Model yearDo not drive

2006 BMW M3

Coupe, gasoline, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Jan 22, 2010 to May 5, 2021.

Recall campaigns covering this model year52.05M vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints141.6 times the median 2006 coupe
Severity index0.02006 coupes average 5.7
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2006 BMW M3 peaked in 2015, with 3 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

01232010201220143201620182020202220242026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

64% of complaints about the 2006 BMW M3 name airbags

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Airbags
9
Powertrain
2
Tires
2
Engine and cooling
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

5 recall campaigns cover the 2006 BMW M3

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2006 BMW M3
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
20V-018Jan 15, 2020These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and…Do not driveAirbags292,948Part replacement
20V-017Jan 15, 2020These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and…Airbags59,965Part replacement
14V-428Jun 11, 2018BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and…Do not driveAirbags574,007Part replacement
17V-676Oct 25, 2017Wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheatElectrical system702,965Part replacement
15V-318May 28, 2015Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheelDo not driveAirbags419,235Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2006 BMW M3

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

14 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed May 5, 2021Failure May 1, 202165,000 milesChicago, ILTires

    FIRESTONE FIREHAWK INDY 500 TIRE FAILED ON SIDEWALL

    NHTSA complaint 11415304
  2. Filed Apr 12, 2018Failure Nov 15, 2017104,000 milesNaples, FLPower train

    THE SMG TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY COMES OUT OF GEAR IN ANY SITUATION AND IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND/OR ON A HIGHWAY AND LOOSE ALL POWER. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL CLOSE CALL ACCIDENTS AT HIGH SPEEDS. I HAVE READ MANY ARTICLES STATING THE SAME ISSUE WITH MANY OWNERS FOR THIS TYPE OF TRANSMISSION WITH A POSSIBLE DEFECTIVE HEAT SENSOR ON THE HYDRAULIC PUMP. BMW REFUSES TO RECOGNIZE THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT AND FORCING OWNERS TO PAY OUT OF POCKET $3000 TO $4000 FOR A PUMP REPLACEMENT WITHOUT A GUARANTEE OF FIXING THE ISSUE. I AM STUCK WITH AN UNSAFE CAR AND CANNOT SELL IT THIS WAY.

    NHTSA complaint 11084684
  3. Filed Jan 7, 2018Failure Jan 6, 2018131,000 milesPotomac, MDAir bags

    YESTERDAY (01/06/17) - WHILE DRIVING IN MOTION, 2 SIDE AIRBAGS SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED, THROWING LOOSE PLASTIC MATERIAL INTO THE CABIN AND INTO MY FACE. CABIN FILLED WITH SMOKE AND BURNING SMELL. I PULLED THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF ENGINE FOR SMOKE TO DISAPPEAR. I AM GOING TO TAKE MY CAR TO BMW DEALER TOMORROW MORNING FOR EVALUATION

    NHTSA complaint 11060996
  4. Filed Dec 27, 2017Failure Nov 21, 2017121,801 milesMechanicsville, VATires

    THIS LETTER IS IN REFERENCE TO TWO MICHELIN PILOT SPORT A/S 3+ 255/35ZR19 96Y TIRES WHICH BOTH FAILED WITHIN 1,130 MILES OF EACH OTHER FROM IDENTICAL FAILURES. THESE TWO FAILURES WERE ON THE INTERIOR SIDEWALL OF THE TIRES. THESE TWO TIRES WERE PURCHASED AND INSTALLED ON THE SAME DAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2016, BY A DEALER. THE CAR HAD 104,775 MILES ON IT AT THE END OF THIS SERVICE. ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, WHILE DRIVING TO OHIO FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY I EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TIRE (ONE OF THE ABOVE PILOT SPORT TIRES) AT HIGHWAY SPEED AT 121,801 MILES. THE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE INTERIOR SIDEWALL COMPLETELY. ON DECEMBER 8, 2017, AT 122,934 MILES THE OTHER MICHELIN PILOT SPORT TIRE FROM THE ABOVE SET ALSO FAILED. WHILE IN THE PARKING LOT I HEARD THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE VENTING AIR AND IT QUICKLY WENT FLAT. THE INTERIOR SIDEWALL HARD A LARGE CRACK CIRCLING ALMOST HALF THE TIRE. THESE TWO FAILURES OCCURRED ONLY 1,130 MILES APART IN THE SAME PART OF THE TIRE. THESE TWO TIRES HAD 17,026 AND 18,159 MILES RESPECTIVELY, FAR UNDER THE WARRANTED LIFE AND THE TYPICAL LIFE. THE SECOND FAILURE WAS ACKNOWLEDGED BY MICHELIN IN A CASE I OPENED BASED ON AN EVALUATION OF THE TIRE BY A MICHELIN AUTHORIZED DEALER. MICHELIN HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE FIRST FAILURE BECAUSE I NO LONGER HAVE THE TIRE.

    NHTSA complaint 11056768
  5. Filed Oct 23, 2017Failure Jul 14, 2014Billings, MTAir bags

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW M3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER (ADVANCED VALENCIA BMW, 23435 VALENCIA BOULEVARD, VALENCIA, CA 91355) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

    NHTSA complaint 11035873
  6. Filed Jun 19, 2017Failure Jun 19, 201740,488 milesRancho Santa Margarita, CAAir bags

    TAKATA RECALL: YOUR SITE IMPROPERLY SHOWS NO RECALLS WHEN VIN USED, AND CONFUSES 2006 M3 (E46) WITH THE 2006 3 SERIES SUCCESSOR (E90?), EVEN THOUGH THE RECALL NOTICE RCRIT-14V428-8638 SHOWS "MODEL YEAR 2000-2006 BMW 3 SERIES (E46) - INCL-M"

    NHTSA complaint 11000038
  7. Filed Oct 30, 2016Failure Oct 30, 201675,000 milesYork, PAAir bags

    DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20-30MPH ON LOCAL STREET IN A STRAIGHT DIRECTION. DRIVER-SIDE, SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. NO PRIOR INSTRUMENT LIGHTS WERE ON. NEVER HAD ANY AIRBAG LIGHTS ON IN THE HISTORY OF OWNING THE VEHICLE. REPLACED PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AS PART OF RECALL IN 2014. AWAITING DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE DRIVER-SIDE AIRBAG ALSO AS PART OF RECALL IN 2015. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10920125
  8. Filed Sep 1, 2016Failure Sep 1, 2016Davenport, IAAir bags

    TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW M3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

    NHTSA complaint 10903053
  9. Filed May 10, 2016Failure Jul 1, 2015Reston, VAAir bags

    TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BMW OF NORTH AMERICA IN JULY 2015 ABOUT A DRIVE-SIDE AIRBAG RECALL FOR MY 2006 BMW M3. (THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED UNDER RECALL.) WE ARE NOW 9 MONTHS SINCE I RECEIVED THAT NOTICE AND I HAVE HAD NO FURTHER COMMUNICATION FROM BMW. WHEN I CALL MY LOCAL DEALER THEY CAN ONLY SAY THAT BMW IS TELLING THEM PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE "SOMETIME THIS YEAR". WHEN I ASK WHAT I CAN DO IN THE MEANTIME (NOT DRIVE THE CAR? WHAT?) I AM TOLD TO NOT WORRY TOO MUCH BECAUSE THERE HAS NOT YET BEEN AN INCIDENT IN A BMW. I KNOW THAT A LOT OF AIRBAGS HAVE TO BE REPLACED BUT 9+ MONTHS SEEMS LIKE A LUDICROUSLY LONG PERIOD OF TIME TO HAVE TO DRIVE AROUND IN A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS VEHICLE.

    NHTSA complaint 10864122
  10. Filed Nov 18, 2015Failure Jul 15, 2014Palm Springs, CAAir bags

    TAKATA RECALL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW M3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE AND THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THE VEHICLE INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

    NHTSA complaint 10794710
  11. Filed Aug 3, 2015Failure Feb 1, 2015Huntington Beach, CAAir bags

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW M3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

    NHTSA complaint 10745803
  12. Filed Feb 9, 2015Failure Sep 1, 2014Virginia Beach, VAAir bags

    THIS CAR HAS AIRBAG RECALL AND DESPITE 2-3 PHONE CALLS TO BMW DEALERSHIP IT IS STILL NOT FIXED. ALL I AM TOLD IS THAT I AM "ON A LIST". THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THEY CAN FIX IT. I RECEIVED INITIAL LETTER ABOUT RECALL IN SEPT 2014, TOLD TO CALL IN NOVEMBER. CALLED IN NOV AND DEC WITH SAME RESPONSE. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10682260
  13. Filed Aug 2, 2011Failure Jul 14, 2011Brooklyn, NYEngine

    CAR IS WELL MAINTAINED EVERYTHING RUN SMOOTH EXCEPT ONE DAY IT STARTS SOUNDING LIKE A TRACTOR. VANOS BOLTS COME LOOSE. BMW NEEDS TO RECALL THE VANOS OF THE E46 M3 ASAP HAPPENED TO 50 PERCENT OF PEOPLE I KNOW WHO HAVE THIS CAR AND I KNOW ABOUT 100. *KB

    NHTSA complaint 10416810
  14. Filed Jan 22, 2010Failure Nov 10, 200828,000 milesPomona, NYManual transmission

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW M3 WITH AN SMG TRANSMISSION. HE STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN EITHER FIRST OR SECOND GEAR, THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD EXCESSIVELY WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH. UPON ACCELERATION, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER AND WOULD MOVE FORWARD AT A VERY SLOW PACE. HE STATED THAT IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE, HE WOULD HAVE TO TAKE HIS FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THEN RE-ACCELERATE BEFORE IT WOULD PICK UP POWER; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE HE WAS ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE THE FAILURE. REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE CLUTCH DISC AND THE SLAVE CYLINDER. THE OUTPUT CYLINDER CLUTCH, THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT AND THE ACTUATOR WERE ALSO REPLACED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 28,000. UPDATED 2/17/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD BUCK WHEN ACCELERATING. THE CLUTCH AND SALVE CYLINDER WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 02/22/10

    NHTSA complaint 10301889
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

2 NHTSA investigations on file

  • EA15001 Engineering analysis, Airbags
    Air Bag Inflator Rupture
    Opened Feb 24, 2015, still open · led to a recall
  • PE14016 Preliminary evaluation, Airbags
    Air Bag Inflator Rupture
    Opened Jun 11, 2014, closed Mar 2, 2015 · led to a recall
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

13 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • B064925 Sep 12, 2025 · Other
    Brake Disc Return
  • B611305 Jan 11, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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 important information for the dealer on how to handle âdisc…
  • B340714 Oct 13, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material-
  • B662419 Sep 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicle 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.
  • B611305 Oct 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Discharged 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 impo…
  • B340414 Jul 1, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles:
  • SIB-34-04-14 Dec 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW: RUNNING NOISES HEARD WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED, WITH HIGH BRAKE LOADS; THROUGH WHEEL OPENING, VISIBLE CRACKS CAN BE SEEN IN BRAKE DISCS AND STEERING WHEEL TORSIONAL VIBRATES WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. *PE
  • SIB-61-13-05 Mar 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW: BATTERY HAS AN INCREASED DEMAND DUE TO DEVELOPEMENTAL PROCESS OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS IS CAUSING THE BATTER TO NEED TO UNDERGO AN ENERGY DIAGNOSIS. *KB
  • SIB-13-13-10 Sep 1, 2011 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW: ON SOME VEHICLES, THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAS AN INTERNAL COMPONENT THAT MAY FAIL AND CAUSING DRIVABILITY SYMPTOMS SUCH AS ERRATIC ENGINE OPERATION AND LONGER STARTING TIMES. *PE
  • SIB-33-01-02 Jul 1, 2011 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW: A GRINDING NOISE IS COMING FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL DURING SLOW CORNERING. WHEN TURNING A SLIP/STICK EFFECT IS CREATED ON THE LINING AND STEEL DISCS INCORPORATED IN THE DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH CAUSES A GRINDING NOISE. *RM
  • SIB-63-02-01 Aug 1, 2010 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW: PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING AND REPLACING INCANDESCENT AND HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS UNDER WARRANTY. *RM
  • SIB-16-02-09 Dec 1, 2009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW VEHICLES: FUEL LEVEL SENSOR REPAIRS. WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT SIDE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR DUE TO A FAILURE, THE ENTIRE PUMP AND HOUSING OR DELIVERY UNIT (SUCTION JET ASSEMBLY) DO NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. IN SOME CASES…
  • SI-B12-22-08 Oct 1, 2009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS RECALL 08E-A03; M3 S54-DME REPROGRAMMING FOR CATALYST CONVERSION DIAGNOSIS. THE DME PROGRAMMING, AS ORIGINALLY INSTALLED, MAY CAUSE THE OBD DIAGNOSTIC TO ERRONEOUSLY EVALUATE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS. *PE
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.