2006 BMW 330I Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 7%of 219 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the engine of the 2006 BMW 330I, 7% of the 219 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Bmw na has issued a recall to address broken head bolts in a number of 2010 models, which can result in engine failure. I have spoken with several Bmw owners and found that this issue extends beyond their initial recall into earlier models, but Bmw na is ignoring the issue outright in the hopes that it will disappear. I have spoken with Bmw na several times and they have given me the runaround for several months and put major smokescreens up in my attempt further the conversation/investigation of the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10583282, filed 2014-04, 73,000 miles“Very loud noise (fan noise) coming from the engine compartment when the car was started from a cold start. Car is drive-able but seemed to lose some power. The noise may or may not come back during the next start. A few simple searches on google and from various Bmw forums indicated that it's a very common problem for the 2006 Bmw 330I e90 sedans and problem seem to be the faulty water pump and faulty thermostat. …”
NHTSA complaint #11080738, filed 2018-03, 63,000 miles“While doing a valve cover replacement for broken aluminium bolts, which caused a leak, discovered that the three aluminium head bolts are also broken. The fourth of these was found to be broken and replaced. This known problem on this motor, the n52 six cylinder 3.0 liter motor, caused by inadequate bolts installed at the factory. Bmw updated the bolts and torque specs for the motor, but has never formally (at least publicly) recognized the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11015356, filed 2017-08, 101,000 miles“My 2006 Bmw 330I began leaking oil. After inspection it was determined to be broken bolts. This vehicle has been properly cared for. It has not been in an accident and has been serviced and maintained. After online review, this problem has happened to several bmws. The oil leaks onto brakes, belts, exhaust, etc.... Causing a severe safety hazard. This needs to be elevated to a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10555313, filed 2013-12, 98,000 miles“A bolt broke on the valve cover. It's not from cold weather or lack of maintenance, it's clearly a manufacturer default. When advised by valley Bmw in modesto I learned this happens in most of these models that year. It's from over torquing the bolt or a faulty bolt or something else but it's clearly not the fault of the consumer. Mine broke on the passenger side and it causes the oil to leak on the exhaust. This is a safety issue and must be addressed immediately. This also happens on the oil pan! …”
NHTSA complaint #10640895, filed 2014-10, 126,313 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10162416Jul 9, 2019"Power Reduction, FC 2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC 2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Faults are Stored in DME. The ""Service Engine Soon"" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine…
- 10146535Feb 1, 2017"? NO REGENERATION OF THE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B18 03 10 dated November 2010. . The Service Engine Soon lamp is…
- 10146534Feb 1, 2017"? DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) CLEANING . The following performance issues may be noticed by the customer: CC-Message ""Drive faulty"" Engine jerking or a lack of power over…
- 10151300May 1, 2016N51, N52, N52K and N52T Engines: Various Eccentric Shaft Sensor Faults stored in the DME - Diagnostic Hints This Service Information bulletin and attachment supersedes SI B11 06…
- 10151170Mar 1, 2016N51 Engine: Service Engine Soon Lamp Illuminated - Loss of Power and Various Faults Stored in the DME. The customer complains that the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated…
- 10151068Feb 1, 2016This 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…
- 10147595Jan 1, 2015SUBJECT DME Internal and Valvetronic Faults Set at Cold Ambient Temperatures. The Service Engine Soon light (MIL) can be illuminated with the erroneous internal and Valvetronic…
- 10149282Oct 1, 2014Engine Damage Due to Debris in Oil Passages. After performing extensive engine repairs (e.g., cylinder head removal), the engine begins to knock and may lose power. Debris has…
- 10150065Jun 1, 2013"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…
- 10149589May 1, 2013"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…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2021 | 8 | 28% |
| 2020 | 19 | 36% |
| 2019 | 9 | 22% |
| 2018 | 12 | 38% |
| 2017 | 20 | 48% |
| 2006 | 16 | 7% |
| 2005 | 1 | 4% |
| 2002 | 1 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2006 BMW 330I
133 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsSeat belts
24 complaintsSeats
20 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
14 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 BMW 330I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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