Model year record

2006 BMW 3 Series recalls & problems

The 2006 BMW 3 Series has 4 safety recalls and 202 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (109 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls

Complaints202filed by owners

Crashes · fires6 · 1reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths7 · 0reported in complaints

2006 BMW 3 Series in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Engine and engine coolingMar 2, 2022

Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)

Recall 22V119000917,106 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Fix: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Engine and engine coolingAug 10, 2012

Cooling system › Fan

Recall 12E029000585 vehicles

Problem: This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.
Risk: This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.
Fix: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.

Air bagsAug 5, 2008

Frontal

Recall 08V384000200,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED.
Risk: IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY EVEN IF A SUFFICIENTLY SEVERE ACCIDENT WOULD OCCUR AND OCCUPANT PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE SYSTEM WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REWORK THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT SO THAT EXTERNAL FORCE APPLICATION TO THE SEAT DOES NOT CAUSE A CRACK TO THE MAT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2008. BMW WILL ALSO EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THESE VEHICLES TO 10 YEARS FROM FIRST REGISTRATION WITHOUT ANY MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

SuspensionOct 18, 2006

Front › Control arm

Recall 06V40000025 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ONE OF THE SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM AND SWIVEL BEARING CONNECTION BOLTS WAS NOT TIGHTENED CORRECTLY. THE BOLTED CONNECTION COULD LOOSEN.
Risk: THE BOLTED CONNECTION COULD BREAK WHICH COULD IMPAIR VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BOLTED CONNECTION AND, IF NECESSARY, ADJUST THE CONNECTION. IN SOME CASES, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM AND THE SWIVEL BEARING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 21, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2006 BMW 3 Series 2-DR w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2006 BMW 3 Series 4-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2006 BMW 3 Series NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module	109	3	0	3	69,000 mi
Electrical systemInstrument cluster/panel; 12v/24v/48v battery › Cables	33	2	1	4	68,280 mi
Latches/locks/linkagesDoors › Latch	26	0	0	0	67,000 mi
SteeringColumn	24	2	0	4	58,901 mi
TiresTread/belt; Pressure monitoring and regulating systems	14	1	0	0	7,000 mi
Seats	12	0	0	0	85,000 mi
Seat belts	12	1	0	0	95,000 mi
Engine	11	0	0	0	97,263 mi
StructureBody; Body › Door	9	0	0	0	76,850 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal	6	2	0	4	25,161 mi
Unknown or other	5	0	0	0	110,000 mi
VisibilityPower window devices and controls	4	0	0	0	54,500 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Engine
COOLANT HOSES RELEASED AND RADIATOR SPLIT OPEN -- APPEARED WHILE DRIVING --- FLUID RELEASED ONTO WINDSHIELD
Jun 26, 2019 · 132,000 miles
Electrical systemFire
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE GLOVE BOX DEPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE.
Feb 7, 2019 · 213,000 miles
Electrical system
I WAS RECEIVING A IMAGINE ON THE ON BOARD COMPUTER SAYING THAT MY HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. UPON INSPECTION INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT'S CASING, I SAW THAT ALL OF THE WIRING'S PROTECTION HAD COMPLETELY FELL OFF (PROBABLY DUE TO THE HUMID SOUTHERN CLIMATE OF NORTH TEXAS) LEAVING ALMOST ALL OF THE WIRING ON BOTH SIDES OF MY HEADLIGHTS (DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE) COMPLETELY EXPOSED. THE COPPER WIRING INSIDE IS ALMOST ALL EXPOSED. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS TO SHORT AND LEAVING ME WITH NO VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THIS IS A MODEL WITHOUT ANGEL EYES, SO MY DRL DO NOT WORK WHAT SO EVER. THESE HEADLIGHTS ARE COMPLETELY STOCK, SO THIS IS A FACTORY FAULT. VERY UNHAPPY WITH THIS.…
Feb 9, 2019 · 146,000 miles
Fuel/propulsion system
FUEL LEAK COMING FROM THE FUEL FILTER / FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR, LOCATED INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. THE PLASTIC COVER WHERE THE PRESURRED FUEL LINE IS CONNECTED CRACKS CAUSING THE FUEL TO LEAK. I NOTICED THE ISSUE DUE TO A STRONG FUEL SMELL COMMING FROM THE LEFT REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I FOLLOWED THE SMELL AND IT TOOK ME TO THE FUEL TANK ACCESS UNDER THE REAR SEAT ON THE LEFT (DRIVER) SIDE. THAT IS WHERE I NOTICED FUEL ACCUMULATION OUTSIDE THE TANK. THEN I PROCEED TO START THE ENGINE AND CLEARLY NOTICED THE FUEL LEAKING FROM AN SMALL CRACK ON THE FILTER (NOT THE FUEL LINE). I STARTED A RESEARCH ON THE SUBJECT AND I FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINS ABOUT THIS ISSUE INCLUDING VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE ON MANY BMW…
Nov 15, 2018
Electrical system
RECALL 17V-676: BLOWER MOTOR WIRING BURNING HOT AIR FROM THE VENT IS IN WITH OR WITHOUT FAN ON (MOTION OR PARKING). IT IS OVERDUE AND NO RESPONSE FROM BMW OF AMERICA, LLC AS I KEPT ON CALLING THE OFFICE MANY TIMES SINCE 12/16/2017 LETTER RECEIVED. 1/19/2018 6/5/2018 8/20/2018 10/12/2018 TO NHTSA 11/5/2018
Oct 1, 2017 · 6,000 miles
Electrical system
ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK. THIS IS IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN IT FAILS THE CAR WILL NOT START. IT SEEMS TO BE A PRETTY COMMON PROBLEM. I WAS HOPING THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT CAN NOT FIND ONE.
Jul 23, 2018 · 120,000 miles
Structure › Body
DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK, SERIOUS HAZARD IN EMERGENCY SITUATION IF DOORS WON'T UNLOCK. DOORS LOCK/UNLOCK PROBLEM, I'VE HAD TO EXIT THRU WINDOWS. NO MANUAL UNLOCK FROM INSIDE VEHICLE. MECHANISM IS OPERATIONAL, MUST BE COMPUTER PROBLEM. FUSE REPLACED,CKD MANY THREADS WITH SAME ISSUE. WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM / 3 + TIMES HAPPENED TO ME.
Jun 20, 2018 · 105,000 miles
Air bags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 3 SERIES. WHEN THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM ONE SOURCE MOTORS (10633 NORTHLAND DR NE, ROCKFORD, MI 49341, (616) 951-7068), HE WAS NOT INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). SHARPE BMW (1010 28TH ST SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49508, (616) 452-5101) SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT AND INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG REPAIR HAD BEEN COMPLETED, BUT DID NOT ADDRESS THE REPAIR FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE AND HAD NOT PROVIDED A TIME FRAME TO PROVIDE THE PART TO THE DEALER. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG…
Apr 18, 2018

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATIONClosedLed to recall 08V384000
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREMY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ARE MY 06/ 6 SERIES, MY 06/ 3-SERIES WITH STANDARD SEATS, MY04-05/ Z4, MY04-06/ 7 SERIES, MY 06/ X5, AND MY04-06/ 5-SERIES WITH COMFORT SEATS.THE AVERAGE FREQUENCY OF FAILURES AMONG THE EXTENDED WARRANTY GROUPS WAS LESS THAN 1/7TH OF THE RECALL VEHICLE GROUPS.PLEASE SEE BMW'S…
EA08001 · opened Jan 4, 2008 · closed Dec 31, 2008