2005 BMW 6 Series: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 7 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags; the 2004 and 2007 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2012
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 2005 bmw 645. The contact stated the air bag light flashed on the dashboard indicating the passenger side air bag was not working. The contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer. The contact stated if the vehicle is involved in a crash the passenger side air bag would not deploy and could cause a severe injury. The failure mileage was 65,721.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw 645. The contact stated that when driving at various speeds, the air bag warning light would intermittently illuminate. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer who informed the contact that the front passenger air bag sensor had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. Updated 02/02/11 *cn”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2010
“Passenger airbag lamp is on and stays on after technician at the bmw service center reset the vehicle's computer (cleared faults). Vehicle did not get into situation which would trigger airbag deployment, but potentially the passenger frontal airbag may malfunction and render the passenger airbag inoperative. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2010
Show 2 more owner reports
“Dt: the contact stated the brakes failed while driving . The pedal went to the floor, resulting in an accident. The vehicle went over the curb and hit a parking pillar. The undercarriage was damaged. The contact reports hearing squeaking noises coming from the brakes two weeks prior to the incident. The squeaking noise occurred only while driving slowly at 5 to 10 mph. The dealer said the brake pressure sensor was bad. The dealer plans on contacting bmw to see if the repairs will be covered under warranty. A police report was taken. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2006
“I bought a new 2005 bmw 645i.and it had computer problems. The dealer said the manufacturer usually fixed problems in 60-90 days. It has been 18 months and the on board computer has problems with the entertainment, and bluetooth. The computer continues to play cd's after the engine is shut off. The dealer ignored the problem for months until I said the car would need to be bought under the "lemon law'. They will not replace the vehicle because they now say all 650 and 645 models have similar problems and they cannot guarantee another vehicle would perform without problems. The dealer and bmw northamerica are aware of the problem.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, 6-SERIES, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2008 7-SERIES VEHICLES. A CHECK VALVE OF THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP MAY LEAK A SMALL AMOUNT OF LUBRICATING OIL. OVER TIME THIS COULD RESULT IN CONTAMINATION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR AND REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GUIDE PLATE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 30, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-332-4269.
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. THE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE TRUNK FLOOR PANEL, WHICH CAN LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE BOLT CONNECTION. AS IT LOOSENS, AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE AND COULD CAUSE THE CABLE CONNECTION TO OVERHEAT.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND SECURE THE BATTERY BOLT CABLE CONNECTION AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Remedy: 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.
How other years compare
Check your exact 6 Series 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 2005 BMW 6 Series reliable?
NHTSA has 7 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 BMW 6 Series. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 2005 BMW 6 Series have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum. 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.