2006 BMW 530I problems
NHTSA has received 128 complaints about the 2006 BMW 530I, and 28% of them involve air bags. After that come engine (18%) and electrical system (12%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 128 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Air bags 28% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 2 and 6
- Injuries and deaths
- 3 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 101,000 miles 105 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 8 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 1 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 4 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 17 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 13 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 20 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 12 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 18 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 3 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 5 |
| 200k+ miles | 4 |
What the data shows
Among the 105 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 100,000 miles. For air bags specifically, the median reported mileage is about 87,000 miles (30 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 2 complaints mention a crash; 6 complaints mention a fire; 3 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2006 ranks 8th most-complained-about out of 11 model years of the BMW 530I with enough data (13 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 3 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
The car was going at 20MPH on a rainy day, all of a sudden it started to spin, after a couple of 360 degree turn it hit a pole and came to a halt. Airbags and side curtain bags deployed with driver side airbag popped into pieces. Driver has a minor injury to right hand.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 BMW 530I. The contact stated while driving various speeds the brake pedal extended all the way down to the floor and there was a delay when the brake pedal was engaged. The contact also stated that when he turned the heat on he smelled a burning odor in the seats. The air bag light sensor illuminated whenever the vehicle was turned on. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer and stated that there was no recall for his vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.
After traveling for several weeks, my 2006 BMW 530I was parked in my drive way. When I returned home, I opened by door to find mold growing all over the seats , interiors surfaces, and a bad odor. I opened the back door and found 4 inches of water standing in the floor board. I immediately used my wet/dry vac to suck all the standing water out. As I looked around mold had grown all over the leather seats, interior trim ,and carpet. I started to do some research on bimmer forums to see what might the culprit.
Passenger seat sensor faulty, airbag disabled. Faults are showing, and warning lights are on. I have called the dealer and BMW USA, both acknowledge an issue but insist my car is not covered. The VIN is not on their roster. BMW recalled 200,000 cars for this problem, in the same year and model. I now have the issue, and it is a clear safety concern for any who might ride in the car.