2009 BMW 550i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2009 BMW 550i has a complaint index of 10, the second-lowest among 11 model years, with only 2 complaints and 1 recall on file with NHTSA. It ranks well below higher-complaint years like 2011 and 2008.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 10/100
- #10 of 11 550i years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 2
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 15 city / 22.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2009 BMW 550i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (100%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report tire sidewall failures on the inside wall, discovered during routine inspection.
- Some describe a rougher ride quality before the tire damage was noticed.
- A specific tire model and size was cited as having a high failure rate among owners.
- Reported suspension and tire issues surfaced around 51,000 miles.
2009 BMW 550i recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign 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].
2009 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.
2009 compared with other 550i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 BMW 550i reliable?
- NHTSA data shows only 2 complaints and a complaint index of 10 for the 2009 550i, ranking it 10th out of 11 model years for reported problems, meaning it had fewer owner complaints than most other years.
- What problems does the 2009 BMW 550i have?
- The only problem area reported is Suspension, Wheels & Tires, accounting for both complaints on file, with a median failure mileage of 51,000 miles.
- Does the 2009 BMW 550i have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 13V407000) covers a rear taillight electrical contact issue that BMW addressed by replacing the rear lamp bulb carriers.
- How does the 2009 550i compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 10, the 2009 550i ranks better than years like 2011 (index 100, Avoid), 2008 (index 90, Avoid), and 2007 (index 80, Avoid).