Most common 2006 BMW 6 Series problems
Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 6 Series complaints by model year
Best 6 Series years: 2009, 2010, 2007. Compare all years →
2006 BMW 6 Series recalls (5)
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables
BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 m5, and model year 2007-2010 m6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable May have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, 6-series, and model year 2002-2008 7-series vehicles. A check valve of the brake vacuum pump May leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on November 24, 2010. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Suspension › Rear › Shock absorber
On certain passenger vehicles, the lower rubber mount of the rear shock absorbers May not have been manufactured to specifications and May not adhere correctly to its housing within the shock absorber.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear shock absorber free of charge. The recall began on September 13, 2006. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Suspension › Front › Control arm
On certain passenger vehicles, the nuts which secure the front axle control arm and tension strut to the front wheel hub May not have been tightened to specification. Over time the nuts could loosen and the control arm and tension strut could be damaged.
Remedy: Dealers will retighten the front axle control arm and tension strut nuts to the correct specifications free of charge. The recall began on June 28, 2006. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Certain passenger vehicles May have been built with an incorrectly manufactured automatic transmission parking pawl guide plate.
Remedy: Dealers will repair and replace the automatic transmission guide plate free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2005. Owners May contact BMW at 1-800-332-4269.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2006 BMW 6 Series:
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.
2006 BMW 6 Series 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: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 BMW 6 Series a good car?
Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 6 Series rates average: 1.6× as many complaints as a typical year of the 6 Series 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 6 Series?
The engine & cooling — 2 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the seats (1) and air bags (1).
How many recalls does the 2006 BMW 6 Series have?
There are 5 recalls for the 2006 BMW 6 Series, the most recent from March 26, 2012 (cables). 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 6 Series?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009, 2010 and 2007. See the full BMW 6 Series years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 BMW 6 Series problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 57,000 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.