2006 BMW 3 Series recalls and problems
The 2006 BMW 3 Series has 3 safety recalls and 202 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2006 BMW 3 Series vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2006 BMW 3 Series recalls
Recall 22V-119: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
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 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.
Recall 08V-384: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
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. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.
Recall 06V-400: Suspension
Problem: On certain vehicles, one of the suspension control arm and swivel bearing connection bolts was not tightened correctly. The bolted connection could loosen.
Risk: The bolted connection could break which could impair vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
2006 BMW 3 Series problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 109 | |
| Electrical System | 33 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 26 | |
| Steering | 24 | |
| Tires | 14 | |
| Seats | 12 | |
| Seat Belts | 12 | |
| Engine | 11 | |
| Structure | 9 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | |
| Unknown or Other | 5 | |
| Visibility | 4 |
Most reported parts
- Air Bags › Frontal — 30
- Structure › Body — 4
- Tires › Tread/Belt — 3
- Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 2
- Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 2
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 2
- Structure › Body › Door — 2
- Steering › Column — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 67,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2006 BMW 3 Series complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other BMW 3 Series years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2006 BMW 3 Series have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2006 BMW 3 Series: 22V-119 (engine and engine cooling), 08V-384 (air bags), 06V-400 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 BMW 3 Series?
Owners report air bags problems most often (109 reports), followed by electrical system (33). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 67,000 miles.
Are BMW recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.