VehicleVerdict

2006 BMW 7 Series problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 42 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 10.5 times the median 7 Series year — the 2006 model ranks #1 of 18 7 Series years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (8), airbags (7), and transmission (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

42

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

4

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other 7 Series years?

7 Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted42 complaints1995: 3 complaints1996: 1 complaints1997: 2 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 4 complaints2000: 2 complaints2001: 2 complaints2002: 5 complaints2003: 11 complaints2004: 35 complaints2005: 7 complaints2006: 42 complaints2007: 18 complaints2008: 16 complaints2009: 17 complaints2010: 2 complaints2011: 3 complaints2012: 4 complaints
7 Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 7 Series years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 BMW 7 Series problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine819%
Airbags717%
Transmission717%
Brakes512%
Electrical System410%
Fuel System25%
Seats25%
Other12%
Seat Belts12%
Latches & Locks12%
Speed Control12%
Suspension12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Lighting12%

Does the 2006 BMW 7 Series have recalls?

3 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.

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.

06V277000SuspensionJuly 26, 2006 · 11,640 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LOWER RUBBER MOUNT OF THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY NOT ADHERE CORRECTLY TO ITS HOUSING WITHIN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.

Consequence

THE BUSHING COULD LOOSEN AND OVER TIME COULD SEPARATE FROM ITS HOUSING. THE DRIVER WILL EXPERIENCE IMPAIRED VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“BLOWS OUT WHILE/BLUISH SMOKE, SHIFTS INTO PARK WHEN IN DRIVE OR REVERSE, WON'T GO FORWARD. TRANSMISSION FAULT LIGHT ON. I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY PUT OIL IN IT. THERE IS NO REASON WHY I SHOULD BE HAVING ALL THESE PROBLEMS, I SEE THAT MILLIONS OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE OR PURCHASED THIS SAME CAR HAVE THE SAME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 1, 2015

“DRIVER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT FAULT BECAUSE OF DEFECTIVE MAT IN DRIVER SIDE FRONT SEAT. I HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES AND THEY HAVE SAID THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME FAULT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BUT BMW HAS NOT YET RECALLED THE DRIVER SIDE MAT. THIS FAULT RENDERS THE DRIVER SIDE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 1, 2010

“THE FRONT LIGHT BULBS HAVE BLOWN ON THE LEFT SIDE TWICE. THE HARNESS WIRE CONNECTION IS FAULTY. ALSO THE DYNAMIC DRIVE INACTIVE WHILE THE TRANSMISSION JERKS WHEN YOU ACCELERATE AFTER VEHICLE STOPS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 13, 2015

“WHILE STOPPING, THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME EXTREMELY HARD AND WENT TO THE FLOOR, JUST BARELY AVOIDING A CATASTROPHE. THIS HAPPENED WITH NO WARNING WHATSOEVER, AND THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A MULTIPLE DEATH ACCIDENT. I CONTACTED BMW OF NA AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 4, 2016

“BMW 750 LI 2006. I AM THE FIST OWNER OF THIS CAR. SICNE I GOT THIS CAR IT HAS GIVEN ME MUCH PROBLEM. I HAVE OWED THIS CAR FOR A YEAR, AND HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES. THE PROBLEMS WERE NOT SOLVED. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR JERKED, AND AIR CONDITIONING ( A/C )SMELLED. THE LIGHT ALWAYS WENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 1, 2007

2006 BMW 7 Series — common questions

Is the 2006 BMW 7 Series reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 42 complaints put the 2006 model at #1 of 18 7 Series years. It is one of the 7 Series years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 7 Series problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (8 complaints), airbags (7 complaints), transmission (7 complaints).

Does the 2006 BMW 7 Series have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 BMW 7 Series. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 BMW 7 Series under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which BMW 7 Series years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 7 Series years to avoid are 2006, 2004. The cleanest record among 7 Series years belongs to 1998.

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.