2013 BMW 550i Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
67/100
#3 most-complained of 7 550i years
The 2013 BMW 550i shows a Complaint Index of 67 and ranks 3rd worst out of 7 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate at 53% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 73,848 miles, and one recall covers rear reflex reflectors.
- Complaints
- 15
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 16 city / 24 hwy
Top 2013 BMW 550i problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Engine burns through oil at a fast rate, prompting concern the vehicle could become stranded and inoperable.
- Owners describe the N63 engine running poorly and needing extensive repair work handled through a 'customer care package' rather than a formal recall.
- A front driveshaft broke while driving under 30 mph, puncturing the engine's upper oil pan and contaminating the oil with metal, damaging the engine and turbochargers.
- Cylinder misfires persisted despite replacing spark plugs and an injector, with owners suspecting a fuel system cause.
- A guibo flexible disc in the driveshaft cracked and failed at 62,127 miles, similar to an issue owners say was recalled on 2011 and 2012 models.
- Run-flat tires developed sidewall bubbles that owners say were not caused by impact despite dealership claims.
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 67, ranking it 3rd worst among the 7 model years tracked, with a Caution verdict relative to other 550i years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2013 BMW 550i?
- Engine complaints make up 53% of all reported issues, with a median failure mileage of 73,848 miles, making the engine the top problem area.
- Does the 2013 BMW 550i have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 15V188000) was issued for the rear reflex reflectors not reflecting enough light; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2013 550i compare to other years?
- The 2013 model (Complaint Index 67) is better than 2011 (100, Avoid) and 2012 (83, Avoid) but worse than 2014 (17, Best) and 2015 (33, Good).