KnownCarProblems2006 BMW 325i Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 515 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 BMW 325i, most often about the air bags (47% of complaints, typically around 80,000 miles). It is the most complained-about 325i model year since 2000 and has 7 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory1 recall for this car came with a do-not-drive warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2006 BMW 325i problems
Air bags
241 complaints · 47%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, sensor.
My 2006 BMW 525i passenger side airbag malfunction light came on and is a bad sensor in the seat. There has been a recall on this for other 2006 BMW's but mine is not included in this. It is the same problem as all of the other recalled ones. The NHTSA campaign id# is 08v384000. I believe the problem is more…
It all started on a random day in february 2009 when the airbag and seatbelt light simultaneously came up on the dash of the car. In april 2009 I took the car into the dealership to attempt to get it fixed. The mechanic listed the problem as a passenger front airbag sensor, occupancy detection mat, programming to…
Electrical
85 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 85,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, instrument cluster/panel, horn.
1. Speedometer accuracy! The speedo on my 2006 325i was off by 10%. At 80mph on the speedo, actual speed was 72. At 30 actual was 27. I have been pulled by a cop twice because of this problem. 2. Passenger restrain error message the air bag warning light illuminated and a message displayed on the message board stating…
The door locks would not unlock from inside the vehicle using the central door unlock/lock button, key or manual door handle. Had this been an emergency would not have been able to escape quickly. Had to open window, reach outside and use the manual key to open door lock. There should be a recall on this known safety…
Engine
77 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 90,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 325i. The contact stated that oil was leaking from the engine. The contact diagnosed that multiple cylinder head gasket cover bolts were defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was…
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 325i. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the low coolant light illuminated as the vehicle over heated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where it was stated the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was…
Doors and locks
47 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 54,000 miles. Parts named most often: doors.
2006 BMW 325i door lock system failure. The fuses relating the door lock system keep blowing out. They should recall for actuator change.
Door lock failure on 2006 BMW 325i. All the door locks will not unlock. The passenger side door and both rear doors will not unlock. I went to lock the car and heard a clicking noise and the doors locked but would not unlock. Only the driver's side door can open now. I cannot even open the other doors with the key fob…
Seat belts
40 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 89,000 miles. Parts named most often: front.
My vehicle seat belt restraint system is not working properly. There is warning on my dash of a malfunction and after some research my vehicle VIN number is not under the recall. It have the same sports seats they speak about having the problem same year same model same problem with seat sensor but my VIN is not under…
Pass. Restraint system fault message. Few days went by with this fault message coming on and off. Now its currently staying on. After searching on the web, I've found many other BMW owners with the same issue, but only a few models are covered under recall (08v384000). After search my (VIN) show no current recalls.…
Steering
39 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 81,000 miles.
2006 BMW 325i steering wheel lock failure occurred in may 2007. Took car to dealer and the steering wheel column was supposed to have been replaced may 2007. July 2010 car made a loud grinding noise. Aug 2010 got wheel lock symbol again---steering wheel lock failing again for the second time. Took car to dealer.…
The steering column lock was yellow, then went red and would not start. My mechanic got hit to go back to yellow, took it to BMW and they said the steering column needed to be replaced. Took the car home and to another mechanic who replaced the column, but it did not resolve the issue. Everyone tells me the case needs…
Other or unspecified
32 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 98,000 miles.
Vehicle is equiped with automatic folding rear view mirrors. While parked the vehicle's right view mirror folded itself in the most forward position. Now the driver (me) is inable to use the right view mirror. This is definitely a safety hazard. BMW is aware of this problem in many of their vehicles, but their own…
Front passenger side door lock malfunction. Will not unlock and unable to open the door. Rear driver side door lock malfunction will not unlock and unable to open the door. We have three children under 7 years old and this is very concerning. Our children will not be able to exit the car in case of an emergency…
Seats
29 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 92,000 miles.
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: 08v384000 but BMW states my car is not covered and refuses…
Airbag light illuminated on the dashboard. Manufacturer was informed but noted that the VIN doesnt fall within the range of the recall. Manufacturer didnt authorize the repair ($700 estimate). Recall 13v-564 is specifically for BMW/325i/2006/sport seat/airbag my exact car and exactly the issue im experiencing. There…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2006 BMW 325i recalls
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed august 30, 2024. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 series sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 series sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 series sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or m-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On x5 and x6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began march 11, 2020. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i convertibles, 128i, 135i, and m coupes, 2007-2010 x3 30si and x3 xdrive30i, 2013-2015 x1 sdrive28i, x1 xdrive28i and x1 xdrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xdrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xdrive and m3 coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xdrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xdrive and m3, 2009-2011 335d, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xdrive, 2010-2011 x6 activehybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, m3 coupes, x5 30si, x5 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive35i, x5 48i, x5 xdrive48i, x5 xdrive50i and x5 m, 2009-2013 x5 xdrive35d and 2008-2014 x6 xdrive35i, x6 xdrive50i and x6m vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (psan) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradat
Engine: crankcase (pcv)
Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the pcv valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) valve may short circuit.
Air bags
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in september 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on december 1, 2014. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email bmw at [email protected].
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and sports wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and sport wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and sports wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 m3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
Electrical: wiring
Risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on november 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and m3, 2007-2011 328i xdrive, 335i xdrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
Air bags: occupant classification
Risk: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
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. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if, and how, the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Air bags: occupant classification
Risk: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Fix: 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 repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 series with standard seats, 5 series with comfort seats, and z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact bmw customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email bmw at customerrelations@bmwusa.
Full defect summary
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 wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750li, and 760li sedans, and model year 2006 x5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Air bag inflator rupture
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened pe14-016 in june 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.all six vehicles were operated in florida or puerto rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.during the course of pe14-016, odi determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.nonetheless, at odi's in
Air bag inflator rupture
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened pe14-016 in june 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.all six vehicles were operated in florida or puerto rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.during the course of pe14-016, odi determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.nonetheless, at odi's in
Bmw airbag light illumination
Summary
Bmw is conducting a safety recall campaign on approximately 200,000 my04 through my06 subject vehicles built through 11/30/05 to correct the front passenger seat air bag occupant detection mat. The specific vehicles included in the recall aremy04- 06/ 5-series with standard and sport seats, my04-06/ x3-series and my06/ 3-series with sport seats. In addition, bmw will extend the warranty coverage of the passenger seat air bag occupant detection mat to 10-year/unlimited mileage on approximately 120,000 remaining my04-06 subject vehicles built through 11/30/05. The specific vehicles included in the extended warranty are my 06/ 6 series, my 06/ 3-series with standard seats, my04-05/ z4, my04-06/
Questions about the 2006 BMW 325i
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW 325i?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (241 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles); electrical (85 complaints, typically around 85,000 miles); engine (77 complaints, typically around 90,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2006 BMW 325i have?
- 7 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from July 3, 2024 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2006 a bad year for the BMW 325i?
- It is the most complained-about 325i model year since 2000, with 515 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.