Does the 2006 BMW 525I have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2006 BMW 525I, the most recent reported on April 4, 2019 (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 525I?

Owners have filed 77 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (44 complaints), followed by service brakes (8).

How many 2006 BMW 525I complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 77 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2006 BMW 525I recalls and problems

3 recalls and 77 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2006 BMW 525I.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

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 525I recalls

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

NHTSA campaign 19V273000 · reported April 4, 2019 · BMW of North America, LLC · 184,505 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 530xi Sports Wagon, 325i, 325xi, 325xi Sports Wagon, 330i, 330xi, Z4 3.0i and Z4 3.0si vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
The risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion to recall 17V-683.

Air bags: sensor, occupant classification

NHTSA campaign 17V428000 · reported July 6, 2017 · BMW of North America, LLC · 2,158 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: BMW of North America, Inc. (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, and 550i vehicles equipped with the Sport Seat option and certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i vehicles with standard seats. 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.
The risk: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 1, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air bags: sensor, occupant classification

NHTSA campaign 13V564000 · reported November 12, 2013 · BMW of North America, LLC · 76,565 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix: 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 [email protected].

Most reported problems

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

Air bags44
Service brakes8
Electrical system7
Seat belts7
Exterior lighting5
Engine3
Engine and engine cooling3
Service brakes, hydraulic3
Unknown or other3
Fuel/propulsion system2

What owners report

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

Oct 27, 2022 · Engine and engine cooling · 235,641 miles
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, she noticed the odor of burning plastic. The contact stated that the…

May 12, 2022 · Unknown or other
I received a notice in the mail stating that my vehicle with the matching Vin had a recall for the pc value heater. And that it causes the vehicle to over heat and catch fire I contacted the dealership and manufacturer and I was told that there was no remedy available as I started experiencing issue's with my vehicle…

May 3, 2022 · Engine and engine cooling · 135,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525i. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat. The coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and added coolant in the vehicle. The contact then continued to drive. The contact stated that the failure…

Nov 30, 2021 · Fuel system, gasoline · 188,318 miles
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525I. The contact stated that there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the dealer where it was both diagnosed that the vehicle was leaking fuel. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure…

Feb 4, 2021 · Air bags · 112,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER PASSPORT BMW (4730 AUTH PL, SUITLAND-SILVER HILL, MD 20746, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING A BOLT TIGHTENED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON…

525I model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2003	2	32	3	1
2004	0	84	0	17
2005	0	35	0	4
2006	3	77	0	4
2007	2	72	3	2
2008	1	1	0	0
2009	1	1	0	1

Across all years, the 2004 525I has the most complaints (84). All BMW 525I years →

Questions

Does the 2006 BMW 525I have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2006 BMW 525I, the most recent reported on April 4, 2019 (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 525I?: Owners have filed 77 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (44 complaints), followed by service brakes (8).
How many 2006 BMW 525I complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 77 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 27, 2022.