KnownCarProblems2006 BMW 330i Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 219 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 BMW 330i, most often about the air bags (61% of complaints, typically around 86,000 miles). It is the most complained-about 330i 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 330i problems
Air bags
133 complaints · 61%Half of these problems showed up before 86,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, sensor, air bag/restraint control module.
For the listed 2006 BMW e90 330i, the following error message was displayed in the idrive interface. "pass. Restraint system: fault in passenger-restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt-force limiter. Restraint system malfunction!" the failure occurred with nothing occupying the passenger seat while…
This is in regards to NHTSA campaign number 08v-384. I called BMW about his recall and they stated my vehicle was not affected even though the problem I am having and multiple others are having is for the exact same issue, condition, and description as called out in campaign number 08v-384. I did more research and…
Electrical
34 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 79,500 miles.
Door actuators/locking mechanisms are unresponsive to remote control. Unable to lock or unlock the vehicle from the outside, nor is it possible to lock or unlock the vehicle from the inside.
When my car reached ~75,000 miles, the passenger restraint system malfunction notification started to appear on the center console. The message seems to convey that the airbags will not deploy in an accident. After speaking with BMW and finding out that my car falls under the recall for this exact situation. BMW…
Engine
26 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 100,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system.
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 330i. When the engine was started and the defroster was activated, a popping noise was heard under the hood and an unusual odor emitted from the vents. The contact immediately turned the engine off and exited the vehicle. Within seconds, flames appeared under the hood. The fire department…
The contact owned a 2006 BMW 330i. The contact stated while her boyfriend was driving 65 MPH, he heard an abnormal noise coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to park on the side of the road and exit before the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The…
Seat belts
24 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 92,000 miles.
This is in regards to NHTSA campaign number 08v-384. I called BMW about his recall and they stated my vehicle was not affected even though the problem I am having and multiple others are having is for the exact same issue, condition, and description as called out in campaign number 08v-384. I did more research and…
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 330i sport. The contact stated that the front passenger seat mat sensor malfunctioned, causing the air bags and passenger seat belt to become inoperable. In addition, the air bag warning light was continuously illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, who stated that there…
Steering
20 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 62,500 miles. Parts named most often: column, column locking.
I have an amber colored steering wheel lock icon on the dashboard. I took it to the dealer and they said it is not safe to drive it because this will lock up the steering wheel. I told them if that's the case then there should be a recall and unfortunately there hasn't been one. Hopefully everyone who has had this…
Steering wheel lock is on which prevents the car from starting even after moving the steering wheel and inserting/removing the key fob in the key slot. This is a known issue and as well as a safety issue. Numerous people from BMW forums have reported the same problem and BMW won't do anything about it.
Seats
20 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 90,000 miles.
This is in regards to NHTSA campaign number 08v-384. I called BMW about his recall and they stated my vehicle was not affected even though the problem I am having and multiple others are having is for the exact same issue, condition, and description as called out in campaign number 08v-384. I did more research and…
I found vehicle recall via internet and consumer reports. I took my car to BMW of fairfax and explained that my BMW 330i 2006 had a defective front seat air bag sensor with dashboard warning light. After they examined the sensor they confirmed that I needed to replace the airbag sensor but that my vehicle was not…
Doors and locks
14 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 61,000 miles.
Tl contact owns a 2006 BMW 330i. When the doors are locked either by alarm or by the inside buttons the vehicle was unable to be reopened unless a key was used and it could only be reopened with a key on the drivers side door. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and…
Tl contact owns a 2006 BMW 330i. The contact stated the doors would not unlock automatically or manually. The contact was forced to climb out of the drivers side window in order to get out of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing who confirmed the actuator was defective. The vehicle…
Other or unspecified
6 complaints · 3%When there is a power failure in the 2006 BMW 330i, in this case caused by a blown fuse, the doors will not open either by attempting to electronically unlock them or by using the door handles. The only way I was able to exit the car was to roll down the driver's side window and use a manual key on the outside of the…
Very loud noise (fan noise) coming from the engine compartment when the car was started from a cold start. Car is drive-able but seemed to lose some power. The noise may or may not come back during the next start. A few simple searches on google and from various BMW forums indicated that it's a very common problem for…
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 330i 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
Questions about the 2006 BMW 330i
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW 330i?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (133 complaints, typically around 86,000 miles); electrical (34 complaints, typically around 79,500 miles); engine (26 complaints, typically around 100,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2006 BMW 330i 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 330i?
- It is the most complained-about 330i model year since 2000, with 219 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.