2008 BMW 550I Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 16%of 32 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2008 BMW 550I, 16% of the 32 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,000 miles. 1 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.
“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“The contact owns a 2008 Bmw 535i. The contact stated that while traveling 30 MPH, the engine temperature warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to his residence. The vehicle was not taken to a mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the issue. The failure and current mileages were 78,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10483513, filed 2012-11, 78,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 BMW.The contact stated that he was getting ready to drive the vehicle, however when he started the vehicle, the ABS and check engine lights illuminated.The contact stated that he noticed the vehicle was overheating and turned the vehicle off.The contact heard an unusual sound which came from under the hood.The contact inspected and noticed that the coolant reservoir lid had detached and dented the hood due to the vehicle overheating.The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer.The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and…”
NHTSA complaint #11554420, filed 2023-11, 65,000 miles“Vehicle abruptly shut off while reversing out of my driveway. Vehicle restarted after a long crank and appeared to enter a reduced power mode/limp mode with a transmission fault that locked the transmission in 4th gear. Reading OBD2 codes revealed a code for the crankshaft position sensor. Inspection of the 3 terminal sensor revealed 2 of the terminal contacts on the sensor to be shorted out with melted plastic on both the sensor and the wiring connector plug. Shorted wire could be a result of a leaking coolant passage at rear of engine within bellhousing where sensor is located. …”
NHTSA complaint #11687033, filed 2025-09Related service bulletins
- 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…
- 10147598Jan 1, 2015"SUBJECT N62TU: ISTA Service Function for DME ""RAM Backup"". The ISTA Service Function test plan should be performed to clear stored values in the DME RAM memory after repairs…
- 10150065Jun 1, 2013"BMW NA has agreed to extend the emissions warranties of the turbocharger's wastegate to: ??8 years or 82,000 miles, whichever occurs first, as determined from the vehicle's…
- 10149589May 1, 2013"N54 Engine: Diagnosis of Cold Start Rough Running with Misfire Faults. The customer may complain that during the cold start in the morning, the engine runs very roughly and the…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 17% |
| 2014 | 1 | 17% |
| 2013 | 8 | 53% |
| 2012 | 13 | 37% |
| 2011 | 32 | 38% |
| 2010 | 4 | 36% |
| 2008 | 5 | 16% |
| 2007 | 5 | 14% |
| 2006 | 2 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2008 BMW 550I
9 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsAir bags
6 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 27, 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