2006 BMW X5: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2006 BMW X5: 2 recalls, 168 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #13V564000 · 2013 · 76,565 vehicles
What's wrong: The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash May fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Why it matters: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it May crack, free of charge.…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 11 mention a fire, 12 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (83): the most common themes are warning light on (43), fails to deploy (4).
- Seats (25): the most common themes are fire / smoke (11), warning light on (4), electrical failure (4).
- Brakes (21): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (4), warning light on (3).
- Electrical (20): the most common themes are fire / smoke (9), electrical failure (6), door / lock issues (3).
The 2006 BMW X5 has 168 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 28 X5 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 113). Complaints peaked in 2014 (45 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 85,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (82 complaints, 2 recalls), 2007 (71 complaints, 8 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 20 | 16 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Premium |
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 2006 BMW X5.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2006 BMW X5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2006 BMW X5. 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 2006 BMW X5 problems?
Owners have filed 168 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (83), seats (25), brakes (21).
What gas mileage does the 2006 BMW X5 get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (3.0 L, Manual 6-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2006 BMW X5 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.