2013 BMW 550I: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 15 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel/propulsion system.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2013 BMW 550i. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the warning message illuminated on the instrument panel stating, "Driving moderately and drive pit not available". The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the high-speed fuel pump on the passenger's side was replaced but the failure continued. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the high-speed pressure sensor was replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 96,280.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2022
“Guibo flexible disc failed during routine pa inspection. Technician said it was cracked and failed the inspection. My vehicle only has 62000 miles on it and the cv joint failed. I believe their was a recall for 2011 and 2012 models for the same issue.I was charged more than 1000 dollars for the repair of the flexible disk at the dealership and had no choice but to fix it so it would pass state inspection. I did not want the drive axle to fall off the car. This is ridiculous for a car with such low mileage.”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2021
“"takata recall" I have a 2013 bmw 550i xdrive m sport. It keeps on misfiring on cylinder number two and I have changed all 8 spark plugs and the injector for that cylinder. I also used octane booster and sea foam to clean the carbon out the fuel system. I don't know what else it could be if it's still misfiring on that cylinder. It starts up good and sometimes it starts up kind of hesitant. When I come to a complete stop after really going fast it starts to shake as I am stopped and when I go to take off it lurches sometimes. I have only had mechanics work on my car and can't find any other explanation as to why it's not functioning right.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2018
Show 5 more owner reports
“While drive below 30 mph, the front driveshaft broke and ruptured a hole in the engine's upper oil pan. The flexible joint or universal joint seized and broke the front part of the front driveshaft. Then the vehicle had metal in the engine oil and that has damaged the engine and the turbochargers. The vehicle is going to need a new engine, new turbochargers, and a new front driveshaft. The repair estimates are: new engine - $3800.00 turbo chargers - $1100.00 front driveshaft - $1500.00 auxiliaries parts - $1200.00 labor/repair cost - $7000.00 total cost - $14,600.00”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2018
“I started the car and turned on the heated seats and went inside. I came back out a few minutes later and sat down. I smelled burning plastic and couldn't figure it out until my backside was burned by the heating element. I had second degree burns from the seat.”Owner report · Seats · Feb 2018
“Car will not rise due to airbag malfunction. Car is a cpo still under warranty. Bmw has not agreed to replace the airbag component of the suspension although it's not listed under the items that are not covered. The car is inoperable with this part malfunctioning.”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2017
“I have goodyear 245/40r19 run flats on my vehicle. A huge bubble came up and I took it to the dealership. They said it was due to impact and not covered on my warranty. I know, there has been no impact. Since then another bubble on another tire has manifested. It is a cost of over $1000 to replace the two tires. Very frustrating when reading all the complaints online; clearly there is an issue. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2013
“Engine continues to burn through oil approximately every 1,500 miles, which could leave the vehicle stranded and inoperable. It's unacceptable in a brand new vehicle. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2013 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 2013 BMW 550I reliable?
NHTSA has 15 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2013 BMW 550I. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system.
Does the 2013 BMW 550I have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. 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.