Model year guide

2006 BMW M5

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2006 BMW M5 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 32 on record.

2006 BMW M5 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2006 BMW M5 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints124
Combined13 mpg
Typical price$18,548

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2006 BMW M5 recalls 1

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:cables NHTSA Campaign #12V126000 · 26/03/2012

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 CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE…

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 5 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2006 BMW M5 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
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.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine
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.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.

2006 BMW M5 MPG & running costs

Combined13 mpg
City11 mpg
Highway17 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$6,300

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

What's a 2006 BMW M5 worth?

Low
$14,800
Typical price
$18,548
High
$24,000

From 32 comparable 2006 BMW M5 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2006 BMW M5 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$31,500
Fuel only$31,500
Per mile$0.42

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2006 BMW M5 trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
5.0L 10-cyl 500 hp

2006 BMW M5 vehicles on record

Other BMW M5 model years

2006 BMW M5 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 BMW M5 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2006 BMW M5. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW M5?

Across all 124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, electrical system, power train.

What gas mileage does the 2006 BMW M5 get?

The 2006 BMW M5 has a U.S. EPA estimate of 13 mpg combined (11 city / 17 highway).

How much is a 2006 BMW M5 worth?

Comparable 2006 BMW M5 listings run roughly $14,800–$24,000, typically around $18,548 (from 32 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.