Engine
4.4L 8-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 83 of 84 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 62 of 84 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
35 complaint records6 fire reports
"THE ENGINE STOP WORKING FOR NO APPARENT REASON, OIL OK MAINTENANCE OK, DEALER SAID ENGINE WAS NO GOOD AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. NO EXPLANATION GIVEN!!..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Electrical system
20 complaint records8 fire reports
"MY 2011 BMW 550IGT DRIVEN FOR 43200 MILES WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY WITH IGNITION TURNED OFF (FOR AT LEAST 45 MINUTES). NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT FROM THE TRUNK, WHERE THE BATTERY IS LOCATED. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Fuel system
16 complaint records4 fire reports
"CAR PERFORMANCE GREATLY DECREASED, THEN FAILED TURBO, FUEL SMELL, AND DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION WARNING INTERMITTENTENTLY ON AND OFF, EITHER IN PARK OR IN MOTION. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP. BMW NORTHWEST IS CURRENTLY DENYING ANY RECALLS ARE IN PLACE AND...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18V248000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M,... | Normally free |
| 16V832000 | Air Bags | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 BMW 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i and 550xi vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, through August 31, 2011. | Normally free |
| 16V746000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011... | Normally free |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B510819 Jan 2024 | Visibility | The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. | |
| B611305 Jan 2024 | Electrical System | The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. | |
| B160623 Dec 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (-... | |
| B653423 Nov 2023 | Equipment | Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleâÂÂs equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. | |
| B340914 Jun 2023 | Wheels | The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warning light comes on while driving. The following DSC fault codes for the wheel speed sensors are stored: 480712 and/or 480715 and/or 480718 and/or 48071B They cannot be cleared, even though the wheel speed sensors work correctly and no... |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B010122 May 2023 | Equipment | With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft and BMW of North America, LLC. | |
| B651523 May 2023 | Electrical System | After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails. | |
| B010122 Dec 2022 | Equipment | With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft and BMW of North America, LLC. | |
| B010919 Dec 2022 | Fuel System | For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Fuel Injectors to 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date. | |
| B650414 Oct 2022 | Seats | According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction" is stored. The fault may or may not currently be present. | |
| SIB651312 May 2022 | Electrical System | The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. | |
| SIB011918 May 2022 | Equipment | Component specific limited warranty extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor(s) to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle original in-service date. | |
| B111614 Mar 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This bulletin outlines the procedure for checking the engine timing chains for wear, and should be completed in conjunction with SI B11 06 14, "N63 Customer Care Package." The N63CCP and N63 Engine Check the Timing Chain are NOT mandatory Technical Campaigns or Recalls. | |
| B010122 Feb 2022 | Communication | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. BMW of North America, et al. The Court has granted final approval of the settlement. | |
| B010222 Feb 2022 | Communication | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. BMW of North America, et al. The Court has granted final approval of the settlement. | |
| B341019 Sep 2021 | Service Brakes | Inform the customer during a consultation that the M Compound (standard equipment) and M Carbon Ceramic (optional) brakes are high-performance brake systems which are designed for sporty, dynamic driving styles. | |
| B651312 Sep 2021 | Equipment | The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. | |
| B341019 Jul 2021 | Service Brakes | Inform the customer during a consultation that the M Compound (standard equipment) and M Carbon Ceramic (optional) brakes are high-performance brake systems which are designed for sporty, dynamic driving styles. | |
| B012118 Jun 2021 | Electrical System | While engine oil consumption may create a customer inconvenience, in the short term it should not cause any drivability problems that would prevent normal day-to-day operational use of the vehicle | |
| B840121 May 2021 | Equipment | TELEMATICS UNIT DEACTIVATION DUE TO 3G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY DISCONTINUATION: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022. | |
| B340414 Apr 2021 | Service Brakes | Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. | |
| B651320 Feb 2021 | Structure | COLLECTION OF DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS: BMW intends to perform evaluations and analyses on these side air bags. | |
| B130720 Dec 2020 | Fuel System | INCORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATION FOR THE HIGH-PRESSURE PUMP IN ISTA: The current version of ISTA states the incorrect tightening torque for the High-Pressure pump M6 mounting bolts to the cylinder head cover. The correct tightening torque is only 12 Nm for the M6 bolts. | |
| B340515 Nov 2020 | Equipment | TICKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT AXLE WHEN CORNERING: The customer may complain of a metallic ticking noise from the front axle, when cornering, maneuvering, parking or pulling away from a parking space. | |
| B310112 Aug 2020 | Suspension | CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONTAXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATION: Cracking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds (e.g., parking lot maneuvers) or when turning the steering wheel while stationary. | |
| B010319 Jul 2020 | Electrical System | N63T REAR MONITORING OXYGEN SENSORS - LTD WTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES: Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Rear Monitoring Oxygen (O2) Sensors... | |
| B012218 Jul 2020 | Engine | N63 CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT - BATTERY SERVICE BENEFIT - RETROFITS/ REPLACEMENTS: This Service Information bulletin applies to: Class vehicles in operation on the road (Applicable N63 engine model vehicles); by Class members (Class Vehicle owners on the date this settlement... | |
| B340517 Jul 2020 | Service Brakes | TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied, noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle must be moving. | |
| B650709 Jul 2020 | Electrical System | NAVIGATION SYSTEM - REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROADMAP DATA: Do not replace parts and do not program the vehicle. Roads can change by up to 15% every year. To ensure the best navigation experience, we do everything in our power to create the best maps. | |
| B340517 Apr 2020 | Wheels | TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 3) replaces SI B34 05 17 dated September 2017. Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle must be moving. | |
| B513016 Apr 2020 | Air Bags | TAILGATE UNINTENTIONALLY OPENS: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 4) replaces SI B51 30 16 dated March 2018. Trunk/tailgate may open when vehicle is locked Trunk/tailgate may open while the vehicle is in motion usually after stopping such as a traffic light etc. | |
| B652214 Apr 2020 | Equipment | AUTOMATED ACTIVATION OF NAVIGATION SYSTEM DURING PDI/QC1: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 2) replaces SI B65 22 14 dated October 2015. The INITIAL NAV enabling code no longer needs to be pre-ordered through the Parts department! | |
| B840214 Apr 2020 | Electrical System | CONNECTEDDRIVE/BMW ASSIST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 7) replaces SI B84 02 14 dated May 2019. ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist features are partially or completely inoperative. | |
| B010518 Feb 2020 | Engine | LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSIONTO 10 YEARS/120000 MILES: This Service Information Bulletin replaces SI B01 05 18 dated July 2019. Engine starts poorly (hard starting) rough idle and misfires. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is on. | |
| B341019 Nov 2019 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMER DISCUSSIONS REGARDING MOTORSPORT VEHICLE BRAKES: INFORMATION Inform the customer during a consultation that the M Compound (standard equipment) and M Carbon Ceramic (optional) brakes are high-performance brake systems which are designed for... | |
| B010319 Oct 2019 | Equipment | N63T REAR MONITORING OXYGEN SENSORS: LTD WTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES. What's New: The F01 (750i xDrive Sedan) production start date has been corrected The Correction and Warranty Information sections have been updated The Parts Information section has been updated. | |
| B012118 Oct 2019 | Engine | N63: OIL CONSUMPTION CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT DIAGNOSIS/REPAIRS (VERSION 12.0). What's New: Engine Timing Chain Guide Pre-Inspection (with Valve Stem Seal Repair) instruction added Updated N63 Replacement Engine Assembly/Part statement added Warranty Information section updated,... | |
| B012918 Oct 2019 | Engine | N63 ENGINE VEHICLES: CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT FOR ENGINE OILCONSUMPTION/BATTER. What's New: The short-term extension window of one (1) year/12,000 miles from date of the settlement has expired. | |
| B512819 Sep 2019 | Structure | NOISE FROM FRONT AREA: There is a hissing or wind noise present from the front area of the vehicle at speeds above 60 mph. | |
| B651519 Aug 2019 | Equipment | SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS FOR CONNECTEDDRIVE. Security patches for non-safety critical vulnerabilities in BMW head units Entry Nav Entry Media NBT and NBT EVO. | |
| B012118 Aug 2019 | Engine | While engine oil consumption may create a customer inconvenience in the short term it should not cause any drivability problems that would prevent normal day-to-day operational use of the vehicle. | |
| 660612 Jul 2019 | Visibility | Lane Change Warning Lamps on Side View Mirrors Are Too Dark. The lane change warning lamps (small and triangle-shaped) on the exterior door mirrors are too dark. | |
| 613512 Jul 2019 | Equipment | Radio and Air Conditioning Functions Inoperative, When Vehicle is Moving. All audio and heating/air conditioning functions cannot be controlled when the vehicle is moving. | |
| 651412 Jul 2019 | Equipment | Headunit High: Vehicle Position Is Incorrect on the Navigation Map. The vehicle position on the navigation map is incorrect. With route guidance active, the vehicle is displayed: * In an incorrect location Or * Outside the planned route. | |
| 122211 Jul 2019 | Engine | "N63 - Engine Malfunction Warning Due to Vapor Forming in the Fuel System. The Engine Malfunction warning is displayed and the Service Engine Soon (MIL) Lamp is on. This situation may occur when starting the engine at operating temperature after a "hot-soak" period. | |
| 512012 Jul 2019 | Equipment | Rattling Noise from Underneath the Instrument Panel. A rattling or clattering noise may be heard from the driver's or passenger foot well area while driving. CAUSE Tolerance excessive between the footwell air duct and the securing hooks. | |
| 121412 Jul 2019 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | N55 Engine: Various Faults Stored in DME Related to VANOS and Camshaft Position. A rattling noise can be heard from the engine compartment; the engine has a loss of power; and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. One or more of the following faults may be stored. | |
| 110712 Jul 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | N63 Engine: Oil Consumption and/or Rough Running Complaints. The vehicle may consume engine oil above the permissible specification, and may run rough at times. White or blue smoke may also be seen exiting the exhaust system. | |
| B010518 Jul 2019 | Fuel System | N63T ENGINE FUEL INJECTORS: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120000 MILES This Service Information Bulletin replaces SI B01 05 18 dated January 2018. Engine starts poorly (hard starting) rough idle and misfires. | |
| B012918 Jul 2019 | Engine | N63 CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT FOR OIL CONSUMPTION AND BATTERY DRAIN - OVERVIEW This Service Information Bulletin replaces SI B01 29 18 dated October 2018. | |
| B111216 Jul 2019 | Equipment | The crankcase ventilation hoses may become brittle and break when they come in contact with hot engine components. One or more of the crankcase ventilation hoses are not FPM (fluoroelastomer) rubber material. The FPM rubber material is engine heat resistant. | |
| B122319 Jul 2019 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | DIAGNOSTIC HINT: CATALYTIC CONVERTER INSPECTION AFTER LOSS OF CRANKSHAFT SIGNAL. In certain situations when the crankshaft position signal is lost while driving the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and an engine malfunction check control message (CCM #29) may be displayed. | |
| B012118 Jun 2019 | Equipment | N63 ENGINE: OIL CONSUMPTION CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR PROCEDURES. While engine oil consumption may create a customer inconvenience in the short term it should not cause any drivability problems that would prevent normal day-to-day operational use of the... | |
| B110119 Jun 2019 | Engine | ENGINE VIBRATIONS OR NOISE This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B11 01 19 dated February 2019. | |
| B160419 Jun 2019 | Fuel System | NEW REPLACEMENT FUEL TANK INTERNAL FUEL LINE CONNECTION. INFORMATION WARRANTY INFORMATION Not applicable. This Service Information bulletin provides technical and repair procedure-related information. | |
| B121919 May 2019 | Electrical System | Service Information May 2019 Engine Electrical Systems B12 19 19 Technical Service. On the affected vehicles a DME software error prevents the Check Control Message (CCM) "Low Engine Oil Level" to be displayed in instrument cluster (Kombi) when the engine oil level drops below... | |
| B662317 May 2019 | Equipment | Service Information March 2018 Drivers Assistance Remote Control Systems B66 23 17 Technical Service This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B66 23 17 dated February 2018 CONTACTLESS TAILGATE (SMART OPENER) IS TOO SENSITIVE. | |
| B010319 Apr 2019 | Engine | N63T ENGINE - REAR MONITORING OXYGEN (O2) SENSORS: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120000 MILES. The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) lights up after performing the Vehicle Test diagnosis fault(s) relating to the rear monitoring oxygen sensor(s) may be recorded in the DME... | |
| B011817 Apr 2019 | Fuel System | N63T HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HDP LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120000 MILES This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 18 17 dated July 2018. | |
| B613014 Jan 2019 | Electrical System | BMW Maintenance Program: 12-Volt Battery Replacement Measure. INFORMATION This bulletin outlines a customer satisfaction measure that has been designed exclusively for the BMW vehicles listed above. |
Showing 60 of 380 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this BMW 550I →