Does the 2006 BMW 550I have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2006 BMW 550I, the most recent reported on July 6, 2017 (Air bags: sensor, occupant classification). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW 550I?

Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (13 complaints), followed by electrical system (3).

How many 2006 BMW 550I complaints mention a crash or fire?

3 of 23 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2006 BMW 550I recalls and problems

3 recalls and 23 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2006 BMW 550I.

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 550I recalls

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].

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 07V479000 · reported October 12, 2007 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 29,250 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: On certain vehicles equipped with v8 engines, in conditions of below freezing temperatures combined with low humidity, it is possible for electrostatic discharge to occur at the fuel rails. If this were to occur, the engine electronic control unit (ECU) could be affected so that engine stalling could result.
The risk: If stalling were to occur, the driver may not be able to maintain vehicle speed or accelerate and the power steering could fail increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will attach two ground cables in the engine compartment free of charge. The recall began on october 29, 2007. 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.

Air bags13
Electrical system3
Engine2
Service brakes2
Steering2
Wheels2
Engine and engine cooling1
Exterior lighting1
Fuel/propulsion system1
Suspension1

What owners report

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

Aug 31, 2023 · Air bags · 184,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 550I. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was…

Apr 17, 2020 · Engine · 142,764 miles
I WAS DRIVING HOME AND FELT THE CAR LEANING TO ONE SIDE (PASSENGER SIDE) I DROVE SLOWLY WITH HAZARD LIGHTS ON MADE IT HOME AND CHECKED UNDER VEHICLE LOOKED LIKED THE BOLT CAME OFF AND BAR CONNECTED TO TIRE WAS DROPPED HAD IT TOWED TO SHOP AND WAS TOLD CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED . ANOTHER SITUATION I HAD WITH MY…

Nov 10, 2019 · Tires · 195,000 miles
NEXEN TIRES N5000 PLUS SIDEWALL ON ALL TIRES ARE STARTING TO CRACK AND SPLIT WITH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES AND 24 MONTHS OF USE. GOING TO REPLACE TIRES WITH ANOTHER BRAND AND REMOVE THESE DUE TO UNSAFE AND POTENTIAL CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF TIRES COMING APART OR BLOWOUT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS..

Mar 4, 2019 · Electrical system · 80,000 miles
HEADLIGHT WIRE INSULATION FLAKING OFF AND WIRES ARE SHORTING CAUSING HEADLIGHT TO GO OFF. WIRES SHORT AND ARCING. THE HEADLIGHT WENT OFF WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT NIGHT.

Apr 30, 2018 · Air bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 550I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF LAS…

550I model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2006	3	23	3	0
2007	2	37	3	1
2008	2	32	1	3
2009	1	2	0	0

Across all years, the 2011 550I has the most complaints (84). All BMW 550I years →

Questions

Does the 2006 BMW 550I have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2006 BMW 550I, the most recent reported on July 6, 2017 (Air bags: sensor, occupant classification). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW 550I?: Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (13 complaints), followed by electrical system (3).
How many 2006 BMW 550I complaints mention a crash or fire?: 3 of 23 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 31, 2023.