2006 BMW 325ci recalls and problems

The 2006 BMW 325ci has 2 safety recalls and 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Urgent: recall 20V-018, recall 15V-318 carry a "do not drive" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
2
Complaints
36
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2006 BMW 325ci vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2006 BMW 325ci recalls

Recall 20V-018: Air Bags

Do not driveReported Jan 15, 2020 · 292,948 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall 15V-318: Air Bags

Do not driveReported May 28, 2015 · 419,235 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.

2006 BMW 325ci problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags24
Exterior Lighting4
Engine and Engine Cooling2
Engine2
Electrical System2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Unknown or Other1
Power Train1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Suspension1
Seat Belts1

Most reported parts

  • Air Bags › Frontal — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv) — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 49,342 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 325ci complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Exterior Lighting · reported Jul 23, 2024
The headlights in my car both went out because of this wiring issue. The wiring insulation inside the headlight is very prone to cracking and subsequently breaking which causes the headlight to not function. I have repaired this issue myself on both headlights for almost every wire going into the igniter. No headlights is a major safety issue at night, and due to the cracking along all of the wiring, it could go out at any time again. I had this issue looked at by the dealership and they tried to sell me new bulbs instead. In the picture you can see the 3 repaired wires already and the 4th…
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 142,000 miles · reported May 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 325CI. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic light, she became aware of smoke coming from under the hood and the odor of something on fire. The vehicle had overheated on several occasions. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with PCV valve heater failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 142,000.
Exterior Lighting · at 116,000 miles · reported Feb 25, 2020
Drivers side low beam started flashing when car hit bumps and while turning the steering wheel to the right. Opened bulb access cover to check the bulb and found that the majority of the wiring inside the headlight assembly has hardened and flaking insulation, exposing bare copper wire and allowing it to short out. Removed the headlight assembly for a more through inspection and discovered the same damage on the high beam wiring and deterioration on the entire wiring harness inside the light. Serious safety risk as well as fire risk.
Air Bags · at 83,000 miles · reported Nov 18, 2018
Bmw 325ci 2006 front left adaptive headlight wiring deteriorates over time. This cause the wiring to crack and fail. The front left headlight failed while driving, creating a dangerous situation for the driver and others on the road. When the wiring fails the driver cannot display turn signals, use high beams or any headlight functions. Bmw does not provide a solution or help to fix the issue. The vehicle was in motion at night when the headlight failed. The part is the front headlight igniter wiring harness. The failure happened inside a sealed compartment and is not exposed to any outside…
Exterior Lighting · at 110,000 miles · reported Feb 1, 2018
Headlight wiring insulation is deteriorating and falling apart. Right side headlight wiring is completely damaged and headlight does not work.

Other BMW 325ci years

Compare all BMW 325ci years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 BMW 325ci have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2006 BMW 325ci: 20V-018 (air bags), 15V-318 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2006 BMW 325ci?

Owners report air bags problems most often (24 reports), followed by exterior lighting (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 49,342 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.