BMW 550I Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 249 consumer complaints across the 9 model years of the BMW 550I (2006–2015) that have at least 5 complaints. 2011 has the most, with 84. Across all years, the part named most often is engine (71 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All 550I model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 6 | 44,000 | 0 | 286 | — | Not enough data |
| 2014 | 6 | 47,000 | 2 | 393 | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 15 | 72,343 | 1 | 434 | — | Falling |
| 2012 | 35 | 59,287 | 2 | 388 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 84 | 54,000 | 3 | 382 | 96 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 11 | 48,500 | 1 | 79 | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 32 | 77,500 | 2 | 55 | 38 · Typical | Stable |
| 2007 | 37 | 72,100 | 2 | 53 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 23 | 100,000 | 3 | 52 | — | Stable |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Engine71 24%
- Fuel system44 15%
- Electrical system43 15%
- Air bags34 12%
- Transmission and drivetrain32 11%
- Tires28 9.7%
- Wheels20 6.9%
- Exterior lighting18 6.2%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2011: “I own my Bmw 550I gran turismo sedan 2011 f10(n63). There is a recall on my exact model. Nhtsa number: 18v248000/ engine and engine cooling. I am having the same exact issues that the recall shows. I have proof of documents showing my water pump failing, getting service water pump and alternator repair. August 24, 2019 shows small evaporations leak, cylinder misfires and has bad head gasket. …”
NHTSA complaint #11322775, filed 2020-04, 120,000 miles2012: “Takata recall our car started flashing increased battery discharge and all electrical devices will shut off we took it to the Bmw house. They diagnosed it, as needing a new battery. We replaced the battery and 1 week later the same message came on again increased battery discharge' all electrical devices will shut off . …”
NHTSA complaint #11139976, filed 2018-10, 60,000 miles2006: “I was driving home and felt the car leaning to one side (passenger side) I drove slowly with hazard lights on made it home and checked under vehicle looked liked the bolt came off and bar connected to tire was dropped had it towed to shop and was told control arm needed to be replaced . …”
NHTSA complaint #11321429, filed 2020-04, 142,764 milesOther BMW models
3,165 complaintsBMW 328I
2,576 complaintsBMW X3
2,016 complaintsBMW 325I
1,377 complaintsBMW Z4
1,271 complaintsBMW 3 Series
832 complaintsBMW 528I
830 complaintsBMW 330I
813 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology