DecodedCars2006 BMW 6 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 4.8L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 15 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 18 MPG combined, 15% below the 2006 subcompact car average of 21.2 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 BMW 6 Series is a subcompact car offered with a 4.8L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (15 city / 23 highway), 15% worse than the 2006 subcompact car average of 21.2 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file.
What changed for 2006
- Engine added: 4.8L 8-cyl
- Engine dropped: 4.4L 8-cyl
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 6 Series →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 650ci | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -15% | $4,550 | 494 |
| 650ci Convertible | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -15% | $4,550 | 494 |
| 650ci | 4.8L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 16 | -25% | $5,150 | 555 |
| 650ci | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -25% | $5,150 | 555 |
| 650ci Convertible | 4.8L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 20 / 15 | -29% | $5,500 | 592 |
| 650ci Convertible | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -29% | $5,500 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 BMW 6 Series under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 BMW 6 Series (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2006 Audi S4 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Volvo C70 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Maserati Coupe Cambiocorsa/GT/G-Sport | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables · Mar 26, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V126000 · 367,682 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. THE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE TRUNK FLOOR PANEL, WHICH CAN LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE BOLT CONNECTION. AS IT LOOSENS, AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE AND COULD CAUSE THE CABLE CONNECTION TO OVERHEAT.
- Risk
- OVERHEATING COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, EVEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN USE. AS A PRECAUTION, OWNERS ARE ADVISED TO PARK OUTSIDE UNTIL THE REMEDY HAS BEEN MADE.
- Fix
- BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND SECURE THE BATTERY BOLT CABLE CONNECTION AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum · Oct 1, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V446000 · 198,352 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, 6-SERIES, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2008 7-SERIES VEHICLES. A CHECK VALVE OF THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP MAY LEAK A SMALL AMOUNT OF LUBRICATING OIL. OVER TIME THIS COULD RESULT IN CONTAMINATION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
- Risk
- POWER ASSIST BRAKING PERFORMANCE COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED. IN EXTREME CASES THERE COULD BE A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER ASSIST BRAKING. AN UNEXPECTED REDUCTION OR LOSS IN POWER BRAKING ASSIST MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2006 BMW 6 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2006 BMW 6 Series in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2006 BMW 6 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 BMW 6 Series. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 6 Series years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 6 Series | 23 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 6 Series | 23 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 6 Series | 24 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 6 Series | 24 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 6 Series | 25 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 6 Series | 25 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 6 Series | 26 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 6 Series | 26 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2010 6 Series | 18 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2009 6 Series | 18 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2008 6 Series | 18 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 2 |
| 2007 6 Series | 18 | – | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →