CarRecallDB

2006 BMW 3 Series recalls and problems

3 recalls and 202 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2006 BMW 3 Series.

3
recalls
202
owner complaints
6
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2006 BMW 3 Series recalls

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system, emission control, crankcase (pcv)

NHTSA campaign 22V119000 · reported March 2, 2022 · BMW of North America, LLC · 917,106 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
The risk
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.
The fix
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 recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air bags: frontal

NHTSA campaign 08V384000 · reported August 5, 2008 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 200,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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, will be deactivated and the air bag warning lamp as well as the passenger air bag "on-off" lamp will be illuminated.
The risk
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.
The fix
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 vehicles to 10 years from first registration without any mileage limit. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.

Suspension: front, control arm

NHTSA campaign 06V400000 · reported October 18, 2006 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 25 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain vehicles, one of the suspension control arm and swivel bearing connection bolts was not tightened correctly. The bolted connection could loosen.
The risk
The bolted connection could break which could impair vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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 at 1-800-831-1117.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jun 30, 2019 · Engine · 132,000 miles

COOLANT HOSES RELEASED AND RADIATOR SPLIT OPEN -- APPEARED WHILE DRIVING --- FLUID RELEASED ONTO WINDSHIELD

Feb 9, 2019 · Electrical system · 146,000 miles

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…

Feb 9, 2019 · Electrical system · 213,000 miles · fire reported

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE GLOVE BOX DEPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE.

Nov 30, 2018 · Fuel/propulsion system

FUEL LEAK COMING FROM THE FUEL FILTER / FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR, LOCATED INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. THE PLASTIC COVER WHERE THE PRESURRED FUEL LINE IS CONNECTED CRACKS CAUSING THE FUEL TO LEAK. I NOTICED THE ISSUE DUE TO A STRONG FUEL SMELL COMMING FROM THE LEFT REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I FOLLOWED THE SMELL AND IT TOOK ME TO…

Nov 5, 2018 · Electrical system · 6,000 miles

RECALL 17V-676: BLOWER MOTOR WIRING BURNING HOT AIR FROM THE VENT IS IN WITH OR WITHOUT FAN ON (MOTION OR PARKING). IT IS OVERDUE AND NO RESPONSE FROM BMW OF AMERICA, LLC AS I KEPT ON CALLING THE OFFICE MANY TIMES SINCE 12/16/2017 LETTER RECEIVED. 1/19/2018 6/5/2018 8/20/2018 10/12/2018 TO NHTSA 11/5/2018

3 Series model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2003 07330
2004 07713
2005 02511
2006 320261
2007 111564
2008 26804
2009 15342

Across all years, the 2006 3 Series has the most complaints (202). All BMW 3 Series years →

Questions

Does the 2006 BMW 3 Series have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2006 BMW 3 Series, the most recent reported on March 2, 2022 (Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system, emission control, crankcase (pcv)). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW 3 Series?
Owners have filed 202 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (101 complaints), followed by electrical system (32).
How many 2006 BMW 3 Series complaints mention a crash or fire?
6 of 202 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 7 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 30, 2019.