Most common 2006 BMW 550i problems
Share of the 23 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 550i complaints by model year
Best 550i years: 2016, 2014, 2015. Years to avoid: 2011, 2012, 2007, 2008. Compare all years →
2006 BMW 550i recalls (3)
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…
Engine and engine cooling
On certain vehicles equipped with v8 engines, in conditions of below freezing temperatures combined with low humidity, it is possible for electrostatic discharge to occur at the fuel rails. If this were to occur, the engine electronic control unit (ECU) could be affected so that engine stalling could result.
Remedy: Dealers will attach two ground cables in the engine compartment free of charge. The recall began on October 29, 2007. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2006 BMW 550i:
BMW airbag light illumination
BMW is conducting a safety recall campaign on approximately 200,000 my04 through my06 subject vehicles built through 11/30/05 to correct the front passenger seat air bag occupant detection mat. The specific vehicles included in the recall aremy04- 06/ 5-series with standard and sport seats, my04-06/ x3-series and my06/ 3-series with sport seats.
What 2006 BMW 550i owners say
Air bags
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 550I. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front passenger's side air bag warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V428000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 184,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 BMW 550i. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH attempting to avoid crashing into an animal, the contact swerved to the right and crashed into a tree. The air bag deployed but the contact sustained burns on the neck and right wrist from the air bag chemicals. The contact also required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine & cooling
I was driving home and felt the car leaning to one side (passenger side) I drove slowly with hazard lights on made it home and checked under vehicle looked liked the bolt came off and bar connected to tire was dropped had it towed to shop and was told control arm needed to be replaced . Another situation I had with my car was the cooling system and the oil I was buying bottles of coolant and oil weekly took it into shop and was told complete cooling system needed to be replaced as I was driving home car started to overheat so I stopped as recommended and let it cool made it home then had vehicle towed to shop they ordered all parts and hoses for cooling system now my car smoke at the exhaust when sitting idle for a few minutes then when I push on the gas big clouds of white smoke come from exhaust.
There is fuel leaking from the main fuel line to the fuel rail. Extremely dangerous upon research I have found that this is a common problem with my model which explains why BMW's catch fire. Does someone have to die before they fix this problem?
Electrical system
Defective elv steering lock prevents the car from starting. The lock can't be disabled. This should be a recall. The lock is unnnecssary for safe operation of the vehicle. The lock can't be disabled. At the very least, the owner should be able to disable it.
In the earlier part of the year, I noticed the battery cable (located in the trunk of my car) was very hot to the touch and began charring. I called the local BMW service center because I read of other consumers having the same issue (article in consumer reports, the new york times and msnbc.com. Each article stated BMW would be issuing a recall. I called the local BMW dealer service center and my consultant told me there was not a recall campaign for that issue with my car. On, 9/14/14 the car started giving electronic errors and acting like it was going to stall out on the interstate and we were driving at approximately 70mph. I had the car towed into BMW of nashville's service center on 9/14/14 and was informed that I was responsible for paying for the charges to replace the cables and they know it is a known defect that effected millions of cars. Please investigate this issue.
2006 BMW 550i engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 14 / 21 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 BMW 550i a good car?
Based on 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 550i rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the 550i at the same age. 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 550i?
The air bags — 13 complaints, 57% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the engine & cooling (3) and electrical system (3).
How many recalls does the 2006 BMW 550i have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2006 BMW 550i, the most recent from July 6, 2017 (occupant classification). 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 550i?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2016, 2014 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011, 2012, 2007 and 2008. See the full BMW 550i years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 BMW 550i problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 100,000 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.