2006 BMW 525XI: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 28 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2019
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525xi. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the contact smelled the odor of burning coming from the vehicle, and the contact noticed smoke coming from the trunk of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and notice that smoking was coming from the battery. The contact was able to stop the smoke. The vehicle would not restart, and the vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 154,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2023
“The engine overheated on January 27, 2022 and a warning appeared on the dash to pull over and turn off the engine. It was then towed to a repair facility, where it was determined that overheating caused the failure of radiater hoses, loss of coolant, and other damages. Repairs cost $2574.56 on January 29, 2022. When I contacted BMW and the dealer, I was told that did not want to hear about it until they have determined what remedy was available for the recall, and they told me they would noot listen to any complaints about damages until then.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2022
“While driving on the interstate with speed limit 70 mph, a warning message appeared transmission failure & reduce speed. The car slowed down itself while ongoing traffic approached extremely fast. My car would not accelerate to the 5th or 6th gear. I had to I get off the interstate as quickly as I could. In a panic I called aaa to tow my car. Thinking there was truly something wrong with my transmission, although I kept up with maintenance. Needless to say this message that popped up was incorrect. There was nothing wrong with my transmission.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“Computer drawing down battery and car will not start seems to happen more when it's damp and raining this happens when the car is parked passenger airbag light is on bmw would like $2500. To reboot computer I think its a scam”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2017
“My bmw was parked outside a restaurant in overland park, ks, at lunch time on march 7, 2017. Auto was locked and all windows and skylight were closed. When I returned to my car after lunch, the car was unlocked and all windows and skylight were open. The key was in my purse and was untouched. Possible theft attempt?”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2017
“The brake lines rusted through and lost fluid very quickly as I was driving. I was able to make it to a garage, driving very carefully. Why are the brake lines made of a material which rusts? The garage told me the vehicle was unsafe to drive until the brake lines were replaced. The cost was $491.88.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 bmw 525xi. While driving, the contact noticed an odor of burning rubber and the alternator warning indicator illuminated. Also, the power failed without warning. The contact stated the vehicle was not able to start without receiving a jump. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the wires connected to the battery were burned. The contact stated they would take the vehicle to the dealer to receive an official diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 bmw 525xi. While an occupant was seated in the front passenger seat the air bag and seat belt warning indicators illuminated, indicating that the air bags and seat belt were inoperable the dealer diagnosed that the passenger seat detection mat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 300,000. Updated 03/03/17*lj *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Nov 2016
“Mcm burned up got wet and stank up whole trunk because of design flaw by bmw we were driving as it burned up till we had to pull over because of the awful smell”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2016
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 bmw 525xi. The contact stated that the front passenger air bag warning light flashed and suddenly remained illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer had been notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13v564000 (air bags). The failure mileage was not available. Updated 06/14/16*lj”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2016
Recalls - 3 campaigns
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
BMW of North America, Inc. (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, and 550i vehicles equipped with the Sport Seat option and certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i vehicles with standard seats. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if, and how, the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 1, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 530xi Sports Wagon, 325i, 325xi, 325xi Sports Wagon, 330i, 330xi, Z4 3.0i and Z4 3.0si vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion to recall 17V-683.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2006 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 525XI by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2006 BMW 525XI reliable?
NHTSA has 28 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 BMW 525XI. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 2006 BMW 525XI have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:sensor:occupant classification. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.