VehicleVerdict

2007 BMW 550i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 48 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.2 times the median 550i year — the 2007 model ranks #4 of 12 550i years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (8), tires & wheels (8), and steering (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

48

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2007 compare to other 550i years?

550i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted144 complaints2006: 30 complaints2007: 48 complaints2008: 49 complaints2009: 2 complaints2010: 17 complaints2011: 144 complaints2012: 53 complaints2013: 26 complaints2014: 6 complaints2015: 9 complaints2016: 2 complaints2017: 0 complaints
550i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 550i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2007 BMW 550i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags817%
Tires & Wheels817%
Steering613%
Engine613%
Lighting613%
Other48%
Transmission36%
Electrical System24%
Brakes24%
Seats12%
Seat Belts12%
Suspension12%

Does the 2007 BMW 550i have recalls?

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

13V564000AirbagsNovember 12, 2013 · 76,565 units

Defect

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.

Consequence

Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

07V479000EngineOctober 12, 2007 · 29,250 units

Defect

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 WERE TO OCCUR, THE ENGINE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) COULD BE AFFECTED SO THAT ENGINE STALLING COULD RESULT.

Consequence

IF STALLING WERE TO OCCUR, THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN VEHICLE SPEED OR ACCELERATE AND THE POWER STEERING COULD FAIL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I HAVE A 2007 550I THAT I BOUGHT IN 2009. I SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE WHEELS, ALL OF THEM ARE SOME WHAT BENT, BUT THE REAR LEFT WHEEL IS CRACKED. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL ISSUES WITH MANY BMW OWNERS REGARDING BENT RIMS. I SUSPECT THERE IS AN ISSUE, AS WHEELS DON'T JUST HAVE HAIRLINES, STRAIGHT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 1, 2011

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 550I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT WIRES WERE MELTED. THERE WAS ALSO AN INTERMITTENT TAIL LIGHT MALFUNCTION WARNING MESSAGE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE TAIL LIGHTS AND NOTICED THEY WERE ILLUMINATING PROPERLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 15, 2013 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 550I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT WIRES WERE MELTED. THERE WAS ALSO AN INTERMITTENT TAIL LIGHT MALFUNCTION WARNING MESSAGE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE TAIL LIGHTS AND NOTICED THEY WERE ILLUMINATING PROPERLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · June 15, 2013 · fire

“THE ACTIVE STEERING MALFUNCTION TAKES PLACE EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. THE DEALERSHIP HAS RUN FULL DIAGNOSTICS AND HAVE COME UP WITH NO ERRORS. THE ONLY SOLUTION IS TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN WHICH IS IN EXCESS OF $5,000. I AM WORRIED THE SYSTEM IS GOING TO LOCK UP IN WHOLE AND LOSE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 14, 2011

“I THINK 2008 BMW 550I HAVE ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD RADIATION PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING NUMBNESS IN FACE AND HEADACHE WHILE DRIVING IN THIS CAR. I DON'T KNOW HOW HIGH IN MG IT GETS UP TO. I DON'T HAVE INSTRUMENTS TO MEASURE EXACT LEVEL OF EMF TO VERIFY IF EXPOSURE LEVEL IS SAFE(I AM SURE IT'S…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 2, 2008

2007 BMW 550i — common questions

Is the 2007 BMW 550i reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 48 complaints put the 2007 model at #4 of 12 550i years. It is one of the 550i years to avoid.

What are the most common 2007 550i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (8 complaints), tires & wheels (8 complaints), steering (6 complaints).

Does the 2007 BMW 550i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2007 BMW 550i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 550i years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 550i years to avoid are 2011, 2012, 2008, 2007, 2015, 2014, 2016, 2017. The cleanest record among 550i years belongs to 2009.

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.