2006 BMW 325I Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 2%of 515 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2006 BMW 325I, 2% of the 515 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“When I push the brake for a complete stop, it will stop but miliseconds after that I will get jumpy. It is a safety concern for someone that is not used to the vehicle, it feels like the car is about to hit another vehicle in front of it. It happens when there is a traffic light or when I am going to park my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11151995, filed 2018-11, 135,000 miles“I was driving about 10 MPH in traffic on friday, oct. 31, 2008, at 5 p.m., in houston,when my 2006 Bmw 325I began smoking in the passenger compartment and burst into flames by the time I got it parked. I first noticed the air conditioner was not functioning properly and then smoke immediately began filling the car. The car was totaled by the time the hfd arrived. The car was in good condition and had no recent service or problems. It had no previous electrical problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #10247577, filed 2008-11, 30,000 miles“I recently bought a 2006 Bmw 330 xi with a manual gear shift. The design of the clutch and brake pedals is such that one can accidentally step on both the clutch pedal and the arm of the break pedal while depressing the clutch, this causes the car to stop suddenly and unexpectedly. It has occurred to me when crossing intersections and most recently, while my wife was merging into expressway traffic, this is a serious accident waiting to happen. …”
NHTSA complaint #10155639, filed 2006-04, 1,500 miles“Car only has 63,000 miles. The aluminum bolts for the valve cover and the head bolts sheared off while driving. Stopped at a red light and car starts to shake, check engine sign lights, oil sign lights, once I gave it gas. Oil is leaking from car. Car is towed and mechanic shows me damage. Broken aluminum bolts fell inside of engine. Bolt is wedged between timing chain and gear. The engine is destroyed. Known defect for 2006 models, but Bmw north america will not cover damage. Have called Bmw north america three times now. Bmw switched bolt type in following years. …”
NHTSA complaint #10503258, filed 2013-03, 63,000 miles“Oil filter housing gasket leaked on to alternator causing the alternator to over heat and melt internal components which causing lack of power and multiple false check engine codes to come on and smoke clouded my view while driving so very common problem is the heater core leaking too”
NHTSA complaint #11407804, filed 2021-04, 180,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10175267Apr 1, 2020Power 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…
- 10147008Aug 1, 2016"REPAIRING TRANSFER CASE ACTUATOR (VTG SERVO-MOTOR). The Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Brakes and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warnings are on and there may also be a ""Drivetrain…
- 10147241Sep 1, 2015Shudder from the Driveline on Vehicles with xDrive. There is a shudder or vibration from the driveline when taking off from a stop, or when accelerating at highway speeds. CAUSE…
- 10148034Sep 1, 2014"Intelligent Battery Sensor Diagnosis Hints. The vehicle enters the workshop with one or more of the following complaints: * Check Control Message related to battery discharge *…
- 10147930Jan 1, 2014GM6 - 6L45R: Diagnostic Procedure for Shudder or Vibration Issues. A shudder or vibration can be felt under light acceleration or when driving at constant suburban speeds. This…
- 10150096Mar 1, 2013N55 Engine Failsafe - FC 120308 Boost Pressure Control, Plausibility: Pressure Too Low Stored in DME Fault Memory. INFORMATION The customer complains the SES is illuminated and…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 11 | 2% |
| 2005 | 4 | 6% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 18 | 9% |
| 2002 | 7 | 4% |
| 2001 | 12 | 8% |
| 1995 | 5 | 16% |
| 1994 | 2 | 12% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
| 1988 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2006 BMW 325I
241 complaintsElectrical system
85 complaintsEngine
50 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
47 complaintsSeat belts
40 complaintsSteering
39 complaintsOther or unknown
33 complaintsSeats
29 complaintsEngine cooling
27 complaintsTires
16 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsBrakes
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 BMW 325I
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