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2006 BMW 3 Series 325xi 6MT

The 2006 BMW 3 Series 325xi 6MT is a 215-hp inline-6 with a 6-speed manual and all-wheel drive. It starts at $32,800 MSRP and is rated at 20 mpg combined.

It makes 215 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 2750 rpm, spinning to a 7,000 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway (20 mpg combined).

The 3 Series measures 178.2 inches long on a 108.7-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,560 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$32,800 ($52,877 *)
MSRP with Destination$33,495 ($53,997 *)
Destination Charge$695
Engine
Engine Type3.0L Inline-6 (N52B30) magnesium/aluminum, Valvetronic
Horsepower215 hp @ 6,250 rpm
Torque185 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Redline7,000 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC 24V VALVETRONIC Double-VANOS
Bore and Stroke85.0 x 88.0
Compression Ratio10.7:1
Injection TypePort injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeAWD (xDrive)
Transmission
Transmission6-speed manual
1st Gear4.35
2nd Gear2.5
3rd Gear1.66
4th Gear1.23
5th Gear1
6th Gear0.85
Final Drive3.38
Fuel Economy
City17 MPG
Highway26 MPG
Combined20 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium
Tank Capacity15.9 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionDouble-pivot strut
Rear SuspensionFive-link
Brakes
Front Brake Disc11.8 x 0.94 in ventilated
Rear Brake Disc11.8 x 0.79 in ventilated
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front16 x 7.0
Wheels Rear16 x 7.0
Dimensions & Weight
Length178.2 in
Width71.5 in
Height56.1 in
Wheelbase108.7 in
Front Track59.1 in
Rear Track59.6 in
Cargo Volume12 ft³
Curb Weight3,560 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front37.4 in
Headroom Rear37.1 in
Legroom Front41.5 in
Legroom Rear34.6 in
Shoulder Room Front55.4 in
Shoulder Room Rear55.1 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Tested, but no star ratings were published (2006 BMW 3 Series 2-DR w/SAB).

Recalls

4 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 BMW 3 SERIES. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Mar 2, 2022 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

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.

Consequence: 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 NHTSA 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 NHTSA 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.

NHTSA campaign 22V119000

Aug 10, 2012 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.

Consequence: This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.

Remedy: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.

NHTSA campaign 12E029000

Aug 5, 2008 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED.

Consequence: IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY EVEN IF A SUFFICIENTLY SEVERE ACCIDENT WOULD OCCUR AND OCCUPANT PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE SYSTEM WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REWORK THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT SO THAT EXTERNAL FORCE APPLICATION TO THE SEAT DOES NOT CAUSE A CRACK TO THE MAT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2008. BMW WILL ALSO EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THESE VEHICLES TO 10 YEARS FROM FIRST REGISTRATION WITHOUT ANY MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign 08V384000

Oct 18, 2006 · SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ONE OF THE SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM AND SWIVEL BEARING CONNECTION BOLTS WAS NOT TIGHTENED CORRECTLY. THE BOLTED CONNECTION COULD LOOSEN.

Consequence: THE BOLTED CONNECTION COULD BREAK WHICH COULD IMPAIR VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BOLTED CONNECTION AND, IF NECESSARY, ADJUST THE CONNECTION. IN SOME CASES, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM AND THE SWIVEL BEARING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 21, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

NHTSA campaign 06V400000

1,243 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2006 BMW 3 SERIES

Owner Complaints

1,243 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2006 BMW 3 SERIES (29 mention a crash, 40 a fire, 19 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Air Bags667
Electrical System188
Steering107
Seat Belts104
Latches/Locks/Linkages93
Engine91
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Apr 10, 2026 · Electrical System Fire
“While driving the vehicle, the blower (A/C) began to cycle on and off. Then I began to smell electrical smoke. Then I began to see smoke coming from vents and where the windshield meets the dashboard…”
Jan 10, 2026 · Unknown Or Other Fire
“My vehicle was parked in the driveway in front of my house and had not been driven for several days. I walked outside and noticed the engine fan was running so I opened the driver‘s door and noticed…”
Dec 5, 2025 · Unknown Or Other Fire
““The PCV valve heater (positive crankcase ventilation heater) on my 2006 BMW 330xi failed and caused an engine bay electrical fire. This component is under an active BMW safety recall for fire risk…”
Oct 23, 2025 · Service Brakes, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System
“Since the airbag was not fixed, it has caused PVC meltings as well as leakage”
Sep 15, 2025 · Electrical System, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System
“The Valvetronic Actuator malfunctions. The malfunction may have been caused by a Battery Positive Cable that has corroded over time. The result is that the vehicle stops unexpectedly during…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2006 BMW 3 SERIES. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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