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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 1,243

Of the 2006 reports, 29 involved a crash and 40 involved a fire. 23 people were injured.

Primary concernAir bags667 reports · 54% of complaints
Owner complaints1,243Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship4 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Air bags667
  2. Electrical system188
  3. Steering107
  4. Seat belts104
  5. Latches/locks/linkages93
  6. Engine91
  7. Seats78
  8. Engine and engine cooling54

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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.

  1. Seats, Feb 9, 2011

    I HAVE A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT. BMW HAS A RECALL LIMITED TO 200,000 VEHICLES BUT IT OBVIOUSLY AFFECTS MORE THAN THAT. THEY NEED TO EXTEND THE RECALL TO OTHER AFFECTED VEHICLES. SAME SYMPTOMS SAME DEFECTIVE PART BUT NOT COVERED IN THE RECALL.

  2. Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 9, 2011

    BMW CENTRAL LOCKING MODULE FAILURE WILL RESULT LOCKING UP PASSENGERS INSIDE. ALL 4 DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH DOOR NOB OR UNLOCK/LOCK BUTTON. EVEN FUSE BLOWN WILL MAKE THIS CENTRAL LOCKING MODULE FAIL RESULTING PASSENGER LOCK UP IN THE CAR. THERE IS NO MANUAL OVERRIDE TO UNLOCK DOORS FROM INSIDE. *TR

  3. Air bags, Feb 8, 2011

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 3 SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG OFF WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY WHETHER THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED OR NOT. HE STATED THAT THE PASSENGER MAT SENSOR FAILED AND WOULD NOT REGISTER WHEN THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE CONTACT LOCATED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

  4. Steering, Feb 7, 2011

    STEERING WHEEL LOCK WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED IN RED ON DASH. VEHICLE WHEEL COULD LOCK ACCORDING TO THE OWNERS MANUAL. *LN

  5. Steering, Feb 7, 2011

    ON 2/3/2011 MY VEHICLE HAD THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK WITH THE AMBER LIGHT. 2006 325I WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. IT TOOK RE-PROGRAMMING AND THE STEERING COLUMN BEING REPLACED TO FIX THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE NUMEROUS 3 SERIES WITH THIS ISSUE IN US AND WORLD. THIS IS COMMON FOR THE E90S. BELOW IS A LIST OF THOSE THAT HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO YOUR AGENCY. BMW IS NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THE DEFECT YET THEY TOOK THIS FEATURE OUT IN 2008. REPORTS: 10380778, 10378186 - 330I 10322165 - 325XI 10380077, 10353644 - 325I 10173714,10369685,10341920,10341836,10238977,10181405 - 3 SERIES. *LN

  6. Steering, Feb 4, 2011

    STEERING WHEEL HAD RANDOM ELECTRONIC LOCK FAILURE. *TR

  7. Air bags, Feb 3, 2011

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED INDICATING THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS NOT ACTIVATED. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR WHETHER THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED OR NOT. THE CONTACT LOCATED A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS: FRONTAL) AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE DEALER THEN ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT THAT WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT WOULD OFFER NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.

  8. Air bags, Feb 3, 2011

    2006 BMW 325I AIRBAG LIGHT AND SEAT BELT LIGHT WILL NOT TURN OFF. IT JUST CAME ON 2 DAYS AGO. NOTHING CAUSED THE LIGHTS TO GO ON. THEY WILL NOT TURN OFF. EVIDENTLY THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE ISSUE, HOWEVER, MY CAR IN NOT LISTED AS ONE OF THE PROBLEM CARS BASED ON THE VIN #. *TR

  9. Steering, Feb 3, 2011

    STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ON 2006 325I - CAR HAS ONLY 41000+ MILES. NEITHER KEY WOULD WORK TO START THE CAR. BATTERY IN GOOD CONDITION. CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER SINCE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STUCK AND SO WAS THE GEAR. NEITHER OF THE KEYS WERE ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ON BIMMERFEST.COM AND OTHER CONSUMER WEBSITES. *TR

  10. Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 1, 2011

    2006 BMW 325I DOOR LOCK/LATCH FAILURE. UNABLE TO OPEN DOORS WITH KEY FOB. DOORS WILL LOCK BUT NOW NOT POSSIBLE TO OPEN ANY DOORS WITH FOB OR WITH LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON INSIDE CAR. MUST UNLOCK DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WITH VALET KEY. FUEL DOOR ALSO LOCKED AND WILL NOT OPEN. ALL READY HAD THIS PROBLEM FIXED APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO. *LN

  11. Air bags, Jan 28, 2011

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG ON-OFF LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHETHER THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED OR NOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

  12. Other or unspecified, Jan 25, 2011

    FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT LIGHT AND AIRBAG LIGHT STAY ON EVEN WHEN A PASSENGER IS SEATED IN CAR. BMW DIAGNOSED A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE 2008 RECALL, BUT MY MODEL IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I SPOKE WITH THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF BMW WHO SAYS THAT THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE SINCE MY CAR WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. THEY SAID IT IS A DIFFERENT PART THAT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MAT NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I FEEL THAT SINCE MY CAR HAS THE SAME SAFETY PROBLEM, EVEN IF IT IS A DIFFERENT PART, IT SHOULD BE FIXED BY BMW WITHOUT COST TO ME.

  13. Steering, Jan 21, 2011

    2006 BMW 330I WAS FITTED WITH A STEERING COLUMN EQUIPPED WITH A STEERING LOCK SENSOR THAT IS PRONE TO FAILURE AND MAY RENDER THE CAR SAFE AND/OR INOPERABLE. I HAVE THIS ISSUE CURRENTLY THAT WILL REQUIRE OVER $1,000 IN REPAIRS. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL MAY LOCK UP DURING VEHICLE USE COMPROMISING THE SAFETY OF MYSELF AND/OR FAMILY. THIS IS A CHRONIC AND RECURRING ISSUE THAT BMW IS AWARE OF AND THEY HAVE TAKEN STEPS TO RE-DESIGN THE COLUMNS IN 2007+ VEHICLES. UNFORTUNATELY, THEY WILL NOT RECALL THE 2006 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE COLUMNS THAT HAVE THIS DESIGN FLAW AND PROPENSITY FOR FAILURE. I HAVE CALLED BMW NA MULTIPLE TIMES TO DISCUSS BUT THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO ADMIT ANY CULPABILITY OF ADDRESS MY CONCERNS IN A PRODUCTIVE MANNER. I IN SPEAKING WITH MY BMW PARTS ADVISOR AND MECHANIC WHO RUNS A LARGE SCALE SERVICE GARAGE, HE SEES MANY VEHICLES COME IN FOR THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM AND ADVISED THAT IT IS "ONLY A MATTER OF TIME" BEFORE A CLASS ACTION SUIT IS TAKEN AGAINST THEM. IT IS FRUSTRATING THAT MY FAMILY IS AT RISK BECAUSE BMW WILL NOT TAKE AN ETHICAL STANCE ON THIS ISSUE AND ADDRESS THE SHORTCOMINGS IN THE DESIGN OF THE RE-DESIGNED 3-SERIES VEHICLE THAT I HAVE PURCHASED. 2006 WAS THE FIRST YEAR OF THE RE-DESIGN OF THE 3-SERIES AND THAT IS PERHAPS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO THE PROBLEM (SINCE THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR THAT THIS DESIGN WAS EMPLOYED IN A VEHICLE). PLEASE TAKE THIS COMPLAINT SERIOUSLY AND CHECK THE FACTS BY GOOGLING "E90 STEERING COLUMN PROBLEMS" TO FIND A WEALTH OF INFORMATION ON THE TOPIC INCLUDING MANY OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE AND HAVE HAD THEIR SAFETY AND FINANCES COMPROMISED. IF THE GOVERNMENT DOESN'T KEEP THESE LARGE AUTO MANUFACTURERS HONEST IN ADDRESSING THESE DESIGN FLAWS, CONSUMERS WILL BE SUBJECT TO PERPETUAL FINANCIAL AND POSSIBLE PHYSICAL HARM. SOMEONE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BE INJURED OR WORSE BEFORE ACTION IS TAKEN TO ADDRESS THE SAFETY THREAT.. MOST COLUMNS OPERATE PROPERLY FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

  14. Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 21, 2011

    DOORS WILL NO LONGER UNLOCK USING REMOTE KEY FOB OR INTERIOR DOOR UNLOCKING BUTTON. ONLY DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL OPEN MANUALLY. *TR

  15. Air bags, Jan 20, 2011

    I HAVE AN 06 BMW 330I WITH THE SPORT SEATS. THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTOR HAS BEEN CAUSING THE SRS LIGHT TO COME ON. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT MY VEHICLE HAS THE SAME TYPE OF SEAT MAT THAT WAS RECALLED, HOWEVER BMW SAYS THAT THE RECALL IS VIN SPECIFIC AND MY CAR IS NOT COVERED EVEN THOUGH I HAVE THE SAME TYPE OF SEAT MAT THAT WAS RECALLED. *TR

  16. Air bags, Jan 20, 2011

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 3 SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH OF THE AIR BAG ON-OFF LAMPS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED A FAULTY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS MADE AWARE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS SPECIFIC FAILURE BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY EXPLAINED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER - 08V384 (AIR BAGS: FRONTAL), THEREFORE THEY WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE LABOR BUT WOULD PAY FOR THE PARTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 49,800.

  17. Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 17, 2011

    DOORS FAILED AND CONTINUE TO FAIL TO UNLOCK. PASSENGERS WERE STUCK IN VEHICLE. DRIVER'S DOOR WAS UNLOCKED BY OPENING WINDOW. FRONT PASSENGER HAD TO CLIMB OVER CONSOLE. *TR

  18. Air bags, Jan 17, 2011

    PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON WHEN PASSENGER SITS IN SEAT. SRS WARNING LIGHT. REPLACE SEAT MAT SENSOR NOT COVERED BY RECALL FOR E90 2006 330I SEDAN WITH SPORTS PACKAGE. *TR

  19. Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 14, 2011

    2006 BMW 325 I - DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED BY BMW. THEY ARE FAULTY AND BMW SUGGESTS WHEN ONE FAILS YOU REPLACE BOTH FOR OVER $800.00. KNOWN PROBLEM BY BMW BUT REFUSES TO HELP, ONLY CHARGE. *TR

  20. Air bags, Jan 11, 2011

    I OWN A 2006 BMW 330I 6CYLINDER ENGINE. MY CAR HAS 68K MILES AND HAS DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR CAUSING A MALFUNCTION. ALTHOUGH THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN LISTED AS HAVING THIS PROBLEM, BMW DENIES MY PARTICULAR VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND WANTS TO MAKE ME RESPONSIBLE. THERE ARE TONS OF 2006 BMW 330I OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE LISTED ON THIS SITE WHO'S SAFETY IS IN JEOPARDY. PLEASE MAKE BMW RESPONSIBLE TO MAKE OUR CARS SAFE. *TR

  21. Power train, Dec 29, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE TRANSMISSION PAN. THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING A TICKING SOUND AND JERKED WHEN IT WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION PAN AND FILTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE PAN WAS MADE OF PLASTIC AND HAD A TENDENCY TO BECOME WARPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM ABOVE THE PAN FROM THE ENGINE AS WELL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 66,000.

  22. Air bags, Dec 27, 2010

    AIR BAG SENSOR ON PASSENGER SIDE OF 2006 BMW 325I HAS FAILED, CAUSING THE AIR BAG SENSOR WARNING LAMP AND DASH LIGHT TO STAY CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. IT APPEARS (BY A THIRD LIGHT ABOVE THE PASSENGER SEAT, NEAR THE MIRROR AND SUN ROOF CONTROLS) THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS DISABLED. BMW SERVICE CENTER (GLOBAL IMPORTS BMW, ATLANTA GA) CLAIMS NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR INDIVIDUAL CAR BY CHECKING VIN #, BUT PROBLEM MATCHES NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000. RESEARCH ONLINE INDICATES MANY OTHER BMW OWNERS WITH 2006 BMW'S HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR ISSUES WITH THE AIR BAG SENSOR AND SEEMS WERE NOT CONTACTED FOR THE RECALL. BMW SHOULD EXTEND THE WARRANTY TO COVER ALL 2006 BMWS WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR

  23. Air bags, Dec 17, 2010

    SRS AIRBAG SENSOR FOR 2006 BMW 3 SERIES VIN [XXX] NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THOUGHT IT WOULD BE REPAIRED FOR FREE UNDER RECALL 08V384000 BUT DEALER SAID VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL AND MADE OWNER RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR COSTS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

  24. Air bags, Seat belts, Dec 14, 2010

    THIS COMPLAINT IS IN REGARDS TO NHTSA ID #08V384000. THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP, SEAT BELT LAMP AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL NOT TURN OFF . I CONTACTED BMW VIA THE PHONE NUMBER PROVIDED BY YOUR DEPARTMENT AND ALSO VISITED MY LOCAL BMW DEALER AND THEY BOTH SAY THAT MY CAR DOESN'T FALL UNDER SAID RECALL. MY CAR IS A BMW 2006 330I WITH SPORTS SEATS, WHICH IS ONE OF THE CARS LISTED AS BEING DEFECTIVE BY YOUR DEPARTMENT. HOWEVER, BMW STATED THAT THE RECALL IS FOR A SPECIFIC NUMBER OF AIRBAG SENSOR MATTS THAT WERE DAMAGED DURING SHIPPING AND THAT MY CAR'S MATT WAS NOT PART OF THIS BATCH. SINCE MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THOSE UNDER THE RECALL, AND IS ACTUALLY ONE OF THE CARS LISTED IN YOUR REPORT, IT'S SAFE TO SAY THAT THE FAULTY AIRBAG SENSOR ISSUE GOES BEYOND JUST THE BATCH BMW IS CLAIMING WERE DAMAGED. EVEN IF THIS IS TRUE, AND THAT SPECIFIC BATCH OF AIR BAG SENSORS WERE DAMAGED DURING SHIPPING, THEN WHAT'S TO SAY THAT MY AIR BAG SENSOR WASN'T ALSO DAMAGED DURING SHIPPING EVEN IF IT WAS PART OF ANOTHER BATCH. THE LOGICAL CONCLUSION, HOWEVER, WOULD INDICATE THAT THE SENSORS BEING DAMAGED DURING SHIPPING IS FALSE AND THAT THERE IS IN FACT A FLAW WITH THE SENSOR ITSELF. THIS IS EVIDENT IN THE FACT THAT BMW PRODUCED AN UPDATED VERSION OF THE SENSOR AND THAT MY SENSOR THOUGH NOT PART OF THE SO CALLED DAMAGED BATCH IS ALSO EXPERIENCING THE SAME EXACT SYMPTOMS. IF THE CAUSE OF THE FAULTY SENSORS WERE DUE TO BEING DAMAGED DURING SHIPPING THEN WHY NEED TO CREATE AN UPDATED VERSION. THE LOGICAL THING TO DO WOULD BE TO ENSURE THE SAFE DELIVERY OF THE SENSORS, NOT CREATE A NEW VERSION. I'VE OWNED MANY VEHICLES WITH THIS SAME FEATURE AND HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS. BMW CLAIMING THAT THE SYMPTOMS OF MY SENSOR HAVING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE DAMAGED BATCH IS JUST A COINCIDENCE IS A FAR CRY. AT THE VERY LEAST A NEW INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE DONE. THANK YOU.

  25. Suspension, Dec 14, 2010

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330 CI. THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING A RIGHT TURN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL EXHIBITED AN UNUSUAL CLICKING NOISE AND THE LEFT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ROD HAD SPLIT DOWN THE MIDDLE. THE MANUFACTURER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS STRUCTURAL DAMAGE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000.