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: electrical system
188 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Nov 12, 2014
THE CAR FAILS TO UNLOCK WHEN USING THE CENTRAL BUTTON IN THE CAR OR THE HAND HELD DEVICE. ONLY THE DRIVER DOOR CAN BE OPENED MECHANICALLY AND THE LOCKS ARE NOT ACCESSIBLE TO PULL UP ON THE OTHER 3 DOORS. MY CHILDREN HAD TO CLIMB OUT THE DRIVERS DOOR OR WINDOWS. RESEARCH ON THE WEB IS INDICATING A BAD FUSE CAN CAUSE THIS OR ACTUATORS IN THE DOORS. SEEMS LIKE A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD IF EVERYONE CAN'T EXIT THE CAR IN AN EMERGENCY BECAUSE OF A BLOWN FUSE? *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 11, 2014
I ONLY HAVE 65K MILES ON MY BMW 325I 2006 IT AND MOSTLY DRIVEN ON HIGHWAYS. A FEW DAYS BACK MY BMW WOULDN'T START WITHOUT ANY RHYME OR REASON. IT HAD A RED STEERING WHEEL WARNING LIGHT ON AND THE CAR WOULDN'T START AT ALL. THE BOOK DIDN'T HAVE ANY INSTRUCTIONS EITHER BUT TO TAKE THE CAR TO DEALERSHIPS. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WERE ALSO HELPLESS AND HAD NO IDEA. I HAD TO TOW MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP. ULTIMATELY DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS SOME MANUFACTURING ISSUE AND THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS SOUNDED CRAZY AS MY CAR HAS NEVER BEEN WITH ANY ACCIDENT. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY A CAR WITH ONLY 65K MILES NEEDS A WHOLE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED. IT COST ME ~$1500 TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN. ON SEARCHING GOOGLE IT LOOKS LIKE A LOT OF CUSTOMERS HAVE THE SAME MANUFACTURING ISSUE WHERE THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD JAM AND CUSTOMERS NEED TO REPLACE THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN. I EMAILED AND CALLED THE BMW SERVICE AND THEY REFUSED TO TAKE ANY ACTION AND TOLD ME TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA IF I WISH TO DO SO. THIS IS DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WHERE THE CAR WOULD NOT EVEN START UNTIL THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN IS REPLACED. PLEASE TELL BMW TO OWN THE MANUFACTURING ISSUE AND STOP CHEATING NAIVE CUSTOMERS. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 10, 2014
TOOK MY BMW TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE MY BATTERY HAD TO BE REPLACED (DUE TO SERVICE LIGHT ON INSTRUMENT PANEL) AND WAS TOLD AFTER I PICKED UP MY VEHICLE IT ALSO HAD TWO OTHER SERVICE PROBLEMS: 1. OIL FILTER HOUSING NEEDED TO BE RESEALED A $400.00 JOB AND 2. ALTERNATOR TENSIONER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED A $650.00 JOB. I DID NOT DO THE REPAIR. CAME HOME, GOT ON INTERNET AND DID RESEARCH. THERE ARE MANY CUSTOMERS WHO ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THESE REPAIRS, AND THEY ALSO STATED THAT THEY WERE TOLD OF THESE SAME TWO ITEMS TO BE SERVICED AFTER HAVING A NEW BATTERY INSTALLED IN THEIR BMW'S. SUPPOSEDLY, BMW IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT DON'T FEEL THE NEED TO RECALL. I FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED BECAUSE IT DOESN'T MAKE SINCE THAT ALL CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE TO REPLACE THEIR BATTERY IS BEING TOLD TO SERVICE THE SAME ITEMS. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 7, 2014
PASSENGER DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK. ALL PASSENGERS NEEDED TO EXIT THROUGH THE DRIVERS DOOR. THIS WOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE IF IN AN ACCIDENT AND PASSENGERS COULD NOT OPEN DOOR TO EXIT VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 23, 2014
THE MESSAGE 'STEERING WHEEL LOCK' CAME UP AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. I HAD TO PAY TO BRING IT HOME. BMW SAYS 'IT HAPPENS TO SOME CUSTOMERS' AND THEY ASKED ME TO BRING THE CAR TO A SERVICE CENTER FOR REPAIR. I SEE A LOT OF DISCUSSIONS IN FORUMS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. APPARENTLY IT IS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE LOCK MECHANISM. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Aug 19, 2014
I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A STANDARD OIL CHANGE AND FRONT DRIVER SIDE LIGHT TURNING SIGNAL NOT WORKING AND I ALSO ADVISED THE AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN I TURNED ON THE CAR FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS. I WAS ADVISED THAT THE AIR BAG FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD TO BE REPLACED WHICH WOULD COST ME MORE THAN 800 DOLLARS. I QUESTIONED IF IT WAS PART OF THE MOST RECENT RECALL BUT WAS ADVISED NO. SEEING ALL THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE OF THE SAME VEHICLE AND ISSUE AND NOT BEING INCLUDED, THIS DOES NOT MAKE SENSE. PLEASE ADVISE HOW CARS ARE PICKED AS IT SEEMS THE CARS THAT WERE NOT NOTIFIED ARE THE ONES THAT ARE HAVING THE EXACT OR SIMILAR ISSUE OF WHAT THE RECALL IS FOR. I RECENTLY MOVED AS WELL SO I'M WONDERING WHAT HAPPENS IF THE LETTER IF THERE WAS ONE WAS SENT TO THE INCORRECT PLACE. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 17, 2014
I OWN A 2006 BMW 330XI. I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK WHICH PREVENTS THE CAR FROM STARTING. THE PROBLEM STARTS WITH A YELLOW WARNING LIGHT THAT INDICATES THE STEERING COLUMN IS LOCKED. THE STARTING PROBLEM IS CONSTANT. WE ARE CONCERNED WE MAY GET STRANDED OR AS SOME HAVE REPORTED THE STEERING MAY LOCK WITH LITTLE OR NO WARNING . FROM WHAT I CAN FIND ON THE INTERNET IT APPEARS BMW IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. COMMENTS ARE BAD STEERING COLUMN. THE PROBLEM STARTED IN FEB. OF 2012 WHEN THE CAR ONLY HAD 9000 MILES AND MY EXTENDED WARRANTY HAD JUST EXPIRED. THE CAR NOW HAS 11000 MILES.THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO HELP AND SUGGESTED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THAT I CONTACT BMW DIRECT. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE COMMON FROM THE COMMENTS POSTED ON LINE BY BMW OWNERS OF 2006 ON. I RECENTLY CONTACTED BMW AND THEY SUGGESTED I HAVE THE DEALERSHIP PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TEST.THE TEST RESULT WAS DEFECTIVE STEERING COLUMN.THE FEE FOR THIS TEST WAS $145.91. THE ESTIMATE THEY PROVIDED TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN IS $1,467.86 PLUS DIAGNOSTIC FEE OF $145.91. TOTAL COST $1,613.77. YOUR INVESTIGATION WILL SHOW THE DEFECTIVE STEERING COLUMN IS A COMMON PROBLEM. AS THE PROBLEM PERSIST THE SAFETY CONCERNS BECOME GREATER. IS A RECALL COMING AS THIS IS SERIOUS HIGHWAY SAFETY CONCERN? *TR
Electrical system, Jul 8, 2014
THE DOORS TO THE VEHICLE LOCKED AUTOMATICALLY AND COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. I HAD TO OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW AND USE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION FOB TO OPEN THE DRIVER DOOR FROM OUTSIDE. ALL OTHER DOORS REMAINED LOCKED AND COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS COULD BE TRAPPED IN THE CAR WITH NO WAY TO EXIT BESIDES CRAWLING THROUGH A WINDOW. I BELIEVE BMW SHOULD ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL TO REMEDY THIS DEFECT. *JS
Electrical system, Air bags, Jun 23, 2014
DRIVING WITH BAG ON PASSENGER SEAT, "RED AIRBAG & RED SEATBELT" INDICATORS LIGHT UP. UPON TAKING TO DEALERSHIP, THEIR CODE READER SUGGESTED "LOW BATTERY VOLTAGE" CAUSED LIGHTS. CLEARED CODE. MONTHS LATER, WITH WORK BAG ON PASSENGER SEAT HAPPENS AGAIN. CLEARED CODE. SUGGESTED TO BUY A NEW BATTERY. BOUGHT A NEW BMW BATTERY, AND SAME THING, HAPPENS AGAIN. I TAKE TO ANOTHER SHOP (BMW CHARGES 100-150 TO CLEAR CODE EACH TIME...) AND THEY CLEAR CODE, STILL "LOW BATTERY VOLTAGE" BUT SUGGESTED I LOOK INTO THIS OCCUPANCY SEAT SENSOR RECALL. GO BACK TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAY UNLESS CODE READER SAYS AIRBAG FAULT, THEY WILL NOT WARRANTY. THROUGH THE COURSE OF 2 YEARS NOW, THE LIGHT HAS COME BACK ON 4 TIMES PRIOR, AND NOW TODAY A 5TH TIME. I HAVE YET TO TAKE BACK TO DEALERSHIP AGAIN, BUT MAKING MY COMPLAINTS. I AM NOT A GENIUS BUT SOMEHOW I THINK THE OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT MUST BE DEFECTIVE YET THROWS ERROR CODES OF "LOW BATTERY VOLTAGE". WHEN I CHECK THE CODE MANUALLY THROUGH THE DRIVERS STALK, CCID-97 (FROM MEMORY) WHICH ONLINE REFERENCED TO AIR BAG FAULT. ALTHOUGH I HAVE OWNED VEHICLE FOR ALMOST 4 YEARS, IT WAS A "CERTIFIED" PREOWNED FROM DEALER, AND I"M BEING TOLD THAT THE RECALL COVERS ONLY 10 YEARS AFTER THE ORIGINAL SALE DATE. WHICH MEANS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER THIS YEAR OF 2014, I AM OUT OF LUCK. HUNDREDS WASTED EACH TIME, INCORRECT DIAGNOSING. AND BMW REFUSING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS RECALL UNTIL A MACHINE TELLS THEM OTHERWISE. AND UNTIL THAT DAY COMES, THEY'LL KEEP SELLING ME NEW BATTERIES AND OTHER FALSE HOPES TO FIX. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, May 31, 2014
CAR DOORS COULD NOT BE UNLOCKED IF CURRENTLY LOCKED. IT IS REALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION IF CAR CRASH OR FIRE HAPPENS. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Seats, May 26, 2014
PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS COMES ON AND OFF SPORADICALLY. THIS WILL CAUSE AIR BAGS NOT TO INFLATE IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. BMW ISSUED RECALL FOR DEFECTIVE SEAT MATS/SENSOR BUT THEY SAY MY VEHICLE NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL AND REPLACEMENT IS $1000. IT IS SAME DEFECTIVE SEAT MAT AS ON OTHER 2006 325I CARS AND SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN RECALL. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Structure, Apr 13, 2014
FIRST THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK SO I WOULD HAVE TO USE THE KEY TO UNLOCK THE DRIVER DOOR. BOUGHT A NEW ACTUATOR AND HAD IT REPLACED. NOT EVEN ONE MONTH LATER THE BACK SEAT DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR WENT OUT AS WELL. HOWEVER THERE IS NO KEY HOLE FOR THE BACK DOOR AND IT CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. I WAS TOLD BY A BMW DEALER THAT I WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE DOOR TORN OFF AND REPLACED WITH A NEW DOOR BECAUSE THERE WAS NO WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR. BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE! BOTH BACK WINDOW REGULATORS WENT OUT AS WELL! GOT THE BACK SEAT PASSENGER SIDE FIXED. BUT CAN'T GET THE DRIVER SIDE DONE YET. THIS ALL HAPPENED WITHIN A YEAR. *JS
Electrical system, Apr 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTINUED TO SHORT CIRCUIT AND VARIOUS SENSORS ILLUMINATED AT RANDOM. THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL AND AIR BAG SENSOR ILLUMINATED AT RANDOM. THE REAR BACK WINDOW LIGHT ALSO SHORT CIRCUIT AND WAS REPLACED MORE THAN ONE TIME. THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Feb 22, 2014
WHITE SMOKE COMING THOUGH AC DUCTS. WHEN TAKEN TO SHOP THEY SAID IT WAS COOLANT LEAK IN HEATER CORE. REPLACEMENT WOULD COST ME $3000-$4000. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Feb 6, 2014
MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INDICATING THAT MY PASSENGER AIRBAG SYSTEM WAS OFFLINE. I BROUGHT IT INTO MY MECHANIC AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR MAT AND POSSIBLY MY PASSENGER SEAT BELT SENSOR HAD FAILED. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE COST TO REPAIR WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY $700-$800 DOLLARS. I RECENTLY RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION THAT MY VEHICLE MAY BE SUBJECT TO A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000. WHEN I CONTACTED MY DEALERSHIP AND BMWNA THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR MY VEHICLE UNTIL REQUIRED TO DO SO EVEN THOUGH MY AIRBAG SYSTEM HAS ALREADY FAILED AND IT IS SHOWING AS OFFLINE. I'M REGISTERING THIS COMPLAINT TO DOCUMENT THAT THEY ARE NOT ACTIVELY RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Seats, Feb 3, 2014
I FOUND VEHICLE RECALL VIA INTERNET AND CONSUMER REPORTS. I TOOK MY CAR TO BMW OF FAIRFAX AND EXPLAINED THAT MY BMW 330I 2006 HAD A DEFECTIVE FRONT SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR WITH DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT. AFTER THEY EXAMINED THE SENSOR THEY CONFIRMED THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE AIRBAG SENSOR BUT THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED BY THE RECALL. I WAS CHARGED $150 DOLLARS FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND TOLD THAT TO REPAIR THE DEFECT WOULD COST $ 1200. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 19, 2014
I HAVE A 2006 BMW 330I WHICH HAD A STEERING COLUMN MALFUNCTION AND FAILURE. IT IS SAFETY PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY A BMW CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN. ON JANUARY 7, 2014 THE TEMP. WAS MINUS 15 DEGREES F AND THE WARNING INDICATOR IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SHOWED AN ICON OF A STEERING WHEEL AND A LOCK AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE OWNERS MANUAL SAYS "LIGHTS UP IN YELLOW: ELECTRIC STEERING WHEEL IS JAMMED. MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE." I MOVED THE STEERING, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE I WAS AWAY FROM HOME IN THESE MINUS 15 DEGREES F COLD TEMP. I COULD HAVE FROZEN BEFORE I COULD HAVE RECEIVED ASSISTANCE. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT ANDERSON BMW IN ILLINOIS TOLD ME THAT THE 2006 BMW 330I HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING COLUMN MALFUNCTIONING. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHICH TOOK ALMOST 2 FULL DAYS DUE TO THE COLD WEATHER IN CHICAGO AND ALL THE CARS THAT WOULDN'T START FROM THE COLD. I CONTACTED BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE, EXPLAINED MY PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING TO COVER THIS UNUSUAL QUALITY PROBLEM UNDER WARRANTY. I UNDERSTAND IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY, BUT I WOULDN'T EXPECT A MAJOR STEERING, START AND INTERLOCK SYSTEM FAILURE WHEN IT IS ONLY 10,600 MILES OVER THE WARRANTY PERIOD. AS AN AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEER RESPONSIBLE FOR QUALITY I DEAL WITH WARRANTY ISSUES QUITE OFTEN AS WELL AS RECALLS WITH NHTSA. WHILE MANY TIMES A QUALITY ISSUE WITH A PRODUCT IS SAFETY RELATED IT DOES NOT REQUIRE A NHTSA RECALL. HOWEVER, IT CAN BE COVERED UNDER A MANUFACTURERS CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN. FROM THE NHTSA WEBSITE, THERE ARE MANY CASES REPORTED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE 2006 BMW 330I MODEL. I AM REPORTING THIS INCIDENT TO NHTSA IN HOPES THAT BMW WILL DO SOMETHING FOR OTHER OWNERS AS THE REPAIR BILL WAS $938.00 AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY BMW, WARRANTY OR NOT. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 25, 2013
DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK FROM REMOTE KEY OR UNLOCK BUTTON INSIDE CAR OR FROM DOORS HANDLE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE CAR AND WILL TRAP PASSENGERS INSIDE. ONLY DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPENS WITH DOOR KEY. DOORS CAN NOT BE LOCKED FROM REMOTE KEY EXCEPT DRIVER SIDE DOOR. TOTALLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE FOR CHANCE GETTING TRAPPED INSIDE CAR. NO MANUAL DOOR OPEN FEATURE EXISTS. *TR
Electrical system, Seat belts, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 21, 2013
THE REAR DOOR LOCK IS NOT WORKING - THE HANDLES DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE - THE LOCK ACTUATOR IS FAULTY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. SO FAR I HAVE HAD THE FRONT DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE ACTUATORS REPLACED. BMW WILL NOT FIX THE ACTUATORS EVEN THOUGH THE PART HAS BEEN CHANGED OUT BEFORE, IS A KNOWN ISSUE, AND THE ACTUATORS HAVE BEEN SUPERSEDED TWO TIMES BY BMW. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Oct 15, 2013
BATTERY WAS LOW AND WOULDN'T START JUMP STARTED THE CAR AND RECEIVED A MESSAGE THAT THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT TENSIONER IS BAD. HAS A SEAT BELT WITH AIRBAG SYMBOL ON THE DASH...PLUS THE VEHICLE STARTED SHOWING A SYMBOL WITH A STEERING WHEEL WITH ARROWS THEN THE CAR WON'T START UNTIL I SHAKE THE STEERING WHEEL SEVERAL TIMES...WAS STRANDED FOR HOURS THEN FINALLY IT STARTED. BMW HAS VERY LOW QUALITY AND PROBLEMS. THIS IS BECOMING VERY UNSAFE AND NOT SURE IF I WANT MY FAMILY IN THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Sep 19, 2013
HAS AN AIRBAG/SEAT BELT LIGHT ELIMINATED ON THE DASH. BMW HAS DIAGNOSED IT AS A FAILED PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR. 2006 330I SPORTS SEATS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS ITEM IN 2008. BMW RECALL ID # 57362 - AIR BAGS: FRONTAL RECALL DATE AUG 05, 2008 RECALL DATE: AUG 05, 2008 MODEL AFFECTED: 2006 BMW 3-SERIES SUMMARY: 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. CONSEQUENCES: 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. REMEDY: 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. POTENTIAL UNITS AFFECTED: 200000 NOTES: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC. UPDATED 07/30/13*LJ *TR
Electrical system, Wheels, Sep 12, 2013
AFTER PUSHING THE START BUTTON I GET THIS MESSAGE (NOT AN ERROR, A MESSAGE): "ELECTRIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK MAY PREVENT ENGINE STARTING. MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL SO THAT ENGINE CAN BE STARTED." SO THE WHEEL LOCKS ITSELF ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAVE TO TOW THE CAR FOR NO REASON. NOW DEALER IS SUGGESTING TO CHANGING A PART AND SOME OTHER DEALER SAYS IT NEEDS TO BE REPROGRAMMED. UNBELIEVABLE. BMW DOESN'T EVEN KNOW THE REASON OF THIS ISSUE.. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 15, 2013
STOPPED IN A PARKING LOT AND LOCKED THE DOOR AFTER GETTING OUT OF THE CAR. THE DOOR LOCKS DIDN'T OPEN WHEN TRYING TO OPEN WITH THE REMOTE. THE DOOR FUSE AND ACTUATOR BLEW UP. OPENED THE DOOR WITH THE KEY AND SAT INSIDE THE CAR. THE DOORS LOCKED AND THEN COULDN'T UNLOCK THE DOORS TO GET OUT. I WAS TRAPPED IN THE CAR. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Seats, Aug 3, 2013
WHEN MY CAR REACHED ~75,000 MILES, THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION NOTIFICATION STARTED TO APPEAR ON THE CENTER CONSOLE. THE MESSAGE SEEMS TO CONVEY THAT THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT. AFTER SPEAKING WITH BMW AND FINDING OUT THAT MY CAR FALLS UNDER THE RECALL FOR THIS EXACT SITUATION. BMW REFUSED TO FIX IT AND STATES THAT MY VIN IS NOT LISTED UNDER THE RECALL, EVEN THOUGH THE RECALL STATES THAT IT AFFECTS 2006 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS (WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT I HAVE). *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 7, 2013
MY DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILED IN THE GARAGE AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO OPEN THE DOORS EITHER FROM OUTSIDE OR INSIDE. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN DANGEROUS IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS OCCUPIED AND THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT. *TR