repaired · 2015 Q1
Exterior lighting: tail lights
Risk. Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
2008 BMW 550iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 32 owner complaints about the 2008 BMW 550i, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 13V-407 the manufacturer reports only 75% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 13, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 BMW 550i has problems
32 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
9Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
7Exterior lighting1 crash/fire/injury
6Air bags
5Engine1 crash/fire/injury
4Seat belts
3Power train
2Fuel system, gasoline
2Tires
2Suspension
66 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 9 | 3 |
| Exterior lighting | 7 | 1 |
| Air bags | 6 | 0 |
| Engine | 5 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 4 | 0 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 1 |
| 6 other systems | 6 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2008 BMW 550i recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling
Risk. IF STALLING WERE TO OCCUR, THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN VEHICLE SPEED OR ACCELERATE AND THE POWER STEERING COULD FAIL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other 550i year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 550i median. How we score
'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What 550i owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Vehicle abruptly shut off while reversing out of my driveway. Vehicle restarted after a long crank and appeared to enter a reduced power mode/limp mode with a transmission fault that locked the transmission in 4th gear. Reading OBD2 codes revealed a code for the crankshaft position sensor.…
I was driving and came to a stop and noticed smoke and an odd smell coming from under the hood. The heater control valve and the wire connector started to smolder and melt the plastic. If it wasn’t for me disconnecting the connector wire to the heater control valve, it would have definitely would…
The wiring in my headlight assembly is crumbling and the headlight is shorting out. The coating on the wiring is trash. I own a 08 Bmw550i. BMW should be ashamed. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Own a 2008 550i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.