Most common 2006 BMW 650i problems
Share of the 20 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 650i complaints by model year
Best 650i years: 2008, 2010, 2014. Years to avoid: 2012, 2007, 2013. Compare all years →
2006 BMW 650i recalls (1)
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 650i:
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 650i owners say
Brakes
Tl* the contact owned a 2006 BMW 650i. While driving 15 MPH and coming to a stop, the brakes failed to respond. The contact stated that the brake pedal was soft and traveled to the floorboard. The harder the brake pedal was applied, the further to the floor it went without a response. The contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. In turn, the other vehicle struck the preceding vehicle. The air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to both legs, the left hand, and breasts, which required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 BMW 650i. While driving at various speeds, the contact had to place an abnormal amount of pressure on the brake pedal in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the dealer informed the contact of other repairs that needed to be completed for the brake system. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V446000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The remedy for the recall stated that any repairs would be done and decided upon by the dealer free of charge; however, the dealer only completed one necessary repair free of charge. The vehicle's repair was not complete. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000. Updated 02/18/16 the consumer stated the recall repair was completed. Updated 12/14/2017
Seats
I started my car turned on both heated seats and begin seeing smoke and smelled distinct burning.... I pulled out of my garage and immediately pulled to the curve. My left side drivers seat was smoking and I realized my pants had a hole burned in them along with a hole in my seat. I have contacted BMW but to date no response back from them. This is a dangerous flaw in the BMW and needs further action taken. I could have been burned or this could have caused me to have a serious accident. Further my very low mileage car could have been consumed in flames.
I was driving down the highway when I smelled something funny. A minute later I felt an extremely hot sensation on my left leg. I reached down and the seat was so hot that it burnt my hand from the brief contact. I pulled over to find that the heated seat element had burnt a hole in the leather seat as well as burnt a hole in my wool coat. Ironically, this occurred in my last BMW as well, a 2004 3-series, just to a lesser extent. I did not receive burns from that incident, it just melted the left side of my seat.
Wheels & tires
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 BMW 650i equipped with Bridgestone tires, tire line: potenza re050a, tire size: 275/35/r19 and dot number: ej9hdjh4311. The contact stated that he observer a blister in the passenger side rear tire sidewall. The contact also mentioned the tire was always flat. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate vehicle and tire failure mileage was approximately 92,132.
Have a bubble on 2 Bridgestone potenzas run flat, OEM. Car and tires have 10,500 miles. Tires are diagonally opposite, rear driver and front passenger side. 1) front 245/40/19 run flat and 2) rear 275/40/19. Have not hit potholes. Wrote to Bridgestone - no reply, on the website they claim that they respond within 3 working days. Also took car to Bridgestone/Firestone dealer in westbury, ny. They deny that this is a manufacturer defect. I believe that this is a manufacturer defect given that: 1. Tires did not hit a pothole, even if it did, hopefully they are designed to hit potholes, at least some of the time; 2) this happened within 10,000 miles; 3) they are on diagonally opposite sides, 4) they happened as a result of inner and outer linings not having been glued well in the manufacturing process. …
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 BMW 650i a good car?
Based on 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 650i rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the 650i 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 650i?
The brakes — 5 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the seats (4) and wheels & tires (3).
How many recalls does the 2006 BMW 650i have?
There is 1 recall for the 2006 BMW 650i, the most recent from October 12, 2007 (engine and engine cooling). 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 650i?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2008, 2010 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012, 2007 and 2013. See the full BMW 650i years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 BMW 650i problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 84,000 miles; 13% 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.