MotorDeets

2005 BMW 6 Series: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2005 BMW 6 Series: 3 recalls, 7 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
7owner complaints
1mention a crash
19best combined mpg
2005 BMW 6 Series
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #05V504000 · 2005 · 240 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain passenger vehicles May have been built with an incorrectly manufactured automatic transmission parking pawl guide plate.

Why it matters: This could cause the parking lock system not to engage, after the transmission is placed in the park ("p") position. If the vehicle was parked on an incline, and the parking brake was not engaged, this could result in a vehicle rollaway condition.

The fix: Dealers will repair and replace the automatic transmission guide plate free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2005.

Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #10V446000 · 2010 · 198,352 vehicles

What's wrong: A check valve of the brake vacuum pump May leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.

Why it matters: Power assist braking performance could be adversely affected. In extreme cases there could be a complete loss of power assist braking. An unexpected reduction or loss in power braking assist May increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on November 24, 2010.

Electrical Vehicle recall #12V126000 · 2012 · 367,682 vehicles

What's wrong: The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable May have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection. As it loosens, an increase in electrical resistance at this cable connection is possible and could cause the cable connection to overheat.

Why it matters: Overheating could lead to a fire, even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012.

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Engine & cooling Equipment recall #12E029000 · 2012 · 585 vehicles

What's wrong: This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor May overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on…

Why it matters: This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.

The fix: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by valeo, not by BMW. For further information,

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Airbags4
Brakes (hydraulic)1
Fuel system1
Electrical1
Equipment1
Seat belts1

What owners describe

The 2005 BMW 6 Series has 7 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 8 6 Series model years for complaints (2.2× the average 6 Series year). Complaints peaked in 2006 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 30,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (3 complaints, 4 recalls), 2006 (5 complaints, 5 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.4 L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive162419Premium
4.4 L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive152318Premium
4.4 L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive152217Premium
4.4 L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive132116Premium
4.4 L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive132116Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2005 BMW 6 Series.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2005 BMW 6 Series manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2005 BMW 6 Series manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2005 BMW 6 Series manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2005 BMW 6 Series manual

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FAQ

Does the 2005 BMW 6 Series have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2005 BMW 6 Series, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2005 BMW 6 Series problems?

Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (4), brakes (hydraulic) (1), fuel system (1).

What gas mileage does the 2005 BMW 6 Series get?

EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (4.4 L, Automatic (S6)), across 5 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2005 BMW 6 Series repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other 6 Series years

20042005200620072008200920102012