BMW 525xi Problems by Year

We compared every BMW 525xi model year from 2006–2007 using 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 3 recalls and federal defect investigations. No 525xi year stands out with an unusual number of complaints.

2model years
48complaints
3recalls
—worst years
—best years

Complaints by model year

200620072820
Owner complaints per model year, BMW 525xi. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
200720—1AirbagLimited data
200628—3AirbagLimited data

* Complaints compared with the median 525xi year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common BMW 525xi problems

  • Air bagsworst: 2006
    2144%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2006
    919%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2006
    817%
  • Brakesworst: 2006
    613%
  • Steeringworst: 2007
    510%
  • Seatsworst: 2006
    48%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2006
    36%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2006
    12%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2006
    12%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2007
    12%
  • Lightsworst: 2007
    12%
  • Other / not specified
    12%

Latest BMW 525xi recalls

Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)

NHTSA recall 19V-273 · Apr 4, 2019 · 184,505 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 530xi Sports Wagon, 325i, 325xi, 325xi Sports Wagon, 330i, 330xi, Z4 3.0i and Z4 3.0si vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification

NHTSA recall 17V-428 · Jul 6, 2017 · 2,158 vehicles

BMW of North America, Inc. (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, and 550i vehicles equipped with the Sport Seat option and certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i vehicles with standard seats.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 1, 2017.

Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification

NHTSA recall 13V-564 · Nov 12, 2013 · 76,565 vehicles

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model…

Remedy: BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant…

All 3 BMW 525xi recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the BMW 525xi should you avoid?

None of the BMW 525xi years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What are the most common BMW 525xi problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the air bags (21), electrical system (9) and engine & cooling (8). Airbag complaints peak in the 2006 model year.

How many recalls has the BMW 525xi had?

3 recalls across 2006–2007. The model year with the most is 2006. See all BMW 525xi recalls by year.

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.