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2006 BMW 330I engine problems

26 complaints (12% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 100,000.

owner complaints
26
of this car's complaints
12%
typical mileage
100,000
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

BMW 330I engine problems in other years

200120022003200420052006201720182019202020212025

Specific symptoms reported on the 2006 BMW 330I engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Won't start 8

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)Reported April 4, 2019 · 184,505 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 530xi Sports Wagon, 325i, 325xi, 325xi Sports Wagon, 330i, 330xi, Z4 3.0i and Z4 3.0si vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk
An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417. Note: This recall is an expansion to recall 17V‑683.

Recall number 19V273000 · Recall details

What 2006 BMW 330I owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 18, 2025 · Engine · 101,000 miles · IN · fire

The contact owns a 2006 BMW 33I. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming into the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact noticed fire coming from underneath the hood. The contact exited the vehicle. The contact stated he had to leave the vehicle abandoned for about a month. The contact stated the vehicle had been towed to an impound lot. The vehicle was then towed to the contact’s residence. The contact stated that a certified independent mechanic diagnosed the failure as thermal damage due to the federal safety agency recalls. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an oil leak that caused the fire. The contact was informed of a recall the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V683000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealer for further investigation. The contact stated that the manufacturer initiated an investigation, and after the investigation was performed, the case was closed. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

Filed Mar 2, 2023 · Engine · 149,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2006 BMW 330I. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected. The contact parked the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. Prior to the failure, the dealer was made aware of the issue but confirmed that parts were not yet available and scheduled an appointment for April. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Nov 17, 2022 · Engine · CA

The contact owns a 2006 BMW 330I. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was emitting an abnormal oil burning odor. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Sep 29, 2022 · Engine · AL

The contact owns a 2006 BMW 330I. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Aug 25, 2022 · Engine · 88,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2006 BMW 330I. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle, she noticed that the engine was extremely hot. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Aug 9, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · FL

BMW has issued a recall with no resolution. My engine is making noises from the crankcase and no alternative has been offered at this moment. The dealer does not want to address the issue.

Filed Aug 4, 2022 · Engine · CA

The contact owns a 2006 BMW 330I. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had 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.

Filed Apr 28, 2022 · Engine · 111,000 miles · CA · fire

The contact owns a 2006 BMW 330i. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently and the engine exploded. The automatic transmission gearbox warning light illuminated. The contact immediately exited the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a significant amount of dark smoke and there was fire underneath the hood of the vehicle. The fire was extinguished independently. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where the engine, the valves and the engine compartment were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine And Engine Cooling), which she associated with the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

Filed Apr 26, 2022 · Engine · 100,000 miles · TX · fire

The contact owned a 2006 BMW 330i. The contact stated while her boyfriend was driving 65 mph, he heard an abnormal noise coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to park on the side of the road and exit before the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The driver saw the fire starting under the transmission. The driver stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. The driver stated the fire department extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The driver stated the police did arrive at the location and filed a police report. The vehicle was not drivable. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The contact towed the vehicle to the record yard. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 ( Engine and Engine Cooling) on 4/25/2022. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. Consumer stated her vehicle hit a donkey head on but none of the airbags went off.

Filed Apr 24, 2019 · Engine · 180,000 miles · MA · fire

My 2006 bmw 330i caught fire in my driveway 2.5hrs after being drivin. The car did not indicate any warning prior to the fire.

Questions about the 2006 BMW 330I engine

Does the 2006 BMW 330I have engine problems?

Owners have filed 26 complaints about the engine of the 2006 BMW 330I, 12% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2006 BMW 330I engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 100,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2006 BMW 330I engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 19V273000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the BMW 330I have bad engine?

The BMW 330I model years with the most engine complaints are 2006 (26 complaints), 2017 (23 complaints) and 2020 (20 complaints).

Other 2006 BMW 330I problems

Airbags 133Electrical 34Seat belts 24Seats 20Steering 20Locks 14Body 3Fuel system 3Lights 2Visibility 2Acceleration 1Suspension 1Transmission 1Wheels 1

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