BMW 550i years to avoid and best years
Newer BMW 550i years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2012 has the most complaints per year, at 3 (35 complaints). From 2015 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 0 (from 6 complaints), 2015 at 0 (from 6 complaints), and 2013 at 1 (from 15 complaints). On the 2012 BMW 550i, 8 of 35 complaints name Fuel and propulsion system.
Data as of .
BMW 550i reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market BMW 550i. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 18 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 19.5 |
| 2015 → Fewest | 0 | 6 | 0 | Fuel and propulsion system | 19.3 |
| 2014 → Fewest | 0 | 6 | 2 | Air bags | 19.3 |
| 2013 → Fewest | 1 | 15 | 1 | Engine, Fuel and propulsion system | 18.8 |
| 2012 → Most | 3 | 35 | 2 | Fuel and propulsion system | 17.4 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan, Gran Turismo
- Oil
- 0W-30
- Tire size
- 245/40R19, 245/40R20, 245/45R18, 245/45R19, 245/50R18, 275/35R19 (trim-dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 18V248000 covers certain 2011-2012 550i, 550i xDrive, and 550i Gran Turismo models (with 750i/750Li, X5/X6 50i/M, and other N63 applications) where the electric auxiliary water pump circuit board can overheat and increase fire risk; dealers replace the pump. Recall 15V718000 covers certain 2016 550i models (with other 5 Series) for a child-seat related concern on that campaign list.
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW 550i years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 0 (from 6 complaints), 2015 at 0 (from 6 complaints), and 2013 at 1 (from 15 complaints).
Which BMW 550i year has the most owner complaints?
2012 has the most complaints per year, at 3 (35 complaints). On the 2012 BMW 550i, 8 of 35 complaints name Fuel and propulsion system.
How do BMW 550i owner complaints compare by year?
Newer BMW 550i years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2015 on, complaints per year fall.
What engine oil does a US BMW 550i use?
0W-30
What tire sizes fit a US BMW 550i?
Published US specs commonly list front 245/40R19, 245/40R20, 245/45R18, 245/45R19, 245/50R18, 275/35R19 (trim-dependent) and rear 245/40R19, 245/40R20, 245/45R18, 245/45R19, 245/50R18, 275/35R19 (trim-dependent); confirm on the door jamb placard for your trim.
What NHTSA recalls affect the US BMW 550i?
Recall 18V248000 covers certain 2011-2012 550i, 550i xDrive, and 550i Gran Turismo models (with 750i/750Li, X5/X6 50i/M, and other N63 applications) where the electric auxiliary water pump circuit board can overheat and increase fire risk; dealers replace the pump. Recall 15V718000 covers certain 2016 550i models (with other 5 Series) for a child-seat related concern on that campaign list.