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.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jun 13, 2013
MY CAR WAS HAVING AN OIL LEAK WHEN I SENT MY CAR TO GET CHECK THEY FOUND OUT THE BOLTS ARE BROKEN WHICH I DID MY RESEARCH AND I FOUND OUT IS A MANUFACTURES DEFECT, BECAUSE THIS BOLTS ARE PLACE NO TO BE TAKEN OFF. THIS LEAKAGE HAS MY CAR GOING CRAZZZY WHEN I WASH MY CAR AND I TURN MY FOG LIGHTS ON ALL THE LIGHTS ON MY DASH GO ON MY ENGINE GOES OFF AND SMELLS LIKE IS ABOUT TO BURN THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Jun 13, 2013
THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE (FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT FORCE LIMITER) APPEARED ON THE DISPLAY IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING THE CAR. EVERY TIME THE CAR IS STARTED THE WARNING APPEARS. THE WARNING REMAINS AS LONG AS THE CAR IS RUNNING. THIS CAR HAS SPORT SEATS. DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT CLAIMS THIS IS NOT COVERED BY THE PREVIOUS RECALL. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Jun 12, 2013
THE RED PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT LIGHTS COME ON AND STAY ON, WHETHER OR NOT ANYONE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. MY BMW DEALER HAS TOLD ME THIS MEANS THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS ARE DEACTIVATED AND THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE CAUSED BY A FAULTY SENSOR. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Jun 10, 2013
I HAVE A 2006 BMW 330XI SPORT AND WHEN A PASSENGER SITS IN THE CAR, I RECEIVE A PASSENGER AIRBAG MALFUNCTION LIGHT. I WAS TOLD BY PARK AVE BMW IN NJ THAT MY VEHICLE DOES NOT QUALIFY UNDER THE RECALL. 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. *TR
Air bags, Jun 6, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V384000 ( FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT) BUT THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
Electrical system, Air bags, Seats, Jun 4, 2013
MY VEHICLE HAS AN AIRBAG/SEATBELT LIGHT ELIMINATED ON THE DASH. BMW HAS DIAGNOSED IT AS A FAILED PASSENGER SEAT MAT SENSOR. 2006 330I SPORTS SEATS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS ITEM IN 2008. MY VEHICLE WHICH HAS SPORTS SEATS WAS NEVER CALLED FOR THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER HAS ALSO EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 10 YEARS ON ALL 3 SERIES MODELS WITH OUT THE SPORTS SEAT OPTION FOR THIS SENSOR, BUT FOR SOME REASON THEY WILL NOT SERVICE MY VEHICLE AS WARRANTY OR RECALL WORK. I HAVE TALKED TO TWO SEPARATE DEALERSHIPS AND BMW DIRECTLY. THEY SAID MY ONLY OPTION WOULD BE TO FILE A COMPLAINT AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE TO WARRANT A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE AND COMBINATION OF OPTIONS. THIS DOES NOT MAKE ANY SENSE! THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN, AS OF RIGHT NOW THE VEHICLES AIRBAG SYSTEM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WILL NOT FUNCTION IF IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Visibility/wiper, May 31, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE WOULD ACTIVATE THE AUTOMATIC FOLDING MIRRORS, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE MIRROR WOULD TURN COMPLETELY AROUND AND FACE THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO A LOCKING MECHANISM FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO MANUALLY TURN THE MIRROR BACK AND WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE MIRROR WOULD SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Air bags, May 30, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT MAT SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,350 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 117,409. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, May 29, 2013
MY CAR BEGAN DISPLAYING A "PASSENGER RESTRAINT FAILURE" IDENTICAL TO THE RECALL IN 2008 (BMW ID#57362 NHTSA ID# 08V384000). I HAVE THE EXACT MODEL AND TRIM (2006 330I WITH SPORT PACKAGE) AS THE RECALL, BUT UPON CONTACTING BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, THEY STATED MY VEHICLE'S VIN 'DOES NOT QUALIFY' FOR THE RECALL. I FIND THIS RIDICULOUS, AS IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT (THUS THE RECALL) FOR THE MODEL AND TRIM (SPORT SEATS) THAT ARE IN MY CAR. THIS IS A CLEAR SAFETY DEFECT BUT BMW REFUSES TO REPAIR IT. INSTEAD, I AM FACING AN $800 REPAIR WHICH IS UNCONSCIONABLE. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY TO REPAIR A KNOWN SAFETY DEFECT WITH THE CAR! 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. *TR
Air bags, May 28, 2013
MY CAR BEGAN DISPLAYING A "PASSENGER RESTRAINT FAILURE" WHICH APPEARS IDENTICAL TO THE A RECALL IN 2008 (SEE BELOW DESCRIPTION). I HAVE THE EXACT MODEL AND TRIM (2006 330I WITH SPORT PACKAGE) AS THE RECALL, BUT UPON CONTACTING BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, THEY STATED MY VEHICLE'S VIN 'DOES NOT QUALIFY' FOR THE RECALL. I FIND THIS RIDICULOUS, AS IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT (THUS THE RECALL) FOR THE MODEL AND TRIM (SPORT SEATS) THAT ARE IN MY CAR. THIS IS A CLEAR SAFETY DEFECT BUT BMW REFUSES TO REPAIR IT. INSTEAD, I AM FACING AN $800-$1200 REPAIR WHICH IS UNCONSCIONABLE. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY TO REPAIR A KNOWN SAFETY DEFECT WITH THE CAR!!! 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. *TR
Steering, May 28, 2013
I WENT TO ADJUST THE VERTICAL POSITION OF THE STEERING WHEEL, AND THE LEVER GEARS BROKE WITH IN THE STEERING COLUMN . NOW THE STEERING WHEEL MOVES UP AND DOWN FREELY WHILE DRIVING. I CALLED BMW AND THEY SAID IT'S NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND THERE ARE NO RECALLS. I TOOK THE CAR TO A VERY REPUTABLE FOREIGN CAR REPAIR SHOP AND HE SAID IN HIS 50 YEARS OF FIXING FOREIGN CARS, HE HAS NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN. I FEEL THIS IS A VERY BAD SAFETY ISSUE ! *TR
Steering, May 28, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STUCK AS THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,000. *TR
Steering, May 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL STEERING WHEEL LOCK WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED, PREVENTING THE VEHICLE FROM BEING STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 138,320. *TR
Electrical system, May 17, 2013, fire
CAR LOST POWER ABRUPTLY WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40MPH IN TRAFFIC. UPON LOOKING INTO THE REARVIEW MIRROR, SMOKE WAS APPEARING FROM THE TRUNK. WE OPENED THE TRUNK AND SAW PART OF THE CARPET, WHICH COVERED THE CAR BATTERY, WAS BURNED. THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE SOMEHOW SHORTED AND CAUSED A SMALL FIRE, CAUSING THE CARPET AND ACTUAL BATTERY TO BURN. AFTER THE SMOKE CLEARED, THE BATTERY CABLE HAD A SMALL SLIT IN IT AND THE COPPER CABLING HAD TURNED TO AN OXIDIZED WHITE COLOR. LUCKILY NOONE WAS HURT, BUT WE SPENT OUR OWN MONEY TO HAVE IT TOWED AND REPAIRED. WE COMPLAINED TO BMW NORTH AMERICA BUT THEY SIMPLY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL. WE HAD TO BUY OUR OWN EXPENSIVE CABLE FROM A LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP AND HAVE IT INSTALLED. IT TURNS OUT BMW JUST RECENTLY STARTED A POSITIVE BATTERY RECALL PROGRAM ON VARIOUS CARS, BUT THE 2006 325I IS NOT IN THAT LIST. THE INCIDENT THAT HAPPENED TO US LAST YEAR IS SIMILAR, IF NOT WORSE, THAN WHAT WAS DESCRIBED IN THEIR DETAILS OF THE CURRENT BATTERY CABLE RECALL. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, May 16, 2013
THE RED PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT LIGHTS COME ON AND STAY ON, WHETHER OR NOT ANYONE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. BMW HAS TOLD ME IT WILL COST $1,300 TO REPLACE, YET IT SEEMS FROM OTHER COMPLAINTS HERE AND FROM OTHER ONLINE FORUMS THAT THE MAT SENSOR CAUSING THIS PROBLEM WAS DEFECTIVELY MANUFACTURED. *TR
Electrical system, May 15, 2013
IBS SENSOR WITH NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE FAILED AND CAR WOULD NOT START. THE IBS SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ON THE CAR. *TR
Service brakes, Engine, May 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. UPON RESTARTING IT, THE VEHICLE RESPONDED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOUR TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE ABS, DSC AND AWD WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED SPORADICALLY ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Air bags, Seat belts, May 10, 2013
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM LIGHT AND SEATBELT LIGHT ILLUMINATED UNEXPECTEDLY AFTER DRIVING FOR A SHORT DISTANCE. NO MODIFICATIONS HAVE EVER BEEN MADE TO THE VEHICLE, AS I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM THE FACTORY REGARDING THE "PASSENGER SEATS AIR BAG COMPONENT FAILURE" BUT NO FURTHER CLAIMS OF RESPONSIBILITY. I RECEIVED AN ADDITIONAL WARRANTY FOR FAILURE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SYSTEM, BUT NONE COVERING THE ENTIRE SAFETY SYSTEM, WHICH I BELIEVE TO BE THE CASE FOR MY VEHICLE. I PROJECT THAT I WILL BE CHARGED FOR A SAFETY SYSTEM FAILURE THAT IS NOT AN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM TO BE MY RESPONSIBILITY. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. *TR
Air bags, May 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT FOUND NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS) AND WAS TOLD BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 66,100. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, May 3, 2013
I WAS BACKING UP AT 4 MPH AND PRESSED THE BRAKE TO STOP. THE AIRBAG AND SEATBELT WARNING LIGHT WENT ON. IT CONTINUED TO STAY ON AND HAS NOT TURNED OFF SINCE. THERE WAS NO ONE IN THE CAR OTHER THAN MYSELF AS THE DRIVER. I HAVE HAD THE CAR INTO THE MECHANIC TWICE NOW TO FIX THE ISSUE AND THE LIGHTS AND WARNINGS STILL COME ON. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAY MY VIN IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE ISSUE AND FOUND THAT MANY OWNERS OF THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. IS THERE ANY WAY TO GET MY CAR VIN ADDED TO THE RECALL LIST? *TR
Air bags, Seats, Engine, May 2, 2013
1. SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSORS ARE BROKEN. THE INDICATOR SHOWS UP ON THE DASHBOARD EVEN WHEN THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER HAVE THEIR SEAT BELTS FASTEN. 2. OIL LEAKS FROM PAN GASKET DUE TO THE ALUMINUM BOLTS AND ETC. *TR
Engine, Apr 30, 2013
I TOOK MY CAR TO RICHMOND BMW AND THEY TOLD ME THEY DISCOVERED I HAD BROKEN HEAD GASKET BOLTS ! I'VE BEEN DOING A LOT OF RESEARCH AND THIS IS A VERY COMMON MANUFACTURES PROBLEM ! THESE MAKE AND MODELS SHOULD BE RECALLED THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS ! *TR
Electrical system, Apr 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 3 SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE BATTERY CABLE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. *TR UPDATED 07/09/13*LJ UPDATED 07/11/2013 *JS
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 19, 2013
I HAVE A 2006 325I SEDAN WITH 55,856 MILES ON IT. I TOOK IT IN FOR A ROUTINE SERVICE ON 4-18-2013. IT HAS BEEN MAINTAINED BY ONLY BMW DEALERSHIPS IN ITS LIFETIME WITH ALL REQUIRED MAINTENANCE DONE ON SCHEDULE. THEY CALLED TO NOTIFY ME THAT UPON INSPECTION THEY HAD FOUND THE HEAD BOLT BROKEN BEHIND THE OIL FILTER HOUSING, THE OIL FILTER HOUSING GASKET LEAKING AND THE DRIVE BELT TENSIONER LEAKING. I HAD NOT BEEN EXPERIENCING ANY OUTWARD S+S OF THIS PROBLEM. THEY QUOTED ME $3400 TO REPAIR THIS. I WAS SHOCKED THAT A CAR IN SUCH GREAT CONDITION WOULD HAVE SUCH A PROBLEM AT THIS MILEAGE. I ASKED WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN AND ESSENTIALLY WAS TOLD IT IS UNUSUAL BUT DOES HAPPEN. THEY ADVISED A REPAIR IN THE FUTURE. I WENT HOME AND RESEARCHED THIS AND FOUND IT HAS BEEN A COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS MODEL AND THAT SUBSEQUENTLY BMW HAS CHANGED THE TYPE OF BOLT THEY USE. SO I THOUGHT I WOULD CALL THE CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE TO FOLLOW UP ON ANY ASSISTANCE FROM BMW. LONG STORY SHORT THEY TOOK THE COMPLAINT BUT BECAUSE I HAVE A LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY FOR 3+ YEARS THEY WOULD OFFER NO HELP. YOU KNOW SHAME ON BMW THIS IS MY 4TH BMW AND VERY LIKELY MY LAST DUE TO THIS. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL, THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING NO MATTER HOW LONG IT TOOK TO GET TO THE 50,000 MILE + RANGE WHERE THIS PROBLEM SHOWS ITSELF. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT HIS RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR ELECTRICAL CABLE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000. *TR