Most common 2006 BMW 325 problems
Share of the 8 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 325 complaints by model year
Best 325 years: 2000, 2003, 2006. Years to avoid: 1995, 2001, 2002. Compare all years →
2006 BMW 325 recalls (1)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2006 BMW 325:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2006 BMW 325 owners say
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 BMW 325i. While driving approximately 75 MPH, the radiator warning indicator illuminated. The contact stopped at a fuel station, added water to the radiator, and continued driving. The contact drove to peter pan BMW (1625 adrian rd, burlingame, ca 94010) where it was diagnosed that a new radiator was needed. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle was repaired on June 19, 2019 by the same dealer per NHTSA campaign number: 19V273000 (engine and engine cooling) and the failure occurred ever since. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.
I was trying to wait until a remember was available but I'm pregnant and now these issues have gotten worse and are more imperative my car is now smoking as I drive the power steering is now affected I just purchased a new battery and the battery light came on it stopped randomly in the middle of the street all issues which arent acceptable period but are worse given my current physical state
Air bags
Was having a series of electrical problems and codes pop up and my vehicle. Including the airbag light aluminate. I popped the trunk to find the battery terminal melted. I took my car into the mechanic and they informed me that there was a recall on battery terminals. Although the recall if she from cars 2007 to 2011 my 2006 BMW exhibits the exact problems that I have read about.
Intermittent passenger side air bag warning light illuminated. Car says air bag is disabled. Seems like same issue as previous nhsta campaign 13v-564 but this particular VIN is currently covered. Please expand recall to include my VIN.
Electrical system
Was having a series of electrical problems and codes pop up and my vehicle. Including the airbag light aluminate. I popped the trunk to find the battery terminal melted. I took my car into the mechanic and they informed me that there was a recall on battery terminals. Although the recall if she from cars 2007 to 2011 my 2006 BMW exhibits the exact problems that I have read about.
Foot well module and junction box electrical short. Some lights stay on even if the car is off some signals dont work, one low beam headlight does not work, rear windows work sometimes and driver side rear windo does not work a all, ect
2006 BMW 325 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 28 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 18 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 BMW 325 a good car?
Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 325 rates better than average: 87% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 325 at the same age. It is one of the best 325 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 BMW 325?
The engine & cooling — 3 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year, most often about cooling system › radiator assembly. Next are the air bags (3) and electrical system (3).
How many recalls does the 2006 BMW 325 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2006 BMW 325, the most recent from February 5, 2016 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 325?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2000, 2003 and 2006. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995, 2001 and 2002. See the full BMW 325 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 BMW 325 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 136,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.