DecodedCars2006 BMW M
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Minicompact Cars
- Engines
- 3.2L 6-cyl, 5.0L 10-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 17 combined · 15 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 17 MPG combined, 12% below the 2006 minicompact car average of 19.4 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 BMW M is a minicompact car offered with 2 engines (3.2L 6-cyl and 5.0L 10-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 17 MPG combined (15 city / 22 highway), 12% worse than the 2006 minicompact car average of 19.4 MPG, for an estimated $4,850 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2006
- Engine added: 5.0L 10-cyl
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 M →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3 Convertible | 3.2L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 17 | -12% | $4,850 | 523 |
| M3 | 3.2L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 22 / 17 | -20% | $4,850 | 523 |
| M3 | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -20% | $4,850 | 523 |
| M3 Convertible | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -18% | $5,150 | 555 |
| M5 | 5.0L 10-cyl | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 17 / 13 | -37% | $6,300 | 684 |
| M6 | 5.0L 10-cyl | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 17 / 13 | -39% | $6,300 | 684 |
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 M under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 minicompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 BMW M (this car) | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Lexus SC | 19 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2006 Jaguar XKR | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Jaguar XK8 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 BMW M.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2006 BMW M is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2006 BMW M in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2006 BMW M buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- 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 M. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other M years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →