DecodedCars2006 BMW 7 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Engines
- 4.8L 8-cyl, 6.0L 12-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 15 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 BMW 7 Series is a large car offered with 2 engines (4.8L 8-cyl and 6.0L 12-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (15 city / 23 highway), 1% better than the 2006 large car average of 17.9 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
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 7 Series →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 750i | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | +1% | $4,550 | 494 |
| 750li | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | +1% | $4,550 | 494 |
| 760i | 6.0L 12-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 21 / 16 | -11% | $5,150 | 555 |
| 760li | 6.0L 12-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 21 / 16 | -11% | $5,150 | 555 |
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 7 Series under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 BMW 7 Series (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
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 7 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 BMW 7 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 4 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Service Brakes — 2 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 93,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 7 Series. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 7 Series years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 7 Series | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 7 Series | 28 | 212.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 7 Series | 28 | 212.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 7 Series | 28 | 212.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 7 Series | 27 | 212.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 7 Series | 25 | 207.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 7 Series | 25 | 207.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 7 Series | 24 | 207.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 7 Series | 27 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 7 Series | 27 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 7 Series | 27 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 7 Series | 24 | 200.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →