2011 BMW 550I Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 24%of 84 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 2011 BMW 550I, 24% of the 84 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,000 miles. 8 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“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 miles“Have to add oil every 500 miles, and I did notice there's a recall on the car but Bmw does not want to call it a recall.I think it may effect car 5 years from now, timing chain is not always good news. I think Bmw should offer extended warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10678748, filed 2015-01, 31,668 miles“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“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 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…
- 10238090May 1, 2023After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.
- 10214990May 1, 2022The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map…
- 10200224Jun 1, 2021While engine oil consumption may create a customer inconvenience, in the short term it should not cause any drivability problems that would prevent normal day-to-day operational…
- 10179009Jul 1, 2020NAVIGATION SYSTEM - REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROADMAP DATA: Do not replace parts and do not program the vehicle. Roads can change by up to 15% every year. To ensure the best…
- 10178991Jul 1, 2020N63 CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT - BATTERY SERVICE BENEFIT - RETROFITS/ REPLACEMENTS: This Service Information bulletin applies to: Class vehicles in operation on the road (Applicable…
- 10178990Jul 1, 2020N63T REAR MONITORING OXYGEN SENSORS - LTD WTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES: Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America…
- 10174320Apr 1, 2020CONNECTEDDRIVE/BMW ASSIST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 7) replaces SI B84 02 14 dated May 2019. ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist features…
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2011 BMW 550I
32 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsTires
12 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsWheels
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 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