KnownCarProblems2006 BMW M5 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 39 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 BMW M5, most often about the air bags (64% of complaints, typically around 62,000 miles). It is the most complained-about M5 model year since 2000 and has 1 recall.
Most common 2006 BMW M5 problems
Air bags
25 complaints · 64%Half of these problems showed up before 62,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
The contact owns a 2006 BMW M5. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the passenger seat belt and passenger air bag warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the failure recurred several times. A dealer was notified and stated that while it was a common complaint, there was no recall.…
Front passenger seat air bag seat occupancy sensor mat, the passenger restraint system malfunction warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included on any recalls. The vehicle was not…
Seat belts
7 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 75,000 miles.
My vehicle is reporting a passenger restraint system malfunction as reported in the NHTSA campaign id number: 08v384000. I have contacted BMW na multiple times and the state my VIN is not listed in the recall. I find this very alarming and unsafe. My vehicle fits all parameters as stated by the recall documentation…
Well documented (on the internet) problem with the passenger side active restraint system failing, typically due to the passenger side occupancy mat. This problem has been documented in almost every model manufactured since 2000, but has only been addressed in a few, select, vehicles. This is the most common complaint…
Transmission
5 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 32,000 miles. Parts named most often: manual transmission, automatic transmission, driveline.
With an smg transmission, when accelerating from a complete stop, there is a loud thump in the rear of the car as if somebody hit you from behind. It is very startling and I am sure something is wrong with the car. This is a common complaint among all BMW M5 drivers. I am surprised nobody placed a complaint about this…
For about a 1.5 months, I have been having major issues with smg. In the morning on startup. I put the car in reverse, it shows (r). I step on the gas and it revs and doesn't do anything. You then hear a loud clunk and it pops back to neutral. Same thing with drive in which there is a huge delay even when it shows 1.…
Engine
5 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 64,500 miles.
My family and I were heading home on the freeway and the cars engine light came on and the engine went into limp home mode along with a loud knocking from the engine. The next day I had to car towed to BMW of honolulu. The dealership contacted me and told me that I needed a engine which they quoted me a price of $35k…
Enroute from palo alto to mountain view and was at a complete stop waiting at a stop light on a major thoroughfare (central expressway) when the car stopped running. Cars behind me proceeded to pass me to make the left turn while my car was shut down. I was able to re-start the car after ~5 - 10 minutes and drive…
Electrical
3 complaints · 8%The passenger restraint system, airbag, seat belt, belt tensioner warning showed up in the car computer. Went to the dealer and dealer said that they will need to replace the passenger seat mat sensor and battery safety terminal. The cost is around $3500. When I searched online I found that the BMW 5 series 2004 -…
Enroute from palo alto to mountain view and was at a complete stop waiting at a stop light on a major thoroughfare (central expressway) when the car stopped running. Cars behind me proceeded to pass me to make the left turn while my car was shut down. I was able to re-start the car after ~5 - 10 minutes and drive…
Seats
3 complaints · 8%The passenger restraint system, airbag, seat belt, belt tensioner warning showed up in the car computer. Went to the dealer and dealer said that they will need to replace the passenger seat mat sensor and battery safety terminal. The cost is around $3500. When I searched online I found that the BMW 5 series 2004 -…
Passenger occupancy sensor is bad. This causes a warning message to occur that states that the restraint system is malfunctioning. After further research, if this message is displayed, the airbags will not deploy in the event of a crash.
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 M5 recalls
Electrical: cables
Risk: Overheating could lead to a fire, even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on april 30, 2012. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 m5, and model year 2007-2010 m6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable may have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection. As it loosens, an increase in electrical resistance at this cable connection is possible and could cause the cable connection to overheat.
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 M5
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW M5?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (25 complaints, typically around 62,000 miles); seat belts (7 complaints, typically around 75,000 miles); transmission (5 complaints, typically around 32,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2006 BMW M5 have?
- 1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from March 26, 2012 (electrical). 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 M5?
- It is the most complained-about M5 model year since 2000, with 39 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 M5 years
- 2006