2010 BMW 550I: problems, recalls and reliability

1 recall and 11 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2013

recalls

owner complaints

fire reports

typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest 550I years (#7 of 7 by complaints, age-adjusted)No fire reports

Common problems Recalls Specs Other years FAQ

Common problems

Computed from 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 11 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.

Engine (engine mechanics)2 complaints

Wheels (wheels, lug nuts, bearings)2 complaints

Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)2 complaints

Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)2 complaints

Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)1 complaint

Fuel/Propulsion System (fuel pump, tank, lines)1 complaint

“I have been having issues , not sure what the problem is but the car doesn't seem like it's getting proper gas , & it shakes when I drive . I had to park it in the garage after having it towed home due to an unknown issue .”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2023

“When driving freeway or street, transmission malfunctions causing it to drop into a low gear and reduce speed significantly. There is no maintenance schedule on the transmission. Unfortunately will need replacement at 8 yrs & 90k on odometer. Bmw should recall and fix.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2018

“Letter from senator gillibrand on behalf of madeline singas, who is the district attorney of nassau county, seeking assistance with a double homicide investigation following a fatal car accident in her county; *ld *js *js”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2018

Show 3 more owner reports

“Tl* the contact owns a 2010 bmw 550i. While driving 60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. Before the failure, the entire panel and all of the warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact did not feel safe driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was 90,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2016

“Tl* the contact owns a 2010 bmw 550gt. While driving approximately 35 mph, the tire pressure warning indicator alerted low tire pressure. The contact maneuvered to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle and then resumed operation. The vehicle was taken to a tire center where the technician informed the front passenger's side wheel exhibited two hairline cracks on the inner portion. The wheel was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 20,120.”Owner report · Wheels · May 2012

“Tl*the contact owns a 2010 bmw 550i. The contact stated there was a squeaky noise coming from the braking system. The vehicle had been at the dealer for a period of five weeks. The dealer replaced the front brake pads and rotors at least three times. The failure continued after the service repairs. The technician was unable to locate the malfunction. The manufacturer was notified in which there was no assistance provided. The failure mileage was 1,137.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2009

When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 1 campaign

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS13V407000 · Sep 2013

BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Specifications

Factory options offered for the 2010 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.

Engines4.4L · 4.8L

Cylinders8

FuelGasoline

Body stylesSedan/Saloon

How other years compare

200832 complaints · 2 recalls 2010 (this page)11 complaints · 1 recalls 201184 complaints · 3 recalls 201235 complaints · 2 recalls

Check your exact 550I by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2010 BMW 550I reliable?

NHTSA has 11 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2010 BMW 550I. The most complained-about area is engine.

Does the 2010 BMW 550I have open recalls?

1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:tail lights. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.