2006 BMW 325i Electrical Problems

Which parts fail

• Instrument cluster/panel
  2
• Ignition
  1
• Horn
  1
• Ignition › Module
  1

Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  610%
• 25k–50k
  58%
• 50k–75k
  1220%
• 75k–100k
  1627%
• 100k–150k
  1322%
• 150k+
  712%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 BMW 325i owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owned a 2006 BMW 325i. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the A/C became inoperable and made an abnormally loud sound. The contact then noticed an abnormal burning wiring odor, and there was smoke coming out of the A/C vents. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she attempted to pull to the side of the road, but could not safely do so. The contact continued driving and came to a complete stop at the traffic light, where the cabin became engulfed in smoke. The contact then pulled into a business parking lot and immediately exited the vehicle. The contact stated upon opening the hood, the contact noticed a reflection of the flame inside the hood. The contact ran into the business and asked for assistance. …

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. …

The contact's husband owns a 2006 BMW 325i. The contact stated moments after her son had started, parked and exited the vehicle, there was smoke coming from under the hood. The under hood caught on fire and the hood failed to open. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The contact stated that the under hood, the front of the vehicle and the front tires burned significantly. A fire department report was filed. A police report was not filed. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle remained at the residence. The vehicle was awaiting to be destroyed. The dealer was contacted. The contact contacted the manufacturer and sent pictures of the incident to the manufacturer; however, the manufacturer informed the contact that the fire was not related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000(Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was unknown.

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, [redacted]

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 contact owns a 2006 BMW 325i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 BMW 325i. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 17V676000 (electrical system). After driving the vehicle for two miles to run an errand, the contact returned to the vehicle and smelled burning plastic. The contact opened the hood and saw flames on the left side of the engine block by the firewall. The fire department extinguished the fire. The fire department recorded the event and took pictures of the damage. A police report was not filed. The contact's hand was slightly injured, but medical attention was not received. BMW of louisville (4 autocenter dr, louisville, ky 40299, [phone]) towed the vehicle and diagnosed that the fire was caused by an oil leak and power steering fluid. The dealer stated that the contact was responsible for the repairs. …

Tl* the contact owned a 2006 BMW 325i. The contact stated that after the vehicle had been parked for approximately five hours, it caught on fire. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire and a fire report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V676000 (electrical system). The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The dealer (BMW of mt. Laurel, 1220 nj-73, mt laurel, nj 08054, [phone]) and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

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, [phone]) 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

Tl* the contact owned a 2006 BMW 325i. While driving approximately 60 MPH, burning fumes and black smoke started to emit from the dashboard. The contact mentioned that flames were coming from underneath the steering wheel. As a result, the doors locked, the windshield glass cracked, and the wiring was severely burned and caused all the warning indicators to illuminate. The fire department was notified. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.

Related recalls

Electrical complaints in other 325i years