2006 BMW X5 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 4%of 168 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2006 BMW X5, 4% of the 168 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“My vehicle went on limp mode I'm pretty sure it has to do with the transmission gears. My passenger side door looks like the air bag wants to pop out.”
NHTSA complaint #11289550, filed 2019-12, 11 miles“Brake booster and master cylinder failed in june. Not covered under recall since a recall had not been issued for the 2006 models. Shortly thereafter the water pump began leaking coolant. Again, not covered for 2006 models. Now there is a severe leak in the power steering pump. All should be recalled. Already spent over $4k in repairs for a vehicle that, given its price and claims of extraordinary german engineering, should not have been necessary. Very disappointed.”
NHTSA complaint #10654612, filed 2014-11, 108,000 miles“The contact owns a 2006 BMW X5. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to increase in speed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who suggested that the failure was possibly related to a power train failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was aware of the failure and confirmed the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V504000 (Power Train). The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 274,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11620320, filed 2024-10, 274,000 miles“The contact stated the transmission would not downshift properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and the transmission was replaced, but the problem persisted. Also, the engine revved while at a stop. The dealership was unable to determine a problem. The vehicle was a 2006 Bmw X5. Updated 01/10/07.”
NHTSA complaint #10173657, filed 2006-11, 4,900 miles“The contact owns a 2006 Bmw X5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH the contact noticed a grinding noise coming from the front end of the vehicle and the transmission failure light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact heard a loud bang in the rear of the vehicle and noticed blue smoke emitting from the tail pipe. The vehicle was towed to the contacts home and later driven to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician diagnose that the transfer case assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10479950, filed 2012-10, 74,000 milesRelated recalls
- 05V504000Nov 1, 2005Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with an incorrectly manufactured automatic transmission parking pawl guide plate.Covers: BMW X5 2005–2006, 6 Series 2005–2006, 5 Series 2005–2006
Related service bulletins
- 10142929Jan 1, 2018CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONT AXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATIONARY OR PARKING: Cracking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds…
- 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…
- 10037934Feb 1, 2011Bmw: the emergency park release cable has been removed in these models and there is a procedure to disengage the park lock. 2011 e70/e71. Updated on 06/08/2011. *kb updated on…
- 10028105Dec 1, 2010Bmw: delayed engagement and harsh jolt when accelerating from a stop. Harsh 1-2 upshift or jolt felt durng the 3-2 downshift own deceleration. Model e70 (x5 3.0i) *pe updated…
- 10035010Oct 1, 2010Bmw vehicle: transmission warning light is illuminated and the transmission enters failsafe mode. Fault code 4f81 (ratio monitoring, clutch a), in some cases combined with the…
- 10031624Sep 1, 2009Bmw: replacement of front outer cv joint. Complaints of clicking or grinding noises coming from the front axle area when making a turn. The front outer constant velocity joint…
- 10025582Apr 1, 2008Service action on my 2005 and 2006 e53 (x5) with m54 engine and gm5 transmission produced 09/2004-10/2006 - reprogram dme.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 14% |
| 2025 | 7 | 11% |
| 2024 | 16 | 11% |
| 2023 | 9 | 26% |
| 2022 | 25 | 35% |
| 2021 | 31 | 28% |
| 2020 | 17 | 15% |
| 2019 | 20 | 10% |
| 2018 | 10 | 14% |
| 2017 | 10 | 13% |
| 2016 | 13 | 18% |
| 2015 | 14 | 9% |
| 2014 | 12 | 12% |
| 2013 | 36 | 24% |
| 2012 | 53 | 20% |
| 2011 | 58 | 22% |
| 2010 | 6 | 5% |
| 2009 | 10 | 7% |
| 2008 | 16 | 7% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 9 | 11% |
| 2004 | 11 | 17% |
| 2003 | 16 | 16% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 2001 | 15 | 9% |
| 2000 | 7 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2006 BMW X5
83 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsSeats
25 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 BMW X5
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