2006 BMW 3 Series
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 1,243 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 21 3 Series model years with reports.
Of the 2006 reports, 29 involved a crash and 40 involved a fire. 23 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Engine and engine cooling, exhaust system, emission control, crankcase (pcv)Mar 2, 2022
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 22V119000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, cooling system, fanAug 10, 2012
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 12E029000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalAug 5, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 08V384000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, control armOct 18, 2006
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ONE OF THE SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM AND SWIVEL BEARING CONNECTION BOLTS WAS NOT TIGHTENED CORRECTLY. THE BOLTED CONNECTION COULD LOOSEN.
THE BOLTED CONNECTION COULD BREAK WHICH COULD IMPAIR VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Campaign 06V400000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
667 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Apr 5, 2018
DEFECTIVE PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR MAT. EVEN WHEN AN ADULT IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG LIGHT TURNS ON, AS IF THE AIRBAG IS DISABLED. THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE, AS YOU CAN SEE FROM GOOGLE SEARCH RESULTS: HTTPS://WWW.GOOGLE.COM/SEARCH?Q=E90+REPLACE+AIR+BAG+SENSOR+MAT&OQ=E90+REPLACE+AIR+BAG+SENSOR+MAT&AQS=CHROME..69I57.12429J1J7&SOURCEID=CHROME&IE=UTF-8
Air bags, Mar 12, 2018
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN THE CITY AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE AIR BAG SENSOR INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATES A POSSIBLE FAILURE WITH THE AIR BAGS.
Air bags, Mar 8, 2018
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN MID 2016. TOWARDS THE END OF THAT YEAR, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, FLASHED ON AND OFF, AND CURRENTLY REMAINED LIT WITH A RED WARNING INDICATOR. THE DEALER (COMPETITION BMW OF SMITHTOWN, 599 MIDDLE COUNTRY RD, ST JAMES, NY 11780, (888) 861-6280) AND THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY AIR BAG RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Feb 26, 2018
AIR BAGS: PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM MALFUCTIONS ANYTIME THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED
Air bags, Feb 12, 2018
THE ICON AIRBAG WAS SHOWING WHEN I BOUGHT MY CAR IN FLORIDA IN 2012...SO WHEN I CAME BACK HOME IN QUEBEC MY GARAGE CHANGE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG...THIS YEAR (AROUND JUNE 2017) THE ICON AIRBAG OFF APPEAR AGAIN EACH TIME I HAVE A PASSENGER SEATTING IN MY CAR...SO I THINK THAT SOMETING IS DEFECT WITH THE SENSOR OR THE AIRBAG
Air bags, Seats, Feb 5, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330I. WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED, THE AIR BAG PASSENGER RESTRAINT, SEAT BELT, AND AIR BAG MALFUNCTION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (PACIFIC BMW LOCATED AT 800 S BRAND BLVD, GLENDALE, CA 91204) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OCCUPANT SEAT SENSOR MALFUNCTION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,235.
Air bags, Seats, Other or unspecified, Jan 31, 2018
I BELIEVE THE SEAT SENSOR IN MY 2006 BMW 325I FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS FAULTY. THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME, THE LIGHT COMES ON THAT SHOWS THAT MY FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG IS NOT ON AND ALSO THAT THE PASSENGER IS NOT BUCKLED, WHETHER THEY ARE BUCKLED, OR THERE ISN'T A PASSENGER IN THAT SEAT AT ALL. WHETHER I AM STATIONARY OR DRIVING/MOVING AT ANY SPEED, THOSE WARNING LIGHTS ARE ON, AND WILL INTERMITTENTLY GO OFF FOR SHORT PERIODS OF TIME, THEN THEY COME BACK ON AGAIN. I AM IN A CARPOOL SO I FREQUENTLY AM THE DRIVER AND I HAVE SOMEONE IN THAT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF IN AN ACCIDENT, THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY CAUSING INJURIES IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. NEWER MODELS OF THE SAME CAR HAVE THIS SEAT SENSOR ON RECALL, SO THE 2006 SHOULD ALSO BE RECALLED.
Air bags, Jan 18, 2018, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE OTHER VEHICLE FLED THE SCENE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER (SOUTH MOTORS BMW, 16215 S DIXIE HWY, MIAMI, FL 33157) DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A FAULTY AIR BAG SEAT SENSOR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
Air bags, Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2018
AIR BAG LIGHTS ON WITHOUT CRASH ALSO SEAT BELT LIGHT ON.
Air bags, Jan 2, 2018
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN JUNE OF 2017. BMW OF WEST HOUSTON (20822 CHANEY FREEWAY, CHANEY, TX 77449) STATED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Dec 28, 2017
TAKATA RECALL: I JUST RECEIVED A NOTICE TODAY 28 DEC 17 THAT MY VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED FOR THE FOLLOWING ISSUES THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG AND THE BLOWER MOTOR WIRING SYSTEM.
Air bags, Dec 26, 2017
TAKATA RECALL - I'VE CALLED MULTIPLE TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR AND STOPPED BY THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO GET MY NAME ON THE LIST ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO. I CAN NOT GET AN APPOINTMENT TO REPLACE MY AIR BAG.
Air bags, Dec 21, 2017
ABOUT THE AIRBAG TAKATA
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Dec 17, 2017
DRIVER'S AIRBAG MODULE RECALL REPLACEMENT KEEPS GETTING POSTPONED FOR A FUTURE DATE FROM BMW OF HENDERSON DEAL
Air bags, Nov 22, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325XI. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG SENSOR INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED A POSSIBLE FAILURE WITH THE AIR BAGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS) FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE LOCAL DEALER (HOFFMAN BMW IN WATERTOWN, CT) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Air bags, Nov 17, 2017, crash
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (BMW OF SPRINGFIELD, 391 US-22, SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, NJ 07081) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *JS
Air bags, Nov 14, 2017, crash
"MY TAKATA RECALL" AIRBAG WAS RECALL. I WAS A IN CAR ACCIDENT AND AIRBAGS DIDN'T OPEN.
Air bags, Engine, Nov 11, 2017
TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED A NOTICE IN THE MAIL FROM TK HOLDINGS INC. INFORMING ME OF A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE. I WENT TO AIRBAGRECALL.COM AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS ALSO A RECALL FOR THE BLOWER MOTOR WIRING. I CALLED A BMW DEALERSHIP IN IRVINE AND THEY SAID THAT THEY CAN'T HELP ME BECAUSE IT DOESN'T SHOW UP ON THEIR SYSTEM.
Air bags, Nov 8, 2017
TAKATA RECALL RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Nov 7, 2017
PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM - MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT JUST CAME ON. FOUND NUMEROUS ARTICLES ON INTERNET AND NHTSA RECALLS FOR "FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT DEFECT". I CONTACTED BMW AND WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR MY VIN, HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE IDENTICAL TO THE NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS.
Electrical system, Air bags, Nov 6, 2017
TAKATA RECALL. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR IN MY 2006 BMW IS DEFECTIVE MAKING THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS TURNED OFF DURING THE EVENT OF A CRASH WHEN CAR IS ON OR RUNNING AIRBAG AND SEATBELT LIGHT TURN ON. MANY OTHER 2006 BMWS LIKE MINE ARE AFFECTED WITH THIS ISSUE. A RECALL HAS BEEN DONE FOR BMWS FOR MODELS 2007 AND NEWER BUT NOT FOR THE 2006 MODEL YEAR. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE DONE FOR THIS YEAR MAKE TO INSURE THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE AND PASSENGERS RIDING IN THIS CAR. I USE THIS CAR AS A DAILY DRIVER WITH MY 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. PLEASE UPDATE NEW INFO ASAP
Air bags, Nov 3, 2017
THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR IN MY 2006 BMW IS DEFECTIVE WHETHER THE CAR IS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY BUT ONLY WHEN THE CAR IS ON. MAKING THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS TURNED OFF DURING THE EVENT OF A CRASH, MANY OTHER 2006 BMWS LIKE MINE ARE AFFECTED WITH THIS ISSUE. A RECALL HAS BEEN DONE FOR BMWS FOR MODELS 2007 AND NEWER BUT NOT FOR THE 2006 MODEL YEAR. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE DONE FOR THIS YEAR MAKE TO INSURE THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE AND PASSENGERS RIDING IN THIS CAR.
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Oct 24, 2017
PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT. RECEIVED WARNING MESSAGE WHEN PASSENGER SITS IN FRONT SEAT. LIGHT STAYS ON MOST OF TIME.
Air bags, Sep 25, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. HILTON HEAD BMW (1230 FORDING ISLAND RD, BLUFFTON, SC 29910) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Sep 21, 2017
BMW CONTINUES TO DRAG ITS FEET ON FIXING RECALL. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE FOR OVER 6 MONTHS NOW. CALLED DEALER IN CHARLOTTE NC (HENDRICK BMW ON E. INDEPENDENCE BOULEVARD) MULTIPLE TIMES AND EACH TIME THEY EITHER DO NOT HAVE THE PART OR NEED TO ORDER IT.