2011 BMW 550I Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 38%of 84 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the engine of the 2011 BMW 550I, 38% of the 84 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,000 miles. 6 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“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“Engine information center says to add oil, in between oil changes, numerous times. Car shut down on road and was taken to a dealer. Dealer says the engine has seized. Since the vehicle is just over the warranty by miles, pax 500 miles, I was told that I would be responsible for the repairs. The car only has just over 50k miles. It was purchased with 40k miles on it but was purchased from a dealer not Bmw. Is there anything that can be done?”
NHTSA complaint #11289852, filed 2019-12, 55,000 miles“The car just don't go the speed is supposed to I can't go in highway because the car don't go that fast and that is not safe for me and my family I spent a lot of money trying to fix it but the problem always come back”
NHTSA complaint #11386561, filed 2021-01, 58,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10211851Mar 1, 2022This bulletin outlines the procedure for checking the engine timing chains for wear, and should be completed in conjunction with SI B11 06 14, "N63 Customer Care Package." The…
- 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…
- 10172479Feb 1, 2020LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSIONTO 10 YEARS/120000 MILES: This Service Information Bulletin replaces SI B01 05 18 dated July 2019. Engine starts poorly (hard starting) rough idle and…
- 10167978Oct 1, 2019N63 ENGINE VEHICLES: CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT FOR ENGINE OILCONSUMPTION/BATTER. What's New: The short-term extension window of one (1) year/12,000 miles from date of the…
- 10167977Oct 1, 2019N63: OIL CONSUMPTION CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT DIAGNOSIS/REPAIRS (VERSION 12.0). What's New: Engine Timing Chain Guide Pre-Inspection (with Valve Stem Seal Repair) instruction…
- 10165276Aug 1, 2019While 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…
- 10162398Jul 10, 2019"N63 - Engine Malfunction Warning Due to Vapor Forming in the Fuel System. The Engine Malfunction warning is displayed and the Service Engine Soon (MIL) Lamp is on. This…
- 10163992Jul 1, 2019N63 CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT FOR OIL CONSUMPTION AND BATTERY DRAIN - OVERVIEW This Service Information Bulletin replaces SI B01 29 18 dated October 2018.
- 10163991Jul 1, 2019N63T ENGINE FUEL INJECTORS: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120000 MILES This Service Information Bulletin replaces SI B01 05 18 dated January 2018. Engine starts poorly…
- 10163027Jun 1, 2019ENGINE VIBRATIONS OR NOISE This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B11 01 19 dated February 2019.
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 2011 BMW 550I
20 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