2008 BMW 550I Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 28%of 32 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 BMW 550I, 28% of the 32 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,500 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have been in contact with Bmw of north america for 8 weeks. My 2008 Bmw 550I caught fire while stationary at a gas station at the gas pump. The fire department was called out to contain the fire. The fire inspector and the fire chief both stated that it was a wiring issue. I have the fire report. I was finally able to get Bmw of north america to inspect the vehicle on feb. 5, 2018 and was told there 'looks like there could have been'work done to the wiring of the car. I have owned the vehicle since april 2017 (7 months) and have not done any work to the wiring. …”
NHTSA complaint #11072294, filed 2018-02, 85,000 miles“Bmw 528i - if you carry liquids which spill in your trunk, the liquid can seep through and burn the wires, or the car will stop running (per service department), which can cause an accident. On 7-5 my car had a low tire light go on. I was told to take the car in as they might need to reset something. I took the car in &was told to return on 7-7 as they couldn't get the light to go off. On 7-7 we took the car in.the service rep. …”
NHTSA complaint #10233671, filed 2008-07, 6,000 miles“I recently started experiencing fuses blowing on my right front head light units. Errors would indicate it was the 'right daylight parking unit' and then would clear or stay constant. When it was constant, it was due to a blown fuse. It turns out when I had a Bmw certified technician look at the issue he said that the problem was related to the wiring inside the front head light. The wiring had insulation that was starting to flake off allowing contact of the two wires going to the bulb and was even apparent on other wires within the head light assembly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10716033, filed 2015-05, 77,000 miles“Vehicle parked for days, noticed smoke from passenger side engine bay, inspection found possible faulty electrical wiring or oil leak onto electrical wiring causing small fire on engine floor. Disconnected negative terminal to battery.”
NHTSA complaint #11387822, filed 2021-01, 110,000 miles“Vehicle shuts off unexpectedly and fails to restart, additionally the vehicle will randomly fail to start. The engine will shut off while driving at highway speeds, when driving slowly, or shortly after shifting the car into drive from park. No warnings or errors are generally encountered or logged however in rare instances drivetrain warnings are displayed. The engine displays no strange behavior prior to this occurring and shuts off as if it were instructed to do so. The vehicle regularly fails to start. …”
NHTSA complaint #10443258, filed 2012-01, 36,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery…
- 10245422Nov 22, 2023Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleâÂÂs equipment and settings, no acoustic or…
- 10182619Oct 1, 2020Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has…
- 10175267Apr 1, 2020Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This…
- 10162428Jul 10, 2019Various Electrical Problems Caused by Water Ingress. Water ingress into the luggage compartment may cause various electrical problems or faults associated with the MPM (Micro…
- 10146779Nov 1, 2016Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015.. Fault codes stored in vehicles…
- 10151119Feb 1, 2016SI B84 03 14 February 2016 Communication Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B84 03 14 dated October 2014. SUBJECT Bluetooth Connection…
- 10151115Feb 1, 2016SUBJECT Audio System Speaker Testing. For audio system speaker testing there is a NED (Non Electrical Diagnosis) Test Plan available. CAUSE We previously recommended use of the…
- 10151068Feb 1, 2016This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Fault codes stored in vehicles…
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 BMW 550I
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 BMW 550I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology