2011 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
38% of complaints: engine — 32 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20251025
24% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20251025
Vehicle was parked while running errands, returned to leave and it would not start. Went to trunk to check battery connection and found that the positive battery cable had burnt in two where it connects to cable that runs to the engine compartment.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240107
OUR CAR'S ELECTRICAL PANEL LIT UP BEFORE THE CAR STALLED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME, BMW REPLACE THE BATTERY. THE SECOND TIME, BMW REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171113
17% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 14 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
OUR CAR'S ELECTRICAL PANEL LIT UP BEFORE THE CAR STALLED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME, BMW REPLACE THE BATTERY. THE SECOND TIME, BMW REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171113
15% of complaints: power train — 13 distinct reports on file.
14% of complaints: tires — 12 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the SCU, free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 16V832000 — check if this car was fixed
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 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 16V746000 — check if this car was fixed
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, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time.
Campaign 18V248000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 BMW 550I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V832000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V746000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V248000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2011 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 2011 BMW 550I?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW 550I have?
3 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.