2006 BMW 750LI: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 216 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (31% of complaints); the 2007 and 2008 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2017
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 216 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2006 BMW 750Li. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "Transmission Fault - Drive Moderate" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the contact was advised that the vehicle would need to be kept over the weekend, but the contact declined. The vehicle was taken to Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 159,857.”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2025
“The contact owns a 2006 BMW 750LI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter independently shifted into park. The contact also stated that water was entering the trunk of the vehicle. The contact stated that the battery had been replaced twice. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2022
“The contact owns a 2006 BMW 750LI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, there was oil leaking onto the ground and also onto the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2022
Show 7 more owner reports
“The transmission is very dangerous, when pressing on the accelerator it will rev the engine high, then jump into gear and lunge forward. If stopped at a light, it would definitely kill someone, and when stopping the vehicle, it feels like you are getting rear-ended. On this date, the transmission launching the vehicle forward almost caused a case of whiplash.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Mar 2021
“My vehicle has this white smoke coming out of the exhaust after it sits for like a few minutes. Smoke does not come out when I'm driving only when I sit. So if I'm at a red light long enough it will smoke. This just start happening out of nowhere and after looking it up everybody who has these cars almost have the same issue.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2020
“The doors from inside don't open up when the car loses power you are locked inside also the engine smokes even when the gaskets and seals have been replaced.the car suspension in the rear is terrible also air bag light goes on and off even when the dealer ran diagnosis on the car car is parked”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 bmw 750li. The contact stated that while driving, the brake pedal was depressed and was firm. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to stop the vehicle. The contact was informed by an unknown source that the brake booster and vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2020
“Car doors do not latch doors fly open , car has rolled out of park, brakes do not engage ruff stopping seat belt lights on all the time. Problems with electrical seats. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2020
“ABS is completely messed up car slides at every turn/move! If brakes are pressed a little to fast brakes block and doesn't stop the car! Which caused me to crash into another car!”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Feb 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 bmw 750li. While driving approximately 35 mph, the transmission failure warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the vehicle or determine the cause of the failure. Herrin-gear bmw of jackson (1685 high st, jackson, ms 39202, (601) 354-2269) was contacted by phone and informed of the issue. The contact was informed to drive the vehicle to the dealer to have it properly diagnosed; however, the contact declined. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000. *bf *js”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2019
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
BMW is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 7-Series vehicles, equipped with the Comfort Access option, and manufactured August 23, 2004, through July 24, 2008. The affected vehicles have an electronic key and an electronic connection between the gear shifter and the transmission (shift-by-wire) that automatically shifts the transmission to Park when the driver presses the Start/Stop button to shutdown the engine. If the driver presses the engine Start/Stop button 2 or 3 times within a short time interval, the system may shift the transmission to Neutral rather than Park. If using the electronic key (Comfort Access mode), there would be no protection from the ignition interlock that prevents key removal if the vehicle is not in Park.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners beginning in November 2012. The remedy became available in March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
BMW is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 7-Series vehicles, equipped with both Comfort Access and Soft Close Automatic options, and manufactured August 23, 2004, through September 3, 2007. Due to a software problem, the doors may appear to be closed and latched, but, in fact, may inadvertently open.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners and dealers will update software. The recall began on December 12, 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
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, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2005-2008 745i, 745Li, 750i, 750Li, 760i, 760Li, and B7 Alpina vehicles equipped with both the Comfort Access and Soft Close Automatic options. In these vehicles, the doors may appear to be closed and latched, but, in fact, may inadvertently open.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the door latch system, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
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 750LI 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 750LI reliable?
NHTSA has 216 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 BMW 750LI. The most complained-about area is power train (31% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2006 BMW 750LI problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 88,046 miles or less.
Does the 2006 BMW 750LI have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning power train:automatic transmission. 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.