VehicleVerdict

2006 BMW 5 Series electrical system problems

The 2006 BMW 5 Series has 22 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 18% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

22

Electrical System complaints

18%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

5 Series electrical system complaints by model year22 complaints1995: 2 complaints2001: 1 complaints2003: 4 complaints2004: 10 complaints2005: 4 complaints2006: 22 complaints2007: 3 complaints2008: 17 complaints2009: 2 complaints2010: 1 complaints2011: 6 complaints
5 Series electrical system complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

12V126000Electrical SystemMarch 26, 2012 · 367,682 units

Defect

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. AS IT LOOSENS, AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE AND COULD CAUSE THE CABLE CONNECTION TO OVERHEAT.

Consequence

OVERHEATING COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, EVEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN USE. AS A PRECAUTION, OWNERS ARE ADVISED TO PARK OUTSIDE UNTIL THE REMEDY HAS BEEN MADE.

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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

What owners report

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW M5. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD A HISTORY OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SINCE THE DAY OF PURCHASE. DURING THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE LOST THE ABILITY TO BRAKE. HE HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 8, 2009 · fire

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2006 BMW 5 Series have?

NHTSA has 22 complaints about the 2006 BMW 5 Series electrical system — 18% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2006 BMW 5 Series electrical system?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 12V126000.

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.