Model year record

2010 BMW 550i recalls & problems

The 2010 BMW 550i has 1 safety recall and 11 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (4 complaints).

Recalls1safety recalls

Complaints11filed by owners

Crashes · fires1 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingSep 11, 2013

Tail lights

Recall 13V407000134,100 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

550i

18mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

4.8 L · 8 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel

550i

18mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

4.8 L · 8 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel

550i xDrive GT

18mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

4.4 L · 8 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Typical mileage*
Engine	4	1	—
Power train	3	1	—
Electrical system	3	0	70,000 mi
Wheels	2	0	—
Fuel/propulsion system	2	1	—
Unknown or other	2	0	—
Service brakes, hydraulic	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

EngineCrash
I have been having issues , not sure what the problem is but the car doesnât seem like itâs getting proper gas , & it shakes when I drive . I had to park it in the garage after having it towed home due to an unknown issue .
Dec 19, 2023
Engine
On 11/10/21 I was advised by Long Beach BMW (Long Beach, CA) that my car needs a new engine. The car smells of gas (both when running and when sitting) and burns excessive amounts of oil. The car requires a quart of oil every 200 - 400 miles. The first engine was replaced after only 77,000 miles because the car was stalling unexpectedly. Now, the current engine needs to be replaced after only 51,000 miles because the car smells of gas (likely because the fuel injection system is not working properly) and because it is burning excessive amounts of oil. BMW expects me to cover the cost of a new engine even thought there is an obvious defect. I contacted BMW of North America and they offered…
Sep 13, 2021
Power train
WHEN DRIVING FREEWAY OR STREET, TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONS CAUSING IT TO DROP INTO A LOW GEAR AND REDUCE SPEED SIGNIFICANTLY. THERE IS NO MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ON THE TRANSMISSION. UNFORTUNATELY WILL NEED REPLACEMENT AT 8 YRS & 90K ON ODOMETER. BMW SHOULD RECALL AND FIX.
Jul 20, 2018 · 91,000 miles
Unknown or other
LETTER FROM SENATOR GILLIBRAND ON BEHALF OF MADELINE SINGAS, WHO IS THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY OF NASSAU COUNTY, SEEKING ASSISTANCE WITH A DOUBLE HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION FOLLOWING A FATAL CAR ACCIDENT IN HER COUNTY; *LD *JS *JS
Apr 14, 2018
Wheels
WHEEL CRACKED - RUN FLAT TIRES WOULD NOT HOLD AIR DUE TO UNEXPLAINED CRACK IN WHEEL
Apr 4, 2015 · 40,000 miles
Electrical system
PURCHASED CAR TWO YEARS AGO AND DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION CONTINUES TO LIGHT CONTINUALLY COMES ON, VEHICLE BEGINS TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. I'VE HAD DRIVEN LEXUS VEHICLES FOR THE PRIOR 30 YEARS AND NEVER SPENT SO MUCH TIME AT THE DEALER TRYING TO RESOLVE THE SAME PROBLEM OR ANY MECHANICAL / ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. SWITCHING TO BMW WITHIN THESE PAST TWO YEARS HAVE LITERALLY INTERRUPTED MY LIFE, COST ME TIME AND MONEY AS THIS VEHICLE WAS IN THE REPAIR SHOP (DEALER) FOR MORE THAN 70 DAYS WITHIN TWO YEARS (DEALER SPENT JUST AS MUCH TIME WITH THE CAR AS I). AFTER ALL THE REPAIRS THE FAITHFUL DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION ENTERS MY LIFE YET AGAIN. CAN YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS MAJOR COMPONENT IN THIS CAR.…
Sep 26, 2017 · 70,000 miles
Electrical system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 550I. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. BEFORE THE FAILURE, THE ENTIRE PANEL AND ALL OF THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Jun 10, 2016 · 90,000 miles
Engine
LOST OF POWER WHILE DRIVING, 2 INCIDENT: BAD VIBRATIONS WHILE AT A IDLE.
Oct 11, 2015 · 57,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.