2012 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
- 36
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2012
None on file
39% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 36 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 23 |
| 2007 | 37 |
| 2008 | 32 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 11 |
| 2011 | 84 |
| 2012 | 36 |
| 2013 | 15 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
39% · 14 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The high pressure fuel pump caused a fire in the engine compartment and totaled the car with less than 60K miles on it
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-03-04
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
2012 BMW with the N63 twin-turbo V8 engine, excessive oil consumption
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-26
Fuel/propulsion system
31% · 11 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Fuel pump disengages when the car gets too hot. It's happened three times fortunately each time I was going 20 MPH or less. The car essentially stalls out and at higher speeds could be an issue.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-29
Tires
22% · 8 reportsShow complaint excerpts
1. New 2012 BMW 550XI m sport package w/approx. 6,700 miles on four OEM goodyear eagle LS2 rof 245/40R19 98V (DOT NE66 JP1R 3411) tires. No recollection of hitting any potholes, speedbumps, curbs, etc. 2. Noticed approx.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-13
After driving only a few thousand miles the tires on the car failed. The two front tires "Bubbled. Within one month after, the left front failed by "Blowing". In the next two months all four "New" Tires failed, with the same "Bubbling" Issue.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-28
Also filed under Wheels
Wheels
11% · 4 reportsPower train
11% · 4 reportsSafety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2017-02-08Fuel system, gasoline16V746000 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.
-
R
2018-06-15Engine and engine cooling18V248000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2012 BMW 550I — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 8 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V746000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 18V248000 · Engine and engine cooling
FAQ
- Is the 2012 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 2012 BMW 550I?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 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.