Most common 2006 BMW 525xi problems
Share of the 28 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 525xi complaints by model year
2006 BMW 525xi recalls (3)
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)
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
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
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…
What 2006 BMW 525xi owners say
Air bags
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 BMW 525xi. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the frontal air bag sensor module experienced a failure. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V564000 (air bags). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was notified that the warranty period was expired. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 BMW 525xi. While an occupant was seated in the front passenger seat the air bag and seat belt warning indicators illuminated, indicating that the air bags and seat belt were inoperable the dealer diagnosed that the passenger seat detection mat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 300,000. Updated 03/03/17
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525xi. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the contact smelled the odor of burning coming from the vehicle, and the contact noticed smoke coming from the trunk of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and notice that smoking was coming from the battery. The contact was able to stop the smoke. The vehicle would not restart, and the vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 154,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 BMW 525xi. While driving, the contact noticed an odor of burning rubber and the alternator warning indicator illuminated. Also, the power failed without warning. The contact stated the vehicle was not able to start without receiving a jump. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the wires connected to the battery were burned. The contact stated they would take the vehicle to the dealer to receive an official diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Brakes
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 BMW 525xi. The contact stated that while driving at various low speeds, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake booster failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 BMW 525xi. While coming to a full stop at a traffic light, the contact had to depress the brakes with both feet in order to stop the vehicle. The contact mentioned that no warning indicators were illuminated. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The VIN and failure mileage were unavailable.
2006 BMW 525xi engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 BMW 525xi a good car?
There isn't enough complaint history for the 525xi to compare model years reliably. So far owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 BMW 525xi?
The air bags — 13 complaints, 46% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (6) and brakes (5).
How many recalls does the 2006 BMW 525xi have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2006 BMW 525xi, the most recent from April 4, 2019 (crankcase (pcv)). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do 2006 BMW 525xi problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 122,000 miles; 5% 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.