U.S. public vehicle records

Bmw 6 SERIES problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

23 owner complaints analyzed

8 distinct recall campaigns

38,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2004 to 2012 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 15 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 6 of 23 complaints (26.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	4	17.4%
Electrical and battery issues	4	17.4%
Transmission and shifting	3	13.0%
Engine operation	2	8.7%
Steering behavior	2	8.7%

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

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)

Engine And Engine Cooling

Seats

Tires

Unknown Or Other

Electrical System:Wiring

Air Bags: 6; Electrical System: 5; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 2; Engine And Engine Cooling: 2; Seats: 2; Tires: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2; Electrical System:Wiring: 1

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: 5; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 5; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (5). 8 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.

2004

2006

2007

2008

2010

2011

2013

2014

2015

2017

2018

2004: 2; 2006: 4; 2007: 1; 2008: 1; 2010: 2; 2011: 6; 2013: 1; 2014: 2; 2015: 1; 2017: 1; 2018: 2

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 4 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 3 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 10147109 · 2006-01-06 (January 6, 2006)

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING . THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WENT OVER THE CURB AND HIT A PARKING PILLAR. THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS DAMAGED. THE CONTACT REPORTS HEARING SQUEAKING NOISES COMING FROM THE BRAKES TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE SQUEAKING NOISE OCCURRED ONLY WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY AT 5 TO 10 MPH. THE DEALER SAID THE BRAKE PRESSURE SENSOR WAS BAD. THE DEALER PLANS ON CONTACTING BMW TO SEE IF THE REPAIRS WILL BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 8,323 miles reported. Look up ODI 10147109 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10407568 · 2011-06-20 (June 20, 2011)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 650I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S AC WAS NOT COLD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE HE WAS TOLD THAT ENGINE OIL WAS LEAKING BELOW THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V479000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT THEN CALLED BMW USE WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT, THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WITH THE BRAKES CAUSING A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000. UPDATED 07/12/11 *BF UPDAT…

Owner-reported narrative. 57,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10407568 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10621822 · 2014-08-12 (August 12, 2014)

2ND TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED IN POURING RAIN WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE A RAG TOP CONVERTIBLE BMW THAT WHEN IT IS POURING RAIN..WATER SOMEHOW PERMEATES THE BACK OF THE CAR AND "FRIES" THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AS I AM DRIVING.. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED IT FRIED THE ONBOARD CCC AT 48,000 MILES, AND ALL THE COMPONENTS AND NOW IT HAS APPARENTLY COMPROMISED THE REPLACED PARTS IN THE TRUNK AREA.. I LOOKED IT UP AND IT THERE IS "SERVICE BULLETIN" NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10028770.. AND I AM SORRY BUT I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN I AM DRIVING IN THE RAI…

Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10621822 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10940255 · 2017-01-07 (January 7, 2017)

SHOWS THE BMW LOGO THEN SCREEN GOES BLANK AND KEEPS CYCLING THE SAME WAY. THE NAV, RADIO, BLUETOOTH, CD AND THE SOS LIGHT ERROR IN THE CLUSTER. SAFETY ALARKS ARE ALL DISABLED AND THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO DETECT OR REPORT IF OBJECTS ARE NEAR THE BUMPER OR SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THE UNIT STAYS RUNNING (MAYBE THE FAN) WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF AND DRAINS THE BATTERY.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10940255 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10397431 · 2011-04-25 (April 25, 2011)

BMW 645CI: TRANSMISSION SURGES BETWEEN SPEEDS OF 30-40MPH WHILE APPLYING CONSTANT THROTTLE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 45,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10397431 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10641104 · 2014-10-03 (October 3, 2014)

VEHICLE WOULD NOT MAINTAIN SPEED IN 3-4 GEAR, WOULD GO INTO LIMP MODE. HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACE WITH ONLY 25,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10641104 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10091708 · 2004-09-09 (September 9, 2004)

2004 BMW 645: WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH VEHICLE STALLED AND CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM. THE ENGINE STALLING PROBLEM RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. AGAIN, DEALERSHIP COULD NOT UNCOVER ANY DEFECT OR MALFUNCTION AND THE VEHICLE IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. *AK (VEHICLE BUILD DATE: MAY 4, 2004 - EXCLUDED FROM SAFETY RECALL 04V-344, WHICH HAS A BUILD DATE RANGE BEGINNING WITH MAY 12, 2004) *MJJ

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10091708 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10093654 · 2004-10-05 (October 5, 2004)

VEHICLE STALLS AND DIES WHILE IDLING OR ON TURNING. VEHICLE RESTARTS AFTER STALL, BUT ALL STEERING IS LOST UNTIL RESTARTED. BMW HAS REPLACED THE MAIN COMPUTER CONTROL BOARD TWICE (DME). STALLING IS STILL EVIDENT. TOTAL NUMBER OF KNOWN STALLS - 4. ALSO, BASED ON POSTINGS ON HTTP://BIMMER. ROADFLY.ORG/BMW/FORUMS/E63/ IT APPEARS OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH HARDWARE/SOFTWARE ON THIS MAKE, BUT PERHAPS NOT TO THE SAME SAFETY LEVEL AS MINE. ALMOST IDENTICAL COMPLAINT ON FILE WITH YOU:MAKE: BMW MODEL: 6 SERIES YEAR: 2004 COM…

Owner-reported narrative. 500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10093654 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10429457 · 2011-10-11 (October 11, 2011)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 650I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH, IN A THUNDERSTORM IN THE LEFT LANE OF THE INTERSTATE, WHEN HE NOTICED A BOLT OF LIGHTING LAND JUST TO THE RIGHT OF THE INTERSTATE IN THE GRASS. 31 OF 43 ELECTRICAL MODULES FAILED IMMEDIATELY, INCLUDING THE ENGINE, STEERING, BRAKES, RADIO AND THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE COULDN'T BE RE-STARTED, OR EVEN SHIFTED INTO TO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE BMW DEALERSHIP FOR 105 DAYS, WITHOUT INTERRUPTION. NONE OF THE REPLACED PARTS EXHIBITED ANY PHYSICAL STIGMATA OF HIGH VOLTAGE ELECT…

Owner-reported narrative. 2,345 miles reported. Look up ODI 10429457 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

From yearThrough year

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2012

2004: 4; 2005: 3; 2006: 5; 2007: 2; 2008: 2; 2009: 2; 2010: 2; 2012: 1

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Bmw 6 SERIES model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Change in recalls
2004	3	4	Not available
2005	7	3	-1
2006	5	5	+2
2007	0	2	-3
2008	6	2	0
2009	0	2	0
2010	0	2	0
2012	2	1	Not available

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

65.2%Usable mileage15 / 23 records

100.0%Valid incident date23 / 23 records

100.0%Valid filing date23 / 23 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates23 / 23 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	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2012
Air Bags	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	457.1% ODI 10358761 · 25,695 mi PASSENGER AIRBAG LAMP IS ON AND STAYS ON AFTER TECHNICIAN AT THE BMW SERVICE CENTER RESET THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER (CLEARED FAULTS). VEHICLE DID NOT GET INTO SITUATION WHICH WOULD TRIGGER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, BUT POTENTIALLY THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIRBAG MAY MALFUNCTION AND RENDER THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INOPERATIVE. *TR Look up ODI 10358761 at NHTSA ↗	120.0% ODI 10162635 2006 BMW 650I, MARCH 2006 PASSENGER SEAT WOULD LOCK, AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, ENGINE BEGAN BACKFIRING. MAY 2006 THE SEAT LOCKED AND THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONED AGAIN. IN JUNE THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND WAS REPAIRED. KB NAR* *JB Look up ODI 10162635 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	116.7% ODI 10238437 WHILE PASSENGER IS IN THE VEHICLE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT STAYS LIT, MEANING THAT THE AIRBAG IS OFF EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A PERSON IN THE SEAT, THAT PERSON IN THE SEAT IN MY SON THAT WEIGHS ABOUT 225 LBS. MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE WHOLE PASSENGER SEAT AND SENSOR. ONCE I GOT MY CAR BACK I HAD THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. MY CAR WAS ALSO WITH THE DEALERSHIP FOR ABOUT 30 DAYS FOR THIS ISSUE. ALSO IN THE VEHICLE OPTIONS FOR THIS FORM MY CAR WASN'T ON THERE SO MY CAR MODEL IS: 2008 BMW M6. *TR Look up ODI 10238437 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	133.3% ODI 10093654 · 500 mi VEHICLE STALLS AND DIES WHILE IDLING OR ON TURNING. VEHICLE RESTARTS AFTER STALL, BUT ALL STEERING IS LOST UNTIL RESTARTED. BMW HAS REPLACED THE MAIN COMPUTER CONTROL BOARD TWICE (DME). STALLING IS STILL EVIDENT. TOTAL NUMBER OF KNOWN STALLS - 4. ALSO, BASED ON POSTINGS ON HTTP://BIMMER. ROADFLY.ORG/BMW/FORUMS/E63/ IT APPEARS OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH HARDWARE/SOFTWARE ON THIS MAKE, BUT PERHAPS NOT TO THE SAME SAFETY LEVEL AS MINE. ALMOST IDENTICAL COMPLAINT ON FILE WITH YOU:MAKE: BMW MODEL: 6 SERIES YEAR: 2004 COM… Look up ODI 10093654 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	350.0% ODI 10621822 · 50,000 mi 2ND TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED IN POURING RAIN WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE A RAG TOP CONVERTIBLE BMW THAT WHEN IT IS POURING RAIN..WATER SOMEHOW PERMEATES THE BACK OF THE CAR AND "FRIES" THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AS I AM DRIVING.. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED IT FRIED THE ONBOARD CCC AT 48,000 MILES, AND ALL THE COMPONENTS AND NOW IT HAS APPARENTLY COMPROMISED THE REPLACED PARTS IN THE TRUNK AREA.. I LOOKED IT UP AND IT THERE IS "SERVICE BULLETIN" NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10028770.. AND I AM SORRY BUT I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN I AM DRIVING IN THE RAI… Look up ODI 10621822 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 10429457 · 2,345 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 650I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH, IN A THUNDERSTORM IN THE LEFT LANE OF THE INTERSTATE, WHEN HE NOTICED A BOLT OF LIGHTING LAND JUST TO THE RIGHT OF THE INTERSTATE IN THE GRASS. 31 OF 43 ELECTRICAL MODULES FAILED IMMEDIATELY, INCLUDING THE ENGINE, STEERING, BRAKES, RADIO AND THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE COULDN'T BE RE-STARTED, OR EVEN SHIFTED INTO TO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE BMW DEALERSHIP FOR 105 DAYS, WITHOUT INTERRUPTION. NONE OF THE REPLACED PARTS EXHIBITED ANY PHYSICAL STIGMATA OF HIGH VOLTAGE ELECT… Look up ODI 10429457 at NHTSA ↗
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	233.3% ODI 10940255 SHOWS THE BMW LOGO THEN SCREEN GOES BLANK AND KEEPS CYCLING THE SAME WAY. THE NAV, RADIO, BLUETOOTH, CD AND THE SOS LIGHT ERROR IN THE CLUSTER. SAFETY ALARKS ARE ALL DISABLED AND THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO DETECT OR REPORT IF OBJECTS ARE NEAR THE BUMPER OR SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THE UNIT STAYS RUNNING (MAYBE THE FAN) WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF AND DRAINS THE BATTERY. Look up ODI 10940255 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	240.0% ODI 10162635 2006 BMW 650I, MARCH 2006 PASSENGER SEAT WOULD LOCK, AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, ENGINE BEGAN BACKFIRING. MAY 2006 THE SEAT LOCKED AND THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONED AGAIN. IN JUNE THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND WAS REPAIRED. KB NAR* *JB Look up ODI 10162635 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Seats	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	120.0% ODI 10162635 2006 BMW 650I, MARCH 2006 PASSENGER SEAT WOULD LOCK, AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, ENGINE BEGAN BACKFIRING. MAY 2006 THE SEAT LOCKED AND THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONED AGAIN. IN JUNE THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND WAS REPAIRED. KB NAR* *JB Look up ODI 10162635 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	116.7% ODI 10238437 WHILE PASSENGER IS IN THE VEHICLE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT STAYS LIT, MEANING THAT THE AIRBAG IS OFF EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A PERSON IN THE SEAT, THAT PERSON IN THE SEAT IN MY SON THAT WEIGHS ABOUT 225 LBS. MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE WHOLE PASSENGER SEAT AND SENSOR. ONCE I GOT MY CAR BACK I HAD THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. MY CAR WAS ALSO WITH THE DEALERSHIP FOR ABOUT 30 DAYS FOR THIS ISSUE. ALSO IN THE VEHICLE OPTIONS FOR THIS FORM MY CAR WASN'T ON THERE SO MY CAR MODEL IS: 2008 BMW M6. *TR Look up ODI 10238437 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Tires	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	120.0% ODI 10177704 TIRE INTERNAL FAILURE - LOOKS LIKE A CUT INSIDE THE TIRE. *JB Look up ODI 10177704 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	116.7% ODI 10379501 · 17,725 mi BRIDGESTONE POTENZA 245-40-R19 94W MAJOR SIDEWALL FAILURE, 3 INCH SECTION OF TIRE FROM BEAD OF TIRE AT RIM SURFACE LOOKS AS IF BEAD FAILED AND SIDE WALL TORN AWAY FROM BEAD TOWARDS TREAD, NO SIDEWALL OR RIM IMPACT DAMAGE AND TORN OUTWARD FROM RIM TOWARDS TREAD INDICATING SIDEWALL MATERIAL FAILURE ON 2008 BMW OE TIRE WITH LESS THAN 15,000 MILES ABOUT 50% TREAD REMAINING, NO SURFACE DAMAGE TO TIRE OR RIM, FAILURE APPEARS TO BE INTERNAL DEFECT AND COULD CAUSE MAJOR PROBLEMS, COMPLETE IMMEDIATE LOSS OF AIR OCCURRED. TIRE STILL ON RIM WILL TAKE P… Look up ODI 10379501 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	116.7% ODI 11073372 · 1 mi CONVERTIBLE TOP LOCKS UP RANDOMLY, GET MESSAGE TO REDUCE SPEED DUE TO TOP NOT BEING LOCKED WHEN IT WAS FINE THE "RIDE" BEFORE, TRY TO "LOCK", THEN WINDOWS GO HALFWAY DOWN AND STAY STUCK THAT WAY. THIS HAPPENS WHEN IN MOTION, ON STREET OR HIGHWAY. Look up ODI 11073372 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 11101170 · 38,000 mi BMW GROUP ISSUED VOLUNTARY RECALL NO. 18V-248: ELECTRONIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FAILURE. PRIOR TO RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE BY MAIL, MY CAR'S INSTRUMENT PANEL REGISTERED THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE WHILE DRIVING AND ON COLD STARTUP: "ENGINE TEMPERATURE HIGH, DRIVE MODERATELY..." . THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE READ NORMAL BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER THE WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED (BOTH STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING). THE BMW SERVICE CENTER INFORMED ME THE MESSAGE WAS DUE TO THE RECALLED AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FAILURE, 18V-248. IN ADDITION, THE TURBO COOLANT LIN… Look up ODI 11101170 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Wiring	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	114.3% ODI 10163128 I BOUGHT A NEW 2005 BMW 645I.AND IT HAD COMPUTER PROBLEMS. THE DEALER SAID THE MANUFACTURER USUALLY FIXED PROBLEMS IN 60-90 DAYS. IT HAS BEEN 18 MONTHS AND THE ON BOARD COMPUTER HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE ENTERTAINMENT, AND BLUETOOTH. THE COMPUTER CONTINUES TO PLAY CD'S AFTER THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF. THE DEALER IGNORED THE PROBLEM FOR MONTHS UNTIL I SAID THE CAR WOULD NEED TO BE BOUGHT UNDER THE "LEMON LAW'. THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY NOW SAY ALL 650 AND 645 MODELS HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND THEY CANNOT GUARANTEE ANOTHER VEHICLE WO… Look up ODI 10163128 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

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	Too few reports for a range	47,861 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10358761 · 25,695 mi PASSENGER AIRBAG LAMP IS ON AND STAYS ON AFTER TECHNICIAN AT THE BMW SERVICE CENTER RESET THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER (CLEARED FAULTS). VEHICLE DID NOT GET INTO SITUATION WHICH WOULD TRIGGER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, BUT POTENTIALLY THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIRBAG MAY MALFUNCTION AND RENDER THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INOPERATIVE. TR Look up ODI 10358761 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10370612 · 30,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 645. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000. UPDATED 02/02/11 CN Look up ODI 10370612 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10402757 · 65,721 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 645. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD INDICATING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS NOT WORKING. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A CRASH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY AND COULD CAUSE A SEVERE INJURY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,721. Look up ODI 10402757 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	1,423 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10093654 · 500 mi VEHICLE STALLS AND DIES WHILE IDLING OR ON TURNING. VEHICLE RESTARTS AFTER STALL, BUT ALL STEERING IS LOST UNTIL RESTARTED. BMW HAS REPLACED THE MAIN COMPUTER CONTROL BOARD TWICE (DME). STALLING IS STILL EVIDENT. TOTAL NUMBER OF KNOWN STALLS - 4. ALSO, BASED ON POSTINGS ON HTTP://BIMMER. ROADFLY.ORG/BMW/FORUMS/E63/ IT APPEARS OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH HARDWARE/SOFTWARE ON THIS MAKE, BUT PERHAPS NOT TO THE SAME SAFETY LEVEL AS MINE. ALMOST IDENTICAL COMPLAINT ON FILE WITH YOU:MAKE: BMW MODEL: 6 SERIES YEAR: 2004 COM… Look up ODI 10093654 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10621822 · 50,000 mi 2ND TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED IN POURING RAIN WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE A RAG TOP CONVERTIBLE BMW THAT WHEN IT IS POURING RAIN..WATER SOMEHOW PERMEATES THE BACK OF THE CAR AND "FRIES" THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AS I AM DRIVING.. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED IT FRIED THE ONBOARD CCC AT 48,000 MILES, AND ALL THE COMPONENTS AND NOW IT HAS APPARENTLY COMPROMISED THE REPLACED PARTS IN THE TRUNK AREA.. I LOOKED IT UP AND IT THERE IS "SERVICE BULLETIN" NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10028770.. AND I AM SORRY BUT I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN I AM DRIVING IN THE RAI… Look up ODI 10621822 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11073372 · 1 mi CONVERTIBLE TOP LOCKS UP RANDOMLY, GET MESSAGE TO REDUCE SPEED DUE TO TOP NOT BEING LOCKED WHEN IT WAS FINE THE "RIDE" BEFORE, TRY TO "LOCK", THEN WINDOWS GO HALFWAY DOWN AND STAY STUCK THAT WAY. THIS HAPPENS WHEN IN MOTION, ON STREET OR HIGHWAY. Look up ODI 11073372 at NHTSA ↗
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	Too few reports for a range	1 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 11073372 · 1 mi CONVERTIBLE TOP LOCKS UP RANDOMLY, GET MESSAGE TO REDUCE SPEED DUE TO TOP NOT BEING LOCKED WHEN IT WAS FINE THE "RIDE" BEFORE, TRY TO "LOCK", THEN WINDOWS GO HALFWAY DOWN AND STAY STUCK THAT WAY. THIS HAPPENS WHEN IN MOTION, ON STREET OR HIGHWAY. Look up ODI 11073372 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	Too few reports for a range	57,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10407568 · 57,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 650I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S AC WAS NOT COLD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE HE WAS TOLD THAT ENGINE OIL WAS LEAKING BELOW THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V479000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT THEN CALLED BMW USE WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT, THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WITH THE BRAKES CAUSING A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000. UPDATED 07/12/11 *BF UPDAT… Look up ODI 10407568 at NHTSA ↗
Tires	Too few reports for a range	17,725 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10379501 · 17,725 mi BRIDGESTONE POTENZA 245-40-R19 94W MAJOR SIDEWALL FAILURE, 3 INCH SECTION OF TIRE FROM BEAD OF TIRE AT RIM SURFACE LOOKS AS IF BEAD FAILED AND SIDE WALL TORN AWAY FROM BEAD TOWARDS TREAD, NO SIDEWALL OR RIM IMPACT DAMAGE AND TORN OUTWARD FROM RIM TOWARDS TREAD INDICATING SIDEWALL MATERIAL FAILURE ON 2008 BMW OE TIRE WITH LESS THAN 15,000 MILES ABOUT 50% TREAD REMAINING, NO SURFACE DAMAGE TO TIRE OR RIM, FAILURE APPEARS TO BE INTERNAL DEFECT AND COULD CAUSE MAJOR PROBLEMS, COMPLETE IMMEDIATE LOSS OF AIR OCCURRED. TIRE STILL ON RIM WILL TAKE P… Look up ODI 10379501 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	Too few reports for a range	19,001 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 11073372 · 1 mi CONVERTIBLE TOP LOCKS UP RANDOMLY, GET MESSAGE TO REDUCE SPEED DUE TO TOP NOT BEING LOCKED WHEN IT WAS FINE THE "RIDE" BEFORE, TRY TO "LOCK", THEN WINDOWS GO HALFWAY DOWN AND STAY STUCK THAT WAY. THIS HAPPENS WHEN IN MOTION, ON STREET OR HIGHWAY. Look up ODI 11073372 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11101170 · 38,000 mi BMW GROUP ISSUED VOLUNTARY RECALL NO. 18V-248: ELECTRONIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FAILURE. PRIOR TO RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE BY MAIL, MY CAR'S INSTRUMENT PANEL REGISTERED THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE WHILE DRIVING AND ON COLD STARTUP: "ENGINE TEMPERATURE HIGH, DRIVE MODERATELY..." . THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE READ NORMAL BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER THE WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED (BOTH STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING). THE BMW SERVICE CENTER INFORMED ME THE MESSAGE WAS DUE TO THE RECALLED AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FAILURE, 18V-248. IN ADDITION, THE TURBO COOLANT LIN… Look up ODI 11101170 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	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	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

2010: 0 complaints · 2012: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2010	0	0	0
2012	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2010	0	0	0
2012	1	0	1

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	Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	Engine And Engine Cooling	Seats	Tires	Unknown Or Other	Electrical System:Wiring
Air Bags	—	0	0	1 ODI 10162635 2006 BMW 650I, MARCH 2006 PASSENGER SEAT WOULD LOCK, AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, ENGINE BEGAN BACKFIRING. MAY 2006 THE SEAT LOCKED AND THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONED AGAIN. IN JUNE THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND WAS REPAIRED. KB NAR* *JB Look up ODI 10162635 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10162635 2006 BMW 650I, MARCH 2006 PASSENGER SEAT WOULD LOCK, AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, ENGINE BEGAN BACKFIRING. MAY 2006 THE SEAT LOCKED AND THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONED AGAIN. IN JUNE THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND WAS REPAIRED. KB NAR* JB Look up ODI 10162635 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10238437 WHILE PASSENGER IS IN THE VEHICLE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT STAYS LIT, MEANING THAT THE AIRBAG IS OFF EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A PERSON IN THE SEAT, THAT PERSON IN THE SEAT IN MY SON THAT WEIGHS ABOUT 225 LBS. MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE WHOLE PASSENGER SEAT AND SENSOR. ONCE I GOT MY CAR BACK I HAD THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. MY CAR WAS ALSO WITH THE DEALERSHIP FOR ABOUT 30 DAYS FOR THIS ISSUE. ALSO IN THE VEHICLE OPTIONS FOR THIS FORM MY CAR WASN'T ON THERE SO MY CAR MODEL IS: 2008 BMW M6. TR Look up ODI 10238437 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Electrical System	0	—	2 ODI 10940255 SHOWS THE BMW LOGO THEN SCREEN GOES BLANK AND KEEPS CYCLING THE SAME WAY. THE NAV, RADIO, BLUETOOTH, CD AND THE SOS LIGHT ERROR IN THE CLUSTER. SAFETY ALARKS ARE ALL DISABLED AND THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO DETECT OR REPORT IF OBJECTS ARE NEAR THE BUMPER OR SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THE UNIT STAYS RUNNING (MAYBE THE FAN) WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF AND DRAINS THE BATTERY. Look up ODI 10940255 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11073372 · 1 mi CONVERTIBLE TOP LOCKS UP RANDOMLY, GET MESSAGE TO REDUCE SPEED DUE TO TOP NOT BEING LOCKED WHEN IT WAS FINE THE "RIDE" BEFORE, TRY TO "LOCK", THEN WINDOWS GO HALFWAY DOWN AND STAY STUCK THAT WAY. THIS HAPPENS WHEN IN MOTION, ON STREET OR HIGHWAY. Look up ODI 11073372 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	1 ODI 11073372 · 1 mi CONVERTIBLE TOP LOCKS UP RANDOMLY, GET MESSAGE TO REDUCE SPEED DUE TO TOP NOT BEING LOCKED WHEN IT WAS FINE THE "RIDE" BEFORE, TRY TO "LOCK", THEN WINDOWS GO HALFWAY DOWN AND STAY STUCK THAT WAY. THIS HAPPENS WHEN IN MOTION, ON STREET OR HIGHWAY. Look up ODI 11073372 at NHTSA ↗	0
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	0	2 ODI 10940255 SHOWS THE BMW LOGO THEN SCREEN GOES BLANK AND KEEPS CYCLING THE SAME WAY. THE NAV, RADIO, BLUETOOTH, CD AND THE SOS LIGHT ERROR IN THE CLUSTER. SAFETY ALARKS ARE ALL DISABLED AND THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO DETECT OR REPORT IF OBJECTS ARE NEAR THE BUMPER OR SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THE UNIT STAYS RUNNING (MAYBE THE FAN) WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF AND DRAINS THE BATTERY. Look up ODI 10940255 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11073372 · 1 mi CONVERTIBLE TOP LOCKS UP RANDOMLY, GET MESSAGE TO REDUCE SPEED DUE TO TOP NOT BEING LOCKED WHEN IT WAS FINE THE "RIDE" BEFORE, TRY TO "LOCK", THEN WINDOWS GO HALFWAY DOWN AND STAY STUCK THAT WAY. THIS HAPPENS WHEN IN MOTION, ON STREET OR HIGHWAY. Look up ODI 11073372 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	1 ODI 11073372 · 1 mi CONVERTIBLE TOP LOCKS UP RANDOMLY, GET MESSAGE TO REDUCE SPEED DUE TO TOP NOT BEING LOCKED WHEN IT WAS FINE THE "RIDE" BEFORE, TRY TO "LOCK", THEN WINDOWS GO HALFWAY DOWN AND STAY STUCK THAT WAY. THIS HAPPENS WHEN IN MOTION, ON STREET OR HIGHWAY. Look up ODI 11073372 at NHTSA ↗	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	1 ODI 10162635 2006 BMW 650I, MARCH 2006 PASSENGER SEAT WOULD LOCK, AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, ENGINE BEGAN BACKFIRING. MAY 2006 THE SEAT LOCKED AND THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONED AGAIN. IN JUNE THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND WAS REPAIRED. KB NAR* *JB Look up ODI 10162635 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	1 ODI 10162635 2006 BMW 650I, MARCH 2006 PASSENGER SEAT WOULD LOCK, AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, ENGINE BEGAN BACKFIRING. MAY 2006 THE SEAT LOCKED AND THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONED AGAIN. IN JUNE THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND WAS REPAIRED. KB NAR* *JB Look up ODI 10162635 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Seats	2 ODI 10162635 2006 BMW 650I, MARCH 2006 PASSENGER SEAT WOULD LOCK, AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, ENGINE BEGAN BACKFIRING. MAY 2006 THE SEAT LOCKED AND THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONED AGAIN. IN JUNE THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND WAS REPAIRED. KB NAR* JB Look up ODI 10162635 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10238437 WHILE PASSENGER IS IN THE VEHICLE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT STAYS LIT, MEANING THAT THE AIRBAG IS OFF EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A PERSON IN THE SEAT, THAT PERSON IN THE SEAT IN MY SON THAT WEIGHS ABOUT 225 LBS. MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE WHOLE PASSENGER SEAT AND SENSOR. ONCE I GOT MY CAR BACK I HAD THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. MY CAR WAS ALSO WITH THE DEALERSHIP FOR ABOUT 30 DAYS FOR THIS ISSUE. ALSO IN THE VEHICLE OPTIONS FOR THIS FORM MY CAR WASN'T ON THERE SO MY CAR MODEL IS: 2008 BMW M6. TR Look up ODI 10238437 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 10162635 2006 BMW 650I, MARCH 2006 PASSENGER SEAT WOULD LOCK, AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, ENGINE BEGAN BACKFIRING. MAY 2006 THE SEAT LOCKED AND THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONED AGAIN. IN JUNE THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND WAS REPAIRED. KB NAR* *JB Look up ODI 10162635 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0
Tires	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Unknown Or Other	0	1 ODI 11073372 · 1 mi CONVERTIBLE TOP LOCKS UP RANDOMLY, GET MESSAGE TO REDUCE SPEED DUE TO TOP NOT BEING LOCKED WHEN IT WAS FINE THE "RIDE" BEFORE, TRY TO "LOCK", THEN WINDOWS GO HALFWAY DOWN AND STAY STUCK THAT WAY. THIS HAPPENS WHEN IN MOTION, ON STREET OR HIGHWAY. Look up ODI 11073372 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11073372 · 1 mi CONVERTIBLE TOP LOCKS UP RANDOMLY, GET MESSAGE TO REDUCE SPEED DUE TO TOP NOT BEING LOCKED WHEN IT WAS FINE THE "RIDE" BEFORE, TRY TO "LOCK", THEN WINDOWS GO HALFWAY DOWN AND STAY STUCK THAT WAY. THIS HAPPENS WHEN IN MOTION, ON STREET OR HIGHWAY. Look up ODI 11073372 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—	0
Electrical System:Wiring	0	0	0	0	0	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

3 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 8.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 500 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10091708

Look up ODI 10091708 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10093654 · 500 mi

Look up ODI 10093654 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 4.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 65,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10419989 · 65,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 6-SERIES. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V446000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM) AND WAS REPAIRED. AFTER REPAIRS WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE POWER ASSIST BRAKING WOULD NOT FUNCTION. THE CONTACT HAD TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIANS ADVISED THAT THE VACUUM PUMP, BRAKE AND THE BRAKE BOOSTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE …

Look up ODI 10419989 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 4.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 30,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10370612 · 30,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 645. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000. UPDATED 02/02/11 *CN

Look up ODI 10370612 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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