2006 BMW 130i

Introduction The 2006 BMW 130i is a compact luxury coupe powered by a BMW N52 3.0L straight-six engine that produces 265 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The 130i is praised for its agile handling, responsive engine, and luxurious interior, but criticized for its lack of practicality and limited rear seat space.

Engine N52 3.0L Straight-Six

• Valvetronic System Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic engine behavior, loss of power, engine warning light illuminated
  • Solution: Replacement of valvetronic motor, eccentric shaft sensor, or wiring harness
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• VANOS System Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, increased fuel consumption, rough idle
  • Solution: Replacement of VANOS solenoids or control unit
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission Six-Speed Manual

• Synchronizer Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises
  • Solution: Replacement of synchronizer rings or entire transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found Six-Speed Steptronic Automatic
• Mechatronic Unit Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission not shifting properly, harsh or delayed shifts
  • Solution: Replacement of mechatronic unit
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Control Arm Bushings Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Knocking or rattling noises, loss of steering precision
  • Solution: Replacement of control arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Subframe Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking or breaking of rear subframe, suspension components detaching
  • Solution: Reinforcement or replacement of rear subframe
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: 06V303000

Electrical

• Battery Discharge
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery dying prematurely, electrical components malfunctioning
  • Solution: Replacement of battery, diagnosis of electrical system for parasitic drain
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging properly, warning lights illuminated
  • Solution: Replacement of alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Condensation buildup inside headlight assemblies
  • Solution: Replacement of headlight assemblies or adjustment of seals
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Climate Control Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Climate control malfunctioning, inconsistent temperature levels
  • Solution: Replacement of climate control unit or associated sensors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of instrument cluster functionality, warning lights malfunctioning
  • Solution: Replacement of instrument cluster
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary Overall, the 2006 BMW 130i is a reliable vehicle with a few common issues that can be expensive to repair. The most severe issue is the rear subframe cracking, which can lead to catastrophic suspension failure. While the electrical and interior issues are less severe, they can still be costly to resolve.