2006 BMW 3 Series Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 1%of 202 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,271miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the fuel system of the 2006 BMW 3 Series, 1% of the 202 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,271 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2006 Bmw 325i the vehicle is leaking fuel and from what I think it is the breather pipe. I am very concerned this will generate a serious problem like exploding or any type of fire problem. There is a puddle of fuel every time I park my car. The fuel leak is on the left rear side of the vehicle. The smell is ascending. I strongly believe this is a safety issue and a design flaw,and even though my warranty is expired the manufacturer should and must cover this safety concern before it is too late.”
NHTSA complaint #10537386, filed 2013-08, 62,542 miles“Fuel leak coming from the fuel filter / fuel pressure regulator, located inside the fuel tank. The plastic cover where the presurred fuel line is connected cracks causing the fuel to leak. I noticed the issue due to a strong fuel smell comming from the left rear of the vehicle. I followed the smell and it took me to the fuel tank access under the rear seat on the left (driver) side. That is where I noticed fuel accumulation outside the tank. Then I proceed to start the engine and clearly noticed the fuel leaking from an small crack on the filter (not the fuel line). …”
NHTSA complaint #11155147, filed 2018-11Related service bulletins
- 10039765Jan 1, 2012Bmw: the service engine soon light is on while driving. This is a programming issue. *rm updated 1/4/12. *pe updated 4/24/12.
- 10036984Jun 1, 2010Bmw: it is now possible to perform a fuel quality detection test on vehicles with an n54 engine.
- 10036981Jun 1, 2010Bmw: warning message on about low diesel exhaust fuel level and that the engine will not restart within 999 miles. The light comes on a few thousand miles earlier than a…
- 10033130Dec 1, 2009Bmw vehicles: fuel level sensor repairs. Where it is necessary to replace the right or the left side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing or delivery…
- 10033131Oct 1, 2009Bmw vehicles: engine cranks but does not start; fuel level gauge displays a sufficient amount of fuel, although the fuel tank is empty; fault code 2a1c (fuel level plausibility)…
- 10030612May 1, 2009Bmw vehicles: service engine soon lamp or check gas cap warning illuminated while driving. Software error in the dme for the tank leak diagnostic system. Models e60, e61 (5…
- 10025556Jan 1, 2008Buzzing, humming or growling noises coming from inside the fuel tank. Vehicles with m56 engine from start of production to the present (sulev vehicles only). Model e46 (3 series)
- 10032989Dec 1, 2007Bmw: fuel level sensor repair procedure. The case where it is necessary to replace the right side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing does not need to…
- 10032814Nov 1, 2007Bmw vehicle: s54-catalyst protection mode while the vehicle is low on fuel. Complaints that the vehicle has no power during heavy acceleration. Fuel reserve light is illuminated…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 2 | 29% |
| 2010 | 3 | 10% |
| 2009 | 10 | 19% |
| 2008 | 8 | 12% |
| 2007 | 12 | 10% |
| 2006 | 3 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 3 | 4% |
| 2002 | 1 | 4% |
| 2001 | 6 | 17% |
| 2000 | 2 | 2% |
| 1999 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2006 BMW 3 Series
101 complaintsElectrical system
32 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
26 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsTires
13 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsSeats
12 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 BMW 3 Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology