2006 BMW 3 Series: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2006 BMW 3 Series: 3 recalls, 202 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #06V400000 · 2006 · 25 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain vehicles, one of the suspension control arm and swivel bearing connection bolts was not tightened correctly. The bolted connection could loosen.
Why it matters: The bolted connection could break which could impair vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #08V384000 · 2008 · 200,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #22V119000 · 2022 · 917,106 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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…
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Engine & cooling Equipment recall #12E029000 · 2012 · 585 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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,
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (101): the most common themes are warning light on (41), fails to deploy (14).
- Electrical (32): the most common themes are door / lock issues (18), electrical failure (8).
- Latches & locks (26): the most common themes are door / lock issues (26).
- Steering (24): the most common themes are steering problems (21).
The 2006 BMW 3 Series has 202 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 21 3 Series model years for complaints (5.0× the average 3 Series year). Complaints peaked in 2010 (32 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 66,050 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (25 complaints, 0 recalls), 2007 (115 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 21 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2006 BMW 3 Series.
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FAQ
Does the 2006 BMW 3 Series have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2006 BMW 3 Series, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2006 BMW 3 Series problems?
Owners have filed 202 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (101), electrical (32), latches & locks (26).
What gas mileage does the 2006 BMW 3 Series get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 12 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2006 BMW 3 Series repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.