2006 BMW 325I Problems

The passenger seat occupancy sensor (OC3 mat) on my 2006 BMW 3 Series (VIN: [XXX] ) has failed. As a result, the front passenger airbag is disabled, which poses a serious safety risk. BMW issued a 15-year warranty extension for this issue, acknowledging it as a common failure, but my vehicle is now slightly outside the coverage period. This part is vital for detecting front-seat occupants and enabling the airbag during a crash. I believe BMW should still be required to fix this safety-critical defect, especially in vehicles where the issue was never repaired while under the extended coverage window. This should be reclassified as a full safety recall, not just an expired service campaign. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2006 BMW 325I. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V513000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer offered an inspection but declined to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

While driving the vehicle, the blower (A/C) began to cycle on and off. Then I began to smell electrical smoke. Then I began to see smoke coming from vents and where the windshield meets the dashboard, closer to the passenger side. I pulled over and shut off the car as the smoke was getting worse inside the car. I popped the hood and saw smoke coming from the passenger side. I then called 911. Smoke was beginning to billow from engine compartment. As I was talking to the 911 dispatcher, I saw flames beginning in the engine bay close to the firewall on passenger side. The car was a total loss and is in a tow yard. It can be inspected upon request. The 911 operated told me to be aware of smoke and explosions so I backed away about 30ft. Many cars were passing by, close to the car. There are 2 safety recalls on this vehicle that are related to possible fire. I have an open case with BMW USA. They have not inspected the car. I have liability only for insurance so they will not cover. There were no warning lamps or indicators before fire.

The Valvetronic Actuator malfunctions. The malfunction may have been caused by a Battery Positive Cable that has corroded over time. The result is that the vehicle stops unexpectedly during acceleration. Driver safety and that of others is put at risk due to the vehicle suddenly losing power and stoping while being driven. The vehicle was evaluated by the dealer. Warning lamps were intermittent and inconsistent. To my knowledge there is no Valvetronic Actuator or Battery Cable specific warning lamps or messages. There was a 2017 recall for the Battery Positive Cable, but my specific VIN was not covered (by a few months). My VIN (1986 325I) should have been included in the 2017 recall.

Since the airbag was not fixed, it has caused PVC meltings as well as leakage

The Valvetronic Actuator malfunctions. The malfunction may have been caused by a Battery Positive Cable that has corroded over time. The result is that the vehicle stops unexpectedly during acceleration. Driver safety and that of others is put at risk due to the vehicle suddenly losing power and stoping while being driven. The vehicle was evaluated by the dealer. Warning lamps were intermittent and inconsistent. To my knowledge there is no Valvetronic Actuator or Battery Cable specific warning lamps or messages. There was a 2017 recall for the Battery Positive Cable, but my specific VIN was not covered (by a few months). My VIN (1986 325I) should have been included in the 2017 recall.

The passenger seat occupancy sensor (OC3 mat) on my 2006 BMW 3 Series (VIN: [XXX] ) has failed. As a result, the front passenger airbag is disabled, which poses a serious safety risk. BMW issued a 15-year warranty extension for this issue, acknowledging it as a common failure, but my vehicle is now slightly outside the coverage period. This part is vital for detecting front-seat occupants and enabling the airbag during a crash. I believe BMW should still be required to fix this safety-critical defect, especially in vehicles where the issue was never repaired while under the extended coverage window. This should be reclassified as a full safety recall, not just an expired service campaign. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Put a box of moderate weight into the passenger seat (hard drives) - probably 40 lbs. After driving for a few minutes and over a few bumps, the seat belt warning light came on because the seat sensor was tripped by the weight. Put the seat belt on to silence the warning. Shortly thereafter, both the seatbelt and passenger airbag warning lights showed on the dash, regardless of occupancy. Hooked up to scanning tool and cleared the codes but they always return. This is not a rare event from reading the online forums - it is likely due to the sensor mat in the seat for occupancy being defective, or a combination of that and the seat belt pre-tensioner being defective, for the passenger side only. The vehicle operates normally other than the warning lights. Obviously have not tested the airbag, but that is highly unlikely to be the actual problem from my investigation of the symptoms.

Put a box of moderate weight into the passenger seat (hard drives) - probably 40 lbs. After driving for a few minutes and over a few bumps, the seat belt warning light came on because the seat sensor was tripped by the weight. Put the seat belt on to silence the warning. Shortly thereafter, both the seatbelt and passenger airbag warning lights showed on the dash, regardless of occupancy. Hooked up to scanning tool and cleared the codes but they always return. This is not a rare event from reading the online forums - it is likely due to the sensor mat in the seat for occupancy being defective, or a combination of that and the seat belt pre-tensioner being defective, for the passenger side only. The vehicle operates normally other than the warning lights. Obviously have not tested the airbag, but that is highly unlikely to be the actual problem from my investigation of the symptoms.

MY CAR IS LEAKING GAS AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. I HAD TO TAKE IT OUT OF THE GARAGE BECAUSE OF THE GASOLINE SMELL. MY SEATBELT LIGHT IS ON AND MY MECHANIC SAID THAT I NEED NEW SEATBELTS.

Vehicle Steering Lock Malfunction - Car does not start and stuck in Park. Cannot move steering wheel which is locked. This is a design defect that needs to be addressed. Vehicle is rendered inoperative! Cannot move or start it! approx. mileage 105k. This is a new problem besides the current recall which has not been available yet. I've also been locked out of this vehicle and had to climb out of the window, thank God it was not a fire or flood! I was able to fix that problem myself. note: Steering Lock Malfunction is a widespread problem! Dealers want to replace the entire steering column in these cases at a very high cost. Thanks, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL BMW, THE ELV CONTROL /STEERING WARNING LOCK IS FAULTY. BMW ISSUED A TSB TO DEALERS THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE AND SHOULD ONLY BE FIXED IF A CUSTOMER BRINGS IN THE VEHICLE. THE ISSUE FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND IS A SOFTWARE ISSUE AND CAN ONLY BE FIXED AT A DEALER. A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED, IF THE CONTROL CANNOT BE UNLOCKED THE CAR CANNOT START. SINCE BMW HAS RECOGNIZED THE ISSUE WITH A TSB, I AM UNSURE AS TO WHY A RECALL AS NOT BEEN ISSUED. THIS ISSUE IS STRICTLY RELATED TO THE BMW COMPUTER SYSTEM AND THE OWNERS CAN DO NOTHING TO PREVENT THIS FAILURE. *TR

WHILE DRIVING MY CAR ON THE FREEWAY DURING COMMUTE TRAFFIC MY PRIMEWALL TIRE VALERA SPORT AS DOT Y9FE DCWX 3917 TIRE THAT WAS MOUNTED ON THE RIGHT REAR END SUDDENLY CAME APART. THERE WAS SLIGHT TUG ON THE CAR FOLLOWED A COUPLE SECONDS LATER BY SLIGHT FISH TAILING . THE TIRE CAME APART AT THE LOWER SIDEWALL AT INNER PORTION OF THE WHEEL AT ABOUT 65 MPH. THE TIRE IS ONLY ABOUT 6-8 MONTHS OLD . LOOKS NEW WITH PLENTY OF THREAD.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. WHENEVER THE CONTACT DRIVES THE VEHICLE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE HEARS A SQUEAKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 16,000. UPDATED 08/28/09. *LJ THE VEHICLE HAS RUN-FLAT TIRES. UPDATED 08/31/09.*JB

The vehicle accelerates to 5,000 RPM randomly, and unintentionally. This happens when shifting gears(manual transmission), or when in any gear. Braking barely slows the vehicle down. I've nearly crashed due to this issue, multiple times. The floormats are not in the way. This is a case of sudden unintended acceleration.

THE PROBLEMS I AM HAVING WITH MY CAR INCLUDE: HIGH RPMS WHEN ACCELERATING, MASSIVE GAS CONSUMPTION WHICH I CAN PROVIDE BANK STATEMENTS TO PROVE, MASSIVE COOLANT CONSUMPTION, NUMEROUS OIL LEAKS, ROUGH IDLING, ENGINE RATTLING, FOUL SMELL OF VAPORS IN THE CAR WHILE RUNNING, AND CONSTANT CAR SHAKING. MY CAR WILL CUT OFF COMPLETELY IF THE A/C IS TURNED ON OR IF SITTING AT A RED LIGHT, SO IN RETURN I WOULD HAVE TO PUT MY CAR IN PARK WHILE SITTING AT RED LIGHTS. ALL OF THIS IS DUE TO THE PCV VALVE. THIS RECALL WAS NOT MADE AWARE TO ME IF THOUGH I TOOK MY CAR TO GET SERVICED AT THE BMW DEALERSHIP AFTER THE RECALL WAS ANNOUNCED. THIS IS WHY I ASKED FOR GOODWILL ASSISTANCE FROM BMW. ONCE MY CAR WAS TAKEN IN TO FIX THE RECALL BMW TOLD ME THEY WOULD NOT HELP FINANCIALLY WITH THE REPAIRS OF MY VEHICLE DUE TO THE FACT OF THE YEAR AND MILEAGE. CORPORATE TOLD ME THIS AFTER I HAD TO CHASE THEM DOWN ALL DAY BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THEY NEEDED A ANSWER BY 12PM AND NEEDED THE LOANER VEHICLE BACK. ONCE I RECEIVED THE ANSWER OF NO I ASKED CODY CAMPBELL IF THE RECALL WAS FIXED . HE REPLIED SAYING YES. I DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO THEN BE SENT BACK HOME BECAUSE THEY SAID THEY WERE SEALING SOME OF THE LEAKS FOR SAFETY PURPOSES. I FOUND THIS ODD BECAUSE IF YOU LOOKED ONLINE AND STILL LOOK NOW AS OF 10:09PM ON 10/05/2019 THE RECALL STILL HAS NOT BEEN FIXED.

Since the airbag was not fixed, it has caused PVC meltings as well as leakage

The Valvetronic Actuator malfunctions. The malfunction may have been caused by a Battery Positive Cable that has corroded over time. The result is that the vehicle stops unexpectedly during acceleration. Driver safety and that of others is put at risk due to the vehicle suddenly losing power and stoping while being driven. The vehicle was evaluated by the dealer. Warning lamps were intermittent and inconsistent. To my knowledge there is no Valvetronic Actuator or Battery Cable specific warning lamps or messages. There was a 2017 recall for the Battery Positive Cable, but my specific VIN was not covered (by a few months). My VIN (1986 325I) should have been included in the 2017 recall.

Since the airbag was not fixed, it has caused PVC meltings as well as leakage

After recall done pvc valve and blower heat a/c now not working the car engine light come up abs /brake and more

THERE IS A CLEAR MANUFACTURING DEFECT CONCERNING THE ALUMINUM SCREWS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VALVE COVER GASKET AND THE ALUMINUM HEAD BOLTS ON 2006 BMW 325I'S. THE NHTSA HAS RECEIVED MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS DEFECT. THE ALUMINUM SCREWS/BOLTS HAVE BEEN REDESIGNED SINCE DISCOVERING THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT. BMWNA HAVE HAD NUMEROUS SERVICE ISSUES RELATED TO THESE DEFECTIVE ALUMINUM SCREWS/BOLTS. THEY HAVE OPENLY ADMITTED THAT THE SCREWS/BOLTS IN QUESTION WERE DEFECTIVE IN NATURE AND PRODUCTION, AND THAT THE SCREWS/BOLTS HAVE BEEN REDESIGNED TO AVOID FUTURE FAILURES. SOME OF THESE COMPLAINTS INCLUDED, AND RESULTED IN, VEHICLES LEAKING OIL IN THE ENGINE AREA, POTENTIALLY CAUSING FIRES IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEFECTIVE SCREWS/BOLTS POSE A SERIOUS POTENTIAL RISK TO THE SAFETY OF THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES, AS WELL AS TO OTHER DRIVERS WHO SHARE THE ROADWAY WITH THEM. IT IS MY STRONG BELIEF THAT THIS PUBLIC SAFETY RISK CANNOT GO ON ANY FURTHER WITHOUT PROPER INTERVENTION FROM THE GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES WE EMPLOY AS TAXPAYERS. I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT BMWNA ISSUE A VOLUNTARY RECALL OF THE BMW 2006 325I'S AFFECTED BY THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT. IF BMWNA DECLINES TO ISSUE A VOLUNTARY RECALL, I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT THE NHTSA ISSUE A MANDATORY RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT. I HAVE LEARNED THAT BMW OF NORTH AMERICA IS AWARE OF THE DEFECTIVE ALUMINUM SCREWS/BOLTS, AND HAS ISSUED AN INTERNAL "TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN" (TSB) TO FOREWARN DEALERSHIPS OF THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT, AND THE STEPS TO REMEDY THE ISSUE. I HAVE DILIGENTLY MAINTAINED MY VEHICLE AS PRESCRIBED BY THE SERVICE MANUALS, AS WELL AS THE ON BOARD COMPUTER IN THE VEHICLE. MY CONTENTION IS EXTREMELY CLEAR; THE ALUMINUM BOLTS ARE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND SHOULD BE FIXED AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER! *TR

WINDSHIELD MOLDING DISINTEGRATING INTO PIECES , DEFECTIVE MATERIAL - CAN CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD TO BREAK OR COME LOOSE. *TR

SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE. IN ORDER TO CHANGE THE HEADLAMP, THE BUMPER MUST BE REMOVED. THIS IS A VERY COSTLY PROJECT. MY SON HAS A 2009 7 SERIES WITH THIS PROBLEM. CARS SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED.

WIRING INSIDE OF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY IS FAILING DUE TO INSULATION THAT IS DISINTEGRATING. THIS IS RESULTING IN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUITS THAT PREVENT THE HEADLIGHT BULBS FROM WORKING PROPERLY. *TR

OIL FILTER HOUSING GASKET LEAKED ON TO ALTERNATOR CAUSING THE ALTERNATOR TO OVER HEAT AND MELT INTERNAL COMPONENTS WHICH CAUSING LACK OF POWER AND MULTIPLE FALSE CHECK ENGINE CODES TO COME ON AND SMOKE CLOUDED MY VIEW WHILE DRIVING SO VERY COMMON PROBLEM IS THE HEATER CORE LEAKING TOO

WHEN I PUSH THE BRAKE FOR A COMPLETE STOP, IT WILL STOP BUT MILISECONDS AFTER THAT I WILL GET JUMPY. IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR SOMEONE THAT IS NOT USED TO THE VEHICLE, IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS ABOUT TO HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT OF IT. IT HAPPENS WHEN THERE IS A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR WHEN I AM GOING TO PARK MY VEHICLE.

MY CAR WAS SITTING IN THE GARAGE WHEN, AT SOME POINT, THE SUNROOF BROKE FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND DISPLAYS NO SIGN OF IMPACT DAMAGE FROM ANYTHING EXTERNAL. THERE ARE PIECES OF THE GLASS SITTING ON THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS FINE DEBRIS COVERING THE OUTSIDE PORTION OF THE GLASS, SHOWING THIS DID NOT OCCUR WHILE DRIVING OR FROM ANY EXTERNAL CAUSE. THE TEMPERATURE IS IN THE LOWER 90S AND NO ONE ELSE WAS HOME OR HAD ACCESS TO THE VEHICLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT SMELLED SMOKE IN THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS WHEN THE HEATER WAS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH CRITZ BMW OF SAVANNAH (7009 ABERCORN ST, SAVANNAH, GA 31406, (912) 354-7000) AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE PARTS FOR THE BLOWER MOTOR RECALL WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND BMW WOULD NOT HAVE PARTS FOR SIX MONTHS TO A YEAR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 94,650. * (RECALL RELATED INCIDENTS) TS

TENSION BELTS.OVER HEATING.ALIGNMENT.TRANSMISSION. I'VE LOST JOBS DUE TO THESE ISSUES THE CAR AGAIN IS BROKE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BUSHINGS ON THE FRONT AXLE WERE DAMAGED AND THE CONTROL ARMS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THE CONTACT COULD ASK FOR A DISCOUNT AT THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,598. UPDATED 08/22/17*LJ *CN

The contact's husband owned a 2006 BMW 325i. The contact stated that while her niece was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact's niece pulled over, and she and her boyfriend safely exited the vehicle before it caught fire. No injuries were sustained and no medical attention was received. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard; however, it was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact was made aware that there were 3 unrepaired recalls associated with the VIN with NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17V676000 (Electrical System), 19V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). However, the contact had not received the recall notifications. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.

AFTER PUSHING THE START BUTTON I GET THIS MESSAGE (NOT AN ERROR, A MESSAGE): "ELECTRIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK MAY PREVENT ENGINE STARTING. MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL SO THAT ENGINE CAN BE STARTED." SO THE WHEEL LOCKS ITSELF ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAVE TO TOW THE CAR FOR NO REASON. NOW DEALER IS SUGGESTING TO CHANGING A PART AND SOME OTHER DEALER SAYS IT NEEDS TO BE REPROGRAMMED. UNBELIEVABLE. BMW DOESN'T EVEN KNOW THE REASON OF THIS ISSUE.. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE TRANSMISSION PAN. THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING A TICKING SOUND AND JERKED WHEN IT WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION PAN AND FILTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE PAN WAS MADE OF PLASTIC AND HAD A TENDENCY TO BECOME WARPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM ABOVE THE PAN FROM THE ENGINE AS WELL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 66,000.

I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH IN TRAFFIC ON FRIDAY, OCT. 31, 2008, AT 5 P.M., IN HOUSTON,WHEN MY 2006 BMW 325I BEGAN SMOKING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND BURST INTO FLAMES BY THE TIME I GOT IT PARKED. I FIRST NOTICED THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN SMOKE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN FILLING THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE TIME THE HFD ARRIVED. THE CAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HAD NO RECENT SERVICE OR PROBLEMS. IT HAD NO PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE AC JUST BEGAN BLOWING WARM AIR, AND SMOKE STARTED POURING INTO THE COMPARTMENT FROM ABOVE AND BELOW THE DASHBOARD - NOT FROM THE AC. THE CAR WAS RUNNING FINE UNTIL IT BURST INTO FLAMES. IT HAD TO BE A MECHANICAL DEFECT OR AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OF SOME KIND. *TR