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.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 3, 2006
PURCHASED NEW 2006 BMW 325XI ON 9/27/2006 AND AUTO HAD ENGINE FAILURE ON 10/2/2006. FOUND TO HAVE DEFECT IN THE SPARK PLUG WHICH BURNED OUT THE COIL AND DAMAGED THE VALVE. I AM SEEKING ADVICE ON REJECTING THE VEHICLE. IT IS AT THE DEALER. *NM
Suspension, Tires, Sep 19, 2006
HISTORICAL SUMMARY OF NOISE AND VIBRATION CAUSED BY IRREGULAR (UNEVEN) TIRE WEAR (FEATHERING) ON 2006 330I BMW WITH BRIDGESTONE TURANZA EL 42 225/45/17 RUN FLAT TIRES: EUROPEAN DELIVERY 9-12-2005, ARRANGED BY DEALER. AT ABOUT 16,000 MILES, BEGAN TO NOTICE FRONT TIRE NOISE (ROAR) AND VIBRATION AT 15-30 MPH, ESPECIALLY UPON BRAKING. THE NOISE BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AND COULD FEEL VIBRATIONS IN DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S FLOOR PANS. THE NOISE CONTINUED TO INCREASE AND THE VIBRATION BEGAN TO SOUND LIKE WORN FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. I TOOK TO DEALER AT 18,500 MILES AROUND 7/ 31/2006. VEHICLE TEST DRIVEN AT 18,775 MILES. SA ADVISED THAT THE FRONT TIRES HAD UNEVEN WEAR WHICH CAUSED THE NOISE AND VIBRATIONS, AND TIRES NOT COVERED BY NEITHER BMW NOR BRIDGESTONE. NO OTHER ADVICE OR REMEDY WAS GIVEN. WROTE TO PRESIDENT BMWNA, ON 8/04/2006 REQUESTING BMW PERFORM WHEEL ALIGNMENT (TO CORRECT THE FACTORY DEFECTIVE ALIGNMENT) AND TO REPLACE THE FRONT TIRES. CUSTOMER RELATIONS REP INSTRUCTED ME TO TAKE CAR TO DEALER FOR ALIGNMENT CHECK. ON 8/14/2006, ALIGNMENT CHECK PERFORMED BY DEALER, AND DETERMINED THAT THREE WHEELS ALIGNMENT WERE OUT OF FACTORY SPECIFICATION RANGE. CHARGED $225 FOR THIS ALIGNMENT. SERVICE MANAGER ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE UNEVENLY WORN AND NOISY TIRES. ON 8/16/2006, MESSAGE FROM CUSTOMER RELATIONS THAT BMW WOULD PAY FOR THE ALIGNMENT. HAD TIRES INSPECTED BY THE LOCAL BRIDGESTONE TIRE DEALER, AND MANAGER ADVISED THAT VEHICLE WAS MISS-ALIGNED CAUSING ALL FOUR TIRES TO EXHIBIT IRREGULAR WEAR (FEATHERING) CAUSING THE EXCESSIVE NOISE AND VIBRATION. HE SAID THE DEALER SHOULD REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES. ON 08/29/2006 WROTE 2ND REQUEST TO PRESIDENT OF BMWNA FOR REPLACEMENT OF ALL FOUR TIRES AND FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF $225. 09/18/2006 RECEIVED LETTER FROM CR REP PROMISING REIMBURSEMENT FOR ALIGNMENT, BUT DENYING REQUEST FOR REPLACEMENT TIRES ON THE BASIS THAT VEHICLE WAS ALIGNED TO SPECIFICATIONS AT THE FACTORY PRIOR TO DELIVERY. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 18, 2006, crash
2006 BMW 325I, APPROX. 2400 MILES. RETURNING TO OFFICE FROM LUNCH, SLOWED TO APPROACH SPEED BUMPS THAT ALIGN PARKING STALL THAT I WAS GOING TO PULL INTO. AS I WAS TURNING INTO THE STALL (APPROX. 5-10 MPH), I STARTED TO APPLY THE BRAKE AND THE PEDAL WAS SOFT (NORMALLY VERY STIFF). I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DID NOT STOP. IT FELT LIKE IT INCREASED IN SPEED SLIGHTLY BEFORE CRASHING INTO THE WALL AND A 4" STEEL DOWNSPOUT. AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND I RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. TESTED BRAKES AFTERWARDS AND THEY FELT NORMAL. APPROX. $13,000.00 DAMAGE. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 7, 2006, crash
2006 BMW 325I MILES: 5K ON JULY 19TH, 2006 APPROX 9:00 AM, WHILE I WAS PARKING AT MY OFFICE PARKING LOT GOING ABOUT 5 TO 10 MPH, AFTER I ENTERED THE PARKING STALL, I STARTED TO APPLY THE BRAKE. THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT SOFT (NORMALLY THE PEDAL IS STIFF), AND IT WASN'T STOPPING, SO I PRESSED IT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE CAR FELT LIKE IT SPED UP A BIT AND HIT THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME. LUCKILY, NO ONE WAS IN THE CAR AND THE DAMAGE WAS MINOR FRONT BUMPER DAMAGE, BOTH TO MINE AND THE OTHER VEHICLE. AFTER I HIT OTHER VEHICLE, I PUT IT IN REVERSE TO PULL AWAY, THEN MY BRAKE PEDAL FELT NORMAL AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. *JB
Air bags, Seat belts, Jul 11, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, HITTING A DEER WHICH CAUSED INJURIES TO CONTACT'S NECK. AFTER DURING THE ACCIDENT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE ACCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY. ON THE SECOND DAY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE SEATBELT LIGHT ILLUMINATED.
Visibility, Jul 9, 2006
WHILE WASHING CAR IN HOT SUN THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED WHEN HIT WITH COLD WATER FROM HOSE. DEALER CLAIMS IT WAS AN IMPACT BREAK CAUSED BY WINDSHIELD WIPER BEING PULLED UP AND DROPPED ONTO WINDSHIELD. IF WINDSHIELD WIPER BROKE WINDSHIELD (WHICH GIVEN THE LENGTH OF THE SOFT RUBBER WIPER WE FIND IT HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT IMPACT OF A DROPPED WIPER BLADE COULD OR SHOULD BE EXPECTED TO BREAK A WINDSHIELD THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND MUCH MORE SEVERE ROAD HAZARD IMPACT OR IF IT WAS DONE BY COLD WATER ON AN EXTREMELY HOT SUN HEATED WINDSHIELD....EITHER WAY THIS WINDSHIELD COULD NOT POSSIBLY BE STRONG AND MADE TO SAFETY STANDARDS. THE WINDSHIELD IS SURROUNDED BY A BLACK BACKING ON THE OUTER EDGES AND IT GETS VERY HOT WHEN THE SUN IS AT THE PROPER ANGLE SHINING DOWN ON THE CAR. WE DISCOVERED THESE INTENSELY HOT EDGES OF THE WINDSHIELD WHEN WASHING THE CAR. WHEN WE HIT THE WINDSHIELD WITH COLD WATER IT SHATTERED AND CRACKED. THERE WERE TWO OF US WASHING THE CAR AND WE KNOW HOW IT HAPPENED DESPITE THE DEALERS CLAIM OF IMPACT DAMAGE FROM A "DROPPED WIPER". WE HAVE SAVED THE DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD FOR NHTSA SHOULD YOU DECIDE TO INVESTIGATE THIS COMPLAINT. THE DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD IS IN OUR GARAGE AND WE WILL KEEP IT THERE FOR THE NEXT 90 DAYS. IF WE DO NOT HEAR FROM YOU REGARDING YOUR NEED FOR THE DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD THEN WE WILL PUT IT OUT FOR TRASH COLLECTION. THANKS. *NM
Tires, Jul 4, 2006
PURCHASED NEW 330I FROM DEALER IN 9-05. ON 4-06 AT 12,500 MILES CALLED DEALER TO REQUEST SERVICE SINCE VEHICLE HAD BEEN MAKING A "ROARING & WA-WA" SOUND WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. THIS HAD BEEN GOING ON FOR SOME TIME & SINCE DRIVER WAS WAITING FOR COMPUTER TO INDICATE SERVICE NEEDED KEPT ON DRIVING. DEALER AGREED TO SEE CAR AND UPON INSPECTION CALLED DRIVER & INFORMED THAT TIRES WERE WORN ERRATICALLY & NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (EST AT $1500). SINCE DRIVER QUESTIONED NEED FOR NEW TIRES AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE, DEALER FINALLY SUGGESTED TO CALL CORPORATE BMW. CORPORATE BMW STATED THERE WAS A PROCESS DRIVER WOULD HAVE TO GO THROUGH IN ORDER TO CONFIRM TIRE DEFECT SINCE TIRES WERE NOT PART OF WARRANTY DRIVER WOULD HAVE TO PROCESS CLAIM THROUGH TIRE MANUFACTURER WITH ASSISTANCE FROM CORPORATE BMW. DRIVER HAD TO THEN GO TO TIRE MANUFACTURER TO HAVE THE TIRES INSPECTED & REQUEST A REPORT BE GENERATED FROM INSPECTION. TIRE MANUFACTURER STATED TIRE WEAR WAS DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE (SINCE TIRES WERE NEVER ROTATED) & NOT TIRE DEFECTS. DEALER STATED TIRES DO NOT HAVE TO BE ROTATED BUT TIRE MANUFACTURER STATED THEY SHOULD. DEALER FINALLY AGREED TO REPLACE ALL 4 TIRES FOR FREE. DURING CALL WITH DEALER TO SCHEDULE TIRE REPLACEMENT, DEALER INFORMED DRIVER THAT BMW WOULD REPLACE ALL 4 TIRES DUE TO BMW'S ASSUMPTION OF A BAD BATCH OF TIRES BUT THAT NEW TIRES WOULD HAVE TO BE RUN FLATS. ALL TIRES WERE REPLACED 4-24-06. DEALER STATED THAT ALTHOUGH BMW DOES NOT RECOMMEND TIRE ROTATION THAT DRIVER NEEDED TO DO SO TO EXTEND LIFE OF NEW TIRES. AT 3,500 MILES DRIVER HAD TIRES ROTATED & WAS INFORMED THAT TIRES WERE ALREADY "CUPPING". CALLED DEALER & INFORMED OF CUPPING TIRES & REQUESTED SERVICE. DRIVER SEEMS TO BELIEVE ISSUE IS EITHER WITH RUN FLAT TIRES OR WITH VEHICLE SUSPENSION. WILL SEE WHAT DEALER SAYS. FOR ANYONE WITH THIS PROBLEM PLEASE FILE A COMPLAINT SO CORPORATE BMW WILL HAVE TO CORRECT. *JB
Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2006
WHILE DRIVING MY 2006 BMW 325I ON THE FREEWAY AT ABOUT 50 MPH A SMALL OBJECT SUCH AS A BOTTLED WATER BOTTLE OR SOMETHING SIMILAR HIT THE FRONT BUMPER OF MY CAR AND ROLLED UNDERNEATH THE CAR WHERE I DROVE OVER IT. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE EXTERIOR OF MY CAR YET THE SEAT BELT LIGHT AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON THE DASHBOARD. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE BMW DEALER WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT THE "ACCIDENT INDICATORS" HAD FIRED AND I WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE RECEIVER OF MY SEAT BELT REPLACED AT A COST OF $350 DESPITE THERE BEING NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND THIS BEING WHAT I CONSIDER A COMMON DRIVING OCCURRENCE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 23, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER TRAVELING 20 MPH AND BECOMING IMMOBILED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE RPM SURGED. THIS OCCURRED AT EVERY TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED AS A NEW VEHICLE THE COMPUTER MODULE HAS TO LEARN THE DRIVERS HABITS. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THE DIAGNOSIS UNACCEPTABLE.
Air bags, Seat belts, Jun 12, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED UPON PURCHASE, THE SEAT BELT LIGHT FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY, WHEN THE SEAT BELT WAS LATCHED. THEN, WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A DEER. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE DRIVER AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE GRILL AREA, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AWAY FROM THE SCENE AND HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. UPDATED 8/14/2006 - *NM
Tires, May 23, 2006
I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2006 BMW 330I WITH OEM BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE050A RUNFLAT TIRES. THE TIRES BUCKLED ON THE SIDE WALL AFTER LESS THAN 8000K MILES. OUT OF CURIOSITY I CHECKED THE BIMMERFEST -HTTP://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=146728 FORUM AND DISCOVERED THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM AMONG BMW OWNERS. *NM
Seat belts, May 3, 2006, crash
SEAT BELT FAILED TO PREVENT ME FROM HITTING STEERING WHEEL AFTER ANOTHER CAR HIT MINE FROM THE REAR WHILE AT A STOP SIGN. *NM
Power train, Apr 18, 2006
I RECENTLY BOUGHT A 2006 BMW 330 XI WITH A MANUAL GEAR SHIFT. THE DESIGN OF THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE PEDALS IS SUCH THAT ONE CAN ACCIDENTALLY STEP ON BOTH THE CLUTCH PEDAL AND THE ARM OF THE BREAK PEDAL WHILE DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH, THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO STOP SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY. IT HAS OCCURRED TO ME WHEN CROSSING INTERSECTIONS AND MOST RECENTLY, WHILE MY WIFE WAS MERGING INTO EXPRESSWAY TRAFFIC, THIS IS A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. THE CAR WAS REVIEWED BY THE DEALER AND I SPOKE TO A REPRESENTATIVE FROM BMW, THEY INSIST THAT THIS IS THE WAY THE CAR WAS DESIGNED AND THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. ALSO, WHEN YOU DEPRESS THE CLUTCH WITH THE MIDDLE OF YOUR FOOT, THE END OF YOUR TOE CAN SLIDE BETWEEN THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE ARMS, THIS INTERFERES WITH THE ACTION OF THE BREAK PEDAL. MY WIFE AN I ARE EXPERIENCED STICK SHIFT DRIVERS, WE HAVE BEEN DRIVING MANUAL STICK SHIFT CARS FOR 40 YEARS, THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENS TO US; WE HAVE HAD FOUR CLOSE CALLS IN A MONTH. *NM
Electrical system, Apr 9, 2006
I JUST PURCHASED A BMW 330 WITH AN OPTION CALLED "COMFORT ACCESS". THIS OPTION ALLOWS THE DRIVER (WITH THE KEY ON HIS/HER PERSON) TO UNLOCK & START THE CAR AS WELL AS AND KILL THE ENGINE (BY PRESSING THE START/STOP BUTTON) & LOCK THE VEHICLE, ALL WITHOUT USING A KEY....JUST NEED IT IN YOUR POCKET ETC. THE RISK IS THAT YOU CAN EXIT THE VEHICLE AND LOCK THE DOORS W/O KILLING THE ENGINE. MY CONCERN IS BEING DISTRACTED OR FORGETFUL AND LEAVING THE CAR RUNNING IN OUR GARAGE AND HAVING EXHAUST FUMES ENTER THE HOUSE! A SIMPLE FIX WOULD BE TO HAVE THE ENGINE STOP RUNNING WHEN THE DRIVER EXISTS THE CAR AND/OR LOCKS THE DOORS FROM OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. *NM
Suspension, Mar 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ON ROUGH ROADS, THE VEHICLE DRIVES VERY UNSTEADY. THE VEHICLE DRIVES AS IF IT IS RIDING ON THE RIMS. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE CAR ON THE ROAD AND THE CONSUMER COULD NOT TAKE HIS HANDS OFF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS TEST DRIVEN. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THEREFORE NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 03/28/06.
Seat belts, Dec 28, 2005
THE SEAT BELT LIGHT STAYS ILLUMINATED EVEN AFTER BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SEAT BELTS ARE FULLY LATCHED AND REMAINS LIT UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF. ALSO, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT, INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATES EVEN WHEN A PASSENGER IS FULLY SEATED AND BUCKLED UP. *JB
Tires, Oct 27, 2005
IT SEEMS THAT THE BRIDGESTONE TIRES SIZE 225/45R-17 ON MY NEW BMW FORM FLAT SPOTS ON THE TIRES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED OVER NIGHT. IT TAKES ABOUT 5 MILES OR MORE DEPENDING ON HOW COLD IT IS [75 DEGREES OR LESS] OUTSIDE TO FINELY BEGIN TO PERFORM PROPERLY. THE CAR SHIMMIES AND VIBRATES TO THE POINT THAT IT IS HARD TO CONTROL UNTIL THE TIRES WARM UP. I HAD COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS SINCE THE 2ND DAY AFTER PURCHASE. [JUNE '05] BMW TRIED TO MAKE REPAIRS AFTER MANY PHONE CALLS AND CERTIFIED LETTERS BUT IT HASN'T BEEN FIXED. NOW THEY TELL ME THAT THEY DO NOT WARRANTY TIRE PROBLEMS TAKE YOUR COMPLAINT TO BRIDGESTONE. THE BRIDGESTONE TIRE DEALERS HAVE ALL TOLD ME THAT THEY DO NOT WARRANTY THE PROBLEM AND THAT IT IS A BMW PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN PUT IN THE POSITION OF EACH COMPANY BLAMING THE OTHER AND NO ONE WANTING TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. I CANNOT BE THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS PROBLEM. AN UNSAFE CONDITION EXISTS AS YOU DRIVE AND THE CAR WOBBLES, BUMPS AND SHIMMIES FOR THE FIRST FEW MILES OR MORE, BECAUSE OF THE FLAT SPOTS THAT FORM AFTER PARKING FOR A TIME. *NM
Equipment, Sep 16, 2005
DT: CONSUMER OWNS 2006 BMW 325I SEDAN. VEHICLE CAME EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE TURANZA TIRES, 205/55R16. A LOW PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL, IT COULD BE DRIVEN UP TO 90 MILES AT 50 MPH. THE CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER, WHICH WAS ABOUT 8 MILES AWAY, AT ABOUT 45 MPH AND DROVE VERY CAREFULLY. DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT BMW TOLD HIM THAT RUN FLAT TIRES HAVE BEEN DRIVEN ON LOWER TIRE PRESSURE AND WERE NOT REUSABLE OR REPAIRABLE. CONSUMER HAD TO PAY $229.43 FOR A NEW TIRE. THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE OWNERS MANUAL STATING THAT TIRE WOULD NOT BE REUSABLE IF TIRE WAS USED AT LOW PRESSURE. THE TIRE DID HAVE WARNINGS ON IT, BUT THE PRINT WAS SO SMALL THAT IT TOOK GREAT EFFORT TO READ IT. THERE WAS NO PRINTED WARNING IN VEHICLE OR IN VEHICLE OWNER'S MANUAL ABOUT NOT INFLATING TIRE OR NOT REPAIRING OR REUSING TIRE AFTER IT HAS BEEN USED IN THE RUN FLAT CONDITION. THERE WERE NO FLYERS OR INFORMATION FROM THE TIRE MANUFACTURER . THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE THE PROPER INFORMATION IN THE MANUAL OR AT LEAST IN SOME FORM WITH THE VEHICLE, AS IN A TIRE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY OR BROCHURE.*AK *JB