2006 BMW 5 Series Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 22%of 85 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,287miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 BMW 5 Series, 22% of the 85 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,287 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“One day while driving, my car had an alert come on the I drive saying the passenger restraint system was malfunctioning. It stayed on a few months and then went away for a few months. Now the problem is occurring again.”
NHTSA complaint #10573050, filed 2014-03, 82,000 miles“Since 2011, I have needed to have my, 2006 Bmw 530xi, vehicle serviced. Serviced for trunk leakage, battery cable replacement, sunroof/moonroof non-drainage issues and passenger airbag sensor issues. I have paid perhaps three - to five thousand dollars for alleged repairs. None of those repairs were permanent and the issues continued on/off until 5/10/14. On that day/date I drove the car several hours shopping and preparing for mother's day. When I stopped the engine in my driveway the car shut off but I could not remove the key fob from the ignition. …”
NHTSA complaint #10587952, filed 2014-05, 77,000 miles“I purchased car in may 2005 and within 4 weeks my car lights and signal would just flash out of control. The car would then beep all the time. The dealer said they don't know why. Then the computer locked my car. After waited almost 2 hours for roadside the dealer came to bring me to a rental car dealership. The car was towed and then the car was re keyed. The computer was updated and all electronically defects worked better then delivery.”
NHTSA complaint #10173308, filed 2006-11, 3,000 miles“On feb. 21, 2011 the electrical system showed a massive malfunction warning on my 2006 Bmw 530xi. The car computer instructed me to discontinue driving immediately and bring my car to the closest dealer. I brought the car to the dealer. It was determined the sunroof cassette was faulty and water from recent rains leaked through the sunroof (in closed position) ran down drain lines into my battery compartment. Water caused major damage of electrical system, modules, battery etc. Bmw told me the repairs, including a needed sunroof cassette would total $23000.00. …”
NHTSA complaint #10390295, filed 2011-03, 21,869 miles“The sunroof drain clogged in my 2006 Bmw 530xi station wagon causing water to pool in the car and short out the electrical system while I was driving, which resulted in the loss of power to the dashboard including the speedometer. I had the car towed to the dealership and the tow truck driver told me that this was the second 2006 Bmw 530xi station wagon he had towed that day for the very same problem, the dealership tells me that it's a common problem for the sunroof drains to get clogged by pollen and pine needles, which sounds like a design flaw to me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10267870, filed 2009-05, 51,000 milesRelated recalls
- 12V126000Mar 26, 2012Bmw 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…Covers: BMW 5 Series 2004–2010, 6 Series 2004–2010, M5 2006–2010 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024The 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…
- 10245422Nov 22, 2023Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleâÂÂs equipment and settings, no acoustic or…
- 10182619Oct 1, 2020Discharged 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…
- 10052012Mar 1, 2013Bmw: battery has an increased demand due to developemental process of the electrical system. This is causing the batter to need to undergo an energy diagnosis.
- 10051519Dec 1, 2012Bmw: the high-voltage (hv) battery cells could be damaged if the vehicle is prevented from entering sleep mode for an extended period of time. Updated 03/11/2013
- 10027786Nov 1, 2012Bmw vehicle: various electrical problems caused by water ingress. Water ingress in luggage compartment may cause various electrical problems or faults associated with mpm (micro…
- 10029426Aug 1, 2011Bmw: one or a combination of the following situations may exist: intermittent harsh 4-3, 3-2 or 2-1 downshift (jolt) when coming to a stop with light brake application; jolts…
- 10028370Nov 1, 2010Bmw: check engine lamp illuminated and/or vehicle overheats. Models e83, e85, e86, e70, e90, e91, e92, e93, e60 and e61. *pe updated 5/24/11.
- 10032650Oct 1, 2009Bmw: service engine soon lamp illuminated-fc 23f4 map thermostat. In some vehicles have insufficient heat. E90, e91 (3 series), e60, e61 (5 series) 3/06 and e83 (x3 series) 9/08.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 6 | 7% |
| 2010 | 1 | 17% |
| 2009 | 2 | 25% |
| 2008 | 16 | 15% |
| 2007 | 3 | 23% |
| 2006 | 19 | 22% |
| 2005 | 4 | 19% |
| 2004 | 9 | 14% |
| 2003 | 4 | 27% |
Other parts of the 2006 BMW 5 Series
36 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsTires
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 BMW 5 Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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