Does the 2006 BMW M5 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2006 BMW M5, the most recent reported on March 26, 2012 (Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery, cables). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW M5?

Owners have filed 39 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (25 complaints), followed by seat belts (7).

How many 2006 BMW M5 complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 39 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2006 BMW M5 recalls and problems

1 recall and 39 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2006 BMW M5.

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 M5 recalls

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery, cables

NHTSA campaign 12V126000 · reported March 26, 2012 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 367,682 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 m5, and model year 2007-2010 m6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable may have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection. As it loosens, an increase in electrical resistance at this cable connection is possible and could cause the cable connection to overheat.
The risk: Overheating could lead to a fire, even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on april 30, 2012. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.

Most reported problems

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

Air bags25
Seat belts7
Power train5
Electrical system3
Engine3
Seats3
Engine and engine cooling2
Exterior lighting1
Fuel/propulsion system1
Steering1

What owners report

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

Aug 19, 2026 · Electrical system · 97,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 BMW M5. The contact stated that while opening the trunk of the vehicle, the positive terminal on the battery was fully melted and was very hot. The contact believed that the issue was a fire hazard and was lucky to have found the issue before any other damage could occur. The contact referenced…

May 24, 2020 · Engine · 102,156 miles
CLEARANCE FAILURE ON S85 ENGINE TO ROD BEARINGS CAUSES OIL STARVATION. THIS IN TURN CAUSES ENGINE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. IF DRIVING THIS WILL EFFECT POWER BREAKING, POWER STEERING AND ALL COMPONENTS REQUIRING THE ENGINE TO BE RUNNING. THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE, I NOW HAVE SYMPTOMS REQUIRING A CHANGE OF ROD BEARINGS.

Aug 3, 2017 · Air bags · 72,812 miles
UPON STARTING MY CAR, I RECEIVED AN ERROR MESSAGE " FAULT IN PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIR BAGS, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT FORCE LIMITER" THE MESSAGE CONTINUES TO SHOW UP EVERY DAY.. THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE THAT HAS A RECALL IN ALL OTHER 5 SERIES MODELS FOR THIS YEAR, 2006 AND HAS A RECALL FOR THOSE VEHICLES…

Feb 17, 2017 · Power train · 95,000 miles
THE EARLY M5 WITH THE SMG (SEQUENTIAL MANUAL GEARBOX) 7 SPEED HAVE NUMEROUS TSB'S AND WARRANTY CAMPAIGNS. THE SHIFTING OF THE GEARBOX IS UP EXECUTED BY PRESSURE FROM THE HYDRUALIC PUMP THAT STORES AAPRX 80PSI IN THE ACCUMULATER. THIS ACCUMULATOR OR PUMP HAS A HI CHANCE OF FAILING AND WHEN IT DOES THE CAR SHUTS DOWN…

Apr 14, 2016 · Steering · 48,900 miles
STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTIONS AND KEEPS STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, WILL NOT RELEASE INTERMITTENTLY.

M5 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2003	1	3	0	0
2006	1	39	1	0
2007	1	6	0	0
2008	2	6	1	2
2009	2	0	0	0

All BMW M5 years →

Questions

Does the 2006 BMW M5 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2006 BMW M5, the most recent reported on March 26, 2012 (Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery, cables). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW M5?: Owners have filed 39 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (25 complaints), followed by seat belts (7).
How many 2006 BMW M5 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 39 complaints report a crash and 0 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 August 19, 2026.