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2006 BMW 3 Series: won't start

6 of the 202 complaints about the 2006 BMW 3 Series describe won't start.

owner complaints
6
of this car's complaints
3%
typical mileage
102,345
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 19 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Won't start by model year

  • 2013
    1
  • 2010
    1
  • 2009
    1
  • 2007
    3
  • 2006
    6
  • 2002
    1
  • 2001
    2

What owners say

Filed Jul 27, 2018 · Electrical, Steering · 120,000 miles · NY

Electronic steering wheel lock. This is in the steering column when it fails the car will not start. It seems to be a pretty common problem. I was hoping there was a recall for this issue, but can not find one.

Filed Sep 11, 2013 · Steering · 149,000 miles · TN

Received yellow steering wheel and lock icon when trying to start the car. Attempted using different keys, but the car would not start and the steering wheel remained immobile. I exited the car and waited about 30 minutes to try again, but received yellow steering wheel with lock icon again when putting the key fob into the vehicle. When I called the dealership, I was quoted about $1200 as soon as I described the yellow steering wheel and lock, without them having seen the vehicle. The sa also mentioned that the newer models don't even have this feature at all. I was also advised that it is not a bmw responsibility or defect, and that I would be responsible for all shop repairs and time. Doing research about this issue, I found this is a very well documented and known issue. This seems to be due to poor design by the auto manufacturer, so much so that the "feature" isn't even included on newer models of the vehicle at all.

Filed Mar 21, 2013 · Steering · 9,754 miles · FL

I brought the vehicle in to bmw and stated that the steering wheel lock lights come on and the car will not start until a few tries. Bmw could not find the problem, since then it has progressively gotten worst and reading forums, there seen to be a legitimate problem with this issue.

Filed Mar 28, 2012 · Electrical, Steering · 102,345 miles · CA

Will not start because of steering in lock position. Airbag and seat belt error (red icon) in passenger side.

Filed Jan 5, 2012 · Electrical, Steering · OR

Steering lock lamp is amber and now red. Says car will not start because steering lock mechanism could engage. Could possibly lock while driving.

Filed Feb 20, 2011 · Steering · 43,000 miles · PA

There is a red dash warning light with a steering wheel and lock. Car will not start.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)Reported March 2, 2022 · 917,106 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk
An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Remedy
This recall supersedes and expands previous the federal safety agency 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 the federal safety agency recalls 17V‑683 and 19V‑273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 22V119000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2006 BMW 3 Series won't start

Is won't start a common problem on the 2006 BMW 3 Series?

6 of 202 owner complaints about the 2006 BMW 3 Series (3%) mention won't start. The model year with the most reports is 2006.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2006 BMW 3 Series?

There is 1 recall and 19 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2006 BMW 3 Series

Airbag light 39Door locks 25Steering lock-up 12Key fob 7

All model years of the BMW 3 Series

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