MYRModel Year Report

2008 BMW 550I

○ Not enough data
2008 BMW 550I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:48:49.569Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
32
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2008

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Electrical system

28% of complaints

Complaints per year

2006: 23 complaints 2006 2007: 37 complaints 2008: 32 complaints 2008 32 2009: 2 complaints 2010: 11 complaints 2010 2011: 84 complaints 2012: 36 complaints 2012 2013: 15 complaints 2014: 6 complaints 2014 2015: 6 complaints 2016: 1 complaint 2016 2017: 0 complaints
2006: 23 complaints 2006 2007: 37 complaints 2007 2008: 32 complaints 2008 32 2009: 2 complaints 2009 2010: 11 complaints 2010 2011: 84 complaints 2011 2012: 36 complaints 2012 2013: 15 complaints 2013 2014: 6 complaints 2014 2015: 6 complaints 2015 2016: 1 complaint 2016 2017: 0 complaints 2017
2006: 23 complaints 2006 2007: 37 complaints 2007 2008: 32 complaints 2008 32 2009: 2 complaints 2009 2010: 11 complaints 2010 2011: 84 complaints 2011 2012: 36 complaints 2012 2013: 15 complaints 2013 2014: 6 complaints 2014 2015: 6 complaints 2015 2016: 1 complaint 2016 2017: 0 complaints 2017

2008: 32 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
200623
200737
200832
20092
201011
201184
201236
201315
20146
20156
20161
20170

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

28% · 9 reports
FIRE
Show 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, 2018-02-12

Also filed under Exterior lighting

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, 2008-07-08

Exterior lighting

22% · 7 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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, 2023-10-22

Air bags

19% · 6 reports
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, 2014-11-03

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, 2013-09-21

Engine

16% · 5 reports
FIRE
Show 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, 2025-09-13

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, 2023-11-09

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, 2012-11-06

Seat belts

13% · 4 reports

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2007-10-29Engine and engine cooling07V479000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2014-01-02Exterior lighting13V407000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 BMW 550I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 07V479000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 13V407000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.