Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2006 BMW M5, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Air bags25
- Seat belts7
- Power train5
- Engine3
- Electrical system3
- Seats3
- Engine and engine cooling2
- Vehicle speed control1
- Exterior lighting1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 1 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 3 2006 M5 vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 3 people died inside them, and 2 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2006 BMW M5 failed the safety check 0.69% of the time — 71% less often than the average 2006 passenger car (2.34%). Median odometer at inspection: 85,361 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
In the Netherlands
84 first registered in 2006 are on Dutch roads; 61% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €139,174.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde24
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld15
- Overmatige vloeistoflekkage overige vloeistoffen6
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm5
- Mistachterlicht werkt niet (goed)3
- Remslang beschadigd, wapeningsmateriaal zichtbaar3
- Waarschuwingsinrichting airbag- / gordelsysteem geeft defect3
- Stuur- of fuseekogel met slijtage kleiner of gelijk 1,0 mm2
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
169 cars built in 2006 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 234 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 266 of these cars first registered in 2006 took their annual MOT test. 85% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2006 the figure was 56%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2006 |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 5.3% | 21.5% |
| Tyres | 4.1% | 7.4% |
| Brakes | 3.8% | 13.1% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.8% | 6.6% |
| Suspension | 3.8% | 17.3% |
| Visibility | 3.8% | 7.3% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
10 of these cars first registered in 2006 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 158,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
44 2006 cars are on the New Zealand register; 68% arrived as used imports, 23% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 1 variant: combined 16.8 L/100 km (about 14 mpg US), CO₂ 386 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| M5 · Mid-size · Premium gasoline | 20.0 | 12.9 | 16.8 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. 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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What BMW told its dealers about the 2006 BMW M5: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10249437 | The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. |
| 10249027 | The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints. |
| 10244237 | Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material- |
| 10225126 | Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. |
| 10225107 | Coolant is leaking from under the car which is equipped with the S63 engine. A low coolant warning might also be displayed (CC Message ID166). |
| 10194296 | Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form. |
| 10182619 | Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle "discharged battery" complaints. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root caus |
| 10175267 | Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. If the ignition is cycled the engine then usually performs normally. |
| 10162428 | Various Electrical Problems Caused by Water Ingress. Water ingress into the luggage compartment may cause various electrical problems or faults associated with the MPM (Micro Power Module); PDC (Park Distance Control); M-ASK (Multi-Audio System Controller); CCC (Car Communication Computer); CID (Control Information Display); TCU (Telematics Control Unit); LOGIC-7 (Top Hi-Fi); RDC (Tire Pressure Monitor) or SDARS (Satellite Radio Receiver) control modules. In most cases, the water collects in the spare wheel recess. CAUSE: Insufficient sealing may allow water to enter the luggage compartment du |
| 10151335 | Bluetooth Connection Failures. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple iPhones Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure examples are: Call disconnection - Call is transferred back to the handset. In some instances the call is then transferred back to the vehicle. Contact List incomplete General connection failures Apple iOS software (issue started with iOS 8.3 continues with iOS 9.x and its variants) Samsung S6 and S6 Edge device firmware. |
| 10151323 | ELV Does Not Release. The customer complains of a no-crank, no-start situation. The condition may be intermittent. The ELV (Electric Steering Lock) warning is shown in the Instrument Cluster. |
| 10151119 | SI B84 03 14 February 2016 Communication Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B84 03 14 dated October 2014. SUBJECT Bluetooth Connection Failures. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple iPhones Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure examples are: Call disconnection - Call is transferred back to the handset. In some instances the call is then transferred back to the vehicle. Contact List incomplete General connection failures CAUSE Apple iOS software (issue started with iOS 8.3 continues with iOS 9.x and its varia |
| 10151115 | SUBJECT Audio System Speaker Testing. For audio system speaker testing there is a NED (Non Electrical Diagnosis) Test Plan available. CAUSE We previously recommended use of the Audio Test CD (ATC) from BMW. This CD has been discontinued. |
| 10151068 | This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Fault codes stored in vehicles being serviced are not being diagnosed, leading to repeat repair visits (source- Analysis of FASTA data and repeat repair visit reports). INFORMATION Where diagnosis (vehicle or short test) with ISTA has already started, it is important to diagnose the fault code(s) listed below (when they are stored in the vehicle) to find their root cause during the current workshop visit. This will help lead to a reduction in workshop |
| 10151023 | Whistling Noise Coming from the Center Vent - A/C is Off . A very high pitched whistling or beeping noise is heard coming from the center vents. The flow of refrigerant through the expansion valve at certain temperature differentials. |
| 10150385 | "CCC - ""Please Insert Navigation DVD"" Appears on CID. The navigation map DVD cannot be read or detected. The message ""Please insert navigation DVD"" appears in the CID (Central Information Display). The navigation system is inoperative. This situation may also occur when upgrading to a new navigation map. The old map is recognized but the new one is not. CAUSE Faulty DVD drive; read error due to hardening of the anti-vibration gel on the read head" |
| 10150330 | "Discharged Battery: Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed. The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle ""discharged battery"" complaints. A discharged battery can have various causes, most of which do not concern the battery itself. A failed battery is often the symptom and not the cause. A fully serviceable battery fails when an electrical component causes the battery to discharge; the batt |
| 10150130 | The vehicle position is missing or incorrect on the navigation map. The navigation system integrated in the Car Information Computer (CIC) is not calibrated correctly. |
| 10150099 | N54 Engine: Fuel Pressure Control Test Plan Error. INFORMATION Not applicable. |
| 10150065 | "BMW NA has agreed to extend the emissions warranties of the turbocharger's wastegate to: ??8 years or 82,000 miles, whichever occurs first, as determined from the vehicle's original in-service date select the ""Vehicle Comment"" button to display the extended coverage information. The terms of the original New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty and applicable emissions warranty still apply. BMW NA will not provide warranty coverage to any Settlement Class Member's vehicle containing modifications or alterations to the turbocharger or its wastegates (software, hardware or otherwise), or evidencing |
| 10149605 | Battery Replacements. A failed battery in the vehicle is being replaced with a battery of a different size and type, which can lead to additional labor to retrofit the differently sized battery. CAUSE In the past, the 110 AH Lead acid battery was not available. The 90/92 AH AGM battery was installed as an alternative replacement; this required retrofitting. |
| 10149589 | "N54 Engine: Diagnosis of Cold Start Rough Running with Misfire Faults. The customer may complain that during the cold start in the morning, the engine runs very roughly and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. Various misfire fault codes (e.g., 29CC, 29D2, 29D1, 29D0, 29C0, 29CF) may be stored in the DME control module. The engine rough running complaint can be reproduced on a cold start in the workshop. During the course of diagnosis, the spark plugs, removed from the misfiring cylinders after the problem was reproduced, are found to be soaked (""wet"") with fuel, while the injector |
| 10149382 | iPhone: Connection Failures with iOS 7. There are various connectivity failures with the iPhone using iOS 7. Some examples are listed below: z Call disconnection z Contact List incomplete z General connection failures Apple software iOS 7 and its variants |
| 10149279 | Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Analysis of FASTA data and repeat repair visit reports indicates that there are many fault codes that are stored in the above vehicles, but they are not diagnosed to identify their root cause. Fault codes that are not diagnosed to find their root cause can lead to a repeat repair visit to the workshop by the customer. Where diagnosis (vehicle or short test) with ISTA has already started, it is important to diagnose the fault code(s) listed below (when they are stored in the vehicle) during the current workshop visit. This will h |
| 10148423 | Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge During Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days with an outside ambient temperature of less than 15F, customers may notice a check control message related to the battery that is displayed on the instrument cluster and the control information display. Under these conditions, the vehicle starts. Various power management faults can be stored: z 213901 - Power management: Reduction or shutdown of individual electrical consumer z 8040BD - Reset or deactivation of Terminal 30F z 8040B9 - De-activation of terminal 30B: Top start capability limit reached |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)