2006 BMW 3 Series Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2006 BMW 3 Series, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags10137.0%
- Interior & seats3813.9%
- Electrical3211.7%
- Steering248.8%
- Engine155.5%
- Tires & wheels134.8%
- Seat belts124.4%
- Body & structure93.3%
- Visibility82.9%
- Driver assistance62.2%
- Powertrain (other)31.1%
- Other / unspecified31.1%
- Fuel system31.1%
- Brakes31.1%
- Exterior lighting20.7%
- Transmission10.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 3 SERIES. WHEN THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM ONE SOURCE MOTORS (10633 NORTHLAND DR NE, ROCKFORD, MI 49341, (616) 951-7068), HE WAS NOT INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). SHARPE BMW (1010 28TH ST SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49508, (616) 452-5101) SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT AND INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG REPAIR HAD BEEN COMPLETED, BUT DID NOT ADDRESS THE REPAIR FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE AND HAD NOT PROVIDED A TIME FRAME TO PROVIDE THE PART TO THE DEALER. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. SHARPE BMW DIAGNOSED THAT THE FLOORMAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER BOTH STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY AIR BAG RECALLS TO COVER THE FLOORMAT SENSOR FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 AND PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000.
TAKATA RECALL. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR IN MY 2006 BMW IS DEFECTIVE MAKING THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS TURNED OFF DURING THE EVENT OF A CRASH WHEN CAR IS ON OR RUNNING AIRBAG AND SEATBELT LIGHT TURN ON. MANY OTHER 2006 BMWS LIKE MINE ARE AFFECTED WITH THIS ISSUE. A RECALL HAS BEEN DONE FOR BMWS FOR MODELS 2007 AND NEWER BUT NOT FOR THE 2006 MODEL YEAR. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE DONE FOR THIS YEAR MAKE TO INSURE THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE AND PASSENGERS RIDING IN THIS CAR. I USE THIS CAR AS A DAILY DRIVER WITH MY 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. PLEASE UPDATE NEW INFO ASAP
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT. RECEIVED WARNING MESSAGE WHEN PASSENGER SITS IN FRONT SEAT. LIGHT STAYS ON MOST OF TIME.
TAKATA RECALL- MY AIRBAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL HAS BEEN REPLACED. THE PASSENGER SEAT MAT SENSOR HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED 2X(1X UNDER WARRANTY) 1X I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET AND NOW A 3RD TIME (OUT OF POCKET) IT HAS BROKEN AGAIN. I BELIEVE THIS IS A FAULTY PART AND SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY EACH TIME THIS HAS BROKEN.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK. THIS IS IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN IT FAILS THE CAR WILL NOT START. IT SEEMS TO BE A PRETTY COMMON PROBLEM. I WAS HOPING THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT CAN NOT FIND ONE.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK UP LIGHT COME ON AND LOCK UP SOME TIME.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
COOLANT HOSES RELEASED AND RADIATOR SPLIT OPEN -- APPEARED WHILE DRIVING --- FLUID RELEASED ONTO WINDSHIELD
OIL KEEP LEAKING OUT OF TRAINING. IT WAS FIXED TWICE SO FAR. BACK BRAKE LINE KEEPS BREAKING WHEN YOU DRIVE IN SNOW.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I DRIVE A 2006 BMW 330XI WITH THE OEM BRIDGESTONE TURANAZA RUNFLAT TIRES. FROM 2006 TO TODAY I HAVE REPLACED ALL 4 OF MY TIRES AND RIMS TWICE AND STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRES BEING TO ROUGH ON NEW YORK CITY ROADS WHICH MEANS IT JUST CRACKING AND BENDING EACH AND EVERY RIM ON MY CAR OVER TIME. NOW THIS PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES BEING TO ROUGH AND LACK OF CONTROL WITH THERE TIRES LEAD TO ANOTHER PROBLEM SOMETHING IN MY STEERING RACK HAS CRACKED. BMW NOT WANTING TO TELL ME WHAT PART OF THE STEERING RACK WAS BROKEN ALL THEY TOLD ME WAS IT WILL COST 3000 DOLLARS AND I COULDN'T PAY IT IN MONTHLY INSTALLMENTS, I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO ALERT THEM OF MY SITUATION FOR ABOUT 1 YEAR BUT THEY DO NOT TAKE ME SERIOUSLY SINCE I AM ONLY 22 YEARS OLD AND TAKE ME FOR A FOOL. AS OF YESTERDAY ALSO MY LOCK ACTUATORS WHICH IS THE PART OF THE CAR THAT ALLOWS YOUR ALARM TO UNLOCK YOUR DOORS ARE FROZEN AND WILL NOT UNLOCK ANY OTHER DOORS EXPECT THE DRIVER BY USING THE MANUAL KEY. FOR THE IM PAYING EVERYMONTH BMW IS NOT DIVING ME THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE, I WILL NOT RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO ANYONE SOUL IN THE NEW YORK AND I AM LOOKING TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION FOR MY RIGHTS AGAINST THE LACK OR QUALITY AND SAFETY THEY HAVE PUT ME IN OVER THE LACK YEAR. *TR
MY WIFE DRIVES A 2006 BMW 325XI SPORT WAGON. THE CAR CAME EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTON TOURANZA E42 RUNFLAT TIRES. DUE TO RAPID TREAD WEARING, ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP AT 15000 MILES. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH THE SAME BRAND AND MODEL "TOURANZA E42". WITH APPROXIMATELY 10,000 MILES ON THESE TIRES, WE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME WEAR PROBLEMS. THE CAR DRIVES VERY LOUD, AND DOESN'T SEEM STABLE. BMW REFUSES TO TAKE ANY FURTHER ACTION, CLAIMING IT IS THE CONSUMER'S PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP HAS "ACKNOWLEDGED" OTHER BMW DRIVER COMPLAINTS WITH THE BRIDGESTON TOURANZA E42. *TR
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT. RECEIVED WARNING MESSAGE WHEN PASSENGER SITS IN FRONT SEAT. LIGHT STAYS ON MOST OF TIME.
GETTING A HARD WARNING FOR "PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION". APPARENTLY THIS HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH A SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT GOING BAD. THIS CAN CAUSE INJURY OR FATALITY AS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS BUT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK, SERIOUS HAZARD IN EMERGENCY SITUATION IF DOORS WON'T UNLOCK. DOORS LOCK/UNLOCK PROBLEM, I'VE HAD TO EXIT THRU WINDOWS. NO MANUAL UNLOCK FROM INSIDE VEHICLE. MECHANISM IS OPERATIONAL, MUST BE COMPUTER PROBLEM. FUSE REPLACED,CKD MANY THREADS WITH SAME ISSUE. WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM / 3 + TIMES HAPPENED TO ME.
AS I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND TRIED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. I PULLED THE HANDLE AND TRIED THE KEY FOB AND NOTHING WOULD MAKE IT UNLOCK. I HAD TO CRAWL TO THE PASSENGER SIDE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED AND IT IS A KNOWN FUSE PROBLEM THAT IS FAULTY AND VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN AN ACCIDENT AND NEED TO ESCAPE YOUR VEHICLE QUICKLY. HAVING A DRIVER DOOR THAT ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT OPEN IS A COMPLETE DISREGARD FOR COMMON SENSE AND PUBLIC SAFETY. *TR
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
PASSENGER AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELT WONT WORK AND BMW WONT FIX. ELECTRICAL:RADIO,CLIMATE CONTROL,HEADLIGHTS AND WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP. WINDOW REGULATORS. AND THE WORST:LEARNING FROM X_EMPLOYEES OF BMW SAY THAT BMW PURPOSEFULLY MISS-TORQUES OIL PAN,VALVE COVER AND OIL FILTER HOUSING SO THE FAIL RIGHT AFTER 50,000 MILE WARRANTY. EVERY E90 HAS THESE PROBLEMS. AND WINDOW REGULATORS ALL EXCEPT DRIVER SIDE. IN MOTION.
FIRST THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK SO I WOULD HAVE TO USE THE KEY TO UNLOCK THE DRIVER DOOR. BOUGHT A NEW ACTUATOR AND HAD IT REPLACED. NOT EVEN ONE MONTH LATER THE BACK SEAT DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR WENT OUT AS WELL. HOWEVER THERE IS NO KEY HOLE FOR THE BACK DOOR AND IT CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. I WAS TOLD BY A BMW DEALER THAT I WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE DOOR TORN OFF AND REPLACED WITH A NEW DOOR BECAUSE THERE WAS NO WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR. BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE! BOTH BACK WINDOW REGULATORS WENT OUT AS WELL! GOT THE BACK SEAT PASSENGER SIDE FIXED. BUT CAN'T GET THE DRIVER SIDE DONE YET. THIS ALL HAPPENED WITHIN A YEAR. *JS
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING FROM SCHOOL AND PUSH THE GAS AND 15MPH THE CAR JERKED IN TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR WENT INTO SAFE MODE. I COULD NOT DRIVE OVER 40 MP. THE DEALER SHIP SAID THE TRANSMISSION MECHATRONIC MAY HAVE MALFUNCTION. SOMETHING INSIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION THE MANUFACTURER BUILD IT WITH A PLASTIC VALVE COVER IT'S COMMON ON BMW THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THERE ARE OVER 67,000 COMPLAINTS ON LINE FOR THE SAME ISSUE. WHERE IS THE RECALL!. YOU PAY FOR THIS EXPENSIVE CAR TO PAY 7000 TO FIX. I AM LOOKING TO START A LAW SUIT IF THEY DON'T RECALL AND FIX THIS COMMON EXPENSIVE PROBLEM!
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE LEFT LANE, TRYING TO PASS A CAR IN THE MIDDLE LANE. AFTER GETTING IN FRONT OF THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE LANE, I TRIED TO ACCELERATE SO I COULD RE-ENTER THE MIDDLE LANE, BUT THE CAR ACTED AS IF IT SLIPPED INTO NEUTRAL AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE ENGINE GROWLED AS IF IT WERE IN NEUTRAL. IT KEPT DRIVING, BUT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, DESPITE ME STEPPING HARDER ON THE GAS. THIS WAS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AS THERE WAS A CAR IMMEDIATELY BEHIND ME, WHICH COULD HAVE REAR ENDED ME AT OVER 60MPH, AND THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE LANE THAT I WAS TRYING TO PASS COULD HAVE ALSO HIT ME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR. IN RESEARCHING THIS, MANY BMW OWNERS HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS, AND YET BMW HAS NOT ISSUED AN INVESTIGATION OR RECALL: HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/BMW_TRANS.HTML THERE ARE 650 COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM AT THE ABOVE LINK. PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS LIKE THIS UNDER 75K MILES. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
OIL KEEP LEAKING OUT OF TRAINING. IT WAS FIXED TWICE SO FAR. BACK BRAKE LINE KEEPS BREAKING WHEN YOU DRIVE IN SNOW.
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE LEFT LANE, TRYING TO PASS A CAR IN THE MIDDLE LANE. AFTER GETTING IN FRONT OF THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE LANE, I TRIED TO ACCELERATE SO I COULD RE-ENTER THE MIDDLE LANE, BUT THE CAR ACTED AS IF IT SLIPPED INTO NEUTRAL AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE ENGINE GROWLED AS IF IT WERE IN NEUTRAL. IT KEPT DRIVING, BUT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, DESPITE ME STEPPING HARDER ON THE GAS. THIS WAS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AS THERE WAS A CAR IMMEDIATELY BEHIND ME, WHICH COULD HAVE REAR ENDED ME AT OVER 60MPH, AND THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE LANE THAT I WAS TRYING TO PASS COULD HAVE ALSO HIT ME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR. IN RESEARCHING THIS, MANY BMW OWNERS HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS, AND YET BMW HAS NOT ISSUED AN INVESTIGATION OR RECALL: HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/BMW_TRANS.HTML THERE ARE 650 COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM AT THE ABOVE LINK. PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS LIKE THIS UNDER 75K MILES. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING FROM SCHOOL AND PUSH THE GAS AND 15MPH THE CAR JERKED IN TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR WENT INTO SAFE MODE. I COULD NOT DRIVE OVER 40 MP. THE DEALER SHIP SAID THE TRANSMISSION MECHATRONIC MAY HAVE MALFUNCTION. SOMETHING INSIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION THE MANUFACTURER BUILD IT WITH A PLASTIC VALVE COVER IT'S COMMON ON BMW THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THERE ARE OVER 67,000 COMPLAINTS ON LINE FOR THE SAME ISSUE. WHERE IS THE RECALL!. YOU PAY FOR THIS EXPENSIVE CAR TO PAY 7000 TO FIX. I AM LOOKING TO START A LAW SUIT IF THEY DON'T RECALL AND FIX THIS COMMON EXPENSIVE PROBLEM!
THE DRIVER DOOR LOCK DOES NOT OPEN USING THE REMOTE. BMW IS ASKING TO PAY THEM FOR DIAGNOSIS AND EVENTUAL REPAIR. I DO BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THE COST SHOULD BE ON BMW. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
COOLANT HOSES RELEASED AND RADIATOR SPLIT OPEN -- APPEARED WHILE DRIVING --- FLUID RELEASED ONTO WINDSHIELD
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 THE FUEL TANK ACCESS UNDER THE REAR SEAT ON THE LEFT (DRIVER) SIDE. THAT IS WHERE I NOTICED FUEL ACCUMULATION OUTSIDE THE TANK. THEN I PROCEED TO START THE ENGINE AND CLEARLY NOTICED THE FUEL LEAKING FROM AN SMALL CRACK ON THE FILTER (NOT THE FUEL LINE). I STARTED A RESEARCH ON THE SUBJECT AND I FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINS ABOUT THIS ISSUE INCLUDING VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE ON MANY BMW MODELS. ALSO FOUND THERE IS AN ACTIVE SAFETY RECALL FOR SOME VW MODELS WITH THE SAME SITUATION. THE PARTS FROM BOTH VEHICLE BRANDS ARE PRETTY SIMILAR AND THE PARTS ARE FROM THE SAME SUPPLIER (VDO). I JUST NEED YOU TAKE A LOOK AT THIS AS A SAFETY CONCERN BEFORE VEHICLES START CATCHING FIRE. THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION ON THIS MATTER. SORRY FOR NOT HAVING PICTURES, JUST GOOGLE IT AND YOU WILL SEE IT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
2006 BMW 330 XI WHEN PRESSING ON THE BRAKE THE CAR ACCELERATED WITH A LOUD NOISE, COULD NOT STEER THE CAR; CRASHED IN TREES. 24,323 MILES STILL UNDER NEW CAR WARRANTY. *TR
2006 BMW 330XI BRAKE FAILURE, ACCELERATION, NO STEERING. OCCURRED TWICE; BMW REPAIRED BY DEALER NEW BRAKES, COMPUTER; SECOND OCCURRENCE CAR DID NOT STOP UNTIL HIT TREES. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I OWN A 2006 BMW 325I. ABOUT A YEAR OR TWO AGO, THE REVERSE LIGHTS WILL NOT ILLUMINATE WHILE REVERSING. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM, AND MENTIONED MULTIPLE ONLINE ACCOUNTS OF THIS PROBLEM EXTENDING AT LEAST FROM 2003 THROUGH 2008. IT COULD HAVE BEEN LONGER. I ALSO REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL) AND NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10443539 (TAIL LIGHT FAILURE). THE DEALER ADVISED ME THAT THIS VEHICLE YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR THIS PROBLEM. IN ADDITION, THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FRM MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A WIRING MALFUNCTION. FROM ONLINE REPORTS AND PICTURES, I CONFIRMED MY REVERSE LIGHT FAILURE WAS ALSO A WIRING ISSUE CAUSED FROM A VERY POOR WIRE ROUTING DESIGN BY BMW. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS AT APPROXIMATELY 110,000 AND THE COST TO REPAIR WAS OUTRAGEOUS! SINCE THAT TIME EVEN WITH MULTIPLE DOCUMENTED CASES, BMW HAS BEEN UNWILLING TO ADMIT THIS IS THEIR DESIGN FAILURE AND TO SHARE IN ANY OF THE REPAIR COSTS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN I ACCELERATE FROM A DEAD STOP THE ENGINE LURCHES BADLY 1-3 TIMES BEFORE IT BEGINS TO ACTUALLY ACCELERATE. THIS HAS OCCURRED EVER SINCE PURCHASE IN 11/06. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON HUNDREDS OF OCCASIONS AND HAS NEARLY CAUSE ME MANY ACCIDENTS BY GETTING REAR-ENDED BY CARS AND SEMI'S. I LIKE ON A SIDE STREET NEXT TO A HIGHWAY AND WHEN I TRY TO PULL OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY QUICKLY THE CAR LURCHES SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE ACTUALLY CATCHING AND MOVING. I'VE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE DEAL WHO SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. HOWEVER I'VE CHECKED ON A WEBSITE (TOPIX.COM) AND THEIR ARE MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM, WHICH BMW DENIES. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS!!!! *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .