2006 BMW 3 Series Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 4%of 202 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,250miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the visibility of the 2006 BMW 3 Series, 4% of the 202 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,250 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.
“Yesterday, the doors on my 2006 325i wouldn't unlock with the key fob. I used the actual key to enter the car and the central locking/unlocking button does not unlock the doors. The door to the gas tank is also locked. There is no way to unlock any of the passenger doors which poses a safety hazard. In reading through online forums, this is a common problem that should be addressed by Bmw. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10504242, filed 2013-03, 100,000 miles“While driving at freeway speed during a torrential downpour, the windshield wipers ceased to operate. This caused an immediate dangerous situation, wherein visibility was almost impossible through the windshield. Not only was there a tremendous amount of water blocking my view, but the wipers themselves had stopped in a slightly vertical position, also blocking my view. This situation continued for about 15 minutes, as we carefully and cautiously attempted to get off of the freeway and away from other traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10306734, filed 2010-02, 54,500 miles“First the driver side door lock actuator would not unlock so I would have to use the key to unlock the driver door. Bought a new actuator and had it replaced. Not even one month later the back seat driver side door lock actuator went out as well. However there is no key hole for the back door and it cannot be opened from the inside. I was told by a Bmw dealer that I would have to have the door torn off and replaced with a new door because there was no way to open the door. But wait there's more! Both back window regulators went out as well! Got the back seat passenger side fixed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10579425, filed 2014-04, 78,000 miles“Passenger air bags and seat belt wont work and Bmw wont fix. Electrical:radio,climate control,headlights and windshield washer pump. Window regulators. And the worst:learning from x_employees of Bmw say that Bmw purposefully miss-torques oil pan,valve cover and oil filter housing so the fail right after 50,000 mile warranty. Every e90 has these problems. And window regulators all except driver side. In motion.”
NHTSA complaint #10935537, filed 2016-12, 51,000 miles“After approximately 20-30 minutes of driving in the rain with the windshield wipers on, the wipers shut off and quit working without warning. It takes about 5-10 minutes of time before the windshield wipers begin to work again. This is concerning due to poor visibility and may lead to an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10564645, filed 2014-02, 70,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 4 | 8% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 8 | 4% |
| 2005 | 2 | 8% |
| 2004 | 5 | 6% |
| 2003 | 2 | 3% |
| 2000 | 4 | 5% |
| 1997 | 1 | 20% |
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 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 BMW 3 Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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