DecodedCars2006 BMW X5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- 3.0i 4dr SUV AWD, 4.4i 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 14 city / 20 hwy
- Length
- 183.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,696–4,927 lb
- 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 against 14 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 BMW X5 is a SUV - offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl, 4.4L 8-cyl and 4.8L 8-cyl) and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 184 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,696 lb (3.0i 4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 20 highway), 6% worse than the 2006 SUV - average of 17 MPG, for an estimated $5,150 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 71 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2006
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 X5 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 X5 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0i 4dr SUV AWD | 183.9 in | 73.6 in | 67.3 in | 111 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 4,696 lb | 48/52 |
| 4.4i 4dr SUV AWD | 183.9 in | 73.6 in | 67.3 in | 111 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 4,927 lb | 48/52 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X5 | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 20 / 16 | -6% | $5,150 | 555 |
| X5 | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -6% | $5,150 | 555 |
| X5 | 4.4L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -6% | $5,150 | 555 |
| X5 4.8is | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -6% | $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 X5 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 BMW X5 (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 12 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Porsche Cayenne | 15 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2006 BMW X3 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Lexus RX | 27 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2006 Volvo XC90 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Lexus LX | 13 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Nov 12, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V564000 · 76,565 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
- Risk
- Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Not every 2006 BMW X5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 BMW X5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 27 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Service Brakes — 15 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Seats — 13 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 114,000 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 X5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other X5 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 X5 | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 X5 | 25 | 194.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 28 |
| 2025 X5 | 25 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 63 |
| 2024 X5 | 25 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 145 |
| 2023 X5 | 23 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 33 |
| 2022 X5 | 23 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 75 |
| 2021 X5 | 23 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 111 |
| 2020 X5 | 23 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 113 |
| 2019 X5 | 22 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 13 | 193 |
| 2018 X5 | 25 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 73 |
| 2017 X5 | 25 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 6 | 75 |
| 2016 X5 | 25 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 5 | 74 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →