2006 BMW 3 SERIES — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
288
Owner Complaints
4
Recalls
16
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2006 BMW 3 SERIES
The 2006 BMW 3 SERIES has received a total of 288 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 4 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. 16 technical service bulletins have been issued by BMW of North America, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bags (78 complaints), Electrical System (31 complaints), and Air Bagsfrontal (30 complaints).
Recalls for the 2006 BMW 3 SERIES
NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 2006 BMW 3 SERIES, potentially affecting up to 1,117,716 vehicles.
Recall 22V119000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
| 917,106 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5...
Consequence: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA...
View full details →Recall 12E029000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
| 585 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.
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.
View full details →Recall 08V384000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
| 200,000 vehicles affected
Defect: BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM,...
Consequence: IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY EVEN IF A SUFFICIENTLY SEVERE ACCIDENT WOULD OCCUR AND OCCUPANT PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE SYSTEM WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REWORK THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT SO THAT EXTERNAL FORCE APPLICATION TO THE SEAT DOES NOT CAUSE A CRACK TO THE MAT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2008. BMW WILL ALSO EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THESE...
View full details →Recall 06V400000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
| 25 vehicles affected
Defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ONE OF THE SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM AND SWIVEL BEARING CONNECTION BOLTS WAS NOT TIGHTENED CORRECTLY. THE BOLTED CONNECTION COULD LOOSEN.
Consequence: THE BOLTED CONNECTION COULD BREAK WHICH COULD IMPAIR VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BOLTED CONNECTION AND, IF NECESSARY, ADJUST THE CONNECTION. IN SOME CASES, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM AND THE SWIVEL BEARING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 21, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2006 BMW 3 SERIES
288 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2006 BMW 3 SERIES. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
COOLANT HOSES RELEASED AND RADIATOR SPLIT OPEN -- APPEARED WHILE DRIVING --- FLUID RELEASED ONTO WINDSHIELD
COOLANT HOSES RELEASED AND RADIATOR SPLIT OPEN -- APPEARED WHILE DRIVING --- FLUID RELEASED ONTO WINDSHIELD
I WAS RECEIVING A IMAGINE ON THE ON BOARD COMPUTER SAYING THAT MY HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. UPON INSPECTION INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT'S CASING, I SAW THAT ALL OF THE WIRING'S PROTECTION HAD COMPLETELY FELL OFF (PROBABLY DUE TO THE HUMID SOUTHERN CLIMATE OF NORTH TEXAS) LEAVING ALMOST ALL OF THE WIRING ON BOTH SIDES OF MY HEADLIGHTS (DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE) COMPLETELY EXPOSED. THE COPPER WIRING INSIDE IS ALMOST ALL EXPOSED. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS TO SHORT AND LEAVING ME WITH NO VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THIS IS A MODEL WITHOUT ANGEL EYES, SO MY DRL DO NOT WORK WHAT SO EVER. THESE HEADLIGHTS ARE COMPLETELY STOCK, SO THIS IS A FACTORY FAULT. VERY UNHAPPY WITH THIS. THANKS BMW FOR THE "FANTASTIC" ENGINEERING! SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER A RECALL.
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE GLOVE BOX DEPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE.
I WAS RECEIVING A IMAGINE ON THE ON BOARD COMPUTER SAYING THAT MY HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. UPON INSPECTION INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT'S CASING, I SAW THAT ALL OF THE WIRING'S PROTECTION HAD COMPLETELY FELL OFF (PROBABLY DUE TO THE HUMID SOUTHERN CLIMATE OF NORTH TEXAS) LEAVING ALMOST ALL OF THE WIRING ON BOTH SIDES OF MY HEADLIGHTS (DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE) COMPLETELY EXPOSED. THE COPPER WIRING INSIDE IS ALMOST ALL EXPOSED. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS TO SHORT AND LEAVING ME WITH NO VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THIS IS A MODEL WITHOUT ANGEL EYES, SO MY DRL DO NOT WORK WHAT SO EVER. THESE HEADLIGHTS ARE COMPLETELY STOCK, SO THIS IS A FACTORY FAULT. VERY UNHAPPY WITH THIS. THANKS BMW FOR THE "FANTASTIC" ENGINEERING! SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER A RECALL.
Safety Rating for the 2006 BMW 3 SERIES
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2006 BMW 3 SERIES in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2006 BMW 3 SERIES
BMW of North America, LLC has issued 16 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2006 BMW 3 SERIES. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
SIB-12-21-10 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BMW: SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE ENGINE CRANKS WITH NO START. *RM UPDATED 5/19/15. *PE
SIB-12-01-11 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
BMW: THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A PROGRAMMING ISSUE. *RM UPDATED 1/4/12. *PE UPDATED 4/24/12. *PE
SIB-17-05-10 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
BMW: THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON WITH STORED FAULT CODES. THERE IS A WIRING/CONNECTION PROBLEM OR A FAULTY SENSOR. *RM
SIB-17-05-10 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
BMW: THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON WITH STORED FAULT CODES. THERE IS A WIRING/CONNECTION PROBLEM OR A FAULTY SENSOR. *RM
SI B12 55 06 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
BMW: THERE MAY BE EXCESSIVE CRANKING BEFORE THE VEHICLE STARTS. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT MAY ALSO BE ON WITH A LACK OF ENGINE POWER. *RM
SB-63-02-08 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
BMW: REAR BULB FAILURE. THE BULB OUT WARNING SHOWS IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. DIAGNOSIS SHOWS A FAULT FOR THE REAR LAMP. THE BULB OUT CAN BE DISPLAYED FOR 2 POSSIBLE CAUSES-POOR FIT BETWEEN THE BULB AND BULB HOLDER; (NEW) BULB FAILURE CAUSED BY VIBRATIONS. MODEL E92 (3 SERIES COUP). NO...
SIB-51-19-07 — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
BMW VEHICLES: DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK USING THE KEY FOB OR CENTRAL LOCKING BUTTON. *PE UPDATED1/4/10. *PE UPDATED 5/24/10. *PE
SI-28-02-09 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
BMW: COMPLAINT THAT THE N (NEUTRAL) SYMBOL IS BEING DISPLAYED IN THE KOMBI AND THE MESSAGE TRANSMISSION IN N, SHIFT TO P WHEN ENGINE IS TURNED OFF IS DISPLAYED IN THE CC WHEN THE VEHICLE DECELERATES TO A STOP. IN REALTY, THE TRANSMISSION STAYS ENGAGED IN A FIRST OR SECOND...
SI-B-11-05-05 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
BMW VEHICLE: VEHICLES MAY BE DIFFICULT TO START, RUN ROUGH AND HAVE THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VANOS SOLENOID VALVE IS JAMMED OR STICKING. *PE
SI-B-84-05-08 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BMW: THE TELEMATICS CONTROL UNIT (TCU) IN VEHICLES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY ACTIVATED. THIS CAUSES THE MANUAL AND AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY CALL AND ROADSIDE CALL (BMW ASSIST) NOT TO FUNCTION. MODELS E53, E60, E90, E83 ARE AFFECTED. *PE
Showing 10 of 16 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2006 BMW 3 SERIES
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the BMW 3 SERIES
- 2001 BMW 3 SERIES — 49 complaints
- 2002 BMW 3 SERIES — 40 complaints
- 2003 BMW 3 SERIES — 95 complaints
- 2004 BMW 3 SERIES — 93 complaints
- 2005 BMW 3 SERIES — 29 complaints
- 2006 BMW 3 SERIES (current)
- 2007 BMW 3 SERIES — 190 complaints
- 2008 BMW 3 SERIES — 93 complaints
- 2009 BMW 3 SERIES — 74 complaints
- 2010 BMW 3 SERIES — 43 complaints
- 2011 BMW 3 SERIES — 1 complaint