2008 BMW 550i Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
90/100
#2 most-complained of 11 550i years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2008 BMW 550i has 32 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 90 out of 100 — #2 highest of 11 550i model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is electrical system (13 complaints, 41% of the total). Complaints report 1 crash, 3 fires, and 1 injury.
- Complaints
- 32
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 15 city / 22.5 hwy
Top 2008 BMW 550i problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System13 (41%)
- Engine7 (22%)
- Airbags6 (19%)
- Seat Belts4 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (9%)
- Fuel System2 (6%)
- Other2 (6%)
- Structure & Body2 (6%)
- Brakes1 (3%)
2008 BMW 550i recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 13V407000Sep 11, 2013Electrical System134,100 vehicles
Exterior lighting:tail lights
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).
Risk: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 [email protected].
- NHTSA 07V479000Oct 12, 2007Engine29,250 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling
On certain vehicles equipped with v8 engines, in conditions of below freezing temperatures combined with low humidity, it is possible for electrostatic discharge to occur at the fuel rails. If this were to occur, the engine electronic control unit (ecu) could be affected so that engine stalling could result.
Risk: If stalling were to occur, the driver may not be able to maintain vehicle speed or accelerate and the power steering could fail increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will attach two ground cables in the engine compartment free of charge. The recall began on october 29, 2007. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
2008 BMW 550i fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 15 MPG
- Highway
- 22.5 MPG
- Combined
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,450
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other 550i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 BMW 550i a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 BMW 550i ranks #2 of 11 among 550i model years (Complaint Index 90/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 32 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 550i?
- The most reported problem areas are electrical system (13 complaints), engine (7 complaints), and airbags (6 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 77,500 miles.
- Does the 2008 BMW 550i have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2008 BMW 550i, most recently reported 2013, covering electrical system and engine.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2008 BMW 550i?
- EPA rates the 2008 BMW 550i at 18 MPG combined (15 city / 22.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.