2008 BMW 550I
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 23 |
| 2007 | 37 |
| 2008 | 32 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 11 |
| 2011 | 84 |
| 2012 | 35 |
| 2013 | 15 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
28% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH BMW OF NORTH AMERICA FOR 8 WEEKS. MY 2008 BMW 550I CAUGHT FIRE WHILE STATIONARY AT A GAS STATION AT THE GAS PUMP. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED OUT TO CONTAIN THE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180212
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 528I (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT A SEALED BOTTLE OF WATER STORED IN THE TRUNK LEAKED. THE LEAK CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE, WHICH BURNED THE WIRES AND MODULATORS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080708
22% of complaints: exterior lighting — 7 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH BMW OF NORTH AMERICA FOR 8 WEEKS. MY 2008 BMW 550I CAUGHT FIRE WHILE STATIONARY AT A GAS STATION AT THE GAS PUMP. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED OUT TO CONTAIN THE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180212
The daytime running lights aka Angel Eyes wiring is sub-standard. The plastic coating on the wires for the daytime running lights/Angel Eyes has melted away exposing bare wiring that has fused causing the lights to malfunction and not work.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231022
19% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 550I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO RECOMMENDED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141103
I WAS DRIVING AND A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, THE WARNING SAYS (PASS. RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIR BAG, BELT TENSIONER BELT-FORCE LIMITER. CONTINUE WEARING SAFETY BELT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130921
16% of complaints: engine — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250913
The contact owns a 2008 BMW.The contact stated that he was getting ready to drive the vehicle, however when he started the vehicle, the ABS and check engine lights illuminated.The contact stated that he noticed the vehicle was overheating and turned...
NHTSA ODI report, 20231109
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121106
13% of complaints: seat belts — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V8 ENGINES, IN CONDITIONS OF BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES COMBINED WITH LOW HUMIDITY, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE TO OCCUR AT THE FUEL RAILS. IF THIS W
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ATTACH TWO GROUND CABLES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Campaign 07V479000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the tailli
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Campaign 13V407000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 BMW 550I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07V479000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V407000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2008 BMW 550I reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 550I?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW 550I have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.