2006 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated July 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2006 BMW X5 has 2 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ATTACHMENT OF THE BRAKE LINE SUPPORT BRACKET WITHIN THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL WAS NOT WELDED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS. IT COULD LOOSEN AND OVER TIME THE BRAKE HOSE COULD RUB AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
EQUIPMENT
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BMW BIKE CARRIERS, P/N 82110393954, SOLD FOR USE ON MY 2005 BMW X3 AND X5 VEHICLES. A PINCH BOLT EXISTS BETWEEN THE BIKE ARM BRACKET AND THE UPRIGHT ASSEMBLY OF THE HITCH STYLE BICYCLE RACK.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles. These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2006 BMW X5 has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: E53 N62 Blue Smoke: Confirm Valve-Stem Seals Before Repair, E53 3.0i M54 Valve-Cover Gasket Leak (Confirm the Source). None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2006 BMW X5 has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Blue exhaust smoke after an extended idle or deceleration and elevated oil use on a 2004-2006 E53 4.4i/4.8is can be consistent with worn N62 valve-stem seals, but those symptoms are not conclusive by themselves. Crankcase-ventilation faults, external oil leaks, cylinder wear, val… Severity: medium.
Oil on the exhaust side of a 2003-2006 E53 X5 3.0i can come from the M54 valve-cover gasket, but it can also track from the oil-filter housing, VANOS oil line, crankcase-ventilation connections, oil-pan area, or spilled service oil. BMW gasket set 11-12-0-030-496 is cataloged for… Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
