VehicleVerdict

2005 BMW 6 Series problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 2005 BMW 6 Series — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

10

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other 6 Series years?

6 Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted11 complaints2004: 3 complaints2005: 10 complaints2006: 8 complaints2007: 3 complaints2008: 11 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2012: 3 complaints
6 Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 6 Series years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 BMW 6 Series problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags440%
Electrical System220%
Brakes110%
Fuel System110%
Other110%
Seat Belts110%

Does the 2005 BMW 6 Series have recalls?

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

12E029000EngineAugust 10, 2012 · 585 units

Defect

This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.

Consequence

This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.

Remedy

Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.

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.

10V446000BrakesOctober 1, 2010 · 198,352 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

POWER ASSIST BRAKING PERFORMANCE COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED. IN EXTREME CASES THERE COULD BE A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER ASSIST BRAKING. AN UNEXPECTED REDUCTION OR LOSS IN POWER BRAKING ASSIST MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

05V504000TransmissionNovember 1, 2005 · 240 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE THE PARKING LOCK SYSTEM NOT TO ENGAGE, AFTER THE TRANSMISSION IS PLACED IN THE PARK ("P") POSITION. IF THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, AND THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT ENGAGED, THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ROLLAWAY CONDITION.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 645. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD INDICATING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS NOT WORKING. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A CRASH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WOULD NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 25, 2011

“I BOUGHT A NEW 2005 BMW 645I.AND IT HAD COMPUTER PROBLEMS. THE DEALER SAID THE MANUFACTURER USUALLY FIXED PROBLEMS IN 60-90 DAYS. IT HAS BEEN 18 MONTHS AND THE ON BOARD COMPUTER HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE ENTERTAINMENT, AND BLUETOOTH. THE COMPUTER CONTINUES TO PLAY CD'S AFTER THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 5, 2005

“DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING . THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WENT OVER THE CURB AND HIT A PARKING PILLAR. THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS DAMAGED. THE CONTACT REPORTS HEARING SQUEAKING NOISES COMING FROM THE BRAKES TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 3, 2006 · crash

“I BOUGHT A NEW 2005 BMW 645I.AND IT HAD COMPUTER PROBLEMS. THE DEALER SAID THE MANUFACTURER USUALLY FIXED PROBLEMS IN 60-90 DAYS. IT HAS BEEN 18 MONTHS AND THE ON BOARD COMPUTER HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE ENTERTAINMENT, AND BLUETOOTH. THE COMPUTER CONTINUES TO PLAY CD'S AFTER THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 5, 2005

2005 BMW 6 Series — common questions

Is the 2005 BMW 6 Series reliable?

The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2005 6 Series problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (4 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints), brakes (1 complaints).

Does the 2005 BMW 6 Series have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 BMW 6 Series. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 6 Series years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 6 Series years to avoid are 2012. The cleanest record among 6 Series years belongs to 2010.

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.