2006 BMW 5 Series 525xi
WBANF33506CS34821
Vehicle history report for the 2006 BMW 5 Series 525xi (VIN WBANF33506CS34821). Black, sedan/saloon, 3.0L 6-cyl 210 hp, gasoline. 99,005 mi reported. Registered in Fl. 8 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 8 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report air bags trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
- Lower mileage than typical for the year.
- Priced within the typical range for the model.
💵 A fair offer is around $7,375 (typical range $4,900–$10,300). Start a little below and leave room for anything the inspection turns up.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN WBANF33506CS34821, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 8 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 2006 BMW 5 Series data →
📋 All factory specifications on file4 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
🛡️ Safety & driver assistance
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
What's a 2006 BMW 5 Series worth?
What comparable 2006 BMW 5 Series vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 2
BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION Closed
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ARE MY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEA…
NHTSA #EA08001 · Air Bags · opened Jan 2008 · closed Dec 2008BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION Closed
IN CERTAIN MY 2005 THROUGH MY 2006 BMW VEHICLES, THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) FOR THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIRBAG MAY MALFUNCTION AND RENDER THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INOPERATIVE. IN JUNE 2006, BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (SI B 72 02 06) REGARDING THE ILLUMINATION OF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG STATUS LAMP. ILLUMINATION OF THESE LIGHTS WARN THAT AN OPEN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT MAY BE…
NHTSA #PE07045 · Air Bags · opened Sep 2007 · closed Jan 2008An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 109
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 109.
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Bulletin B510819 · Electrical System, Visibility · Jan 2024The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle âÂÂdi…
Bulletin B611305 · Electrical System · Jan 2024Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CD…
Bulletin B160623 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2023Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleâÂÂs equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additio…
Bulletin B653423 · Electrical System, Equipment · Nov 2023Various functions of the camera-based driver assistance systems (ADCAM system) can lead to customer complaints.
Bulletin B660523 · Vehicle Speed Control, Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Departure · Oct 2023Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. Note: Opening, closing and starting via the BMW Digital Key or the Digital Key Card are not a…
Bulletin SIB662419 · Electrical System, Equipment · Jun 2022Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the l…
Bulletin B340414 · Service Brakes, Air, Steering · Apr 2021Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers importa…
Bulletin B611305 · Electrical System, Equipment Adaptive/mobility, Equipment · Oct 2020Power Reduction, FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The ?Service Engine Soon? (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating…
Bulletin B110208 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2020Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating…
Bulletin B110208 · Power Train, Electrical System · Apr 2020Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 5 SERIES RWD/AWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 9
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2006 BMW 5 Series. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with an N52 or N52K 6-cylinder engine, a manufacturing problem could cause the PCV valve heater (blow-by heater) to short circuit and overheat. Note: This replaces Transport Canada recalls 2017-470 and 2019-170. Only vehicles equipped with an N52 or N52K engine require this repair. Safety Risk: An overheated engine PCV valve heater could crea…
Transport Canada #2022095 · Mar 2022Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with an N52 6-cylinder engine, a manufacturing problem could cause the PCV valve heater to overheat. Safety Risk: An overheated engine PCV valve heater could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the PCV valve heater.
Transport Canada #2019170 · Apr 2019Airbag
On certain vehicles, the front passenger seat occupant detection mat can fatigue over time. As a result, the passenger airbag could deactivate, illuminating the airbag warning lamp and the passenger airbag ON/OFF lamp. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correct…
Transport Canada #2013238 · Jul 2013Electrical
On certain vehicles, the insulated bulkhead connector (used to join the two halves of the positive battery cable) may have been incorrectly installed during vehicle assembly. Over time, the bolt connection could loosen, which would increase electrical resistance. In addition, an incorrectly insulated bulkhead connector could allow humidity to accumulate at this location, causin…
Transport Canada #2012109 · Mar 2012Brakes
On certain vehicles, a check valve in the brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time, this could result in contamination of the brake booster. Loss of brake power assist could occur which, in conjunction with traffic, road conditions, and driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correctio…
Transport Canada #2010328 · Oct 2010Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the front passenger seat occupant detection mat can fatigue during field usage depending on the seat configuration, vehicle geometry, manner and frequency of front passenger entry/exit. Over time micro cracks could develop in the side flanks of the mat, which could lead to a break of the conductive path and the system will recognize a failure and with excep…
Transport Canada #2008307 · Aug 2008Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the BMW 5 Series
The BMW 5 Series is an executive car manufactured and marketed by BMW since 1972. It is the successor to the BMW New Class sedans and is currently in its eighth generation. The car is sold as either a sedan or, since 1991, a station wagon. A 5-door fastback was sold between 2009 and 2017. Each successive generation has been given an internal G-code designation since 2017. Previously, a F-code designation was used between 2010 and 2016, while an E-code designation was used between 1972 and 2010. These are used to distinguish each model and generation from each other.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 8
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Ser…
Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-2
NHTSA Campaign #22V119000 · 02/03/2022ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of th…
Remedy: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.
NHTSA Campaign #12E029000 · 10/08/2012ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
BMW 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 CONNE…
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND SECURE THE BATTERY BOLT CABLE CONNECTION AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA Campaign #12V126000 · 26/03/2012SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
BMW 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.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA Campaign #10V446000 · 01/10/2010AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING …
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REWORK THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT SO THAT EXTERNAL FORCE APPLICATION TO THE SEAT DOES NOT CAUSE A CRACK TO THE MAT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2008. BMW WILL ALSO EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THESE VEHICLES TO 10 YEARS FROM FIRST REGISTRATION WITHOUT ANY MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNERS MA
NHTSA Campaign #08V384000 · 05/08/2008SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
ON 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
NHTSA Campaign #06V277000 · 26/07/2006SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
ON 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RETIGHTEN THE FRONT AXLE CONTROL ARM AND TENSION STRUT NUTS TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATIONS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
NHTSA Campaign #06V187000 · 30/05/2006POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR AND REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GUIDE PLATE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 30, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-332-4269.
NHTSA Campaign #05V504000 · 01/11/2005These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 14 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 388 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2006 BMW 5 Series, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 10 involved a crash 🔥 20 involved a fire 🚑 12 reported injuries
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
🔍 Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 388
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2006 BMW 5 Series.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The contact owned 2006 BMW 530I. The contact received unknown recall notifications and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list because he no longer owns the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA ODI #11702805UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle caught fire on the highway / interstate. Completely burnt down. The incident has been reported to the insurance company. But still haven't had any feedback . The vehicle is located at the tow place. It is not drivable it's completely burnt. Pierce the fire started in the engine.
Fire · NHTSA ODI #11672444UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Vehicle caught fire
Crash · Fire · 2 injured · NHTSA ODI #11666451AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 530XI. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light had remained illuminated for a month. The contact stated that two years ago he had a recall completed on the passenger’s side air bag. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the fail…
NHTSA ODI #11542963AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 550I. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in …
NHTSA ODI #11541934ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525xi. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the contact smelled the odor of burning coming from the vehicle, and the contact noticed smoke coming from the trunk of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and notice that smoking was coming from the battery. The contact was able to stop the smoke. The vehicle would not restart, and…
Fire · NHTSA ODI #11514500ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
PCV issue UNKNOWN
NHTSA ODI #11510178ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The insulation on the internal wiring of the headlight (left and right) have fallen off the wiring leaving sections of conductor exposed creating shorts in the lighting system. This is a known problem in the BMW community (owners and BMW) since at least 2011. This is due to the use of bio-degradable wiring by BMW that breaks down prematurely. Replacement …
NHTSA ODI #11503049+ 380 more complaints on record.
