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. Steering, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 8, 2010

    FAILURE OF STEERING COLUMN LOCK, CAUSING INABILITY TO RESTART AUTOMOBILE INTERMITTENTLY. I HAVE READ THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH EARLY 2006 330I MODELS, BUT A RECALL WAS NEVER ISSUED. MY CAR HAS VERY LOW MILES, SO IT WAS CLEARLY A DESIGN FLAW. BMW OFFERED TO SUPPLY THE PARTS FOR FREE, HOWEVER I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY-RELATED ISSUE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN 100% COVERED BY BMW AS A RECALL AND HANDLED PROACTIVELY BY THE COMPANY. *TR

  2. Air bags, Dec 2, 2010

    I OWN A 2006 BMW 325 (SPRT PCKG). THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. MY PROBLEM IS DESCRIBED ON THE NHTSA RECALL ID 08V384000 (AIR BAGS: FRONTAL). THE MILEAGE IS APPROX 70,000. BMW SAYS MY VIN DOESN'T QUALIFY, HOWEVER MY CAR STILL OBVIOUSLY HAS A PROBLEM, AND BMW IS IN DENIAL. I'VE ALSO NOTED OTHER COMPLAINTS ON SAFETYCAR.GOV WITH SIMILAR BMW INTERACTIONS. BMW IS AVOIDING RESPONSIBILITY, AND THE NHTSA NEEDS TO DO MORE TO PROTECT OUR SAFETY. *TR

  3. Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 2, 2010

    WENT TO UNLOCK DOORS IN 2006 BMW 325I AND THERE WAS A RAPID CLICKING SOUND IN THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. THE POWER LOCKS FAILED TO RESPOND AFTERWARDS AND BOTH FRONT DOORS REMAINED LOCKED. THE FOB, NOR THE INTERNAL UNLOCK BUTTON WOULD ALLOW THE DOORS TO BE UNLOCKED AND ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM THE INSIDE DID NOT WORK EITHER. ONLY THE DRIVER'S DOOR CAN BE MANUALLY UNLOCKED BY PHYSICAL KEY, PULLING THE HANDLE FROM THE INSIDE ALSO DID NOT OPEN THE DOOR. *TR

  4. Exterior lighting, Nov 26, 2010

    I HAVE A 2006 BMW 325I. IT HAS ALWAYS HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHTS BURNING OUT VERY QUICKLY. NOW THE LIGHTING ON THE LEFT SIDE (HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS) SOMETIMES DO NOT COME ON, AND SOMETIMES REMAIN ON AFTER BEING TURNED OFF. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY CONCERN AS THIS GIVES NO WARNING BEFOREHAND. IT IS MY DAUGHTERS CAR AND SHE IS CURRENTLY LIVING AWAY AT COLLEGE. *TR

  5. Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 25, 2010

    WENT TO UNLOCK DOORS IN 2006 BMW 330I AND THERE WAS A RAPID CLICKING SOUND IN THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. THE POWER LOCKS FAILED TO RESPOND AFTERWARDS AND ALL DOORS REMAINED LOCKED. THE FOB, NOR THE INTERNAL UNLOCK BUTTON WOULD ALLOW THE DOORS TO BE UNLOCKED AND ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM THE INSIDE DID NOT WORK EITHER. ONLY THE DRIVER'S DOOR CAN BE MANUALLY UNLOCKED BY PHYSICAL KEY OR BY PULLING THE HANDLE FROM THE INSIDE. AN INITIAL ATTEMPT HAS BEEN MADE TO FIX THE PROBLEM BY REPLACING THE FUSE #57 WITH A 20A FUSE OVER THE ORIGINAL BLOWN 15A FUSE. *TR

  6. Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 19, 2010

    I HAVE A BMW 320D. A FEW DAYS AGO MY WIFE WAS OUT SOMEWHERE AND SHE LOCKED THE CAR IT WEREN'T LOCKING SO SHE OPENED THE DOOR AND THEN PRESS LOCK, IT LOCKED. WHEN SHE CAME BACK SHE WAS TRYING TO UNLOCK IT BUT IT WEREN'T UNLOCKING. SHE HAD TO USE THE TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE FOB AND OPEN IT MANUALLY, THEN THE ALARM STARTED GOING OFF SO SHE HAD TO TURN THE CAR ON SO IT WOULD STOP. NOW ONLY THE DRIVERS SIDE OPENS BUT YOU HAVE TO OPEN IT MANUALLY WITH THE KEY, HE REST WON'T OPEN OR CLOSE. I HAVE BEEN TO THE BMW GARAGE AND THEY SAID IT WILL COST AROUND 600 TO REPLACE THE LATCHES. I'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 3 YEARS AND YOU DON'T EXPECT THAT TO HAPPEN TO A 27,000 CAR AFTER ONLY HAVING IT FOR 3 YEARS. ALSO IF THEIR EVER WAS AN ACCIDENT AND THE DOOR LATCHES STOPPED WORKING NO ONE WOULD BE ABLE TO GET OUT, THEY WOULD ALL HAVE TO RUSH OUT THROUGH THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. *TR

  7. Air bags, Nov 18, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY BST CABLE THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,729.

  8. Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 18, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330I. WHEN THE DOORS ARE LOCKED EITHER BY ALARM OR BY THE INSIDE BUTTONS THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE REOPENED UNLESS A KEY WAS USED AND IT COULD ONLY BE REOPENED WITH A KEY ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED HIM THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 63,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 61,000.

  9. Air bags, Nov 17, 2010

    REGARDLESS THE RECALL RCONL-08V384-6332 ON 2006 BMW 330XI, FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR, BMW DENIED TO REPLACE FAILED SENSOR. *TR

  10. Air bags, Nov 10, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT FORMAT SENSORS HAVE FAILED MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY. THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS NO LONGER COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE. UPDATED 01/14/11 *BF UPDATED 04/19/11

  11. Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 10, 2010

    THE DOOR LOCKS ON MY CAR FAILED RESULTING IN NOT BEING ABLE TO UNLOCK ANY OF THE DOORS WITH THE KEY FOB. I CAN UNLOCK THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WITH THE VALET KEY. NONE OF THE OTHER DOORS CAN BE UNLOCKED AND CAN NOT EVEN BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. IF SOMEONE GOT LOCKED INSIDE THE CAR, THEY COULD BE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE. NOT TO MENTION THE FACT THAT IF IN AN ACCIDENT ANY PASSENGERS IN MY CAR WOULD HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET OUT BECAUSE THE DOOR LOCKS MALFUNCTIONED. *TR

  12. Air bags, Nov 8, 2010

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 3 SERIES. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,000. UPDATED 01/28/11 *BF UPDATED 02/07/11

  13. Air bags, Nov 1, 2010

    I HAVE A 2006 BMW 330I WITH THE SPORT PACKAGE SEATS. THE SRS LIGHT AND SAFETY BELT LIGHT ARE ON DUE TO A FAILURE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTOR. THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS ITEM BUT APPARENTLY, ACCORDING TO BOTH THE BMW DEALERSHIP AND BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE, THIS PARTICULAR RECALL WAS NOT AFFECTING MY CAR ALTHOUGH IT HAS THE SAME PART THAT WAS IN FACT RECALLED IN THE AFFECTED MODELS. THEY ARE DENYING ANY SORT OF CLAIM OR RESPONSIBILITY IN REPAIRING THE PROBLEM. I HAVE ALSO FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE AND I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY ARE REFUSING TO COVER ALL OF THE AFFECTED MODELS. *TR

  14. Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 28, 2010

    I WAS IN MY CAR (BMW 325I - 2006) WITH TWO KIDS, A TODDLER AND A NEWBORN. I LOCKED THE DOOR AND WINDOW BECAUSE MY TODDLER WANTED TO OPEN THE DOOR. LATER I TRIED TO ROLL DOWN THE REAR WINDOW AND HEARD A CRACK. THE WINDOW WAS BROKEN. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY YOU HAVE KIDS IN THE CAR. I HAD TO DRIVE HOME WITH THE WINDOW BROKEN AND DOWN WITH MY KIDS IN THERE. THE WEATHER WAS COLD AND OF COURSE WAS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE MY TODDLER KNOWS HOW TO OPEN THE SEAT BELT AND ALSO POSSESSED DANGEROUS TO OTHER VEHICLES AS SHE CAN THROW TOYS OUT OF THE WINDOW. I WILL TAKE MY VEHICLE TO BMW DEALER TOMORROW TO SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO TO FIX THE SITUATION. I'VE NEVER HAD EXPECTED THAT I CAN ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW WHILE IT IS LOCKED. HOW DO I SUPPOSE TO REMEMBER THAT THE WINDOW HAS BEEN LOCKED OR WHAT IF MY SPOUSE LOCKED IT WHILE SHE DROVE. I'VE NEVER HAD THIS ISSUE WITH OTHER VEHICLES. *TR

  15. Air bags, Oct 25, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER MAT SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. BOTH THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 08V384000 (AIR BAGS: FRONTAL) AND THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR COSTS. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 63,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.

  16. Air bags, Oct 25, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE MAT SENSOR WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 08V384000 (AIR BAGS: FRONTAL). THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO VERIFIED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,620. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

  17. Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 17, 2010

    THE DOOR LOCKS HAVE FAILED TWICE ON MY 2006 BMW 325I. THE ONLY POSSIBLE WAY TO OPEN THE CAR IS BY USING THE EXTERIOR KEY. THE REAR DOORS WILL NOT OPEN AND THE PPASSENGERS HAD TO CRAWL ACROSS THE SEATS TO EXIT THE CAR. THEY JUST FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. *TR

  18. Structure, Oct 14, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330XI (NA). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PAINT ON THE LEATHER WAS PEELING ON THE DOOR HANDLES, GEAR SHIFTER, CENTER CONSOLE AND THE RADIO. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO TOLD HIM TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER; THE MANUFACTURER REFERRED HIM BACK TO THE DEALER TO TAKE PICTURES AND THEY WOULD HAVE A REGIONAL MANAGER CONTACT HIM. THE MANAGER STATED THAT THEY WOULD PAY FOR THE PARTS BUT NOT THE LABOR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 36,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,200.

  19. Air bags, Oct 5, 2010

    I HAVE A 2006 BMW 330XI WITH SPORT SEATS. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS INOPERATIVE DUE TO A DEFECTIVE MAT DETECTOR LOCATED INSIDE THE PASSENGER SEAT. THERE IS A RECALL OUT FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM ON THE SAME CAR BUT THE DEALER TOLD ME MY CAR DOES NOT APPLY EVEN THOUGH HE HADN'T SEEN THE CAR OR KNEW THE VIN NUMBER. THIS IS AN ACTIVE LIFE THREATENING SITUATION AND I SEE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE HERE AND AT OTHER SAFETY RELATED WEBSITES. ITS HARD TO IMAGINE THAT THE NHTSA IS LETTING BMW GET AWAY WITH THIS. I WORKED FOR BMW MANY YEARS AGO AND THEIR POLICY AT THE TIME WAS TO DENY FIXING CERTAIN ISSUES BECAUSE IF THEY FIXED ALL OF THEM, THEN IT WOULD BECOME POLICY AND BECOME EXPENSIVE AND A BLEMISH ON THEIR RECALL RECORD. SHAME ON BMW... REMINDS ME OF THE PINTO SAFETY POLICY. *TR

  20. Air bags, Oct 4, 2010

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330 CI. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS: FRONTAL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.

  21. Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 3, 2010

    THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOCKS WOULD NOT UNLOCK ON THE DOOR. THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WAS UNLOCKED AND WOULDN'T LOCK BACK. I HAD TO CLIMB ACROSS THE PASSENGER'S SEAT TO GET OUT. THIS IS A TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE ESPECIALLY WHEN THINKING ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE'S AN EMERGENCY AND THIS HAPPENS. VERY FRIGHTENING. *TR

  22. Air bags, Sep 30, 2010

    FAILURE OF FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG ON 2006 BMW 330I. SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE SENSOR MAT WITHIN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE CRACKS HAVE DEACTIVATED THE AIRBAG, WHICH AFFECT THE SAFETY OF PASSENGERS IN THE EVENT OF A SEVERE ACCIDENT. NO UNDUE EXTERNAL FORCE HAS BEEN APPLIED TO THE SEAT. THERE HAVE BEEN NO COLLISIONS, ETC. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER 4 YEARS, APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES. A PREVIOUS RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL (08V384000); HOWEVER IT DOES NOT APPLY TO MY VIN NUMBER. BMW IS UNWILLING TO REPLACE AND REPAIR PARTS DUE TO DEFECTS IN PARTS AND CRAFTSMANSHIP. *TR

  23. Exterior lighting, Air bags, Sep 29, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD TURN ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS CONDENSATION IN THE TWO HEADLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR THE AIR BAG LIGHT PROBLEM. A BOLT WAS REPLACED FOR THE HEADLIGHT CONDENSATION PROBLEM BUT IT CONTINUED AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER IN REFERENCE TO RECALL 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) BUT WAS TOLD HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED; SHE WAS OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,065. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 36,000.

  24. Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 27, 2010

    I HAVE A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CAR HAS AUTOMATIC LOCKS THAT CAN BE TRIGGERED WITH A REMOTE KEY OR INSIDE THE CAR WITH A LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON IN THE DASHBOARD. THE "UNLOCK" FEATURE HAS FAILED AND I AM UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE CAR WITH EITHER THE REMOTE OR THE LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON IN THE DASHBOARD. IN ADDITION, THE ONLY DOOR THAT CAN BE UNLOCKED FROM EITHER INSIDE THE CAR OR OUTSIDE THE CAR IS THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT DOOR. ALL THE OTHER PASSENGER DOORS ARE LOCKED AND CANNOT BE UNLOCKED OR OPENED. THIS OBVIOUSLY CREATES A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. THE GAS TANK IS ALSO LOCKED WHEN THIS HAPPENS, HOWEVER, THIS CAN BE OVERCOME THROUGH THE MANUAL GAS TANK RELEASE IN THE TRUNK. THE LOCK FAILURE MUST BE REMEDIED WITH SOME TYPE OF REPAIR, EITHER OF A FUSE OR A REPAIR OF THE ACTUATORS. *TR

  25. Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 27, 2010

    THE DOOR LOCKS ON MY CAR FAILED RESULTING IN NOT BEING ABLE TO UNLOCK ANY OF THE DOORS WITH THE KEY FOB. I CAN UNLOCK THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WITH THE VALET KEY. NONE OF THE OTHER DOORS CAN BE UNLOCKED AND CAN NOT EVEN BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE HEAT IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RECENTLY SOMEONE GETTING LOCKED INSIDE THEIR CAR COULD BE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE. NOT TO MENTION THE FACT THAT IF IN AN ACCIDENT ANY PASSENGERS IN MY CAR WOULD HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET OUT BECAUSE THE DOOR LOCKS MALFUNCTIONED. *TR