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
1,243 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Dec 18, 2016
TAKATA RECALL - I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR OVER A YEAR OR MORE TO HAVE THE AIRBAG REPLACED. THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO GET THE PARTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE AIRBAG HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED ONCE, BUT I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT THE CORRECT ONE. THE CAR IS BASICALLY WORTHLESS BECAUSE NO DEALER OR INDIVIDUAL WILL BUY IT WITH AN OPEN RECALL. I WOULD LIKE TAKATA TO BUY THE VEHICLE FOR MARKET PRICE.
Air bags, Dec 17, 2016
PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SENSOR TOGGLES BETWEEN ACTIVE AND INACTIVE REGARDLESS OF WEIGHT, OR PRESENCE OF AN INDIVIDUAL ON THE SEAT... WITH A PASSENGER ON IT, IT WILL ALSO TOGGLE BETWEEN ACTIVE/INACTIVE REGARDLESS OF THE WEIGHT OF THE PERSON (EVEN AN ADULT PASSENGER WILL DISABLE PASSENGER AIRBAG).. SEEMS TO BE HISTORICAL EVIDENCE OF THIS FAILURE AND YET RECALL IS NOT ACTIVE. THERE IS NO CERTAINTY AT THIS MOMENT IF AIRBAG WILL BE OPERATIONAL IN A CRASH.
Air bags, Engine, Visibility/wiper, Dec 15, 2016
PASSENGER AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELT WONT WORK AND BMW WONT FIX. ELECTRICAL:RADIO,CLIMATE CONTROL,HEADLIGHTS AND WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP. WINDOW REGULATORS. AND THE WORST:LEARNING FROM X_EMPLOYEES OF BMW SAY THAT BMW PURPOSEFULLY MISS-TORQUES OIL PAN,VALVE COVER AND OIL FILTER HOUSING SO THE FAIL RIGHT AFTER 50,000 MILE WARRANTY. EVERY E90 HAS THESE PROBLEMS. AND WINDOW REGULATORS ALL EXCEPT DRIVER SIDE. IN MOTION.
Electrical system, Dec 12, 2016
DOOR ACTUATORS/LOCKING MECHANISMS ARE UNRESPONSIVE TO REMOTE CONTROL. UNABLE TO LOCK OR UNLOCK THE VEHICLE FROM THE OUTSIDE, NOR IS IT POSSIBLE TO LOCK OR UNLOCK THE VEHICLE FROM THE INSIDE.
Steering, Dec 8, 2016
THIS PAST WEEK A YELLOW PADLOCK POPPED UP ON MY DASHBOARD WHEN I WENT TO START MY CAR. UPON FUTURE RESEARCH I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IT IS A FAULT WITH THE ELECTRIC WHEEL LOCK. I HAVE YET TO FIND OUT WHAT THE ROUTE CAUSE YET BUT FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN, THIS ISSUE IS WIDE SPREAD AND MANY CASES LEAD TO THE CAR NOT STARTING OR THE WHEELS LOCKING UP. THIS COULD COST UPWARDS OF $1500 TO REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. I AM AFRAID IF THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, IT COULD NOT ONLY PREVENT MY CAR FROM STARTING (AS IT HAS WITH MANY OTHER CASES), BUT COULD CAUSE MY STEERING TO LOCK UP WHILE I AM DRIVING. THIS IS SOMETHING I CAN BARELY AFFORD TO FIX, BUT ABSOLUTELY CAN'T AFFORD NOT TO. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. *TR
Engine, Dec 4, 2016
CYLINDER HEAD GASKET IS LEAKING OIL DUE TO FAULTY BROKEN ALLUMINUM BOLT. THREE BOLTS ON THE FORWARD RIGHT SIDE OF THE ENGINE IS BROKEN MAYBE DUE TO ENGINE STRESS. OIL IS LEAKING TO THE EXHAUST AND I'M AFRAID IT WILL CAUSE FIRE. I READ IN THE FUROM WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. BMW SHOULD MAKE A RECALL ABOUT THIS PROBLEM.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 18, 2016
LEAKING FUEL BY THE FUEL TANK.
Air bags, Nov 18, 2016
RECEIVED NOTICE 11/14/2016 REGARDING RECALL # 15V-318 DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG. CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER 11/18 WHO SAID PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL YEAR END. BMW'S 800 NUMBER CONFIRMED THERE WAS A SHORTAGE OF PARTS IN THE REGION. THIS IS AT LEAST A 6 WEEK DELAY BASED ON PART AVAILABILITY. UNACCEPTABLE
Air bags, Nov 14, 2016
TAKATA RECALL- MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON- I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR ALMOST 1 YEAR FOR MY AIRBAG TO BE REPLACED. I KEEP GETTING TOLD THAT THERE IS NO REMEDY AVAILABLE. THE DEALER NAME: RALPH SCHOMP BMW 1190 PLUM VALLEY LN HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO 80129 1-888-205-2938
Air bags, Oct 30, 2016
"TAKATA RECALL" BMW TAKING TOO LONG TO CORRECT THE AIR BAG RECALL ISSUE. SINCE MARCH 2016 I'VE LOST THE ABILITY USE THE CAR DUE TO DEFECTIVE TAKATA AIRBAG INFLATOR AND THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE DEATH DUE TO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE CAR IS NOW IN PNO STATUS. BMW SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY TOWING FEES , TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THEIR FACILITIES TO CORRECT AIR BAG INFLATOR.
Air bags, Oct 27, 2016
I GOT A LETTER IN THE MAIL ABOUT 9 MONTHS AGO REGARDING REPLACE THE AIRBAGS AND NEVER HEARD ANYTHING SINCE. THE LETTER MENTIONED THAT WHEN EVER THEY GET THE PARTS THEY WOULD CONTACT ME. NOT SURE WHAT THE EXACT DATE IS I GOT THE LETTER FOR THE RECALL
Air bags, Oct 24, 2016
BMW NORTH AMERICA SITE INDICATES THAT THERE IS A "REMEDY AVAILABLE" AFTER MONTHS OF INDICATING THAT THEY WERE FORMULATING ONE. I CALL THE DEALERSHIPS AND THERE IS NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE REPLACEMENT ACTUATOR. I HAVE ONE OF THE OLDER VEHICLES IN ONE OF THE HOT HUMID ZONES AND THEREFORE SHOULD BE A PRIORITY. I HAVE CALLED 2 DEALERSHIPS WITH NO SUCCESS. IT HAS BEEN OVER 7 MONTHS SINCE THE RECALL WAS ANNOUNCED FOR MY VEHICLE.
Air bags, Oct 19, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Air bags, Oct 14, 2016
WAS HAVING A SERIES OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND CODES POP UP AND MY VEHICLE. INCLUDING THE AIRBAG LIGHT ALUMINATE. I POPPED THE TRUNK TO FIND THE BATTERY TERMINAL MELTED. I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE MECHANIC AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON BATTERY TERMINALS. ALTHOUGH THE RECALL IF SHE FROM CARS 2007 TO 2011 MY 2006 BMW EXHIBITS THE EXACT PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE READ ABOUT.
Air bags, Oct 4, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 12/13/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAGS WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 12/15/16.*JB
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Sep 29, 2016
UPON TEST DRIVING ON CITY STREET THIS VEHICLE WITH A FRIEND AND MY BROTHER WE REALIZED IT HAD A HARD LIMP TO THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE. AFTER RETURNING IT TO THE LOT THE SALESMAN INFORMED US IT NEEDED A SWAY BAR REPLACE TO LEAVE IT A COUPLE DAYS AND HE WOULD HAVE IT REPAIRED. AFTER PICKING IT UP DRIVING ON THE CITY STREET I REALIZED NOT ONLY DID IT HAVE A LEAK BUT THERE WAS A NOISE INVOLVED THIS TIME. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE CAR LOT AND THEY INSTRUCTED ME THAT IT WAS ONLY A MUD FLAP RUBBING THE TIRE. AFTER TAKING IT TO MY PERSONAL MECHANIC HE TOLD ME THAT MY CAR HAD BEEN IN A SEVERE ACCIDENT AND THE ENTIRE UNDER CARRIER WAS DAMAGED AND IT WAS A MIRACLE IT WAS MOBILE. QUOTED PRICE FOR PARTS 280.00 AND LABOR 2100.00. WHEN TAKING IT TO ROADSHOW BMW THEY STATED THERE WASN'T ANY RECALLS. BOTTOM LINE IS PARTS FELL FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY EXITING THIS INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING: FOG LIGHT ON PASSENGER SIDE, SMALL GRILL ON SAME SIDE, LARGE BOLT (NOT SURE WHERE IT GOES OR WHERE IT CAME FROM), AND ANOTHER PIECE OF MEDAL. AT THIS POINT OIL BEGAN TO RUN OUT.THIS CAR LEANS TO THE RIGHT NOW AND AFTER OWNING IT FOR 4.5 MONTHS IT WAS MOBILE FOR MAYBE 3 WEEKS? OH AND I ALMOST FORGOT TO MENTION THE TRACKER STALLS THE CAR UPON OCCASIONS WHEN DRIVING. I'VE REQUESTED FOR MY TITLE VIA PHONE TWICE, VIA CERTIFIED LETTER AND FAX. I CAN PROVIDE DOCUMENTS UPON REQUEST. HOWEVER, I DON'T OWN A SCANNER BUT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO FAX IF YOU GIVE ME YOUR FAX NUMBER. I'VE PAID MY CAR BALANCE OFF WITHOUT A TITLE?
Air bags, Seat belts, Sep 28, 2016
THIS BMW HAD A RECALL, WE BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM A DEALER SHIP MARCH 2016, SEATBELT AND AIR BAG LIGHT JUST CAME ON. BMW SHOULD CHECK THIS OUT AT NO COST AND THE RECALL SHOULD NOT BE CLOSED OR THERE SHOULD BE AN EXCEPTION WHEN YOU BUY A USED BMW. IT'S A HAZARD IF THE AIR BAG DOES NOT DEPLOY OR THE SEATBELT DOES NOT WORK
Air bags, Sep 22, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Sep 22, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Sep 19, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED WITH A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, CHIMED, AND "THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS OFF" WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Air bags, Sep 19, 2016
THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT HAS FAILED. ALTHOUGH THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE SAME MODEL, SEAT TYPE (SPORT) AND MANUFACTURER DATE (2006/02), BMW DOES NOT CONSIDER OUR CAR PART OF THE RECALL. RECALL CAMPAIGN 13V-564: E90, E91 FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT MODEL E90 (3 SERIES SEDAN) E91 (3 SERIES SPORTS WAGON) ONLY VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH SPORT SEAT PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 2005 TO SEPTEMBER 2006 BMW HAS DECIDED TO AMEND THE 2008 VOLUNTARY RECALL (NHTSA ID: 08V-384) INVOLVING THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT.
Air bags, Sep 16, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) AND 14V428000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Sep 16, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR THE AIR BAGS. THE DEALER REPORTED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Sep 15, 2016
THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT HAS FAILED AND GIVING AN AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WARNING LAMP ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ALONG WITH PASS AIR BAG OFF LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY ON. BMW CLAIMS THAT MY VEHICLE HAD A LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR 10 YEARS FROM BUILD DATE, BUT I DID NOT RECEIVE ANY SUCH NOTIFICATION ALTHOUGH I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND ALSO LIVED AT THE SAME ADDRESS. BMW WILL NOT APPROVE A WARRANTY REPAIR AS THEY SAID THE 10 YEAR PERIOD EXPIRED IN 2015. THE FAILURE OF THIS SENSOR COULD CAUSE THE AIR BAGS TO NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A FRONT END CRASH.
Air bags, Sep 15, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.