2006 BMW 325i engine problems

The 2006 BMW 325i has 78 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 11% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

Engine complaints

11%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

325i engine complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

19V273000EngineApril 4, 2019 · 184,505 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.

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. Note: This recall is an expansion to recall 17V-683.

What owners report

“OUR VEHICLE IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE 2007 MODEL WITH THE SAME INLINE SIX ENGINE. THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED OVERNIGHT IN OUR GARAGE DUE TO ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS WHICH REMAINS ACTIVE EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS NOT RUNNING. IT HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN 12 HOURS PRIOR TO THE FIRE. THE CAR HAD LESS THAN…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 31, 2013 · fire

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2006 BMW 325i have?

NHTSA has 78 complaints about the 2006 BMW 325i engine — 11% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2006 BMW 325i engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 19V273000.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.