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BMW 750LIModel year report

2006 BMW 750LI Problems

Complaints
216filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
88,046miles, 185 complaints with mileage
Recalls
4campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
18 mpgcombined, 4.8L 8-cyl RWD · 15 city / 23 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2006 BMW 750LI (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2006 750Li most often describe transmission problems — a 'Transmission Fault - Drive Moderately' message, harsh or delayed shifting, and sometimes a refusal to go into drive or reverse — which several dealers addressed by recommending a transmission replacement. Door latch and soft-close problems and air bag warning lights tied to the passenger seat are also frequently reported, along with brake booster and vacuum pump complaints that reduce braking assist. Many of these complaints were filed on vehicles past 80,000 miles and several owners note their vehicle was not covered by a related recall.

  1. Transmission and drivetrain

    Transmission fault warning and harsh or failed shifting

    • 74 complaints (34%)
    • median 86,617 mi at 8.3 yrs old (66 state mileage)
    • filed 2007–2025

    Owners describe a 'Transmission Fault - Drive Moderately' message appearing on the dash, often along with harsh slamming or clunking during shifts, hesitation, or the car jumping into gear. Some report the vehicle refusing to engage drive or reverse, shifting into neutral or park on its own, or going into a limp mode that requires a restart. According to the complaints, dealers frequently diagnosed the transmission as needing replacement, though in several cases the vehicle was not repaired. Reported across a wide mileage range, from about 50,000 to over 150,000 miles, with many appearing between 60,000 and 130,000 miles.

    Recall 12V502000

    What to check: Ask for transmission service records and have a shop scan for stored transmission codes; a test drive should include slow-speed stops and starts to check for harsh engagement or delayed shifting.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Takata recall was driving my 750 li after about 15 minutes I stopped at a friend house to chat. Ten minutes later I was leaving walk to car crunck up put in gear and it jumped back to park I tried reverse it jump back to park so I cut off. So I sat there and after maybe 30-45 minutes started back up and it drove fine.”

    NHTSA complaint #10861604, filed 2016-04, 72,000 miles

    “Vehicle drive moderate warning is display but reading some of the complaints on this sight I have encounter some similar problems with the shifting of the transmission but I took my car to Bmw of columbus ga. And they found nothing wrong. The transmission slams very hard and sounds like a loud a crash.”

    NHTSA complaint #10513302, filed 2013-05, 78,000 miles
  2. Latches, locks and linkages

    Door will not latch or opens while driving (Soft Close)

    • 58 complaints (27%)
    • median 90,835 mi at 8.4 yrs old (52 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2011–2022

    Owners report doors that will not latch fully, doors that pop open while driving or after closing, and soft-close functions that stop working. In some cases the automatic lock or inside lock button was also inoperable, and drivers describe having to hold a door shut to get home. Complaints describe dealers diagnosing a faulty lock actuator or advising a soft-close control software update; several owners state their vehicle was not included in the related latch recalls. Mostly reported between about 65,000 and 145,000 miles, on vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access and Soft Close Automatic options.

    Recall 17V328000Recall 12V504000

    What to check: Open and close every door several times — including gently, to test the soft-close pull-in — and ask the seller or a dealer whether the door latch recall and any soft-close software updates were completed for this VIN.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Comfort access softclose door stopped working .took to fresno Bmw of fresno ca they charged me $3400.00 to fix this problem . And had my car for over 90 days total.there was a recall oct 17 2012 for this there should be no charge. I like my money back!”

    NHTSA complaint #10627934, filed 2014-08, 72,000 miles

    “Car doors do not latch doors fly open , car has rolled out of park, brakes do not engage ruff stopping seat belt lights on all the time. Problems with electrical seats.”

    NHTSA complaint #11331231, filed 2020-06, 18,367 miles
  3. Air bags

    Air bag or passenger restraint warning light on

    • 33 complaints (15%)
    • median 88,000 mi at 9.1 yrs old (27 state mileage)
    • filed 2009–2019

    Owners describe the air bag or passenger restraint warning remaining lit, often with a message about a fault in the passenger restraint system affecting the air bag or belt tensioner. Complaints mention dealers tracing it to a faulty passenger seat sensor or occupant classification mat, and sometimes the frontal air bag sensor, control module, or clock spring. Several owners note their vehicle was not covered by the air bag recalls. Starts appearing from roughly 50,000 miles onward, with most reports between 70,000 and 110,000 miles.

    Recall 13V564000

    What to check: Turn the key to the on position and confirm the air bag light goes out after the bulb check; ask whether the occupant classification sensor has been replaced and whether any air bag recalls apply to the VIN.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I started my car and have a red warning in my screen said fault in passenger restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt-force limiter. Fasten and continue to wear belts. Please contact the nearest Bmw center.”

    NHTSA complaint #10512698, filed 2013-05, 80,000 miles

    “While operating the vehicle, the passenger restraint sensor would illuminate and the seat belt/air bag warning would display. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.”

    NHTSA complaint #10851509, filed 2016-03, 103,000 miles
  4. Brakes

    Hard brake pedal and reduced power assist (booster/vacuum

    • 16 complaints (7%)
    • median 100,000 mi at 8.2 yrs old (13 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2010–2022

    Owners report the brake pedal feeling hard or firm and the car taking noticeably longer to stop even with strong pedal pressure. Complaints describe dealers and mechanics diagnosing a failed brake vacuum pump and brake booster, sometimes attributed to contamination in the system. Several owners say the repairs were not done or were quoted at their own expense. Reported from about 100,000 miles upward, in several cases above 120,000 miles.

    What to check: During a test drive, check that the pedal is firm but not stiff on the first press and that the car stops with normal effort; ask whether the brake booster and vacuum pump have ever been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Brake vacuum pump booster has failed due to contamination even after brake booster supply line was replaced in december, 4, 2010. When vehicle is in motion, the car loses power to brakes, brake pedal feels hard and vehicle takes 20-30 ft longer to brake even if pushing down with maximum force. This caused vehicle to take an infinite amount of time to stop, which resulted in car nearly running into another vehicle when issue occurred. Luckily I swerved off highway unto median. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10918797, filed 2016-10, 160,000 miles

    “The contact owns a 2006 Bmw 750LI. The contact stated that while driving, the brake pedal was depressed and was firm. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to stop the vehicle. The contact was informed by an unknown source that the brake booster and vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,000.”

    NHTSA complaint #11330592, filed 2020-06, 154,000 miles
  5. Engine

    Bluish-white exhaust smoke and oil consumption

    Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints

    Owners describe white or bluish smoke from the exhaust, usually noticeable when the car sits at idle or at a long stop rather than while driving. Complaints mention dealers attributing it to oil entering the combustion chambers, with a head gasket seal or valve-related oil leak diagnosed in one case, and one owner notes a related oil leak onto the engine. Fuel odor or leaks near the fuel pump access under the rear seat are described separately in a few complaints. Reported from about 70,000 miles upward, including a few reports past 120,000 miles.

    What to check: Let the car idle for several minutes after a drive and watch the exhaust for smoke; check the oil level and look for an oily or fuel smell inside the cabin and around the rear seat area.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My vehicle has this white smoke coming out of the exhaust after it sits for like a few minutes. Smoke does not come out when I'm driving only when I sit. So if I'm at a red light long enough it will smoke. This just start happening out of nowhere and after looking it up everybody who has these cars almost have the same issue.”

    NHTSA complaint #11355104, filed 2020-09, 125,370 miles

    “Fuel leak in passenger compartment under seat. The plastic cap covering the fuel tank and pump access has a leak near black wire harness connector. Several others in online forums have described same problem. Fuel pools beneath right rear passenger seat. Plastic cap has a crack on underside which when pressurized pushes fuel out the top of the cap. Dealership quoted $767.81 for new fuel pump. This is clearly a safety concern as fuel smell is in passenger compartment. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10808774, filed 2015-12, 145,435 miles

Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection by a shop familiar with this generation of 7-Series is worthwhile, with particular attention to transmission codes and shift quality, door latch operation, air bag warning lights, and brake pedal feel. Ask for service records and check by VIN whether the door latch and air bag recalls were completed.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 216 consumer complaints for the 2006 BMW 750LI. 185 of the complaints include a mileage, and 9% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 88,046 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 28 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Other or unknown (7), Suspension (6), Vehicle speed control (6), Electronic stability control (5), Fuel system (4), Steering (2), Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Transmission and drivetrain: “Bmw is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 7-series vehicles, equipped with the comfort access option. I have checked my VIN # and my 2006 Bmw 750LI is not part of this recall, however, I have this exact problem in my car and have had the car start to roll on numerous occasions, after being placed in park. I must now use the parking brake on a regular basis.”

NHTSA complaint #11182334, filed 2019-02, 100,000 miles

Air bags: “Driver side occupant detection mat is not functioning according to the dealer. The passenger side mat has been previously recalled on this vehicle. The airbag light is continuously on and the I drive car data shows passenger mat is not working. But the dealer says the driver side is out somehow. From what I understand the mat disables the airbag when there is insufficient weight applied.”

NHTSA complaint #11170754, filed 2019-01, 127,000 miles

Latches, locks and linkages: “Today while exiting the highway my drivers doors unlocked and opened by itself. I was able to close the door. Once I pulled away from the traffic light it opened again. It really scared me. I've done research and realized that this has been an ongoing issue. Please do a recall before some gets hurt.”

NHTSA complaint #10695231, filed 2015-03, 74,600 miles

Body and structure: “Airbags never popped open, door handle opened and is still not shutting correctly. Since my car was paid in full, I did not carry full coverage only liability so I did not file a claim. I paid the damages out of my own pocket and just this week I've paid the last $1200.00 of the part ordered for last of repairs. In total ive paid a little over 15,000 out of my own money.”

NHTSA complaint #11014524, filed 2017-08, 101,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

9% of the 185 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 70,000 and 114,000 miles.

2%0–102%10–255%25–5023%50–7531%75–10030%100–1508%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (185 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 88,046 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’05’09’1233’15’18’21’25
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2006 BMW 750LI version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
750li RWD4.8L 8-cyl6-speed automatic152318$4,550

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2006 BMW 750LI → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 28 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 28 bulletins →

Other model years of the BMW 750LI

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2014694,0001—19—Not enough data
2013966,0001—19—Not enough data
20122460,0001—17—Falling
20112573,0001—1751 · TypicalStable
20103059,5001—1750 · TypicalFalling
20091066,0001—17—Not enough data
20086584,8502—1817 · FewerFalling
20077788,0004—18Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200621688,0464—18Not compared (before 2008)Falling

All BMW 750LI model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW 750LI?

Owners of the 2006 750Li most often describe transmission problems — a 'Transmission Fault - Drive Moderately' message, harsh or delayed shifting, and sometimes a refusal to go into drive or reverse — which several dealers addressed by recommending a transmission replacement. The issues reported most often: Transmission fault warning and harsh or failed shifting; Door will not latch or opens while driving (Soft Close); Air bag or passenger restraint warning light on.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006 BMW 750LI have?

NHTSA recorded 216 consumer complaints for the 2006 BMW 750LI as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2006 BMW 750LI is reported most often?

Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 80 complaints (37% of the total), followed by air bags with 40.

Has the 2006 BMW 750LI been recalled?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2006 BMW 750LI get?

The EPA rates the 2006 BMW 750LI (750li, 4.8L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2006 BMW 750LI reported?

Among the 185 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 88,046 miles and the middle half falls between 70,000 and 114,000 miles; 9% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.