The 2006 BMW 325i has 5 recalls, the most serious being a Takata driver's airbag inflator that can explode during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
Two separate fire risks also affect this vehicle. The wiring and electrical connectors for the heating and air conditioning system can overheat and melt, potentially starting a fire even while the car is parked. Separately, the heater for the positive crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit, melting internal components and also creating a fire risk when the vehicle is not running. Prior repair attempts on the airbag inflator issue did not fully resolve the problem for all vehicles, and a second recall addresses cases where the original steering wheel may have been swapped for a sport or M-sport wheel carrying the same defective inflator.
On the occupant safety side, vehicles equipped with the Sport Seat option have a recall covering the front passenger seat sensor, which can fail and cause the passenger airbag to be deactivated in a crash, leaving that occupant without airbag protection.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's air bag inflator in certain replacement sport or M-sport steering wheels can explode when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The driver frontal air bag inflator may explode due to chemical breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Replace the driver air bag inflator. On X5 and X6 models, only the inflator is replaced. Repair is free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation valve may short circuit, potentially causing it to malfunction.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the PCV valve heater at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring and electrical connectors that control airflow in the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat sensor mat that controls air bag deployment can develop cracks from wear, potentially causing the air bag system to fail in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair or replace the occupant detection mat at no cost to prevent cracking and restore proper air bag function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
