTED ON THE SAME COMPONENT "STATEMENT ON VOLUNTARY RECALL INVOLVING FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT ON U.S.A. MODEL BMWS - AUGUST 13, 2008". I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM BUT MY VIN IS NOT SHOWING UP IN THE RECALL. I TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER AND DEALER SAYS ITS EXACTLY THE SAME PART BUT I AM NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL WARRANTY.

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Jun 30, 2011130,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER SEAT MAT THAT CONTROLS THE AIR BAGS EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE AIR BAG LIGHT TO CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATE. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED PREVIOUSLY AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT UNDER THE MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL; THEREFORE, HE HAD TO PAY $1,800 FOR THE REPAIRS REGARDING NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000; AIR BAGS: FRONTAL. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE NHTSA HOTLINE AND OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 6, 201157,000 milesCT

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 5-SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALERS DIAGNOSIS INDICATED THAT THE MAT SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND EXPLAINED THAT A RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE WAS NOT RELATED TO CAMPAIGN# 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL); BUT THE CONTACTS VIN WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Visibility
Filed May 25, 201149,500 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 530I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FAILED ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WOULD RESET THE COMPUTER. AFTER HAVING THE COMPUTER RESET THE FAILURE OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 49,500.

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed May 12, 201165,552 milesTX

MY 2006 BMW 525I INDICATES A PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT. THE DEALER REPORTS THE DIAGNOSIS CODE AS OC3 MAT FAULTED. THE ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR IS $1,095.15. I DECLINED THE REPAIR. WHEN I ASKED FOR A WRITTEN ESTIMATE THEY ALSO SENT ME AN ESTIMATE FOR ANOTHER CUSTOMER'S 2005 BMW 525I/530 THAT HAD THE SAME FAULT, SO I THOUGHT IT WAS WORTH REPORTING TO SEE IF IT IS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE WITH THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULTS. *TR

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Apr 22, 201181,700 milesNY

I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE OF THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE ON LINE. I HAVE FOUND THAT BMW HAS A RECALL ON 2006 5 SERIES FOR A DEFECTIVE AIRBAG SENSOR FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT, BUT THEY INSIST THAT THE RECALL IS NOT FOR ALL 5 SERIES, BUT IT IS VIN SENSITIVE. MEANWHILE I HAVE THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM ON MY 2006 530XI. I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT THEY HAVE A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT FILED AGAINST THEM FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Power Train
Filed Apr 19, 201158,102 milesVA

ON START-UP FROM A NEAR STOP THE TRANSMISSION JERKED HARD BACK INTO FIRST GEAR. FELT AS IF SOMEONE HAD HIT ME FROM THE REAR END. THIS HAS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY AND IS VERY DISTURBING, CAUSING UNFAMILIAR REACTIONS FROM THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER. COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Apr 14, 201190,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPIED WHEN THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE WAS ONGOING FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR WAS FAILING AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. HE THEN CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000(AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) AND WAS ADVISED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000. UPDATED 05/24/11*LJ UPDATED 05/25/11

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Apr 5, 201189,000 milesNC

FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SYSTEM FAILED DUE TO FAULTY MAT SENSOR. SPECIFIC YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL ARE LISTED AS COVERED ON BMW RECALL/EXTENDED WARRANTY(NHTSA CLAIM EA08001) YET BMW USA CONTINUES TO DENY CLAIM SAYING MY CAR VIN# DOES NOT QUALIFY. I HAVE A 2006 BMW 530I WITH COMFORT SEATS. THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED ON 06/2005. DEALER SAYS NOT COVERED. CONTACTED BMW USA NUMEROUS TIMES AND SPOKE WITH THREE DIFFERENT CUST SERVICE MANAGERS WITH EACH ONE STATING MY VIN NOT COVERED. THEY CAN NOT TELL ME WHY MY VIN IS NOT COVERED NOR WHAT CRITERIA WAS USED FOR EXCLUDING MY CAR IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. YET, IT IS THE EXACT MODEL YEAR AND SEAT TYPE THAT IS SPECIFICALLY LISTED IN RECALL/EXTENDED WARRANTY MENTIONED ABOVE AND ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE. I ALSO HAVE COPY OF LETTER TO DANIEL SMITH (NHTSA) FROM JAN URBAHN(BMW) SPECIFICALLY STATING MY 2006 530I WITH COMFORT SEAT EXPLICITLY INCLUDED IN EXTENDED WARRANTY. CAN PROVIDE LETTER ON REQUEST. PLEASE HELP. THIS IS NOT RIGHT. BMW IS NOT HONORING NHTSA CLAIM. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Mar 15, 201121,869 milesCA

ON FEB. 21, 2011 THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHOWED A MASSIVE MALFUNCTION WARNING ON MY 2006 BMW 530XI. THE CAR COMPUTER INSTRUCTED ME TO DISCONTINUE DRIVING IMMEDIATELY AND BRING MY CAR TO THE CLOSEST DEALER. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER. IT WAS DETERMINED THE SUNROOF CASSETTE WAS FAULTY AND WATER FROM RECENT RAINS LEAKED THROUGH THE SUNROOF (IN CLOSED POSITION) RAN DOWN DRAIN LINES INTO MY BATTERY COMPARTMENT. WATER CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, MODULES, BATTERY ETC. BMW TOLD ME THE REPAIRS, INCLUDING A NEEDED SUNROOF CASSETTE WOULD TOTAL $23000.00. BMW ADMITTED THE SUNROOF CASSETTE WAS FAULTY, BUT SAID I WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND IT WOULD BE MY RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR. I DID RESEARCH AND FOUND 3 INTERNAL SERVICE BULLETINS FROM BMW, SI B 61 13 06, SI B 54 02 08 AND SI B54 04 09 WHICH ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE WHILE MY CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY- THESE SERVICE BULLETINS WERE NOT PERFORMED ON MY CAR. I ALSO HAVE SEEN MANY, MANY OF THIS SAME ISSUE ON BMW MESSAGE BOARDS. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, AND I FEEL BMW SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS REPAIR. PLEASE HELP. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Mar 14, 201144,000 milesCA

THE CAR WITH VIN NUMBER STATED ABOVE HAS REPORTED A MALFUNCTION IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. NHTSA RECALL ID # 08V384000 - AIR BAGS:FRONTAL" SHOWS THAT THE BMW 530I, MODEL YEARS 2004-2006 HAS BEEN RECALLED TO SPECIFICALLY ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. HOWEVER, UPON ARRIVING AT BMW OF ROSEVILLE (CALIFORNIA), I WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL DOES NOT APPLY TO MY CAR SPECIFICALLY (DESPITE THE DESCRIPTION IN THE RECALL ITSELF), AND THAT I WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY $175 FOR A DIAGNOSIS FEE, AND THEN BE FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE THAT CURRENTLY HAS MY FAMILY'S LIVES AT RISK, BUT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT ROSEVILLE BMW WAS COMPLETELY DISINTERESTED. REALIZING THAT I WOULD GET NO HELP FROM BMW OF ROSEVILLE, I HAVE SINCE TAKEN THIS ISSUE UP WITH NIELLO BMW IN SACRAMENTO. THEY HAVE BEEN MORE HELPFUL, BUT THERE IS STILL THE ISSUE OF THE VIN NUMBER. IF FOR SOME REASON THIS AUTOMOBILE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL DESPITE BEING THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL, IT WAS EXCLUDED IN ERROR.

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Mar 14, 201144,000 milesCA

THE CAR WITH VIN NUMBER STATED ABOVE HAS REPORTED A MALFUNCTION IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. NHTSA RECALL ID # 08V384000 - AIR BAGS:FRONTAL" SHOWS THAT THE BMW 530I, MODEL YEARS 2004-2006 HAS BEEN RECALLED TO SPECIFICALLY ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. HOWEVER, UPON ARRIVING AT BMW OF ROSEVILLE (CALIFORNIA), I WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL DOES NOT APPLY TO MY CAR SPECIFICALLY (DESPITE THE DESCRIPTION IN THE RECALL ITSELF), AND THAT I WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY $175 FOR A DIAGNOSIS FEE, AND THEN BE FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE THAT CURRENTLY HAS MY FAMILY'S LIVES AT RISK, BUT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT ROSEVILLE BMW WAS COMPLETELY DISINTERESTED. REALIZING THAT I WOULD GET NO HELP FROM BMW OF ROSEVILLE, I HAVE SINCE TAKEN THIS ISSUE UP WITH NIELLO BMW IN SACRAMENTO. THEY HAVE BEEN MORE HELPFUL, BUT THERE IS STILL THE ISSUE OF THE VIN NUMBER. IF FOR SOME REASON THIS AUTOMOBILE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL DESPITE BEING THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL, IT WAS EXCLUDED IN ERROR. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Mar 8, 2011101,000 milesCA

BRAKE VACUUM PUMP HAS LEAKED LUBRICATING OIL INTO BRAKE BOOSTER, CAUSING BOOSTER TO FAIL, CAUSING POWER ASSIST BRAKING TO BE COMPROMISED, MAKING BRAKING DIFFICULT TO IMPOSSIBLE. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 3, 201165,000 milesFL

THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OF MY 2006 BMW 525I, WITH APP 65,000 MILES, FAILED AND THE DEALER TELL ME THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR A REPLACEMENT. I FEEL THAT A TRANSMISSION SHOULD LAST MORE THAN 65,000 MILE AND THUS SHOULD BE REPLACED AT BMW'S EXPENSE. MY RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THESE ARE AN ANUSUALLY HIGH RATE OF TRANSMISSION FAILURES IN THESE CARS, AND THE RECALL SHOULD BE MANDATED. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 85, newest first, 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.