BMW M550i years to avoid and best years
Newer BMW M550i years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2018 has the most complaints per year, at 2 (23 complaints). From 2021 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2021 at 0 (from 1 complaint), 2020 at 0 (from 2 complaints), and 2022 at 0 (from 2 complaints). On the 2018 BMW M550i, 4 of 23 complaints name Air bags.
Data as of .
BMW M550i 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 M550i. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 20 |
| 2022 Fewest | 0 | 2 | 1 | Engine | 20 |
| 2021 Fewest | 0 | 1 | 3 | Powertrain | 20 |
| 2020 → Fewest | 0 | 2 | 3 | Fuel system, gasoline | 20 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 20 |
| 2018 → Most | 2 | 23 | 1 | Air bags | 19 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-30 (SAE; verify BMW LL label)
- Tire size
- 245/40R19, 245/35R20, 275/35R19, 275/30R20
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA complaints and recalls for BMW M550i vehicles in the tracked years include air-bag, braking (vacuum pump lubrication campaigns such as 13V-454 on related N20 engines), lighting, and electrical themes shared across BMW 3/4/5/7/M lines. Confirm each campaign by VIN; many unit totals span multiple BMW models.
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW M550i years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2021 at 0 (from 1 complaint), 2020 at 0 (from 2 complaints), and 2022 at 0 (from 2 complaints).
Which BMW M550i year has the most owner complaints?
2018 has the most complaints per year, at 2 (23 complaints). On the 2018 BMW M550i, 4 of 23 complaints name Air bags.
How do BMW M550i owner complaints compare by year?
Newer BMW M550i years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2021 on, complaints per year fall.
What engine oil does a US BMW M550i use?
0W-30 (SAE; verify BMW LL label)
What tire sizes fit a US BMW M550i?
Published US specs commonly list front 245/40R19, 245/35R20, 275/35R19, 275/30R20 and rear 245/40R19, 245/35R20, 275/35R19, 275/30R20; confirm on the door jamb placard for your trim.
What NHTSA recalls affect the US BMW M550i?
NHTSA complaints and recalls for BMW M550i vehicles in the tracked years include air-bag, braking (vacuum pump lubrication campaigns such as 13V-454 on related N20 engines), lighting, and electrical themes shared across BMW 3/4/5/7/M lines. Confirm each campaign by VIN; many unit totals span multiple BMW models.