2006 BMW 6 Series: common problems and reliability
One of the worst 6 Series years.
One of the BMW 6 Series years to avoid. All 6 Series years
26 owner complaints, most about service brakes. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2006 6 Series?The 2006 BMW 6 Series has 26 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and seats.
Safety record for the 2006 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2006 BMW 6 Series vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other 6 Series years only. How we score it
Is 2006 a good year for the 6 Series?
Across the 15 6 Series model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2017) to 60 (2013). With 26 complaints, the 2006 6 Series sits above the model's median of 14.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2006 6 Series
electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
Campaign 12V126000BMW 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 INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE TRUNK FLOOR PANEL, WHICH CAN LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE BOLT CONNECTION. AS IT LOOSENS, AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE AND COULD CAUSE THE CABLE CONNECTION TO OVERHEAT.
service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum
Campaign 10V446000BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, 6-SERIES, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2008 7-SERIES VEHICLES. A CHECK VALVE OF THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP MAY LEAK A SMALL AMOUNT OF LUBRICATING OIL. OVER TIME THIS COULD RESULT IN CONTAMINATION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
suspension:rear:shock absorber
Campaign 06V277000ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LOWER RUBBER MOUNT OF THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY NOT ADHERE CORRECTLY TO ITS HOUSING WITHIN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 05V504000CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE.
Show 1 more recall
suspension:front:control arm
Campaign 06V187000ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE NUTS WHICH SECURE THE FRONT AXLE CONTROL ARM AND TENSION STRUT TO THE FRONT WHEEL HUB MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. OVER TIME THE NUTS COULD LOOSEN AND THE CONTROL ARM AND TENSION STRUT COULD BE DAMAGED.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation and powertrain. The 6 Series is widely admired for its styling, described as "sexy" and "beautiful," and is considered a desirable, emotional purchase.
Owner insights cover all generations of the 6 Series. See the full 6 Series owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used 6 Series listings typically run $13,528–$23,393 across 2005 to 2018 model years.
Other 6 Series model years
Compare every 6 Series year side by side to see how 2006 ranks against the rest.
Compare the 6 Series against its rivals
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