2006 BMW M5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 54 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 18.0 times the median M5 year — the 2006 model ranks #1 of 27 M5 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: airbags issues account for 48% of all reports (26 of 54), far ahead of seat belts at 7.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other M5 years?

M5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all M5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 BMW M5 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Airbags	26	48%	▲ up
Seat Belts	7	13%	new
Transmission	6	11%	▲ up
Engine	5	9%	new
Seats	3	6%	▲ up
Electrical System	2	4%	▲ up
Other	1	2%	new
Lighting	1	2%	new
Speed Control	1	2%	new
Steering	1	2%	new
Fuel System	1	2%	new

Does the 2006 BMW M5 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ON JUNE 24, 2006, A-UNITED LEASED THE M5 THROUGH BMW OF MONROVIA, FORMERLY ASSAEL BMW. DURING THE DURATION OF THE LEASE, A-UNITED INCURRED LESS THAN 1800 MILES ON THE M5 PRIMARILY BECAUSE THE M5'S SAFETY AND RELIABILITY HAD CAUSED SERIOUS CONCERNS. FROM AS EARLY AS NOVEMBER 2006, A-UNITED BEGAN…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 18, 2008 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW M5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT AND PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. A DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT WHILE IT WAS A COMMON COMPLAINT,…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · January 31, 2013

“ON JUNE 24, 2006, A-UNITED LEASED THE M5 THROUGH BMW OF MONROVIA, FORMERLY ASSAEL BMW. DURING THE DURATION OF THE LEASE, A-UNITED INCURRED LESS THAN 1800 MILES ON THE M5 PRIMARILY BECAUSE THE M5'S SAFETY AND RELIABILITY HAD CAUSED SERIOUS CONCERNS. FROM AS EARLY AS NOVEMBER 2006, A-UNITED BEGAN…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 18, 2008 · crash

“CLEARANCE FAILURE ON S85 ENGINE TO ROD BEARINGS CAUSES OIL STARVATION. THIS IN TURN CAUSES ENGINE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. IF DRIVING THIS WILL EFFECT POWER BREAKING, POWER STEERING AND ALL COMPONENTS REQUIRING THE ENGINE TO BE RUNNING. THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE, I NOW HAVE SYMPTOMS REQUIRING A…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 22, 2020

“PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR IS BAD. THIS CAUSES A WARNING MESSAGE TO OCCUR THAT STATES THAT THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING. AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH, IF THIS MESSAGE IS DISPLAYED, THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. *TR”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · August 15, 2012

2006 BMW M5 — common questions

Is the 2006 BMW M5 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 54 complaints put the 2006 model at #1 of 27 M5 years. It is one of the M5 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 M5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (26 complaints), seat belts (7 complaints), transmission (6 complaints).

Does the 2006 BMW M5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2006 BMW M5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW M5 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the M5 years to avoid are 2006. The cleanest record among M5 years belongs to 2026.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2006 compare to other M5 years?

What are the most common 2006 BMW M5 problems?

Does the 2006 BMW M5 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2006 BMW M5 — common questions

Is the 2006 BMW M5 reliable?

What are the most common 2006 M5 problems?

Does the 2006 BMW M5 have recalls?

Which BMW M5 years should you avoid?

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