2012 BMW 550I Problems
Compared with other BMW 550I years
Typical for this model
50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× 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.
- 10 of its 35 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported part: Engine (13 complaints, median 59,644 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
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
- 35filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 59,287miles, 29 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns 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
- 18 mpgcombined, 4.4L 8-cyl RWD · 15 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 BMW 550I (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 35 consumer complaints for the 2012 BMW 550I. The part named most often is engine, with 13 complaints (37% of the total), followed by fuel system (13) and tires (8). 29 of the complaints include a mileage, and 38% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 59,287 miles. Of all complaints, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 388 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine complaints overlap with 69 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Fuel system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the fuel pump and 32 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 2 BMW 550I model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 50 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (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.
- Engine13 37%
- Fuel system13 37%
- Tires8 23%
- Electrical system4 11%
- Wheels4 11%
- Steering2 5.7%
- Brakes1 2.9%
- Engine cooling1 2.9%
- Exterior lighting1 2.9%
Also reported: Suspension (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “The car threw a drive train malfunction code which happens weekly on these engines and the car jumped a lane as it misfired and went into limp driving mode. If there was cars next to me there would have been a crash. Since then Bmw has issued a customer campaign on the n63 engine effecting thoughts of cars. They are changing tons of parts from injectors to fuel rails. It should be a full blown recall and the NHTSA should get involved on this. My car has been in the shop since 12/23 and still has not been repaired correctly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10676388, filed 2015-01, 40,800 milesFuel system: “Takata recall our car started flashing increased battery discharge and all electrical devices will shut off we took it to the Bmw house. They diagnosed it, as needing a new battery. We replaced the battery and 1 week later the same message came on again increased battery discharge' all electrical devices will shut off . …”
NHTSA complaint #11139976, filed 2018-10, 60,000 milesTires: “I have now driven my 2012 Bmw 550I x drive for approximately 22,000 miles. I have been forced to replace 5 run flat tires in the past 11 months. Two goodyear excellence rof and 3 dunlop sp sport max gt. Three tires developed bubbles on the sidewall and I cannot think of a previous impact that stood out in my mind. Two tires rapidly deflated after coming in contact with pot holes. The combination of the tight suspension along with the low profile of the run flat tires makes this combination very dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #10597826, filed 2014-06, 30,000 milesElectrical system: “My car died in an intersection unexpectedly as if my battery had died. My infant was in the backseat. This was suck a busy intersection that police dept had to park behind me to keep me from being hit. The car could not be put in neutral to move it out of the way. After over an hour we were able to restart the car and excessive battery discharge message displayed. This is on top of me taking it to the dealership for excessive oil consumption and BMW was aware my motor would eventually give out.”
NHTSA complaint #11440813, filed 2021-11Mileage when problems were reported
38% of the 29 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 35,000 and 85,000 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 2012 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 AWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.3% risk |
| 550I Xdrive GT · sedan AWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.3% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2012 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2011: same overall rating; 2013: 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 2012 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 | 15 | 23 | 18 | $4,550 |
| 550i RWD | 4.4L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,850 |
| 550i xDrive AWD | 4.4L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $4,850 |
| 550i xDrive Gran Turismo AWD | 4.4L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 15 | 19 | 17 | $4,850 |
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…
- 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 2012 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. 388 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
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 BMW 550I have?
NHTSA recorded 35 consumer complaints for the 2012 BMW 550I as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 BMW 550I is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 13 complaints (37% of the total), followed by fuel system with 13.
Has the 2012 BMW 550I been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2012 BMW 550I do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2012 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 2012 BMW 550I get?
The EPA rates the 2012 BMW 550I (550i, 4.4L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 BMW 550I reported?
Among the 29 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 59,287 miles and the middle half falls between 35,000 and 85,000 miles; 38% 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.