2013 BMW 550i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2013 BMW 550i has a Complaint Index of 50 and ranks 6th worst out of 11 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems make up 53% of complaints, with 1 recall covering rear reflex reflectors.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #6 of 11 550i years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 15
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 16 city / 24 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2013 BMW 550i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine8 (53%)
- Fuel System5 (33%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (20%)
- Electrical System2 (13%)
- Other2 (13%)
- Structure & Body2 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (13%)
- Brakes1 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine burns through oil at a rapid rate, sometimes in a nearly new vehicle.
- N63 engine reportedly runs rough, prompting BMW to offer an unofficial service program some owners say functions like an unpublicized recall.
- Front driveshaft failure at higher mileage ruptured the engine's oil pan and introduced metal into the oil, damaging the engine and turbochargers.
- Engine misfires on a single cylinder persisted after replacing spark plugs and an injector.
- Guibo flexible disc in the driveshaft cracked and failed a routine inspection at 62,127 miles.
- Run-flat tires developed sidewall bubbles that dealerships attributed to impact rather than a defect.
2013 BMW 550i recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 15V188000Mar 31, 2015Electrical System13,443 vehicles
Exterior lighting
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."
Risk: The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
2013 BMW 550i fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,200
- 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.
2013 compared with other 550i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 BMW 550i reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2013 550i a Complaint Index of 50, placing it 6th worst among 11 model years with a Caution verdict. Engine complaints are the largest share at 53%.
- What is the main problem with the 2013 BMW 550i?
- Engine issues dominate, accounting for 8 of 15 complaints (53%), including oil consumption, misfires, and one case where a broken driveshaft damaged the engine and turbochargers. Median mileage at failure for engine complaints was 73,848.
- Does the 2013 BMW 550i have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (15V188000) covers rear reflex reflectors that may not reflect enough light. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2013 550i compare to other years?
- Its Complaint Index of 50 is better than 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2012, but worse than 2009, 2010, 2014, and 2015, which carry lower indexes and Good or Best verdicts.