RoadVitals

2005 BMW 6 Series

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
7
Latest Oct 31, 2015
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Aug 10, 2012
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 7 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 BMW 6 Series, most frequently naming the airbags, brakes and electrical categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 27 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Airbags440.0%
  • Brakes110.0%
  • Electrical110.0%
  • Fuel system110.0%
  • Interior & seats110.0%
  • Other / unspecified110.0%
  • Seat belts110.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
12E029000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

Aug 10, 2012
585 units potentially affected
The defect: This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.
The risk: This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.
The remedy: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.
ValeoView on NHTSA.gov
12V126000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

Mar 26, 2012
367,682 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: 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.
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
10V446000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

Oct 1, 2010
198,352 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, 6-SERIES, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2008 7-SERIES VEHICLES. A CHECK VALVE OF THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP MAY LEAK A SMALL AMOUNT OF LUBRICATING OIL. OVER TIME THIS COULD RESULT IN CONTAMINATION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
The risk: POWER ASSIST BRAKING PERFORMANCE COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED. IN EXTREME CASES THERE COULD BE A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER ASSIST BRAKING. AN UNEXPECTED REDUCTION OR LOSS IN POWER BRAKING ASSIST MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Oct 31, 2015

PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION.

NHTSA ID
10787482
Incident
Oct 15, 2015
Mileage
109,275 mi
Airbags
Filed May 25, 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 645. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD INDICATING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS NOT WORKING. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A CRASH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY AND COULD CAUSE A SEVERE INJURY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,721.

NHTSA ID
10402757
Incident
May 25, 2011
Mileage
65,721 mi
Airbags
Filed Dec 14, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 645. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000. UPDATED 02/02/11 *CN

NHTSA ID
10370612
Incident
Nov 25, 2010
Mileage
30,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Oct 1, 2010

PASSENGER AIRBAG LAMP IS ON AND STAYS ON AFTER TECHNICIAN AT THE BMW SERVICE CENTER RESET THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER (CLEARED FAULTS). VEHICLE DID NOT GET INTO SITUATION WHICH WOULD TRIGGER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, BUT POTENTIALLY THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIRBAG MAY MALFUNCTION AND RENDER THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INOPERATIVE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10358761
Incident
Mar 26, 2010
Mileage
25,695 mi
ElectricalInterior & seatsOther / unspecified
Filed Jul 21, 2006

I BOUGHT A NEW 2005 BMW 645I.AND IT HAD COMPUTER PROBLEMS. THE DEALER SAID THE MANUFACTURER USUALLY FIXED PROBLEMS IN 60-90 DAYS. IT HAS BEEN 18 MONTHS AND THE ON BOARD COMPUTER HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE ENTERTAINMENT, AND BLUETOOTH. THE COMPUTER CONTINUES TO PLAY CD'S AFTER THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF. THE DEALER IGNORED THE PROBLEM FOR MONTHS UNTIL I SAID THE CAR WOULD NEED TO BE BOUGHT UNDER THE "LEMON LAW'. THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY NOW SAY ALL 650 AND 645 MODELS HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND THEY CANNOT GUARANTEE ANOTHER VEHICLE WOULD PERFORM WITHOUT PROBLEMS. THE DEALER AND BMW NORTHAMERICA ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID
10163128
Incident
Jan 5, 2005
Fuel system
Filed Apr 26, 2006

MY BMW 745I HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP REPEATEDLY TO FIX A PROBLEM WITH THE GAS READING MECHANISM. THE CAR TELLS ME THERE IS GAS WHEN THERE IS NONE OR VICE VERSA. TWICE THE CAR HAS COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING HAVING TO BE TOWED. THE MOST RECENT TIME WAS THIS MORNING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR JUST STOPPED. THE GAS GAUGE INDICATED I HAD A HALF A TANK OF GASOLINE WHEREAS IT TURNED OUT IT WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY. I WAS UNDER AN OVERPASS, ALONE WITH CARS ZIPPING BY ON MY LEFT, A WALL TO MY RIGHT AND NO ONE TO STOP ME FROM BEING STRUCK FROM THE REAR! ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE FAULTY PART WAS ALLEGEDLY CHANGED. FIRST TO THE RIGHT SIDE AND THEN TO THE LEFT (WHATEVER THAT MEANS) IT STILL DOES NOT ACCURATELY READ THE GASOLINE. *JB

NHTSA ID
10156129
Incident
Apr 26, 2006
Brakes
Filed Jan 6, 2006
Crash reported

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING . THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WENT OVER THE CURB AND HIT A PARKING PILLAR. THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS DAMAGED. THE CONTACT REPORTS HEARING SQUEAKING NOISES COMING FROM THE BRAKES TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE SQUEAKING NOISE OCCURRED ONLY WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY AT 5 TO 10 MPH. THE DEALER SAID THE BRAKE PRESSURE SENSOR WAS BAD. THE DEALER PLANS ON CONTACTING BMW TO SEE IF THE REPAIRS WILL BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. *AK

NHTSA ID
10147109
Incident
Jan 3, 2006
Mileage
8,323 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B510819

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle "discharged battery" complaints. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of the discharged battery cannot be identified. This increases the chances of a repeat repair.

B650709

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:

B650709

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:

SIB-61-13-05

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

BMW: BATTERY HAS AN INCREASED DEMAND DUE TO DEVELOPEMENTAL PROCESS OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS IS CAUSING THE BATTER TO NEED TO UNDERGO AN ENERGY DIAGNOSIS. *KB

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW 6 Series by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2012211—
2011000—
2010020—
2009020—
2008620—
2007230—
2006551—
2005Viewing740—
2004350—
2003000—
2002000—
2001000—
2000000—
1999000—
1998000—
1997000—
1996000—
1995000—
1994000—
1993000—
1992000—
1991000—
1990000—
1989000—
1988000—
1987000—
1986000—
1985000—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.