U.S. public vehicle records

Bmw 530XI brakes problems

11 complaint narratives mention brakes terms.

Key facts

158 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

93,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2006 to 2007 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 125 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Braking behavior evidence

11 of 158 complaints match this topic (7.0%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.

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 10606734 · 2014-06-29 (June 29, 2014)

I DISCOVERED FAILURES OF MULTIPLE WIRES IN THE TAILGATE/REAR WINDOW WIRING HARNESSES. THROUGH RESEARCH ONLINE I HAVE FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE OVER SEVERAL MODEL YEARS - 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); LI…

Owner-reported narrative. 102,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10606734 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10668830 · 2014-12-29 (December 29, 2014)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. 151,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10668830 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 ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

79.1%Usable mileage125 / 158 records

100.0%Valid incident date158 / 158 records

100.0%Valid filing date158 / 158 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates158 / 158 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	75,051–129,777 mi	94,500 mi	48	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	73,500–101,250 mi	88,250 mi	27	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 ↗
Engine	73,781–130,250 mi	95,500 mi	14	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	78,000–156,000 mi	139,901 mi	9	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 ↗
Seat Belts	69,000–132,000 mi	117,000 mi	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 ↗ 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 ↗
Steering	61,200–89,000 mi	82,000 mi	13	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 10575896 · 85,000 mi IN AUGUST 2013, THE STATION WAGON APPEARED TO LOWER ITSELF IN THE REAR LITTLE BY LITTLE. AS OF THIS FILING, THE REAR END HAS LOWERED ITSELF TO THE POINT IT CAUSES UNSAFE DRIVING AND THERE IS NO SHOCK ABSORPTION OR SUSPENSION ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT APPEARS TO BE FINE. IN JUNE 2006, THERE WAS A RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS UNDER 06V-277 FOR 2006 BMW 5. 6 & 7 SERIES FOR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 5, 2006-APRIL 26, 2006. MY VEHICLE, PER BMW, WAS MANUFACTURED IN MAY 2005. I AM ALLEGING MY VEHICLE HANDLING AND … Look up ODI 10575896 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10715245 · 82,190 mi STEERING LOCK (ELV) WARNING (AMBER). *TR Look up ODI 10715245 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	Too few reports for a range	160,519 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 11475997 · 160,519 mi The contact owns a 2007 BMW 530XI. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle overheated with a message to pull over displayed. The contact was able to pull over safely and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the failure was not related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was informed that the thermostat and water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated confirmed that the failure… Look up ODI 11475997 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11486959 · 178,000 mi The contact owns a 2007 BMW 530XI. The contact stated that while driving in the snow, the vehicle overheated. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder. The engine overheated, and slow-down messages were displayed. The engine overheated and shut down immediately. warning indicator lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the thermostat and water pump needed to be replaced but the dealer refused to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the contac… Look up ODI 11486959 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11490162 · 100,000 mi The contact owns a 2007 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 contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. The contact stated that the frame of the vehicle felt extremely hot after driving and the vehicle took a long time to cool down. There was no warning light illuminated. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manuf… Look up ODI 11490162 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	81,300–122,625 mi	97,350 mi	6	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	1	None	ODI 11723496 · 172,000 mi The contact owns a 2007 BMW 530XI. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the front driver’s side air bag deployed without an impact. The contact had not sustained any injuries during the failure. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The local dealer was notified of the failure, and the vehicle was towed to a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 172… Look up ODI 11723496 at NHTSA ↗
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	Engine	Exterior Lighting	Seat Belts	Steering	Engine And Engine Cooling	Power Train
Air Bags	—	5 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	0	10 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 ↗	2 ODI 10594723 · 82,000 mi HAVE RESEARCHED NUMEROUS FORUMS REGARDING CAR ISSUES. "PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION" ALARM APPEARS ON IDRIVE WITH AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND SEAT BELT LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASH BOARD. READS THAT PARTS OF THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM HAVE FAILED OR ARE FAULTY. FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY OR MAY NOT DEPLOY, ALONG WITH OTHER PASSIVE RESTRAINT DEVICES. HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATIONS FROM BMW REGARDING RECALL ISSUE, BUT DISCOVERED RECENTLY THERE IS A RECALL FOR MY CAR MODEL/YEAR. AM AWAITING A SERVICE APPOINTMENT TO HAVE IT EVALUATE… Look up ODI 10594723 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10649300 · 69,000 mi WE WERE UP IN THE MOUNTAINS IN AN ISOLATED AREA WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR. AT FIRST THE CAR WOULDN'T START. FINALLY IT STARTED AND THE WHOLE DISPLAY LITE UP. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT GO TO THE DRIVING POSITION, PLUS SEVERAL MALFUNCTION LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING. I PUT THE CAR IN GEAR AND STARTED TO DRIVE, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT AND I HAD TO DRIVE TO THE NEAREST TOWN (10 MILES) IN THIRD GEAR. WE STOPPED AT THE FIRST AUTO SHOP WE COULD LOCATE AND HAVE THE MECHANIC LOOK AT IT. HE TOLD US WE WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT TO TH… Look up ODI 10649300 at NHTSA ↗	0	2 ODI 10959917 MY CAR DO NOT GO PASS 50 MILES PER HOUR. Look up ODI 10959917 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11180658 · 130,000 mi WHILE SITTING AT A LIGHT CAR WAS IMPACTED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AT THE REAR AXLE WHEEL AREA. AUTO STRUCK VEHICLE AT SPEEDS NEAR 80-100 MPH. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY EVEN THOUGH WHEN THE CAR STUCK IT CONTINUED FROM THE REAR TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR EVEN PARTIALLY RIPPING THE FRONT BUMPER OUT OF PLACE. Look up ODI 11180658 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	5 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 ↗	—	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 ↗	11 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 10649300 · 69,000 mi WE WERE UP IN THE MOUNTAINS IN AN ISOLATED AREA WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR. AT FIRST THE CAR WOULDN'T START. FINALLY IT STARTED AND THE WHOLE DISPLAY LITE UP. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT GO TO THE DRIVING POSITION, PLUS SEVERAL MALFUNCTION LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING. I PUT THE CAR IN GEAR AND STARTED TO DRIVE, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT AND I HAD TO DRIVE TO THE NEAREST TOWN (10 MILES) IN THIRD GEAR. WE STOPPED AT THE FIRST AUTO SHOP WE COULD LOCATE AND HAVE THE MECHANIC LOOK AT IT. HE TOLD US WE WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT TO TH… Look up ODI 10649300 at NHTSA ↗	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 ↗ ODI 10461287 · 61,200 mi THE CAR BATTERY DIED AFTER SITTING FOR 6 DAYS, UPON RECHARGING THE BATTERY, THE CAR STARTED UP AND MANY WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON INCLUDING STABILITY CONTROL ISSUE, HIGH DISCHARGE ON BATTERY, STEERING LOCK; AND DATE/TIME RESET. ONCE WE RESTARTED THE CAR AND BEGAN DRIVING, ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS WENT AWAY EXCEPT FOR THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK WARNING LIGHT. WARNING LIGHT SAYS "ELECTRIC STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTION. THE WHEEL CANNOT BE UNLOCKED/LOCKED. PLEASE SEE THE NEAREST BMW DEALER FOR SERVICE". AFTER READING REVIEWS, I SEE A SIMILAR OCCURRENC… Look up ODI 10461287 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10584636 · 89,000 mi DSC AND AWD LIGHTS COME UP INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER REPORTED FAILURE IN STEERING ANGLE SENSOR. CHECKED IN FORUMS TO FIND THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE FOR ALL E60 BMW CARS. *TR Look up ODI 10584636 at NHTSA ↗	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 ↗
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 ↗	—	0	1 ODI 11244846 · 150,000 mi TAKATA SEAT BELTS ISSUE WITH FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. Look up ODI 11244846 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 11075242 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. PAUL MILLER BMW (1515 NJ-23, WAYNE, NJ 07470, [phone removed]) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE REMEDY WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. TT TR… Look up ODI 11075242 at NHTSA ↗	0
Exterior Lighting	0	11 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 ↗
Seat Belts	10 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 ↗	1 ODI 10649300 · 69,000 mi WE WERE UP IN THE MOUNTAINS IN AN ISOLATED AREA WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR. AT FIRST THE CAR WOULDN'T START. FINALLY IT STARTED AND THE WHOLE DISPLAY LITE UP. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT GO TO THE DRIVING POSITION, PLUS SEVERAL MALFUNCTION LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING. I PUT THE CAR IN GEAR AND STARTED TO DRIVE, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT AND I HAD TO DRIVE TO THE NEAREST TOWN (10 MILES) IN THIRD GEAR. WE STOPPED AT THE FIRST AUTO SHOP WE COULD LOCATE AND HAVE THE MECHANIC LOOK AT IT. HE TOLD US WE WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT TO TH… Look up ODI 10649300 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11244846 · 150,000 mi TAKATA SEAT BELTS ISSUE WITH FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. Look up ODI 11244846 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	1 ODI 10649300 · 69,000 mi WE WERE UP IN THE MOUNTAINS IN AN ISOLATED AREA WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR. AT FIRST THE CAR WOULDN'T START. FINALLY IT STARTED AND THE WHOLE DISPLAY LITE UP. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT GO TO THE DRIVING POSITION, PLUS SEVERAL MALFUNCTION LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING. I PUT THE CAR IN GEAR AND STARTED TO DRIVE, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT AND I HAD TO DRIVE TO THE NEAREST TOWN (10 MILES) IN THIRD GEAR. WE STOPPED AT THE FIRST AUTO SHOP WE COULD LOCATE AND HAVE THE MECHANIC LOOK AT IT. HE TOLD US WE WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT TO TH… Look up ODI 10649300 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10959917 MY CAR DO NOT GO PASS 50 MILES PER HOUR. Look up ODI 10959917 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	2 ODI 10594723 · 82,000 mi HAVE RESEARCHED NUMEROUS FORUMS REGARDING CAR ISSUES. "PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION" ALARM APPEARS ON IDRIVE WITH AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND SEAT BELT LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASH BOARD. READS THAT PARTS OF THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM HAVE FAILED OR ARE FAULTY. FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY OR MAY NOT DEPLOY, ALONG WITH OTHER PASSIVE RESTRAINT DEVICES. HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATIONS FROM BMW REGARDING RECALL ISSUE, BUT DISCOVERED RECENTLY THERE IS A RECALL FOR MY CAR MODEL/YEAR. AM AWAITING A SERVICE APPOINTMENT TO HAVE IT EVALUATE… Look up ODI 10594723 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10649300 · 69,000 mi WE WERE UP IN THE MOUNTAINS IN AN ISOLATED AREA WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR. AT FIRST THE CAR WOULDN'T START. FINALLY IT STARTED AND THE WHOLE DISPLAY LITE UP. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT GO TO THE DRIVING POSITION, PLUS SEVERAL MALFUNCTION LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING. I PUT THE CAR IN GEAR AND STARTED TO DRIVE, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT AND I HAD TO DRIVE TO THE NEAREST TOWN (10 MILES) IN THIRD GEAR. WE STOPPED AT THE FIRST AUTO SHOP WE COULD LOCATE AND HAVE THE MECHANIC LOOK AT IT. HE TOLD US WE WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT TO TH… Look up ODI 10649300 at NHTSA ↗	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 ↗ ODI 10461287 · 61,200 mi THE CAR BATTERY DIED AFTER SITTING FOR 6 DAYS, UPON RECHARGING THE BATTERY, THE CAR STARTED UP AND MANY WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON INCLUDING STABILITY CONTROL ISSUE, HIGH DISCHARGE ON BATTERY, STEERING LOCK; AND DATE/TIME RESET. ONCE WE RESTARTED THE CAR AND BEGAN DRIVING, ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS WENT AWAY EXCEPT FOR THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK WARNING LIGHT. WARNING LIGHT SAYS "ELECTRIC STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTION. THE WHEEL CANNOT BE UNLOCKED/LOCKED. PLEASE SEE THE NEAREST BMW DEALER FOR SERVICE". AFTER READING REVIEWS, I SEE A SIMILAR OCCURRENC… Look up ODI 10461287 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10584636 · 89,000 mi DSC AND AWD LIGHTS COME UP INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER REPORTED FAILURE IN STEERING ANGLE SENSOR. CHECKED IN FORUMS TO FIND THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE FOR ALL E60 BMW CARS. *TR Look up ODI 10584636 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 10649300 · 69,000 mi WE WERE UP IN THE MOUNTAINS IN AN ISOLATED AREA WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR. AT FIRST THE CAR WOULDN'T START. FINALLY IT STARTED AND THE WHOLE DISPLAY LITE UP. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT GO TO THE DRIVING POSITION, PLUS SEVERAL MALFUNCTION LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING. I PUT THE CAR IN GEAR AND STARTED TO DRIVE, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT AND I HAD TO DRIVE TO THE NEAREST TOWN (10 MILES) IN THIRD GEAR. WE STOPPED AT THE FIRST AUTO SHOP WE COULD LOCATE AND HAVE THE MECHANIC LOOK AT IT. HE TOLD US WE WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT TO TH… Look up ODI 10649300 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	0	0	1 ODI 11075242 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. PAUL MILLER BMW (1515 NJ-23, WAYNE, NJ 07470, [phone removed]) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE REMEDY WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. TT TR… Look up ODI 11075242 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—	0
Power Train	2 ODI 10959917 MY CAR DO NOT GO PASS 50 MILES PER HOUR. Look up ODI 10959917 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11180658 · 130,000 mi WHILE SITTING AT A LIGHT CAR WAS IMPACTED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AT THE REAR AXLE WHEEL AREA. AUTO STRUCK VEHICLE AT SPEEDS NEAR 80-100 MPH. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY EVEN THOUGH WHEN THE CAR STUCK IT CONTINUED FROM THE REAR TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR EVEN PARTIALLY RIPPING THE FRONT BUMPER OUT OF PLACE. Look up ODI 11180658 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 ↗	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 ↗	1 ODI 10959917 MY CAR DO NOT GO PASS 50 MILES PER HOUR. Look up ODI 10959917 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—

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

6 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

17 mentions · 10.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 86,600 mi (15 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

7 mentions · 4.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 70,220 mi (7 usable records).

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 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

3 mentions · 1.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 116,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10553863 · 71,000 mi

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.

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 ↗

ODI 10967170 · 116,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530XI. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEGE WAS 116,000.

Look up ODI 10967170 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Hard or delayed shifting

2 mentions · 1.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 263,100 mi (2 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 ↗

ODI 10288889 · 432,000 mi

MY 2007 BMW 530XI'S AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLAMS AS DOWN SHIFT FROM 2ND TO 1ST GEAR. THIS HAPPENS DURING STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND WHEN THE TRANSMISSION GETS HOT. IT FELT LIKE I GOT REAR ENDED EVERY TIME. THE CAR JERKS SO HARD, IT FEELS LIKE I GOT WHIPLASH. MY WIFE REFUSE TO DRIVE THE CAR AND THINK THE CAR HAS BRAKE DEFECTS. I WENT TO THE DEALER AT LEAST 5 TIMES AND STILL NO RESOLUTION. BMW OFFERED 2 SOFTWARE UPDATES AND IT DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10288889 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 0.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 140,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11000457 · 140,000 mi

ON DAYS WARMER THAN 85 DEGREES, THE BRAKE PEDAL BECOMES STIFF AND GREAT FORCE MUST BE APPLIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. IF THE CAR IS PLACED IN NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE IS REVVED, THE BRAKE PEDAL RETURNS TO NORMAL, BUT RETURNS TO THE SAME PROBLEM SHORTLY. THIS ISSUE APPEARS TO BE THE SAME ISSUE THAT BMW ISSUED A RECALL FOR ON E60 VEHICLES WITH V8 ENGINES.

Look up ODI 11000457 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 0.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 37,610 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10380919 · 37,610 mi

FUEL LEAKS IN GARAGE AFTER FILLUP OF EMPTY TANK. OCCURRED AFTER TEMPERATURES BELOW 20 DEG F. *TR

Look up ODI 10380919 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b