BMW 550i Best and Worst Years (2006–2016)

2011 BMW 550i Index 100 · 84 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2011 550i ranks worst of all years covered, with 84 complaints, a complaint index of 100, and 11 fires reported. Engine problems account for 43 percent of complaints at a median mileage of 71,500, and electrical system issues make up another 25 percent at a median mileage of 54,000. Three recalls apply: an electric auxiliary water pump replacement, an airbag SCU replacement, and a fuel pump module replacement. Owners described engine compartment fires occurring shortly after the vehicle was parked and turned off.

2011 engine problems →2011 electrical system problems →2011 fuel system problems →

2008 BMW 550i Index 90 · 32 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2008 550i drew 32 complaints and carries the highest complaint index among avoid years, 90. Electrical system issues dominate, making up 41 percent of complaints with a median failure mileage of 85,000; owners described wiring problems including fires. Engine complaints followed at 22 percent with a median mileage of 94,000. Two recalls apply, one for taillight electrical contact resistance affecting 2008-2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 models, and one for the same V8 electrostatic discharge issue seen in 2007. Three fires were reported for this model year.

2007 BMW 550i Index 80 · 37 complaints · 2 recalls

Owners of the 2007 550i most often reported airbag problems, followed by electrical, suspension, and engine issues. NHTSA lists 37 complaints for the year with a complaint index of 80. Airbag failures showed a median mileage at failure of 76,400 miles, while electrical complaints centered around 101,000 miles. Two recall campaigns cover this year, including one for electrostatic discharge at the fuel rails on V8 engines and a later airbag inflator recall. Suspension complaints reported failures near 39,500 miles, suggesting problems spread across several systems rather than one dominant defect.