2012 BMW 550I: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 35 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (29% of complaints); the 2010 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 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I was driving when the vehicle engine randomly shut down with out warning I was on the freeway at the time and could have been hit by a car. I took thr car to an auto repair shop, had the problem inspected snddiagnosed and was told the engine was faulty. I had the engine replaced and the same issue occurred. There were no warning lamps, messages, or alerts prior to the problem occurring. The drivetrain malfunction light came on as soon as the engine cut off.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2023
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2021
“Engine is available for inspection upon request. Earlier this month, my 550i completely shut off at a traffic light. When attempting to restart the engine, the Starter strained very hard and smoke came out of the engine. Engine was immediately shut off and the car was towed to a local shop. In turn the shop replaced the Starter the following day and heard knocking from the engine once it turned it over. Upon examination the shop pulled open the oil filter and it was full of metal shrapnel. I feel fortunate the car was not in motion at the time of the failure, given the engine shut off with no warning this could have resulted in a catastrophic accident.”Owner report · Engine · May 2021
Show 7 more owner reports
“2012 F10 had issues while running as car installed and stopped completely multiple times in traffic. Fuel supply sign came on. Diagnosed as low pressure fuel pump degraded and need replacement. Same recall took place for 2007-2011 5 series model as well via recall campaign No. 16v-746: In-Tank Fuel Pump. 2012 have same issue and very dangerous to drive on road when vehicle stalls and stops while driving in traffic”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2021
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 bmw 550i gran turismo. The contact stated that while her son was driving at 45 mph, the vehicle loss power and stalled without warning. The vehicle was pulled to the side of the road and restarted. The vehicle jerked. The vehicle was taken to the classic bmw located at 6800 dallas pkwy, plano, tx 75024, (214) 778-2600, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The contact was told that there was no recall. The manufacture was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2020
“When you first turn the car on it sounds very loud for about 5 minutes (louder than normal). When driving down the road the car will start shaking and the car computer pops up saying drivetrain malfunction and you have to pull over to restart. Hesitate beofre taking off at a red light or when turning in an intersection. Computer error massage comes and goes.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 bmw 550i. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact also stated that on various occasion, the steering wheel vibrated uncontrollably without warning when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact also stated that there was a clicking sound coming from the vehicle during the steering failure. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2020
“When driving down the road the car will start shaking and the car computer pops up saying drivetrain malfunction and you have to pull over to restart the car. But it does it again 5-10 minutes later”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2020
“While driving on highway a pop sound happen and car started to drive and shacking occurred and shifting of gears was erratic. Transfer case failed made very difficult to get out of way of traffic bit of stall and hesitation.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2019
“When I press on the gas to accelerate the "drivetrain malfunction" error comes on. My car only have 51,000 miles. I have to turn the car off and wait a minute to resume driving.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2019
Recalls - 2 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 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 2012 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 2012 BMW 550I reliable?
NHTSA has 35 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 BMW 550I. The most complained-about area is engine (29% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2012 BMW 550I problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 59,287 miles or less.
Does the 2012 BMW 550I have open recalls?
2 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.