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, Jan 22, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED INDICATING THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS DISABLED. THE CONTACT STATED THE SENSOR WOULD ILLUMINATE IF THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED OR NOT. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE DEFECT AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V56400(AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT INDICATED THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. *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
Air bags, Jan 10, 2014
ABOUT A WEEK AGO, THE VEHICLE PASSENGER AIRBAG AND SEATBELT WARNING INDICATORS BEGAN TO DISPLAY ERRATICALLY. THEY WOULD GO ON AND OFF AT DIFFERING INTERVALS. SEVERAL WEEKS AGO THE INDICATORS BOTH CAME ON AND HAVE REMAINED ON. DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE ISSUE, I LOCATED A RECALL NOTICE IN 2008 FOR THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE WHICH INCLUDED MY 2006 325I AND ANOTHER RECALL IN 2013 AND THAT BMW HAD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THIS ISSUE FOR AN ADDITIONAL 10 YEARS. THE SEAT MAT WIRING WAS DETERMINED TO BE FAULTY WHICH CAUSE THE VEHICLE SENSOR TO ENGAGE THE WARNING/INDICATOR AS IT COULD NOT DETERMINE IF A PASSENGER WAS IN THE SEAT OR NOT AND THEREFORE THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. I CONFIRMED MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME RECALL ISSUE FROM 2008 AND 2013 RECALL WITH A LOCAL BMW SHOP AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT BMW OF NORTHAMERCIA BECOUSE BASED MY VIN# IT WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST,PARTS AND REPAIR S OUT OF POCKET. I CONTACTED BMW OF NORTHAMERCIA AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE MAKE,MODEL AND YEARWAS PART OF THE NOV 2013 RECALL BUT COULD NOT SPECIFY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER IF MY VEHICLE QUALIFIED. ??? THIS IS THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. WHY WOULD MY QUALIFYING VEHICLE NOT BE UNDER WARRANTY FOR THE SAME MAKE, MODEL, YEAR AND RECALL ISSUE AS THE OTHER VEHICLES BEING RECALLED? WHY WOULD MY VIN BE EXCLUDED FROM HAVING THE SAME EXACT ISSUES? *TR
Air bags, Jan 8, 2014
2006 BMW 325I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIR BAG RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. BMW INFORMED HIM, THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL.
Air bags, Jan 6, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND MAKING A U- TURN WHEN A SECOND VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V564000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE AIR BAG FAILURE WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Air bags, Seats, Jan 3, 2014
THE NHTSA HAS ISSUED MULTIPLE RECALLS FOR THE AIRBAG SENSOR MAT PROBLEM IN BMW CARS HOWEVER MY CAR CONTINUES TO BE EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL POPULATION DESPITE MEETING THE DESCRIPTIONS INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA RECALL NOTICES. *TR
Air bags, Jan 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. *TR
Air bags, Seats, Other or unspecified, Dec 25, 2013
FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SEAT SENSOR MAT/PAD FAILURE. INITIAL INQUIRE WITH DEALER RESULTED IN NO COVERAGE OF REPAIRS DUE TO VIN BREAK. AS OF DECEMBER 25, 2013 NHTSA SHOWS THAT ALL EFFECTED BMW 325XI 2006 WILL BE REPAIRED AT NO COST TO OWNER. NHTSA CAMPAIGN #: 13V-564
Air bags, Dec 9, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE MAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 08V384000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
Engine, Dec 9, 2013
MY 2006 BMW 330I BEGAN LEAKING OIL. AFTER INSPECTION IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE BROKEN BOLTS. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN PROPERLY CARED FOR. IT HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAS BEEN SERVICED AND MAINTAINED. AFTER ONLINE REVIEW, THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL BMWS. THE OIL LEAKS ONTO BRAKES, BELTS, EXHAUST, ETC.... CAUSING A SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD. THIS NEEDS TO BE ELEVATED TO A RECALL. *TR
Air bags, Dec 4, 2013
BEGINNING SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, THE VEHICLE PASSENGER AIRBAG AND SEATBELT WARNING INDICATORS BEGAN TO DISPLAY ERRATICALLY. THEY WOULD GO ON AND OFF AT DIFFERING INTERVALS. SEVERAL WEEKS AGO THE INDICATORS BOTH CAME ON AND HAVE REMAINED ON. DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE ISSUE, I LOCATED A RECALL NOTICE IN 2008 FOR THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE WHICH INCLUDED MY 2006 325I AND THAT BMW HAD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THIS ISSUE FOR AN ADDITIONAL 10 YEARS. THE SEAT MAT WIRING WAS DETERMINED TO BE FAULTY WHICH CAUSE THE VEHICLE SENSOR TO ENGAGE THE WARNING/INDICATOR AS IT COULD NOT DETERMINE IF A PASSENGER WAS IN THE SEAT OR NOT AND THEREFORE THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. I CONFIRMED MY VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME RECALL ISSUE FROM 2008 WITH A LOCAL BMW SHOP AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT BMW OF NORTHAMERICA. I CONTACTED BMW OF NORTHAMERICA AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER. ??? THIS IS THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. WHY WOULD MY QUALIFYING VEHICLE NOT BE UNDER WARRANTY FOR THE SAME MAKE, MODEL, YEAR AND RECALL ISSUE AS THE RECALL? WHY WOULD MY VIN BE EXCLUDED? *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Dec 3, 2013
AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON AND IDRIVE SAID THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM. BMW IS SAYING THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT IN SCOPE OF THE RECALL, THOUGH IT SHOULD BE AS IT IS THE SAME ERROR AS RELATED TO THE EXISTING RECALL BELOW: RECALL ID # 57362 - AIR BAGS:FRONTAL RECALL DATE AUG 05, 2008 RECALL DATE: AUG 05, 2008 MODEL AFFECTED: 2006 BMW 3-SERIES I AM THINKING IT IS BECAUSE I HAVE THE TOURING 3-SERIES, BUT THEY SHARE THE SAME SPORT SEATS AS THE OTHER 3-SERIES. PLEASE ADD MY VIN TO THE RECALL LIST. *TR
Seat belts, Dec 3, 2013
MY VEHICLE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THERE IS WARNING ON MY DASH OF A MALFUNCTION AND AFTER SOME RESEARCH MY VEHICLE VIN NUMBER IS NOT UNDER THE RECALL. IT HAVE THE SAME SPORTS SEATS THEY SPEAK ABOUT HAVING THE PROBLEM SAME YEAR SAME MODEL SAME PROBLEM WITH SEAT SENSOR BUT MY VIN IS NOT UNDER RECALL. *TR
Air bags, Dec 2, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN AND REPAIRED UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE AIR BAGS. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE RECALL SERVICE HAD BEEN PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SENSOR IN THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
Air bags, Nov 29, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR MAT WAS NOT DETECTING WHEN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Engine, Nov 27, 2013
I AM WRITING THIS DEPARTMENT IN HOPES TO RESOLVE ONGOING MAJOR MANUFACTURING DEFECTS ON THE BMW 2006 325I'S. THE 325I MOTOR IS WELL KNOWN FOR ALUMINUM BOLTS SNAPPING ON THE MOTOR RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANT OIL LEAKS AND OIL PRESSURE. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET AND BOLTS ARE WELL KNOWN FOR PREMATURELY FAILING AND THE HEAD OF BOLTS SNAPPING OFF UNDER PRESSURES. THE VALVE COVER GASKET AND OIL PAN IS ALSO KNOWN TO PREMATURELY FAIL DUE TO POOR ENGINEERS AND THE UTILIZATION OF ALUMINUM BOLTS. BMW FIXED THE ISSUE IN 2007 AND REPLACED DEFECTIVE BOLTS WITH IRON BOLTS. THE IRONY IS THAT BMW REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUES IN THE 2006 BMW 325I. CONSUMERS ARE ON THE HOOK FOR THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF REPAIR BILLS BECAUSE OF FAULTY ENGINE COMPONENTS. THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION HAS RECEIVED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE ALUMINUM BOLTS HAVE BEEN REDESIGNED SINCE DISCOVERING THE MANUFACTURER DEFECT. BMWNA HAVE HAD NUMEROUS SERVICE ISSUES RELATED TO THESE DEFECTIVE ALUMINUM BOLTS. THEY HAVE ALL OPENLY ADMITTED THAT THE BOLTS IN QUESTION WERE DEFECTIVE IN NATURE AND PRODUCTION, AND THAT THE BOLTS HAVE BEEN REDESIGNED TO AVOID FUTURE FAILURES. SOME OF THESE COMPLAINTS INCLUDED, AND RESULTED IN, VEHICLES LEAKING OIL IN THE ENGINE AREA CAUSING FIRES IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEFECTIVE BOLTS POSE A SERIOUS POTENTIAL RISK TO THE SAFETY OF THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES, AS WELL AS TO OTHER DRIVERS WHO SHARE THE ROADWAY WITH THEM. IT IS MY STRONG BELIEF THAT THIS TYPE OF PUBLIC SAFETY RISK CANNOT GO ON ANY FURTHER WITHOUT PROPER INTERVENTION FROM THE GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES WE EMPLOY AS TAXPAYERS. *TR
Engine, Nov 27, 2013
THERE IS A CLEAR MANUFACTURER DEFECT CONCERNING THE ALUMINUM BOLTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VALVE COVER GASKET ON THE BMW 2006 325I'S. THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION HAS RECEIVED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE ALUMINUM BOLTS HAVE BEEN REDESIGNED SINCE DISCOVERING THE MANUFACTURER DEFECT. BMWNA HAVE HAD NUMEROUS SERVICE ISSUES RELATED TO THESE DEFECTIVE ALUMINUM BOLTS. THEY HAVE ALL OPENLY ADMITTED THAT THE BOLTS IN QUESTION WERE DEFECTIVE IN NATURE AND PRODUCTION, AND THAT THE BOLTS HAVE BEEN REDESIGNED TO AVOID FUTURE FAILURES. SOME OF THESE COMPLAINTS INCLUDED, AND RESULTED IN, VEHICLES LEAKING OIL IN THE ENGINE AREA CAUSING FIRES IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEFECTIVE BOLTS POSE A SERIOUS POTENTIAL RISK TO THE SAFETY OF THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES, AS WELL AS TO OTHER DRIVERS WHO SHARE THE ROADWAY WITH THEM. IT IS MY STRONG BELIEF THAT THIS TYPE OF PUBLIC SAFETY RISK CANNOT GO ON ANY FURTHER WITHOUT PROPER INTERVENTION FROM THE GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES WE EMPLOY AS TAXPAYERS. I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT BMW NORTH AMERICA ISSUE A VOLUNTARY RECALL OF THE BMW 2006 325I'S AFFECTED BY THIS MANUFACTURER DEFECT. I AM NOT PRIVY TO WHAT CONSTITUTES A VEHICLE'S DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS TO REACH A "RECALL STATUS". I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT BMW OF NORTH AMERICA IS KEENLY AWARE OF THE DEFECTIVE ALUMINUM BOLTS, AND HAS ISSUED INTERNAL MEMOS TO THEIR STAFF CALLED "TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS" (TSB) TO FOREWARN DEALERSHIPS OF THIS MANUFACTURER DEFECT, AND THE STEPS TO REMEDY THE ISSUE. I HAVE REQUESTED THIS INFORMATION FROM BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, AS WELL AS SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS; AND I WAS REFUSED. I HAVE DILIGENTLY MAINTAINED MY VEHICLE AS PRESCRIBED BY THE SERVICE MANUALS, AS WELL AS THE ON BOARD COMPUTER IN THE VEHICLE. MY CONTENTION IS EXTREMELY CLEAR; THE ALUMINUM BOLTS ARE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT! FIX THEM ALL AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. *TR
Air bags, Nov 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT AND AIR BAG WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A FAULTY SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 12/23/13*LJ UPDATED 12/20/13*CN BMW INFORMED THE CONSUMER THEY WOULD COVER THE COST OF THE PART ONLY, AND HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LABOR. UPDATED 12/24/13
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
Air bags, Nov 25, 2013
I PURCHASED THIS BMW NEW FROM THE DEALER AROUND JUNE 2006 (PLEASE NOTE THE MILEAGE IS AN ESTIMATE) I'M WRITING TO REQUEST AN INVESTIGATION INTO MY CAR RELATING TO THE A POTENTIAL FAULTY PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR. THE PASSENGER INDICATOR LIGHT FOR "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" IS ACTIVATED DESPITE A PASSENGER BEING IN THE CAR. OVER THE YEARS, THE LIGHT RANDOMLY ACTIVATED WHEN A PASSENGER SAT IN THE SEAT. HOWEVER, IT WOULD TURN OFF AT TIMES SO I PRESUMED I HAD HIT A BUTTON ON THE CAR STEERING COLUMN FOR A CHILDREN'S SEAT WHICH CAUSED THE LIGHT TO ACTIVATE OR SOMETHING ELSE PERHAPS. BECAUSE I RARELY HAD PASSENGERS, I DIDN'T PAY ATTENTION. THE LIGHT WOULD DID NOT STAY LIT FOR MONTHS ON END. HOWEVER, NOW THE "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" LIGHT REMAINS ACTIVATED ALL THE TIME WHICH CAUSED ME TO INVESTIGATE. THIS IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I SEE THERE IS A RECALL FOR 2006 3 SERIES BMW MODELS AND MORE FOR THIS PROBLEM. SPECIFICALLY, MY CAR IS A 2006 330I BMW WITH SPORT SEATS. I HAVE CALLED THE BMW DEALER, AND BMW NORTH AMERICA, BUT THEY ONLY CHECK THE VIN DATABASE AND TO DATE HAVE NOT INVESTIGATED FURTHER. HOWEVER, I HAVE ALERTED THEM THAT IT APPEARS BMW MAY HAVE FAILED TO RECALL A NUMBER OF AFFECTED VEHICLES GIVEN THE MANY COMPLAINTS I REVIEWED POSTED ON THE WEB BY 2006 BMW 330I OWNERS WHO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR VEHICLES AIRBAG DEACTIVATING, BUT RECEIVED NO ASSISTANCE FROM BMW. ONE OWNER STATED HE HAD (AT HIS OWN EXPENSE) REPLACED THE (DEFECTIVE) INSTALLATION/PART, (THE PART HE REMOVED WAS THE SAME ONE AS THE ONE UNDER RECALL BY BMW), BUT BMW LIKE WITH THE OTHER 2006 330I OWNERS WILL NOT BEAR THE REPLACEMENT COST BECAUSE HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED ON THE LIST. PLEASE ASSIST WITH IDENTIFYING THE ADDITIONAL 2006 330I BMWS THAT WERE AFFECTED BY WHAT SEEMINGLY IS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN/COMPONENT. THANK YOU, SEE NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA08001. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Nov 22, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT SENSOR WAS ILLUMINATED INDICATING A DEFECT WITH THE SEAT BELT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAT BELT SENSOR HAD MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000(AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
Engine, Nov 22, 2013
BROKEN CYLINDER HEAD BOLTS AT THE FRONT TIMING COVER. SYMPTOM WAS OIL LEAK AT TIMING COVER. UPON INSPECTION, THE HEADS OF 4 BOLTS HAD SHEARED OFF AND 3 BOLT HEADS HAD DROPPED THROUGH THE TIMING CHAIN HOUSING AND ENDED UP IN THE OIL PAN. *TR FIRST, HEAD BOLTS SHOULD NOT FAIL. SECOND, THE SHEARED BOLT HEADS PASS THROUGH THE TIMING CHAIN HOUSING AND COULD INTERFERE WITH THE TIMING CHAIN AND CAUSE IMMEDIATE ENGINE FAILURE.
Air bags, Nov 12, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY AND OVER TIME, THE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 8, 2013
I WAS PARKING AND TURNED OFF THE CAR AND WAS NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. USUALLY I JUST NEED TO PULL THE HANDLE TWICE AND IT OPENS BUT THIS TIME IT WOULD NOT OPEN. I TRIED THE ELECTRIC REMOTE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS AND IT DID NOT AFFECT THE LOCKS. I TRIED THE PASSENGER DOOR AND IT DID NOT OPEN EITHER. I HAD TO EXIT THE CAR FROM THE BACK DOORS. I DETERMINED A FUSE WAS BLOWN AND REPLACED THE 15A FUSE WITH A 20A FUSE AS RECOMMENDED BY THE BMW FORUM AND IT NOW WORKS FINE. THE CONCERN IS IF I HAD TO EXIT THE CAR FROM THE FRONT DOORS, I WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAPPED. *TR
Air bags, Nov 6, 2013
FAULTY SEAT MAT SENSOR IN PASSENGER SEAT FOR THE 2ND TIME. *TR