2006 BMW 7 Series: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 29 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags; the 2007 and 2008 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 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Doors dont always latch and a person was thrown from car, have called dealer ship and they said no recall but my car is doing it and there is a recall for this problem , I need my car added to recall list asap”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2018
“Brakes have no power almost had accident recall #10v446000 was in freeway all sudden lost brakes look on line this what I found call manufacture dealer they denied service”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2018
“Trouble light shows-- passenger restraint system. My mechanic diagnosed it as a defective seat module sensor in the front passenger seat. His cost of repair is $1,200 with no assurances that the problem will be resolved due to the takata air bag response to this sensor.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“While stopping, the brake pedal became extremely hard and went to the floor, just barely avoiding a catastrophe. This happened with no warning whatsoever, and this could have been a multiple death accident. I contacted bmw of na and they informed me that my VIN number was not included in the recall. I clearly should be, because I know I am not the only one this problem.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2016
“The front light bulbs have blown on the left side twice. The harness wire connection is faulty. Also the dynamic drive inactive while the transmission jerks when you accelerate after vehicle stops.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Nov 2015
“"takata recall" the passenger air bags are not functioning it pop up on my cluster when I was starting up my vehicle from home. I recieved a recall letter from NHTSA when I took it to the bmw dealer it wasnt on the system so they couldnt replace my air bags for the passanger side”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2015
“Blows out while/bluish smoke, shifts into park when in drive or reverse, won't go forward. Transmission fault light on. I have to constantly put oil in it. There is no reason why I should be having all these problems, I see that millions of people that have or purchased this same car have the same problems. I truly believe bmw needs to be accountable for these problems. It's terrible that one would pay so many ch for a luxury car for it to have all these problems.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2015
“I had been feeling some powerful her king when I begun to stop and accelerate a couple times.. And then one day it just stop going into gear period. . *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2014
“Crank case vent valve/breather failure after long trips, no indication of the failure unitl car gives check engine light usually after the trip the next day, check engine light to late part failure already causes motor issues after issues (oil leaks, blown gaskets and seals, misfire, rough idle, vehicle stalling) from the pressure on the engine from the failed component (crank case vent breather/valve) and have been known to cause excessive smoking from tail pipe or simulations of a fire. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 bmw 7 series. The contact stated that after shifting into park, the vehicle independently shifted into neutral. Immediately after, the transmission failed safe mode light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that the vehicle needed a software update. The vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 12v502000 (electrical system , power train). The failure and current mileages were approximately 124,000....updated 04/25/13 *bf”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 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.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LOWER RUBBER MOUNT OF THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY NOT ADHERE CORRECTLY TO ITS HOUSING WITHIN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
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 7 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 2006 BMW 7 Series reliable?
NHTSA has 29 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 BMW 7 Series. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 2006 BMW 7 Series have open recalls?
3 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.