2011 BMW 550I Problems
Compared with other BMW 550I years
More complaints than typical for this model
96/100 2.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 2.9× that of a typical BMW 550I year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 15 of its 84 complaints were filed by the end of 2013.
- Most reported problem: Engine stalls or loses power after stalling (16 complaints, median 85,500 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2008, 2012
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 84filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 54,000miles, 62 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 4 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 4.4L 8-cyl RWD · 17 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2011 BMW 550I (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2011 BMW 550i most often describe engine problems: oil consumption that requires frequent top-ups, white or blue exhaust smoke, misfires, and in some cases a stretched timing chain or seized engine. A second, very common theme is sidewall bubbles and blowouts on the 19-inch run-flat tires, usually at very low mileage, along with electrical faults including stalling and battery or wiring issues in the trunk.
- Engine
Excessive oil consumption and exhaust smoke
- 12 complaints (14%)
- median 62,500 mi at 8.1 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2025
Owners describe the oil warning coming on between oil changes, sometimes every few hundred to a few thousand miles, and adding oil themselves. Some report white or blue smoke from the exhaust and oil on the garage floor; dealers in some cases reset the oil sensor or changed the fill specification, and several owners were told the engine or valve cover needed replacement according to complaints. Reported from roughly 30,000 to 100,000 miles, with several examples between 40,000 and 80,000 miles.
What to check: Ask for oil-change and top-off records, and check the oil level and the exhaust for smoke after a test drive. Ask whether any N63 oil-consumption or engine work has already been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Bmw n63 customer care package: a recall b001314 that Bmw refuses to call a recall. Im having problum with the car burning oil every 200 miles had fuel injectors replace twice. Car stills runs bad. My car only has 84k on it and I have had so many problums out of it oil chance has always been on time.”
NHTSA complaint #10926059, filed 2016-11, 86,212 miles“This car have been n great maintenance always, and suddenly started to throw white smoke as crazy... (75k miles only) I did my search and turns out that is a big problem that many Bmw v8 engine that they have .... Big headache to see this kind of luxury car smoking like that”
NHTSA complaint #11351181, filed 2020-08, 75,000 miles - Tires
Sidewall bubbles and blowouts on run-flat tires
- 14 complaints (17%)
- median 5,000 mi at 1.8 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- filed 2012–2015
Owners of the 550i repeatedly describe bubbles or bulges on the inner or outer sidewall of the original 19-inch run-flat tires, sometimes within a few hundred to a few thousand miles of fitment, and in some cases a sudden sidewall rupture or blowout. Complaints say tread was still good and that dealers or the tire maker replaced tires but did not explain the cause. Mostly reported below 25,000 miles, often within months of new tires being fitted.
What to check: Inspect all four sidewalls closely for bubbles or bulges, check tire brand and date codes, and ask how many tires the car has had replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Tires - as with all other complaints regarding the goodyear run flat tires, I have had no less than 7 bulges requiring 7 new tires. I did purchase an extended tire warranty so Bmw covered the tires. The alarming thing is that Bmw of north houston refuses to admit there are any issue with these tires. From reading all of the complaints, I have a hard time believing it is the driver or potholes as I have been told. Replaced the rear tires with comparable firestone tires and I have not had one issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10764134, filed 2015-09, 5,000 miles“Automobile was purchased in may 2011, and I have had to replace my goodyear p245/40r19 run flat tires six (6) times. I have experienced 4 sidewall blowouts, some on interstate some on regular roads. I have had to replace two tires due to sidewall bubbles, due to tire sidewall breakdown. This automobile is not safe at any speed and I have had to use my 2012 ford focus for most of my driving. Bmw has done absolutely nothing in regard to this problem and I truly believe that these tires have a manufacturers defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10460252, filed 2012-06, 5,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Drive train malfunction warning, shaking, power loss
- 12 complaints (14%)
- median 55,000 mi at 5.0 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2022
Owners describe a drive train malfunction message appearing while driving, followed by violent shaking, loss of power or a stall, sometimes at highway speed. Complaints mention repeated visits where fuel injectors, high- and low-pressure sensors, ignition coils or a vacuum pump were replaced, and some owners report the fault returning afterwards. Typically reported between about 40,000 and 110,000 miles.
What to check: Ask for service records showing whether injectors or sensors were replaced, and have a scan tool check for stored fault codes before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I am currently having problems with my vehicle and the local authorized dealer/service center, I believe they have been negligent with their actions to multiple problems that have occurred, including the repair and inspection pertaining to a recall of the n63 engine vehicles. The vehicle has had multiple issues in the past, including several drivetrain malfunctions for which I believe have the dates and service records they relate fuel injectors, battery, pumps, ect.. …”
NHTSA complaint #10721185, filed 2015-05, 53,000 miles“I bought the car on may 6, 2015 with about 53k miles on it. Drove it for only about 45 days and while driving the car the drivetrain malfunction and other lights came on and the car lost power and stopped immediately. At first, I thought it was the battery and had the car jumped but that didn't work. The care engine was totally dead, no sound no anything other than the engine light that popped on before it stopped. I had purchased an extended warranty from gwc at the purchase of the car so informed them. …”
NHTSA complaint #10652558, filed 2014-11, 55,000 miles - Engine
Engine stalls or loses power after stalling
- 16 complaints (19%)
- median 85,500 mi at 7.8 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2015–2024
Several owners report the car losing power or stalling without warning, in some cases traced by dealers to a faulty timing chain, a failed water pump or a fuel pump issue. Complaints describe the vehicle being towed and, in some cases, the dealer indicating that engine replacement was needed. Reported from about 60,000 to 140,000 miles in the sample.
Recall 18V248000Recall 16V7460002 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask about timing chain, water pump and fuel pump history, and whether recall 18V248000 or 16V746000 work has been completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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 #11325399, filed 2020-05, 130,000 miles“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 miles - Electrical system
Battery, fuse box and trunk wiring problems
- 7 complaints (8%)
- median 54,000 mi at 4.5 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2024
Owners describe multiple warning lights, the car stalling or failing to start, and in some cases smoke or melting in the trunk where the battery and fuse box sit. Complaints mention batteries and alternators replaced, and one describes scorched trunk carpeting attributed to wiring that was not properly attached. Reported from about 40,000 to 90,000 miles in the sample, with a few at low mileage.
What to check: Check battery age and condition, look for signs of heat or chafing around the trunk battery and fuse box area, and ask whether the battery has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Our car's electrical panel lit up before the car stalled on two separate occasions. The first time, Bmw replace the battery. The second time, Bmw replaced the alternator. 12 days after being serviced by Bmw, our house burned down due to a fire originating on the front left side of the Bmw. That afternoon, my husband had come home from work, parked the car in the garage, and turned it off. The fire started within 30minutes of being shut off and parked. …”
NHTSA complaint #11045596, filed 2017-11, 85,000 miles“My 2011 Bmw 550igt driven for 43200 miles was parked in my driveway with ignition turned off (for at least 45 minutes). Noticed smoke coming out from the trunk, where the battery is located.”
NHTSA complaint #10566247, filed 2014-02, 43,200 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection by a shop familiar with the N63 engine is worthwhile, focusing on oil consumption, timing chain and cooling history, plus stored fault codes. Ask for service records and confirm whether the open recalls and any extended-warranty work on injectors or fuel pumps have been completed.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 84 consumer complaints for the 2011 BMW 550I. 62 of the complaints include a mileage, and 45% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 54,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 11 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 382 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 2 BMW 550I model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 96 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine32 38%
- Electrical system20 24%
- Fuel system16 19%
- Tires12 14%
- Other or unknown8 9.5%
- Wheels6 7.1%
- Air bags5 5.9%
- Brakes4 4.8%
Also reported: Seat belts (4), Engine cooling (3), Body and structure (3), Vehicle speed control (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Exterior lighting (2), Steering (2), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “During driving on the street, I started to smell like toxic burning like rubber and/or antifreeze burning and when I stop at home I could see little steam coming from the hood area and also oil leak at the bottom of the engine-transmission region. I stopped driving the car now.”
NHTSA complaint #11172397, filed 2019-01, 42,000 milesElectrical system: “This vehicle has had multiple recalls. The latest one was campaign no. 18v-248. Bmw has yet to do anything for my vehicle, even after it burnt itself to the ground and a portion of my home. They did not add any explanation or attempt to investigate this situation. It is still undefined how this vehicle lit itself on fire as it was parked and turned off sitting in my garage, after just being driven 5-10 minutes before the fire started.”
NHTSA complaint #11142514, filed 2018-10, 55,000 milesFuel system: “I was driving my car and all of a sudden the entire car started shaking. I get multiple engine malfunction lights and then get a reduced power alert on my dashboard. The car goes into limp-mode , which means it's incapable of going past 40-45 MPH and going anything above 25 results in violent shaking of the car. Also at red lights, the entire car vibrates. The fault was determined to be the fuel injectors in the engine, however I already knew that by simply looking up the symptoms. …”
NHTSA complaint #10639803, filed 2014-09, 39,300 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I was driving on a residential street and shifted into 3rd gear. The car began to buck violently. I pushed in the clutch to stop the bucking. I was approaching an intersection. I attempted to accelerate and the gas pedal was non-responsive. The vehicle then indicated that it had a drivetrain malfunction. I was able to pull over, turn the car off and back on and drive 0.5 miles to my destination. While parked, the parking brake also malfunctioned and I was unable to turn it off. The car was towed to the dealership. There is a significant design deficiency with this vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10587375, filed 2014-05, 24,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
45% of the 62 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 24,000 and 86,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 BMW 550I. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 550I · sedan RWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.3% risk |
| 550I GT · sedan RWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.3% risk |
| 550I Xdrive · sedan 4WD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.3% risk |
| 550I Xdrive GT · sedan 4WD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.3% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2011 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2012: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2011 BMW 550I version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 550i RWD | 4.4L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 17 | 25 | 20 | $4,100 |
| 550i RWD | 4.4L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,850 |
| 550i xDrive AWD | 4.4L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 18 | $4,550 |
| 550i xDrive Gran Turismo AWD | 4.4L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $4,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 18V248000Apr 18, 2018Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/superchargerCovers: BMW 550I 2011–2012, MINI Cooper S 2007–2012, JCW 2007–2012 +16 more
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S…
- 16V832000Nov 17, 2016Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactiveCovers: BMW 550I 2011, 528I 2011, 535I 2011
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 BMW 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i and 550xi vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, through August 31, 2011. The affected vehicles may have received a replacement Sensor Cluster Unit (SCU)…
- 16V746000Oct 17, 2016Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: BMW 550I 2011–2012, X5 2007–2011, X6 2008–2011 +6 more
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran…
Recall details for the 2011 BMW 550I → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 382 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Electrical system. The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024Electrical system. The 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. This document covers…
- 10247567Dec 20, 2023Engine cooling, Fuel system. Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel…
- 10245422Nov 22, 2023Equipment, Electrical system. Customers 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 optical confirmation…
- 10239605Jun 1, 2023Wheels. The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warning light comes on while driving. The following DSC fault codes for the wheel speed sensors are stored: 480712 and/or 480715 and/or 480718 and/or 48071B They…
- 10238090May 1, 2023Electrical system. After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.
- 10238062May 1, 2023Equipment. With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. Bayerische Motoren…
- 10230717Dec 1, 2022Fuel system. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Fuel Injectors to 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original…
- 10230716Dec 1, 2022Equipment. With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. Bayerische Motoren…
- 10227568Oct 1, 2022Seats, Lane departure, Back-over prevention (rear camera)…. According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front…
Other model years of the BMW 550I
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 6 | 44,000 | 0 | 5 | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 2014 | 6 | 47,000 | 2 | 5 | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 15 | 72,343 | 1 | 5 | 19 | — | Falling |
| 2012 | 35 | 59,287 | 2 | 5 | 18 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 84 | 54,000 | 3 | 5 | 20 | 96 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 11 | 48,500 | 1 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 32 | 77,500 | 2 | — | 18 | 38 · Typical | Stable |
| 2007 | 37 | 72,100 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 23 | 100,000 | 3 | — | 16 | — | Stable |
All BMW 550I model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW 550I?
Owners of the 2011 BMW 550i most often describe engine problems: oil consumption that requires frequent top-ups, white or blue exhaust smoke, misfires, and in some cases a stretched timing chain or seized engine. The issues reported most often: Excessive oil consumption and exhaust smoke; Sidewall bubbles and blowouts on run-flat tires; Drive train malfunction warning, shaking, power loss.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011 BMW 550I have?
NHTSA recorded 84 consumer complaints for the 2011 BMW 550I as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2011 BMW 550I is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 32 complaints (38% of the total), followed by electrical system with 20.
Has the 2011 BMW 550I been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2011 BMW 550I do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2011 BMW 550I 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 4 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2011 BMW 550I get?
The EPA rates the 2011 BMW 550I (550i, 4.4L 8-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,100 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2011 BMW 550I reported?
Among the 62 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 54,000 miles and the middle half falls between 24,000 and 86,000 miles; 45% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.