KnownCarProblems2006 BMW 525i Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 77 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 BMW 525i, most often about the air bags (57% of complaints, typically around 98,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about 525i model year since 2000 and has 3 recalls.
Most common 2006 BMW 525i problems
Air bags
44 complaints · 57%Half of these problems showed up before 98,000 miles. Parts named most often: sensor, frontal.
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525i. The contact received NHTSA recall campaign number 13v56400 (air bag); however, the part was unavailable. The air bag warning and rear light malfunction indicator were illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000. Updated…
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525i. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer and manufacturer made the contact aware of the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number: 08v384000 (air bags:frontal), but the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired.…
Brakes
11 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 132,500 miles. Parts named most often: power assist.
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525-I. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil onto the brakes booster, causing the vehicle to lose brake pressure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who stated that the vehicle was not included in any…
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525i. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the brakes failed. The vehicle was shifted into neutral and taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the booster vacuum was turned at the vacuum pump causing the brake pump to leak oil and contaminate the brake booster. The vehicle was…
Seat belts
7 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 87,500 miles. Parts named most often: front.
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525i. The contact stated that the front passenger seat air bag and the restraint indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525i. The contact stated that the passenger side air bag and seat belt light continuously illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the technician diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not…
Electrical
7 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 105,000 miles.
My BMW appears to the have an issue with the passenger air bag sensor, but the VIN isn't include in the recall list. Kindly request recall, as the vehicle hasn't been in an accident, but passenger air bag light remains on.
Main headlight failure during night driving cause by electrical short circuit, due to headlight internal electrical wiring insulation failure. Internal electrical wiring insulation seems not to meet sae, nec, asme, etc. Codes and standard for the uses, like engine electrical wiring, subject to heat exposure from…
Engine
6 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 135,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525i. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat. The coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and added coolant in the vehicle. The contact then continued to drive. The contact stated that the failure…
Several of the head bolts broke due to an engineering flaw. I was told by the BMW shop that because the head bolts were made from a different metal that they heat and cool at different rates and the bolts tend to break, they had seen it many times. When I contacted BMW they refused to admit that it was a common…
Lights
5 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 78,000 miles.
I own a 2006 525i BMW with 69k miles and my adaptive headlights wiring inside the light, the protective coating on all the wires are all deteriorating and giving me a fault for the apative headlight system and they are not working.
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525i. The contact received NHTSA recall campaign number 13v56400 (air bag); however, the part was unavailable. The air bag warning and rear light malfunction indicator were illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000. Updated…
Other or unspecified
3 complaints · 4%Bought from manager at BMW service department w/89,920 on 10/25/13. 2 overheated broke down on 11/29/13 on january 7 rarely park in driveway, pull up on driveway with an incline at my home. Car was placed in park but sorta did not catch gear right, felt a rollback so I engaged my e-brake. Did not want to release key…
Fuel system
3 complaints · 4%Valve cover gasket is leaking oil there is known defect caused by over tightening at manufacture. Hold BMW responsible and recall this defect.
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525i. The contact stated that there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the dealer where it was both diagnosed that the vehicle was leaking fuel. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.…
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 525i recalls
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: 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 525i
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW 525i?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (44 complaints, typically around 98,000 miles); brakes (11 complaints, typically around 132,500 miles); seat belts (7 complaints, typically around 87,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2006 BMW 525i have?
- 3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from April 4, 2019 (engine). 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 525i?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about 525i model year since 2000, with 77 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.