repaired · 2019 Q3
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
2011 BMW 550iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 84 owner complaints about the 2011 BMW 550i, most often about the engine. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-746 the manufacturer reports only 52% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 31, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 BMW 550i has problems
84 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
32Engine6 crash/fire/injury
20Electrical system8 crash/fire/injury
14Power train
14Fuel/propulsion system4 crash/fire/injury
12Tires
6Wheels
5Air bags
4Electronic stability control (ESC)
4Seat belts
2411 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 32 | 6 |
| Electrical system | 20 | 8 |
| Power train | 14 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 14 | 4 |
| Tires | 12 | 0 |
| Wheels | 6 | 0 |
| Air bags | 5 | 1 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 4 | 2 |
| Seat belts | 4 | 0 |
| 11 other systems | 24 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2011 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.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk. Depending on the severity of the crash, inadequate activation of the driver and/or passenger air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and active head restraints…
repaired · 2018 Q2
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak.
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.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
73kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 27 engine complaints. 78% were reported before 100,000 miles.
2under 30k miles21under 100k miles6100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2011 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
NHTSA crash tests
2011 BMW 550i safety ratings
2011 BMW 550 I 4 DR RWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What 550i owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
My 2011 BMW 550i experienced an unexpected fire in my driveway while my wife and I were sleeping. The fire nearly caused our house to catch fire and also resulted in damage to my BMW Z4. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with someone regarding this matter. For your reference, the last…
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 550I. The contact stated that after having an oil change performed, he noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a stem valve cover failure. The contact was informed that the valve…
DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION COMES ON DASH, DUE TO TIMING CHAIN BEING OUT OF "TIME" MEANING THAT THE CRANSHAFT AND CHAIN HAS MOVE OUT OF PLACE, THIS REPAIR IS ESTIMATED TO COST ABOUT 10K, OTHER VEHICLES OF THE THIS TYPE ARE ALSO INCLUDED, THE RECALL FROM BMW IS CALL THE "N63 CUSTOMER SERVICE PACKET", N63…
Own a 2011 550i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.