KnownCarProblems2006 BMW 325xi Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 110 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 BMW 325xi, most often about the air bags (58% of complaints, typically around 76,000 miles). It is the most complained-about 325xi model year since 2000 and has 6 recalls.
Most common 2006 BMW 325xi problems
Air bags
64 complaints · 58%Half of these problems showed up before 76,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
Air bag sign keeps going on/off. There was a recall 08v-384 but BMW is saying my vehicle was out of the build window. I have the same issue as NHTSA recall campaign number: 08v384000 (NHTSA action number: ea08001).
The air bag light / occupant detect sensor needed to be replaced because it was defective. I paid over $1000 to repair. My mechanic told me there is a safety recall of the air bag frontal sensor control module for my vehicle year, make and model. I never received the recall notice and BMW claims the recall is VIN…
Steering
14 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 74,500 miles.
I was unable to start vehicle because the steering wheel was locked, there was an amber steering wheel symbol being displayed. After searching for answers, I found that this is a common problem many drivers have had. This problem needs to be fixed as it is not easily detectable and can happen unexpectedly.
This vehicle, along with hundreds, maybe thousands, of others are afflicted with a known defect BMW is well aware of (and has subsequently made engineering changes after 2006) involving the steering wheel lock in e90 and e91 chassis. An amber or red steering wheel lock indicator will light for no apparent reason nor…
Electrical
12 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 110,000 miles. Parts named most often: wiring.
When the ibs is plugged in it drains the battery fast , then it won't start unless I unplug the b+ blue plug , then plug the b+ cable back in after started so the valvetronic eccentric shaft motor has power , otherwise it goes into limp mode without it plugged in , I thought there was a recall on this but it starts on…
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 325xi. When the air conditioner was activated, smoke filled the cabin of the vehicle. Flames appeared and the vehicle exploded. The fire department extinguished the fire and filed a report. The passenger sustained burns to the hand, which required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to…
Seat belts
11 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 78,000 miles.
Air bag sign keeps going on/off. There was a recall 08v-384 but BMW is saying my vehicle was out of the build window. I have the same issue as NHTSA recall campaign number: 08v384000 (NHTSA action number: ea08001).
The red passenger-side air bag and seat belt lights come on and stay on, whether or not anyone is sitting in the passenger seat. My BMW dealer has told me this means the passenger airbags are deactivated and this is a common occurrence caused by a faulty sensor.
Seats
8 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 95,000 miles.
Passenger seat pad sensor failed and says air bag will not deploy. Even though there is a recall notice for this model, yr and mode of failure, the dealer reports that my vehicle was made 1 week before the recall affected vehicles. Is this true and could there have been an exception for 1 week? Repair shop indicates…
I have received a sensor light stating that I have a passenger restraint malfunction. Then it goes away after a few days until someone else sits down which would lead me to believe that it has to do with the pressure sensor mat on the passenger side. I have read that this happens to be a recall for BMW but my VIN…
Engine
7 complaints · 6%The contact owns a 2006 BMW 325xi. The contact stated that when starting that the vehicle would exhibit an abnormally loud noise and vibrate when first started. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where they advised her that all four motor mounts were fractured and the vehicle needed to be taken to an…
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 325xi. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. Upon restarting it, the vehicle responded normally. The failure occurred four times intermittently. In addition, the ABS, dsc and AWD warning…
Doors and locks
5 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 76,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 325xi. The contact stated that he was unable to open any of the vehicle doors, other than the driver side, by using the key fob or manually. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that one of the lock mechanisms was defective and the sensor was not strong enough as a result both…
3 of the 4 door locks on my 2006 BMW 325xi failed. A friend was in the passenger seat and once we stopped and attempted to get out, the passenger door would not open. She was trapped in the car and had to be removed via the passenger window. The two rear doors and one passenger door would not open either. The buttons…
Body and structure
3 complaints · 3%Parts named most often: body.
3 doors on the car would not open from inside or outside of the car. Luckily the driver door still worked. In the event of an accident or fire this is a severe hazard.
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 325xi. The contact stated that he was unable to open any of the vehicle doors, other than the driver side, by using the key fob or manually. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that one of the lock mechanisms was defective and the sensor was not strong enough as a result both…
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 325xi 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.
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.
Questions about the 2006 BMW 325xi
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW 325xi?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (64 complaints, typically around 76,000 miles); steering (14 complaints, typically around 74,500 miles); electrical (12 complaints, typically around 110,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2006 BMW 325xi have?
- 6 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 325xi?
- It is the most complained-about 325xi model year since 2000, with 110 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.