U.S. public vehicle records

2006 Bmw 530XI problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

91 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

96,850 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2006 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 78 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 47 of 91 complaints (51.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Electrical and battery issues	23	25.3%
Braking behavior	5	5.5%
Steering behavior	4	4.4%
Transmission and shifting	2	2.2%
Engine operation	2	2.2%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags

Electrical System

Seat Belts

Engine

Exterior Lighting

Seats

Structure

Power Train

Air Bags: 47; Electrical System: 19; Seat Belts: 9; Engine: 8; Exterior Lighting: 8; Seats: 7; Structure: 5; Power Train: 4

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 13; 75,000 to 99,999: 23; 100,000 to 149,999: 27; 150,000 and above: 10

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (27). 13 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2025

2011: 5; 2012: 8; 2013: 18; 2014: 14; 2015: 9; 2016: 7; 2017: 12; 2018: 4; 2019: 5; 2020: 3; 2021: 1; 2022: 2; 2023: 2; 2025: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 23 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10423978 · 2011-09-06 (September 6, 2011)

THE BMW VEHICLES WITH PANORAMIC MOONROOFS HAVE A KNOWN FAILURE (SEE BIMMERFEST.COM) IN THE WATER SEALS AND DRAIN CHANNELS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SUNROOF. THE ISSUE IS THAT CLOGGED LINES PRODUCE FLOODING IN THE ELECTRICAL COMPARTMENT. THIS FLOODING CAUSES TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE. IN MY CASE, THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND DID NOT START AGAIN. HOWEVER, A READ OF THE MESSAGE BOARDS ASSOCIATED WITH BMWS SHOWS THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE TOTAL FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AND THAT THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKS UP COMPLETELY. THERE IS NO ABILITY TO MANUALLY STEER A BMW ONCE T…

Owner-reported narrative. 58,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10423978 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10464351 · 2012-07-05 (July 5, 2012)

ON TUESDAY MAY 29TH WE HAD A RAIN STORM, THE NEXT DAY I GOT INTO MY VEHICLE WITH MY HUSBAND AND TWO CHILDREN TO GO TO A SOCCER GAME. FIVE MINUTES BEFORE ENTERING THE MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE MY VEHICLE WENT INTO TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE AND MY STEERING LOCKED. LUCKILY I WAS ONLY TRAVELING AT 25MPH AND WAS ABLE TO PULL MY VEHICLE OVER. I HAD IT TOWED TO OUR LOCAL BMW DEALER WHICH FOUND THAT THE CASSETTE ON THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF TO BE DEFECTIVE....THAT CAUSED A GREAT DEAL OF WATER TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE AND GO UNDER THE SPARE TIRE IN THE REAR WHER…

Owner-reported narrative. 53,586 miles reported. Look up ODI 10464351 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10451844 · 2012-03-15 (March 15, 2012)

BRAKES STOPPED FUNCTIONING AS PER DOCUMENT 10V446000 HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT IT WAS THE BRAKE BOOSTER. I CONTACTED BMW USA AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE DOES NOT APPLY TO THIS CAMPAIGN. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 117,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10451844 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10513453 · 2013-05-24 (May 24, 2013)

ON MAY 20 2013, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH MY 5 YEARS OLD DAUGHTER, SUDDENLY BRAKES WENT OUT AND CAR WOULD NOT STOP COMPLETELY. AFTER TAKING THE CAR TO A MECHANIC, HE FOUND OUT THE BRAKE BOOSTER THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. AFTER SOME RESEARCH THE MECHANIC SAW A RECALL FOR BMW 5 SERIES 2004-2010 FOR BRAKE BOOSTER, HE PROCEEDED TO CALL BMW OF NORTH AMERICA AND THEY TOLD HIM MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. HE TOOK THE BRAKE BOOSTER OUT TO FIND OUT THE ISSUE WAS EXACTLY WHAT THE RECALL DESCRIPTION DETAILS ARE OIL IN BRAKE BOOSTER. HE CHA…

Owner-reported narrative. 97,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10513453 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10430710 · 2011-10-18 (October 18, 2011)

VERY BIG LEAK ON MY GARAGE FLOOR. NO DASHBOARD SENSOR ALERTED ME TO THIS LEAK. TRANSMISSION MECHATRONICS SLEEVE WAS LEAKING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE OIL PAN AND TRANSMISSION OIL ADDED. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS IS COMMON WITH THE 500 SERIES. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10430710 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10732293 · 2015-07-06 (July 6, 2015)

I BOUGHT 2006 BMW 530XI ABOUT A YEAR AGO FROM A USED DEALERSHIP, THE CAR WAS RUNNING PERFECT A MONTH LATER IN A SUDDEN A I GOT A TRANS MALFUNCTION, I TOOK IT TO BMW DEALERSHIP WHICH CHARGED ME $299 TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION THEN CAME AND SAID NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT. COUPLE WEEKS LATER THE SAME MESSAGE KEPT COMING BACK AND THE TRANSMISSION WOULD ACT UP, FOR EXAMPLE WHEN I AM SLOWING DOWN TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT , THE TRANSMISSION WOULD KICK BACK SO HARD THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PRESS THE BRAKE SO HARD TO AVOID HITTING THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME. …

Owner-reported narrative. 115,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10732293 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10553863 · 2013-11-26 (November 26, 2013)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 530XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SUN ROOF WAS DEFECTIVE AND ALLOWING WATER TO PENETRATE THE CABIN, CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 71,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10553863 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11329531 · 2020-06-18 (June 18, 2020)

STALLS OUT, SKIPS, HESITATES, ETC., PCV VALVE RECALL THIS OCCURS WHEN DRIVING THE CAR ON STREETS, HIGHWAYS ETC., WHEN DRIVING THE CAR. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 137,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11329531 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

91 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

85.7%Usable mileage78 / 91 records

100.0%Valid incident date91 / 91 records

100.0%Valid filing date91 / 91 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates91 / 91 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2006	2007
Air Bags	4751.6% ODI 10429428 · 104,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 530XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, AN AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000. Look up ODI 10429428 at NHTSA ↗	1217.9% ODI 10442898 · 85,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A SEAT PAD WOULD MOST LIKELY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. Look up ODI 10442898 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	1920.9% ODI 10423978 · 58,500 mi THE BMW VEHICLES WITH PANORAMIC MOONROOFS HAVE A KNOWN FAILURE (SEE BIMMERFEST.COM) IN THE WATER SEALS AND DRAIN CHANNELS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SUNROOF. THE ISSUE IS THAT CLOGGED LINES PRODUCE FLOODING IN THE ELECTRICAL COMPARTMENT. THIS FLOODING CAUSES TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE. IN MY CASE, THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND DID NOT START AGAIN. HOWEVER, A READ OF THE MESSAGE BOARDS ASSOCIATED WITH BMWS SHOWS THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE TOTAL FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AND THAT THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKS UP COMPLETELY. THERE IS NO ABILITY TO MANUALLY STEER A BMW ONCE T… Look up ODI 10423978 at NHTSA ↗	1725.4% ODI 10344116 · 54,816 mi A 2007 BMW 530XI CAUGHT FIRE SHORTLY AFTER IT WAS STARTED. THE LAMP CONTROL MODULE BURNED, CAUSING SPARKS, SMOKE, AND BURNING VARIOUS PARTS. THE MECHANIC AT CHAMBERS BMW SAID THAT THE LEFT FRONT HEAD LIGHT COLLECTED MOISTURE, AND THE LIGHTS DRAIN CLOGGED. THE ACCUMULATED MOISTURE CAUSED THE FIRE. THE CAR HAS AHISTORY OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. IN DEC. 2008, 1 YEAR PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THE REAR SUNROOF DRAIN CLOGGED, CAUSING WATER TO COLLECT IN THE SPARE TIRE WELL. IT CAUSED THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT TO FALSELY SIGNAL, AS RDC MODULE HAD BURNE… Look up ODI 10344116 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	88.8% ODI 10460749 · 101,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 530XI WAGON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A PRIVATE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT FOUR BOLTS WERE DETACHED FROM THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 101,000. Look up ODI 10460749 at NHTSA ↗	1217.9% ODI 10471451 · 86,000 mi THE ENGINE OVERHEATED ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR STOPPED. I HAD TO WAIT A LIL WHILE BEFORE STATED BACK UP THEN HE OVERHEATED AGAIN. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND HE TOLD ME THAT COULD OFF CAUSE A FIRE. BUT AFTER REVIEW OF THE KEY DATA HE REALIZED THAT NO SERVICE WAS OVERDUE AND ASK ME TO LET THE CAR FOR THE WEEK END . I'M STILL WAITING FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC AND DON'T KNOW IF THIS MALFUNCTION IS COVER BY A RECALL. *TR Look up ODI 10471451 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	88.8% ODI 10668830 · 151,000 mi FAILURES OF MULTIPLE WIRES/ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN THE TAILGATE/REAR WINDOW WIRING HARNESSES. SEARCH FOR BMW E61 TAILGATE WIRING PROBLEMS. THE FAILURES ARE CAUSED BY A POOR DESIGN WHERE THE WIRES ENTERING THE HINGE GUIDES (4) FOR THE GLASS AND TAILGATE ARE REPEATEDLY FLEXED AT A SHARP ANGLE UNTIL THE INSULATION, THEN THE COPPER WIRE BREAKS. SAFETY ISSUES - POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT LEADING TO FIRES (HIGHEST LOAD IS FOR REAR DEFROSTER); LIGHTING FAILURES (REAR HIGH BRAKE LIGHT, LICENSE PLATE LAMPS AND OTHERS); REDUCED VISIBILITY DUE TO… Look up ODI 10668830 at NHTSA ↗	710.4% ODI 10553350 I WAS RECENTLY MADE AWARE THAT THERE IS A RECALL REGARDING THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS ON 2008+ 5 SERIES VEHICLES. I RECENTLY EXPEREINCED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE RECALL NOTICE ON MY REAR TAIL LIGHTS; HOWEVER MY CAR IS A 2007 MODEL. THE I-DRIVE WOULD INTERMITTENLY ALERT THAT A BULB IS OUT. I HAVE REPLACED IT BUT IT WOULD GO OUT AGAIN. I INSPECTED THE BULB CARRIER AND BULB SOCKET AND NOTICED SEVERLY BURNED CONTACT AREA'S WHERE ONE OF THE BULB SOCKETS PLUG IN. THE RECALL CLEARLY IS FOR SEDANS 2008+ BUT I SEEM TO HAVE THE EXACT ISSUE AND THERE ARE OTHERS… Look up ODI 10553350 at NHTSA ↗
Seat Belts	99.9% ODI 10505454 · 96,200 mi PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE, FAULT LIGHT HAS STARTED SHOWING ON MY BMW, THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL REPORTED ON THE SAME COMPONENT "STATEMENT ON VOLUNTARY RECALL INVOLVING FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT ON U.S.A. MODEL BMWS - AUGUST 13, 2008". I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM BUT MY VIN IS NOT SHOWING UP IN THE RECALL. DEALER SAYS ITS EXACTLY THE SAME PART BUT I AM NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL WARRANTY. THIS IS A HUGH SAFETY ISSUE... *TR Look up ODI 10505454 at NHTSA ↗	46.0% ODI 10458696 VEHICLE SAYS PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION - PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN AN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE YEAR 2004-2006 MODELS, FOR THE SAME REASON (PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION). THE RECALL DOES NOT COVER THE 2007 MODEL. THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT AND A SAFETY ISSUE! BMW IS CHARGING FOR THIS WHEN IT SHOULD BE FREE. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL FOR THE LATER MODELS AS WELL. WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM IN A ACCIDENT. THIS IS GROSS NELIGENCE AND THEY DESERVE TO BE SUED. Look up ODI 10458696 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	44.4% ODI 10464351 · 53,586 mi ON TUESDAY MAY 29TH WE HAD A RAIN STORM, THE NEXT DAY I GOT INTO MY VEHICLE WITH MY HUSBAND AND TWO CHILDREN TO GO TO A SOCCER GAME. FIVE MINUTES BEFORE ENTERING THE MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE MY VEHICLE WENT INTO TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE AND MY STEERING LOCKED. LUCKILY I WAS ONLY TRAVELING AT 25MPH AND WAS ABLE TO PULL MY VEHICLE OVER. I HAD IT TOWED TO OUR LOCAL BMW DEALER WHICH FOUND THAT THE CASSETTE ON THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF TO BE DEFECTIVE....THAT CAUSED A GREAT DEAL OF WATER TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE AND GO UNDER THE SPARE TIRE IN THE REAR WHER… Look up ODI 10464351 at NHTSA ↗	913.4% ODI 10459546 · 70,220 mi STEERING WHEEL LOCK WARNING APPEARS NECESSITATING EXPENSIVE REPAIR. THIS FLAW APPEARS SINCE 2006 AND ACROSS MODELS: THE 1 SERIES 3 SERIES AND 5 SERIES. THE CONDITION ISN'T BROUGHT ON BY ANY INCIDENTS. *TR Look up ODI 10459546 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	22.2% ODI 11472957 The contact owns a 2006 BMW 530XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Look up ODI 11472957 at NHTSA ↗	69.0% ODI 10457386 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSTANTLY OVERHEATING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH THE WATER PUMP AND THE THERMOSTAT. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE COULD HAVE STARTED A FIRE IF IT WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,578. UPDATED 6/4/12 CN THE CONSUMER STATED HE PAID FOR THE REPAIRS. THE RECALL DID NOT COVER HIS MODEL YEAR. UPDATED 06/07/12 JS Look up ODI 10457386 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	44.4% ODI 10430710 VERY BIG LEAK ON MY GARAGE FLOOR. NO DASHBOARD SENSOR ALERTED ME TO THIS LEAK. TRANSMISSION MECHATRONICS SLEEVE WAS LEAKING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE OIL PAN AND TRANSMISSION OIL ADDED. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS IS COMMON WITH THE 500 SERIES. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. *TR Look up ODI 10430710 at NHTSA ↗	46.0% ODI 10462781 · 49,890 mi THE PROBLEM THAT I AM HAVING STARTED ON JUNE 18, 2012, WHEN I HEARD A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE DRIVERS? SIDE EVERY TIME I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. THE CLICKING SOUND ONLY OCCURRED WHEN I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION, AND WAS ONLY HEARD FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. ON JUNE 19, 2012, I DECIDED TO VISIT THE BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO SEE IF THEY COULD GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS CLICKING MY 530XI HAD. AT THIS TIME, NO ERROR MESSAGES WERE PRESENT ON THE IDRIVE SYSTEM. I DID NOT HAVE TIME TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST THAT DAY, SO I DECIDED I WOULD RETU… Look up ODI 10462781 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Air Bags	75,901–124,000 mi	95,000 mi	41	ODI 10429428 · 104,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 530XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, AN AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000. Look up ODI 10429428 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10435587 · 49,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 530XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 53,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000. Look up ODI 10435587 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10451322 · 80,000 mi THE AIRBAG SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT IS DEFECTIVE. MY CAR IS TWO MONTHS OUTSIDE THE EXISTING RECALL. *TR Look up ODI 10451322 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	81,125–103,750 mi	94,000 mi	16	ODI 10423978 · 58,500 mi THE BMW VEHICLES WITH PANORAMIC MOONROOFS HAVE A KNOWN FAILURE (SEE BIMMERFEST.COM) IN THE WATER SEALS AND DRAIN CHANNELS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SUNROOF. THE ISSUE IS THAT CLOGGED LINES PRODUCE FLOODING IN THE ELECTRICAL COMPARTMENT. THIS FLOODING CAUSES TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE. IN MY CASE, THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND DID NOT START AGAIN. HOWEVER, A READ OF THE MESSAGE BOARDS ASSOCIATED WITH BMWS SHOWS THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE TOTAL FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AND THAT THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKS UP COMPLETELY. THERE IS NO ABILITY TO MANUALLY STEER A BMW ONCE T… Look up ODI 10423978 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10464351 · 53,586 mi ON TUESDAY MAY 29TH WE HAD A RAIN STORM, THE NEXT DAY I GOT INTO MY VEHICLE WITH MY HUSBAND AND TWO CHILDREN TO GO TO A SOCCER GAME. FIVE MINUTES BEFORE ENTERING THE MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE MY VEHICLE WENT INTO TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE AND MY STEERING LOCKED. LUCKILY I WAS ONLY TRAVELING AT 25MPH AND WAS ABLE TO PULL MY VEHICLE OVER. I HAD IT TOWED TO OUR LOCAL BMW DEALER WHICH FOUND THAT THE CASSETTE ON THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF TO BE DEFECTIVE....THAT CAUSED A GREAT DEAL OF WATER TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE AND GO UNDER THE SPARE TIRE IN THE REAR WHER… Look up ODI 10464351 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10467674 · 88,250 mi THIS BMW 530XI WAGON SUFFERED A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE AFTER THE SUNROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEM DRAINED RAIN WATER INTO THE COMPARTMENTS WHERE THE BATTERY, FUSES, VARIOUS WIRING HARNESSES AND COMPUTER MODULES ARE STORED. APPROXIMATELY 7 HOURS AFTER THE RAIN STORM, THE OWNER (WITH NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE IMPROPERLY DRAINED WATER) ATTEMPTED TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE. DURING THE DRIVE, THE CAR DISPLAYED TWO SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, FOLLOWED SHORTLY THEREAFTER BY THE MESSAGE "ELECTRONIC SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. CONTINUED DRIVING NOT POSSIBLE" AND MULTIPLE WARNING … Look up ODI 10467674 at NHTSA ↗
Seat Belts	87,150–132,175 mi	123,500 mi	8	ODI 10505454 · 96,200 mi PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE, FAULT LIGHT HAS STARTED SHOWING ON MY BMW, THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL REPORTED ON THE SAME COMPONENT "STATEMENT ON VOLUNTARY RECALL INVOLVING FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT ON U.S.A. MODEL BMWS - AUGUST 13, 2008". I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM BUT MY VIN IS NOT SHOWING UP IN THE RECALL. DEALER SAYS ITS EXACTLY THE SAME PART BUT I AM NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL WARRANTY. THIS IS A HUGH SAFETY ISSUE... TR Look up ODI 10505454 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10537083 · 117,000 mi MY GIRLFRIEND GOT INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY BMW AND AS I TOOK OFF, A WARNING CODE CAME OVER MY IDRIVE SCREEN STATING THAT MY PASSENGER RESTRAINT WAS CAUSING THE PASSENGER AIRBAG TO MALFUNCTION. I NOTICED AT THAT SAME TIME THAT MY AIRBAG AND RESTRAINT LIGHT WERE ON IN THE DASH BOARD. TR Look up ODI 10537083 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10609073 · 132,700 mi AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS CAME AND STAYED ON. WARNING MESSAGE ON SCREEN "MALFUNCTION RESTRAINT SYSTEM -- AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY SEAT BELT TENSIONER NOT ACTIVATED" *JS Look up ODI 10609073 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	78,138–140,250 mi	118,000 mi	8	ODI 10460749 · 101,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 530XI WAGON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A PRIVATE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT FOUR BOLTS WERE DETACHED FROM THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 101,000. Look up ODI 10460749 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10543772 · 34,800 mi BMW OVER-TORQUED THE FOUR CYLINDER HEAD BOLTS ON ALL N52 ENGINES DURING MANUFACTURE, INCLUDING MY CAR. THE BOLT HEADS ARE POPPING OFF ON ALL THE CARS, RESULTING IN POTENTIAL CATASTROPHIC ENGINE DAMAGE AT SPEED AND MINIMALLY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIR COSTS. THE ISSUE IS A WELL KNOWN DEFECT IN HOW BMW BUILT THESE ENGINES (AFFECTING MANY, MANY 5 SERIES CARS) BUT IS TAKING ABSOLUTELY NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS. THIS IS NOT A MAINTENANCE ISSUE OR ANYTHING OWNER-RELATED -- IT'S PURELY A MISTAKE BY BMW THAT THEY REFUSE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY F… Look up ODI 10543772 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10553259 · 57,178 mi WHEN I DRIVE MY CAR BACK TO HOME, SUDDEN NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE AND FOUND OUT THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND BELTS WERE OFF AND SHEARED OFF SOME BOLTS AROUND THE HOLDING. AFTER THE REPAIR AT THE TIME ON 5/1/2012, ENGINE STARTS DISCOVERING OIL LEAK AROUND THE FRONT CYLINDER HEAD HOUSING. KEEPING THE OIL LEVEL UP TO THE REQUIRE LEVEL FOR THE PAST YEAR. AS OF TODAY 11/21/2013, I DISCOVERED THE REASON WHY THE CYLINDER HEAD HOUSING IS LEAKING OIL IS 2 SHEARED OFF BOLTS ON TOP OF THE HEAD HOUSING. I DRIVE NORMALLY AND ALUMINUM SCREWS ARE NO… Look up ODI 10553259 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	119,500–174,000 mi	153,500 mi	6	ODI 10668830 · 151,000 mi FAILURES OF MULTIPLE WIRES/ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN THE TAILGATE/REAR WINDOW WIRING HARNESSES. SEARCH FOR BMW E61 TAILGATE WIRING PROBLEMS. THE FAILURES ARE CAUSED BY A POOR DESIGN WHERE THE WIRES ENTERING THE HINGE GUIDES (4) FOR THE GLASS AND TAILGATE ARE REPEATEDLY FLEXED AT A SHARP ANGLE UNTIL THE INSULATION, THEN THE COPPER WIRE BREAKS. SAFETY ISSUES - POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT LEADING TO FIRES (HIGHEST LOAD IS FOR REAR DEFROSTER); LIGHTING FAILURES (REAR HIGH BRAKE LIGHT, LICENSE PLATE LAMPS AND OTHERS); REDUCED VISIBILITY DUE TO… Look up ODI 10668830 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10712086 · 78,000 mi ALL HEADLIGHT WIRING SHIELDING HAS DETERIORATED IN THE UNIT CAUSING A SHORTAGE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE NOT ONLY DUE TO THE SHIELDING POSSIBLY CAUSING A FIRE, BUT ALSO AN ISSUE FOR SAFE DRIVING AS THE LIGHTS NO LONGER FUNCTION TO DOT REQUIREMENTS. *TR Look up ODI 10712086 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10958703 · 109,000 mi THE WIRING HARNESS INSIDE THE HEADLIGHTS IS CRUMBLING AWAY CAUSING LIGHTS TO INTERMITTENTLY NOT WORK. THE WIRES SPARK WHEN THEY TOUCH TOGETHER. THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD. Look up ODI 10958703 at NHTSA ↗
Seats	103,750–134,250 mi	131,000 mi	6	ODI 10493295 · 95,000 mi BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED. CONSEQUENCES: IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLO… Look up ODI 10493295 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10519732 · 75,901 mi THE AIRBAG AND SEATBELT WARNING LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT AND NON FUNCTIONAL , WAS TOLD THERE IS NO OPEN ISSUE/RECALL , DEALER REFUSES TO FIX AND I AM NOT SPENDING 1200.00 TO FIX A ISSUE THAT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. I NEED YOU TO CONTACT ME TO GET THIS RESOLVED. [XXX]THANK YOU INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR Look up ODI 10519732 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10817292 · 212,000 mi THE HEATED SEATS HAVE MALFUNCTIONED BURNING A HOLE AND MAKING A LARGE BROWN AREA ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT. THIS SEAT WILL BURN YOU IF LEFT ON THE HIGH SETTING AND HAS A BURNING ELECTRICAL SMELL. I AM AFRAID THAT USING IT AGAIN AFTER IT BURNED THIS HOLE WILL CAUSE A FULL SCALE FIRE. NOT VERY HAPPY TO HAVE A LUXURY CAR THAT YOU CAN'T USE ONE OF THE LUXURIES OF BECAUSE OF A SERIOUS DANGER. THESE WERE MY FIRST HEATED SEATS EVER AND MAY BE MY LAST, VERY SCARY! Look up ODI 10817292 at NHTSA ↗
Structure	Too few reports for a range	91,625 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10423978 · 58,500 mi THE BMW VEHICLES WITH PANORAMIC MOONROOFS HAVE A KNOWN FAILURE (SEE BIMMERFEST.COM) IN THE WATER SEALS AND DRAIN CHANNELS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SUNROOF. THE ISSUE IS THAT CLOGGED LINES PRODUCE FLOODING IN THE ELECTRICAL COMPARTMENT. THIS FLOODING CAUSES TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE. IN MY CASE, THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND DID NOT START AGAIN. HOWEVER, A READ OF THE MESSAGE BOARDS ASSOCIATED WITH BMWS SHOWS THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE TOTAL FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AND THAT THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKS UP COMPLETELY. THERE IS NO ABILITY TO MANUALLY STEER A BMW ONCE T… Look up ODI 10423978 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10467674 · 88,250 mi THIS BMW 530XI WAGON SUFFERED A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE AFTER THE SUNROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEM DRAINED RAIN WATER INTO THE COMPARTMENTS WHERE THE BATTERY, FUSES, VARIOUS WIRING HARNESSES AND COMPUTER MODULES ARE STORED. APPROXIMATELY 7 HOURS AFTER THE RAIN STORM, THE OWNER (WITH NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE IMPROPERLY DRAINED WATER) ATTEMPTED TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE. DURING THE DRIVE, THE CAR DISPLAYED TWO SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, FOLLOWED SHORTLY THEREAFTER BY THE MESSAGE "ELECTRONIC SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. CONTINUED DRIVING NOT POSSIBLE" AND MULTIPLE WARNING … Look up ODI 10467674 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10487936 · 100,500 mi A RECENT RAIN STORM FLOODED THE SPARE TIRE WELL COMPARTMENT AND FRIED ALL THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS STORED UNDERNEATH THE TIRE. LUCKILY I WASN'T DRIVING THE WAGON THAT DAY AND THE CAR WAS PARKED ON THE DRIVEWAY. OTHERWISE, THE CAR WOULD HAD SHUT DOWN IF IT WAS MOVING AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT (HAPPENED TO SOMEONE AS DISCUSSED IN THE BIMMER FORUM). APPARENTLY, BMW HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL AS THE SUNROOF DRAINAGE & TIRE WELL DESIGN DEFECTS FOR QUITE SOME TIME. THEY EVEN GENERATED A TECHNICAL SERVICE/SERVICE INFORMATION BULL… Look up ODI 10487936 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	Too few reports for a range	100,500 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10460414 · 94,200 mi I NOTICED MY CAR START TO JERK OR MOVING FORWARD WHEN I COME TO STOP. THIS IS VERY CONCERN FOR ME THAT I COULD CAUSE TO HIT SOMEONE IN FRONT OF ME. PLEASE HELP ME. THANK YOU IN ADVANCED FOR YOUR UNDERSTAND. *TR Look up ODI 10460414 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10487936 · 100,500 mi A RECENT RAIN STORM FLOODED THE SPARE TIRE WELL COMPARTMENT AND FRIED ALL THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS STORED UNDERNEATH THE TIRE. LUCKILY I WASN'T DRIVING THE WAGON THAT DAY AND THE CAR WAS PARKED ON THE DRIVEWAY. OTHERWISE, THE CAR WOULD HAD SHUT DOWN IF IT WAS MOVING AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT (HAPPENED TO SOMEONE AS DISCUSSED IN THE BIMMER FORUM). APPARENTLY, BMW HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL AS THE SUNROOF DRAINAGE & TIRE WELL DESIGN DEFECTS FOR QUITE SOME TIME. THEY EVEN GENERATED A TECHNICAL SERVICE/SERVICE INFORMATION BULL… Look up ODI 10487936 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11185475 · 203,000 mi WHILE REPLACING PARKING LIGHT BULB I FOUND INSULATION TO BULB HOLDER FALLING OFF, LIKELY DUE TO HEAT INSIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. GIVEN THE BRITTLE INSULATION FALLING OFF, A SHORT COULD EASILY HAVE OCCURRED. THE INNER CV JOINT ON THE RIGHT DRIVE WAS FOUND TO BE WITHOUT GREASE. WITH NO GREASE FITTING OR MEANS OF INSPECTION, THE AXLE COULD HAVE FROZEN, CAUSING STABILITY ISSUES. Look up ODI 11185475 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	1	None	ODI 11666451 Vehicle caught fire Look up ODI 11666451 at NHTSA ↗
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	0	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2006: 0 complaints · 2007: 4 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2006	0	0	0
2007	2	2	4

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2006	91	0	0
2007	67	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Air Bags	Electrical System	Seat Belts	Engine	Exterior Lighting	Seats	Structure	Power Train
Air Bags	—	4 ODI 10490754 · 72,000 mi PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR. WARNING LIGHT SYSTEM FAILURE. *TR Look up ODI 10490754 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10493029 · 81,500 mi I CONTACTED BMW NORTH AMERICA BY PHONE REGARDING A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. THEY TOLD ME THAT MY 2006 BMW 530XI WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. YET, MY CAR EXHIBITS THE EXACT PROBLEMS OUTLINED IN THE RECALL. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP, AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED. THIS INCLUDES A WARNING IN IDRIVE SYSTEM STATING "PASSENGER RESTRAINT" SYSTEM ISSUE. HOW IS IT THAT OTHER 2006 5 SERIES VEHICLES WERE INCLUDED AND MY CAR WAS NOT? THE LOCAL DEALER IS SAYING THIS… Look up ODI 10493029 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10493295 · 95,000 mi BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED. CONSEQUENCES: IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLO… Look up ODI 10493295 at NHTSA ↗	7 ODI 10505454 · 96,200 mi PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE, FAULT LIGHT HAS STARTED SHOWING ON MY BMW, THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL REPORTED ON THE SAME COMPONENT "STATEMENT ON VOLUNTARY RECALL INVOLVING FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT ON U.S.A. MODEL BMWS - AUGUST 13, 2008". I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM BUT MY VIN IS NOT SHOWING UP IN THE RECALL. DEALER SAYS ITS EXACTLY THE SAME PART BUT I AM NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL WARRANTY. THIS IS A HUGH SAFETY ISSUE... TR Look up ODI 10505454 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10537083 · 117,000 mi MY GIRLFRIEND GOT INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY BMW AND AS I TOOK OFF, A WARNING CODE CAME OVER MY IDRIVE SCREEN STATING THAT MY PASSENGER RESTRAINT WAS CAUSING THE PASSENGER AIRBAG TO MALFUNCTION. I NOTICED AT THAT SAME TIME THAT MY AIRBAG AND RESTRAINT LIGHT WERE ON IN THE DASH BOARD. TR Look up ODI 10537083 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10609073 · 132,700 mi AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS CAME AND STAYED ON. WARNING MESSAGE ON SCREEN "MALFUNCTION RESTRAINT SYSTEM -- AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY SEAT BELT TENSIONER NOT ACTIVATED" *JS Look up ODI 10609073 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	4 ODI 10493295 · 95,000 mi BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED. CONSEQUENCES: IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLO… Look up ODI 10493295 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10519732 · 75,901 mi THE AIRBAG AND SEATBELT WARNING LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT AND NON FUNCTIONAL , WAS TOLD THERE IS NO OPEN ISSUE/RECALL , DEALER REFUSES TO FIX AND I AM NOT SPENDING 1200.00 TO FIX A ISSUE THAT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. I NEED YOU TO CONTACT ME TO GET THIS RESOLVED. [XXX]THANK YOU INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR Look up ODI 10519732 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10905118 · 132,000 mi WHEN MY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED, DURING STARTUP THE CAR CHIMES WITH AN ERROR "PASS RESTRAINT SYSTEM" "FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT FORCE LIMITER" "CONTINUE TO WEAR THE SAFETY BELT" (VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY) BMW HAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT ODDLY MY VIN IS NOT PART OF THE GROUP INCLUDED. Look up ODI 10905118 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10493295 · 95,000 mi BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED. CONSEQUENCES: IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLO… Look up ODI 10493295 at NHTSA ↗	0
Electrical System	4 ODI 10490754 · 72,000 mi PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR. WARNING LIGHT SYSTEM FAILURE. *TR Look up ODI 10490754 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10493029 · 81,500 mi I CONTACTED BMW NORTH AMERICA BY PHONE REGARDING A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. THEY TOLD ME THAT MY 2006 BMW 530XI WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. YET, MY CAR EXHIBITS THE EXACT PROBLEMS OUTLINED IN THE RECALL. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP, AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED. THIS INCLUDES A WARNING IN IDRIVE SYSTEM STATING "PASSENGER RESTRAINT" SYSTEM ISSUE. HOW IS IT THAT OTHER 2006 5 SERIES VEHICLES WERE INCLUDED AND MY CAR WAS NOT? THE LOCAL DEALER IS SAYING THIS… Look up ODI 10493029 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10493295 · 95,000 mi BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED. CONSEQUENCES: IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLO… Look up ODI 10493295 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	1 ODI 11329531 · 137,000 mi STALLS OUT, SKIPS, HESITATES, ETC., PCV VALVE RECALL THIS OCCURS WHEN DRIVING THE CAR ON STREETS, HIGHWAYS ETC., WHEN DRIVING THE CAR. *TR Look up ODI 11329531 at NHTSA ↗	5 ODI 10668830 · 151,000 mi FAILURES OF MULTIPLE WIRES/ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN THE TAILGATE/REAR WINDOW WIRING HARNESSES. SEARCH FOR BMW E61 TAILGATE WIRING PROBLEMS. THE FAILURES ARE CAUSED BY A POOR DESIGN WHERE THE WIRES ENTERING THE HINGE GUIDES (4) FOR THE GLASS AND TAILGATE ARE REPEATEDLY FLEXED AT A SHARP ANGLE UNTIL THE INSULATION, THEN THE COPPER WIRE BREAKS. SAFETY ISSUES - POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT LEADING TO FIRES (HIGHEST LOAD IS FOR REAR DEFROSTER); LIGHTING FAILURES (REAR HIGH BRAKE LIGHT, LICENSE PLATE LAMPS AND OTHERS); REDUCED VISIBILITY DUE TO… Look up ODI 10668830 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10958703 · 109,000 mi THE WIRING HARNESS INSIDE THE HEADLIGHTS IS CRUMBLING AWAY CAUSING LIGHTS TO INTERMITTENTLY NOT WORK. THE WIRES SPARK WHEN THEY TOUCH TOGETHER. THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD. Look up ODI 10958703 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11233287 · 180,000 mi DEGRADATION OF HEADLIGHT WIRING. WIRE INSULATION IS FLAKING, CRACKING, AND INTERNAL CONDUCTOR WIRES ARE EXPOSED. CAUSES INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT ISSUES AS WIRING SHORTS DURING DRIVING. Look up ODI 11233287 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10493295 · 95,000 mi BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED. CONSEQUENCES: IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLO… Look up ODI 10493295 at NHTSA ↗	4 ODI 10423978 · 58,500 mi THE BMW VEHICLES WITH PANORAMIC MOONROOFS HAVE A KNOWN FAILURE (SEE BIMMERFEST.COM) IN THE WATER SEALS AND DRAIN CHANNELS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SUNROOF. THE ISSUE IS THAT CLOGGED LINES PRODUCE FLOODING IN THE ELECTRICAL COMPARTMENT. THIS FLOODING CAUSES TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE. IN MY CASE, THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND DID NOT START AGAIN. HOWEVER, A READ OF THE MESSAGE BOARDS ASSOCIATED WITH BMWS SHOWS THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE TOTAL FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AND THAT THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKS UP COMPLETELY. THERE IS NO ABILITY TO MANUALLY STEER A BMW ONCE T… Look up ODI 10423978 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10467674 · 88,250 mi THIS BMW 530XI WAGON SUFFERED A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE AFTER THE SUNROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEM DRAINED RAIN WATER INTO THE COMPARTMENTS WHERE THE BATTERY, FUSES, VARIOUS WIRING HARNESSES AND COMPUTER MODULES ARE STORED. APPROXIMATELY 7 HOURS AFTER THE RAIN STORM, THE OWNER (WITH NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE IMPROPERLY DRAINED WATER) ATTEMPTED TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE. DURING THE DRIVE, THE CAR DISPLAYED TWO SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, FOLLOWED SHORTLY THEREAFTER BY THE MESSAGE "ELECTRONIC SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. CONTINUED DRIVING NOT POSSIBLE" AND MULTIPLE WARNING … Look up ODI 10467674 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10487936 · 100,500 mi A RECENT RAIN STORM FLOODED THE SPARE TIRE WELL COMPARTMENT AND FRIED ALL THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS STORED UNDERNEATH THE TIRE. LUCKILY I WASN'T DRIVING THE WAGON THAT DAY AND THE CAR WAS PARKED ON THE DRIVEWAY. OTHERWISE, THE CAR WOULD HAD SHUT DOWN IF IT WAS MOVING AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT (HAPPENED TO SOMEONE AS DISCUSSED IN THE BIMMER FORUM). APPARENTLY, BMW HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL AS THE SUNROOF DRAINAGE & TIRE WELL DESIGN DEFECTS FOR QUITE SOME TIME. THEY EVEN GENERATED A TECHNICAL SERVICE/SERVICE INFORMATION BULL… Look up ODI 10487936 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10487936 · 100,500 mi A RECENT RAIN STORM FLOODED THE SPARE TIRE WELL COMPARTMENT AND FRIED ALL THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS STORED UNDERNEATH THE TIRE. LUCKILY I WASN'T DRIVING THE WAGON THAT DAY AND THE CAR WAS PARKED ON THE DRIVEWAY. OTHERWISE, THE CAR WOULD HAD SHUT DOWN IF IT WAS MOVING AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT (HAPPENED TO SOMEONE AS DISCUSSED IN THE BIMMER FORUM). APPARENTLY, BMW HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL AS THE SUNROOF DRAINAGE & TIRE WELL DESIGN DEFECTS FOR QUITE SOME TIME. THEY EVEN GENERATED A TECHNICAL SERVICE/SERVICE INFORMATION BULL… Look up ODI 10487936 at NHTSA ↗
Seat Belts	7 ODI 10505454 · 96,200 mi PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE, FAULT LIGHT HAS STARTED SHOWING ON MY BMW, THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL REPORTED ON THE SAME COMPONENT "STATEMENT ON VOLUNTARY RECALL INVOLVING FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT ON U.S.A. MODEL BMWS - AUGUST 13, 2008". I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM BUT MY VIN IS NOT SHOWING UP IN THE RECALL. DEALER SAYS ITS EXACTLY THE SAME PART BUT I AM NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL WARRANTY. THIS IS A HUGH SAFETY ISSUE... TR Look up ODI 10505454 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10537083 · 117,000 mi MY GIRLFRIEND GOT INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY BMW AND AS I TOOK OFF, A WARNING CODE CAME OVER MY IDRIVE SCREEN STATING THAT MY PASSENGER RESTRAINT WAS CAUSING THE PASSENGER AIRBAG TO MALFUNCTION. I NOTICED AT THAT SAME TIME THAT MY AIRBAG AND RESTRAINT LIGHT WERE ON IN THE DASH BOARD. TR Look up ODI 10537083 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10609073 · 132,700 mi AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS CAME AND STAYED ON. WARNING MESSAGE ON SCREEN "MALFUNCTION RESTRAINT SYSTEM -- AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY SEAT BELT TENSIONER NOT ACTIVATED" *JS Look up ODI 10609073 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	1 ODI 11244846 · 150,000 mi TAKATA SEAT BELTS ISSUE WITH FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. Look up ODI 11244846 at NHTSA ↗	0	2 ODI 10905118 · 132,000 mi WHEN MY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED, DURING STARTUP THE CAR CHIMES WITH AN ERROR "PASS RESTRAINT SYSTEM" "FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT FORCE LIMITER" "CONTINUE TO WEAR THE SAFETY BELT" (VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY) BMW HAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT ODDLY MY VIN IS NOT PART OF THE GROUP INCLUDED. Look up ODI 10905118 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11151009 · 130,000 mi MY COMPUTER IS SHOWING : PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE. I CALLED THE BMW RECALL SYSTEM AND I WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR IS NOT COVERED, HOWEVER, I FOUND BMW RECALL OF THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR E60 (MY MODEL CAR) CAN YOU HELP AND CONTACT THE BMW RECALL CENTER. THEY NEED TO EXPAND THEIR RECALL. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE A CAR WITH FAILED PASSENGER RESTRAINED SYSTEM. I DID SUBMIT THE INFORMATION REGARDING CURRENT RECALL IN ATTACHMENT Look up ODI 11151009 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Engine	0	1 ODI 11329531 · 137,000 mi STALLS OUT, SKIPS, HESITATES, ETC., PCV VALVE RECALL THIS OCCURS WHEN DRIVING THE CAR ON STREETS, HIGHWAYS ETC., WHEN DRIVING THE CAR. *TR Look up ODI 11329531 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11244846 · 150,000 mi TAKATA SEAT BELTS ISSUE WITH FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. Look up ODI 11244846 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0
Exterior Lighting	0	5 ODI 10668830 · 151,000 mi FAILURES OF MULTIPLE WIRES/ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN THE TAILGATE/REAR WINDOW WIRING HARNESSES. SEARCH FOR BMW E61 TAILGATE WIRING PROBLEMS. THE FAILURES ARE CAUSED BY A POOR DESIGN WHERE THE WIRES ENTERING THE HINGE GUIDES (4) FOR THE GLASS AND TAILGATE ARE REPEATEDLY FLEXED AT A SHARP ANGLE UNTIL THE INSULATION, THEN THE COPPER WIRE BREAKS. SAFETY ISSUES - POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT LEADING TO FIRES (HIGHEST LOAD IS FOR REAR DEFROSTER); LIGHTING FAILURES (REAR HIGH BRAKE LIGHT, LICENSE PLATE LAMPS AND OTHERS); REDUCED VISIBILITY DUE TO… Look up ODI 10668830 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10958703 · 109,000 mi THE WIRING HARNESS INSIDE THE HEADLIGHTS IS CRUMBLING AWAY CAUSING LIGHTS TO INTERMITTENTLY NOT WORK. THE WIRES SPARK WHEN THEY TOUCH TOGETHER. THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD. Look up ODI 10958703 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11233287 · 180,000 mi DEGRADATION OF HEADLIGHT WIRING. WIRE INSULATION IS FLAKING, CRACKING, AND INTERNAL CONDUCTOR WIRES ARE EXPOSED. CAUSES INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT ISSUES AS WIRING SHORTS DURING DRIVING. Look up ODI 11233287 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0	0	1 ODI 11185475 · 203,000 mi WHILE REPLACING PARKING LIGHT BULB I FOUND INSULATION TO BULB HOLDER FALLING OFF, LIKELY DUE TO HEAT INSIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. GIVEN THE BRITTLE INSULATION FALLING OFF, A SHORT COULD EASILY HAVE OCCURRED. THE INNER CV JOINT ON THE RIGHT DRIVE WAS FOUND TO BE WITHOUT GREASE. WITH NO GREASE FITTING OR MEANS OF INSPECTION, THE AXLE COULD HAVE FROZEN, CAUSING STABILITY ISSUES. Look up ODI 11185475 at NHTSA ↗
Seats	4 ODI 10493295 · 95,000 mi BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED. CONSEQUENCES: IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLO… Look up ODI 10493295 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10519732 · 75,901 mi THE AIRBAG AND SEATBELT WARNING LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT AND NON FUNCTIONAL , WAS TOLD THERE IS NO OPEN ISSUE/RECALL , DEALER REFUSES TO FIX AND I AM NOT SPENDING 1200.00 TO FIX A ISSUE THAT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. I NEED YOU TO CONTACT ME TO GET THIS RESOLVED. [XXX]THANK YOU INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR Look up ODI 10519732 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10905118 · 132,000 mi WHEN MY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED, DURING STARTUP THE CAR CHIMES WITH AN ERROR "PASS RESTRAINT SYSTEM" "FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT FORCE LIMITER" "CONTINUE TO WEAR THE SAFETY BELT" (VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY) BMW HAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT ODDLY MY VIN IS NOT PART OF THE GROUP INCLUDED. Look up ODI 10905118 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10493295 · 95,000 mi BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED. CONSEQUENCES: IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLO… Look up ODI 10493295 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10905118 · 132,000 mi WHEN MY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED, DURING STARTUP THE CAR CHIMES WITH AN ERROR "PASS RESTRAINT SYSTEM" "FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT FORCE LIMITER" "CONTINUE TO WEAR THE SAFETY BELT" (VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY) BMW HAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT ODDLY MY VIN IS NOT PART OF THE GROUP INCLUDED. Look up ODI 10905118 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11151009 · 130,000 mi MY COMPUTER IS SHOWING : PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE. I CALLED THE BMW RECALL SYSTEM AND I WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR IS NOT COVERED, HOWEVER, I FOUND BMW RECALL OF THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR E60 (MY MODEL CAR) CAN YOU HELP AND CONTACT THE BMW RECALL CENTER. THEY NEED TO EXPAND THEIR RECALL. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE A CAR WITH FAILED PASSENGER RESTRAINED SYSTEM. I DID SUBMIT THE INFORMATION REGARDING CURRENT RECALL IN ATTACHMENT Look up ODI 11151009 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	1 ODI 10493295 · 95,000 mi BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED. CONSEQUENCES: IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLO… Look up ODI 10493295 at NHTSA ↗	0
Structure	1 ODI 10493295 · 95,000 mi BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED. CONSEQUENCES: IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLO… Look up ODI 10493295 at NHTSA ↗	4 ODI 10423978 · 58,500 mi THE BMW VEHICLES WITH PANORAMIC MOONROOFS HAVE A KNOWN FAILURE (SEE BIMMERFEST.COM) IN THE WATER SEALS AND DRAIN CHANNELS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SUNROOF. THE ISSUE IS THAT CLOGGED LINES PRODUCE FLOODING IN THE ELECTRICAL COMPARTMENT. THIS FLOODING CAUSES TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE. IN MY CASE, THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND DID NOT START AGAIN. HOWEVER, A READ OF THE MESSAGE BOARDS ASSOCIATED WITH BMWS SHOWS THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE TOTAL FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AND THAT THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKS UP COMPLETELY. THERE IS NO ABILITY TO MANUALLY STEER A BMW ONCE T… Look up ODI 10423978 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10467674 · 88,250 mi THIS BMW 530XI WAGON SUFFERED A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE AFTER THE SUNROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEM DRAINED RAIN WATER INTO THE COMPARTMENTS WHERE THE BATTERY, FUSES, VARIOUS WIRING HARNESSES AND COMPUTER MODULES ARE STORED. APPROXIMATELY 7 HOURS AFTER THE RAIN STORM, THE OWNER (WITH NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE IMPROPERLY DRAINED WATER) ATTEMPTED TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE. DURING THE DRIVE, THE CAR DISPLAYED TWO SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, FOLLOWED SHORTLY THEREAFTER BY THE MESSAGE "ELECTRONIC SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. CONTINUED DRIVING NOT POSSIBLE" AND MULTIPLE WARNING … Look up ODI 10467674 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10487936 · 100,500 mi A RECENT RAIN STORM FLOODED THE SPARE TIRE WELL COMPARTMENT AND FRIED ALL THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS STORED UNDERNEATH THE TIRE. LUCKILY I WASN'T DRIVING THE WAGON THAT DAY AND THE CAR WAS PARKED ON THE DRIVEWAY. OTHERWISE, THE CAR WOULD HAD SHUT DOWN IF IT WAS MOVING AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT (HAPPENED TO SOMEONE AS DISCUSSED IN THE BIMMER FORUM). APPARENTLY, BMW HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL AS THE SUNROOF DRAINAGE & TIRE WELL DESIGN DEFECTS FOR QUITE SOME TIME. THEY EVEN GENERATED A TECHNICAL SERVICE/SERVICE INFORMATION BULL… Look up ODI 10487936 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	1 ODI 10493295 · 95,000 mi BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED. CONSEQUENCES: IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLO… Look up ODI 10493295 at NHTSA ↗	—	2 ODI 10430710 VERY BIG LEAK ON MY GARAGE FLOOR. NO DASHBOARD SENSOR ALERTED ME TO THIS LEAK. TRANSMISSION MECHATRONICS SLEEVE WAS LEAKING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE OIL PAN AND TRANSMISSION OIL ADDED. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS IS COMMON WITH THE 500 SERIES. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. *TR Look up ODI 10430710 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10487936 · 100,500 mi A RECENT RAIN STORM FLOODED THE SPARE TIRE WELL COMPARTMENT AND FRIED ALL THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS STORED UNDERNEATH THE TIRE. LUCKILY I WASN'T DRIVING THE WAGON THAT DAY AND THE CAR WAS PARKED ON THE DRIVEWAY. OTHERWISE, THE CAR WOULD HAD SHUT DOWN IF IT WAS MOVING AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT (HAPPENED TO SOMEONE AS DISCUSSED IN THE BIMMER FORUM). APPARENTLY, BMW HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL AS THE SUNROOF DRAINAGE & TIRE WELL DESIGN DEFECTS FOR QUITE SOME TIME. THEY EVEN GENERATED A TECHNICAL SERVICE/SERVICE INFORMATION BULL… Look up ODI 10487936 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	0	1 ODI 10487936 · 100,500 mi A RECENT RAIN STORM FLOODED THE SPARE TIRE WELL COMPARTMENT AND FRIED ALL THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS STORED UNDERNEATH THE TIRE. LUCKILY I WASN'T DRIVING THE WAGON THAT DAY AND THE CAR WAS PARKED ON THE DRIVEWAY. OTHERWISE, THE CAR WOULD HAD SHUT DOWN IF IT WAS MOVING AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT (HAPPENED TO SOMEONE AS DISCUSSED IN THE BIMMER FORUM). APPARENTLY, BMW HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL AS THE SUNROOF DRAINAGE & TIRE WELL DESIGN DEFECTS FOR QUITE SOME TIME. THEY EVEN GENERATED A TECHNICAL SERVICE/SERVICE INFORMATION BULL… Look up ODI 10487936 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 11185475 · 203,000 mi WHILE REPLACING PARKING LIGHT BULB I FOUND INSULATION TO BULB HOLDER FALLING OFF, LIKELY DUE TO HEAT INSIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. GIVEN THE BRITTLE INSULATION FALLING OFF, A SHORT COULD EASILY HAVE OCCURRED. THE INNER CV JOINT ON THE RIGHT DRIVE WAS FOUND TO BE WITHOUT GREASE. WITH NO GREASE FITTING OR MEANS OF INSPECTION, THE AXLE COULD HAVE FROZEN, CAUSING STABILITY ISSUES. Look up ODI 11185475 at NHTSA ↗	0	2 ODI 10430710 VERY BIG LEAK ON MY GARAGE FLOOR. NO DASHBOARD SENSOR ALERTED ME TO THIS LEAK. TRANSMISSION MECHATRONICS SLEEVE WAS LEAKING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE OIL PAN AND TRANSMISSION OIL ADDED. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS IS COMMON WITH THE 500 SERIES. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. *TR Look up ODI 10430710 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10487936 · 100,500 mi A RECENT RAIN STORM FLOODED THE SPARE TIRE WELL COMPARTMENT AND FRIED ALL THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS STORED UNDERNEATH THE TIRE. LUCKILY I WASN'T DRIVING THE WAGON THAT DAY AND THE CAR WAS PARKED ON THE DRIVEWAY. OTHERWISE, THE CAR WOULD HAD SHUT DOWN IF IT WAS MOVING AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT (HAPPENED TO SOMEONE AS DISCUSSED IN THE BIMMER FORUM). APPARENTLY, BMW HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL AS THE SUNROOF DRAINAGE & TIRE WELL DESIGN DEFECTS FOR QUITE SOME TIME. THEY EVEN GENERATED A TECHNICAL SERVICE/SERVICE INFORMATION BULL… Look up ODI 10487936 at NHTSA ↗	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

4 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

12 mentions · 13.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 87,425 mi (10 usable records).

ODI 10435587 · 49,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 530XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 53,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000.

Look up ODI 10435587 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10467674 · 88,250 mi

THIS BMW 530XI WAGON SUFFERED A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE AFTER THE SUNROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEM DRAINED RAIN WATER INTO THE COMPARTMENTS WHERE THE BATTERY, FUSES, VARIOUS WIRING HARNESSES AND COMPUTER MODULES ARE STORED. APPROXIMATELY 7 HOURS AFTER THE RAIN STORM, THE OWNER (WITH NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE IMPROPERLY DRAINED WATER) ATTEMPTED TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE. DURING THE DRIVE, THE CAR DISPLAYED TWO SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, FOLLOWED SHORTLY THEREAFTER BY THE MESSAGE "ELECTRONIC SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. CONTINUED DRIVING NOT POSSIBLE" AND MULTIPLE WARNING …

Look up ODI 10467674 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10490754 · 72,000 mi

PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR. WARNING LIGHT SYSTEM FAILURE. *TR

Look up ODI 10490754 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Steering assistance concerns

3 mentions · 3.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 57,178 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10464351 · 53,586 mi

Look up ODI 10464351 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10553259 · 57,178 mi

WHEN I DRIVE MY CAR BACK TO HOME, SUDDEN NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE AND FOUND OUT THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND BELTS WERE OFF AND SHEARED OFF SOME BOLTS AROUND THE HOLDING. AFTER THE REPAIR AT THE TIME ON 5/1/2012, ENGINE STARTS DISCOVERING OIL LEAK AROUND THE FRONT CYLINDER HEAD HOUSING. KEEPING THE OIL LEVEL UP TO THE REQUIRE LEVEL FOR THE PAST YEAR. AS OF TODAY 11/21/2013, I DISCOVERED THE REASON WHY THE CYLINDER HEAD HOUSING IS LEAKING OIL IS 2 SHEARED OFF BOLTS ON TOP OF THE HEAD HOUSING. I DRIVE NORMALLY AND ALUMINUM SCREWS ARE NO…

Look up ODI 10553259 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10715245 · 82,190 mi

STEERING LOCK (ELV) WARNING (AMBER). *TR

Look up ODI 10715245 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 2.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 104,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10553863 · 71,000 mi

Look up ODI 10553863 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11329531 · 137,000 mi

STALLS OUT, SKIPS, HESITATES, ETC., PCV VALVE RECALL THIS OCCURS WHEN DRIVING THE CAR ON STREETS, HIGHWAYS ETC., WHEN DRIVING THE CAR. *TR

Look up ODI 11329531 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 1.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 94,200 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10460414 · 94,200 mi

I NOTICED MY CAR START TO JERK OR MOVING FORWARD WHEN I COME TO STOP. THIS IS VERY CONCERN FOR ME THAT I COULD CAUSE TO HIT SOMEONE IN FRONT OF ME. PLEASE HELP ME. THANK YOU IN ADVANCED FOR YOUR UNDERSTAND. *TR

Look up ODI 10460414 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule