VehicleVerdict

2011 BMW 550i Gran Turismo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 14 complaints on file for the 2011 BMW 550i Gran Turismo — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

14

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other 550i Gran Turismo years?

550i Gran Turismo NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted14 complaints2010: 13 complaints2011: 14 complaints2012: 3 complaints
550i Gran Turismo NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 550i Gran Turismo years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 BMW 550i Gran Turismo problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine321%
Electrical System321%
Transmission214%
Steering17%
Body & Structure17%
Tires & Wheels17%
Other17%
Fuel System17%
Airbags17%

Does the 2011 BMW 550i Gran Turismo have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V248000EngineApril 18, 2018 · 47,806 units

Defect

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 Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.

Consequence

If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.

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. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

17V067000TransmissionFebruary 2, 2017 · 8,752 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.

Consequence

If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE CAR WAS PARKED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE DEPARTMENT. IT WAS AND IS A COMPLETE LOSS. IT HAD BEEN DRIVINE 30 MILES ABOUT AN HOUR BEFORE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 30, 2017 · fire

“THE CAR WAS PARKED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE DEPARTMENT. IT WAS AND IS A COMPLETE LOSS. IT HAD BEEN DRIVINE 30 MILES ABOUT AN HOUR BEFORE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 30, 2017 · fire

“I FEEL THAT IS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON MY CAR. FROM THE START WAS TOLD THE CAR CHECKED OUT HOWEVER HAD TO GET ANOTHER STARTER, TRANSMISSION CASE, BLOCKS ETC. I SPENT OVER 14K AND STILL HAVE PROBLEM WITH REPAIRS THAT I THOUGHT WAS COVERED. NOW AC BLOWER GONE AFTER PICKING UP FROM THE DEALER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 24, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 550I GRAN TURISMO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STEERING FAILURE DUE TO THE AIR BAGS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN FAILED TO WORK AND THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER (BMW CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED & SERVICE CENTER NASHVILLE, 4040 ARMORY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 18, 2018

“THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL (RIM) DEVELOPED HAIRLINE CRACK. THE CRACK IS ON THE INSIDE SIDE OF THE RIM. THE CRACK RESULTED IN A SLOW LOSS OF THE TIRE AIR PRESSURE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 18, 2018

2011 BMW 550i Gran Turismo — common questions

Is the 2011 BMW 550i Gran Turismo reliable?

The record is thin — 14 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2011 550i Gran Turismo problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (3 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints), transmission (2 complaints).

Does the 2011 BMW 550i Gran Turismo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 BMW 550i Gran Turismo. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.