VehicleVerdict

2006 BMW 328xi problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2006 BMW 328xi — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other 328xi years?

328xi NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted287 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 6 complaints2007: 287 complaints2008: 152 complaints2009: 18 complaints2010: 29 complaints2011: 99 complaints2012: 1 complaints2013: 33 complaints2014: 21 complaints2015: 22 complaints2016: 4 complaints
328xi NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 328xi years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 BMW 328xi problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags117%
Brakes117%
Electrical System117%
Other117%
Transmission117%
Visibility & Wipers117%

Does the 2006 BMW 328xi have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V513000AirbagsJuly 3, 2024 · 394,029 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

20V017000AirbagsJanuary 15, 2020 · 59,965 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

17V676000Electrical SystemOctober 25, 2017 · 702,965 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.

Consequence

Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“AFTER ALMOST FOUR YEARS OF OWNERSHIP THE BRAKE BECAME HARD AND DIDN'T WANT TO DEPRESS UPON STARTING. SINCE YOU HAVE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE TO START THE CAR, THIS CREATED HARD STARTING PROBLEMS. IT SEEMS TO BE LINKED TO COLD WEATHER AND A COLD CAR (WHEN THE CAR HASN'T BEEN OPERATED FOR A WHILE). THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 25, 2010

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 328XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHEN A PASSENGER WAS OCCUPYING THE SEAT. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 08V384000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 1, 2013

“The contact owned a 2006 BMW 328XI. The contact stated while his son was driving approximately 50 MPH on a slick road, the vehicle made a loud boom sound. There were no warning lights on the instrument panel. The driver depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle skidded into a telephone pole where…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 1, 2022 · crash · fire

“DOOR LOCKS BECAME UNRESPONSIVE, EITHER WHEN ACTIVATED VIA THE KEY FOB OR THE INTERNAL DOOR UNLOCK BUTTON. DOORS ARE UNABLE TO BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE AND THE INSIDE. PRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY THREAT. ONLY THE DRIVER'S DOOR IS OPENS. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 19, 2012

2006 BMW 328xi — common questions

Is the 2006 BMW 328xi reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2006 BMW 328xi have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 BMW 328xi. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 328xi years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 328xi years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2014, 2016. The cleanest record among 328xi years belongs to 2005.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.