Model year guide

2006 BMW X5

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2006 BMW X5 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 141 on record.

2006 BMW X5 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2006 BMW X5 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints279
Combined16 mpg
Typical price$7,802

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2006 BMW X5 recalls 2

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification NHTSA Campaign #13V564000 · 12/11/2013

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…

Fix: BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Addit…

Power Train:automatic Transmission NHTSA Campaign #05V504000 · 01/11/2005

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2006 BMW X5 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 279 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.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
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.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.

2006 BMW X5 MPG & running costs

Combined16 mpg
City14 mpg
Highway20 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,750

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2006 BMW X5 worth?

Low
$5,200
Typical price
$7,802
High
$10,400

From 141 comparable 2006 BMW X5 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2006 BMW X5 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$23,750
Depreciation (5 yrs)$4,600
Total$28,350
Per mile$0.38

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($7,802) with the same model 5 model-years older ($3,224), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2006 BMW X5 trims & engines on record

Trims
3.0i · 4.4i · 4.8is · 4.8i
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl 225 hp · 4.4L 8-cyl 315 hp · 4.8L 8-cyl 355 hp

2006 BMW X5 vehicles on record

Other BMW X5 model years

2006 BMW X5 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 BMW X5 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2006 BMW X5. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2006 BMW X5?

Based on 279 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, seats, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2006 BMW X5 get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2006 BMW X5 at about 16 mpg combined (14 city / 20 highway).

How much is a 2006 BMW X5 worth?

Comparable 2006 BMW X5 listings run roughly $5,200–$10,400, typically around $7,802 (from 141 vehicles).

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