KnownCarProblems2006 BMW 525xi Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 28 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 BMW 525xi, most often about the air bags (46% of complaints, typically around 123,500 miles). It is the most complained-about 525xi model year since 2000 and has 3 recalls.
Most common 2006 BMW 525xi problems
Air bags
13 complaints · 46%Half of these problems showed up before 123,500 miles.
The passenger restraint system alarm came on for the first time while sitting in a parking lot. BMW says that my vehicle, a 2006 BMW 525xi is not captured under the current recall 13v564000, which fixes this problem.
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525xi. While driving 25 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred more than once. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 125,000.
Electrical
6 complaints · 21%Parts named most often: 12v/24v/48v battery.
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525xi. While driving, the contact noticed an odor of burning rubber and the alternator warning indicator illuminated. Also, the power failed without warning. The contact stated the vehicle was not able to start without receiving a jump. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic…
My BMW was parked outside a restaurant in overland park, ks, at lunch time on march 7, 2017. Auto was locked and all windows and skylight were closed. When I returned to my car after lunch, the car was unlocked and all windows and skylight were open. The key was in my purse and was untouched. Possible theft attempt?
Brakes
5 complaints · 18%Parts named most often: power assist.
When I came to red light and went to push my brake a warning light appeared on dash with the message left brake lamp malfunction and my brake would not push down. This has happened several times since last week and I found an open recall that fits my car exactly but my car in not covered. Why????
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525xi. While attempting to park on a slight incline, the brakes failed and the vehicle rolled backwards. The contact had to depress the brake pedal to the floorboard. The dealer stated that the vacuum pump leaked oil into the brake booster. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure.…
Engine
4 complaints · 14%The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525xi. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited an oil leak. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, who determined that the engine cylinder head was fractured and causing the oil leak. The contact called the manufacturer but was provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 77,000.
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525xi. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. The coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the thermostat and radiator were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to an…
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 525xi 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 525xi
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW 525xi?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (13 complaints, typically around 123,500 miles); electrical (6 complaints); brakes (5 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2006 BMW 525xi 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 525xi?
- It is the most complained-about 525xi model year since 2000, with 28 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.
Other BMW 525xi years
- 2006