2011 BMW 550I: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 84 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (25% of complaints); the 2010 and 2012 and 2013 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2018
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 84 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My 2011 BMW 550i experienced an unexpected fire in my driveway while my wife and I were sleeping. The fire nearly caused our house to catch fire and also resulted in damage to my BMW Z4. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with someone regarding this matter. For your reference, the last seven digits of my VIN are [XXX] . You can reach me at [XXX] or via email at [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2025
“The contact owns a 2011 BMW 550I. The contact stated that after having an oil change performed, he noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a stem valve cover failure. The contact was informed that the valve cover needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,500.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2023
“Vehicle was parked while running errands, returned to leave and it would not start. Went to trunk to check battery connection and found that the positive battery cable had burnt in two where it connects to cable that runs to the engine compartment. Carpet cover and sound deadening coating had burnt and cable fell through trunk floor on top of gas tank. Car was towed and insurance refused to replace what caused fire, only what burnt from source ie. carpet cover and floor but not wiring. BMW dealer reports they don't know what caused cable to overheat.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“I purchased this car from a used dealer ship, drove it for less than a month. Then it started misfiring. I paid the car off in cash so I decided to change all of the coils and spark plugs so I did that outta my own pocket also. They put an insert inside of my 2nd spark plug so I need up getting it out and it wasn't even a spark plug to my car. I was driving and it locked up the engine on me. I have a free engine replacement on this car right ? Any recalls that can fix this problem for me”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2023
“Drivetrain malfunction comes on dash, due to timing chain being out of "time" meaning that the cranshaft and chain has move out of place, this repair is estimated to cost about 10k, other vehicles of the this type are also included, the recall from bmw is call the "n63 customer service packet", n63 is the kind of engine that this car and other in similar series and years are known and innevidatable to prevent since its a manufacturer mistake. I personally lost out on a lot of money due to the problem that landed in my hands.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2022
“Door opening defect. The driver side door would lock and not open from inside and outside posing a serious safety hazard as one cannot get out of vehicle in emergency. This is noted when vehicle is in stationary or parked position.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2021
“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”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2020
“I am having oil come from my oil pan which I later found out that it could possibly be coming from my oil pan gasket which some people have told me there were recalls on this particular problem”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2020
“Both of my lock actuators driver and passenger failed at the same time. This is a safety concern. Also this is a common issue when bmw!”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Jan 2020
“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?”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2019
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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 Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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) during a service visit. These SCUs have an acceleration sensor that may have been incorrectly programmed and, as a result, the SCU may not accurately determine if activation and deployment of the air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and head restraints is necessary in the event of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the SCU, free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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 Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2011 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 550I by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2011 BMW 550I reliable?
NHTSA has 84 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 BMW 550I. The most complained-about area is engine (25% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2011 BMW 550I problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 54,000 miles or less.
Does the 2011 BMW 550I have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump. 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.