VehicleVerdict

2008 BMW 550i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 49 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median 550i year — the 2008 model ranks #3 of 12 550i years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (9), lighting (7), and airbags (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

49

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other 550i years?

550i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 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, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 550i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 BMW 550i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System918%
Lighting714%
Airbags612%
Engine612%
Transmission48%
Seat Belts48%
Other24%
Suspension24%
Tires & Wheels24%
Fuel System24%
Steering12%
Body & Structure12%
Brakes12%
Seats12%
Speed Control12%

Does the 2008 BMW 550i have recalls?

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

13V407000LightingSeptember 11, 2013 · 134,100 units

Defect

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 taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).

Consequence

Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

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.

“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. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 5, 2008 · fire

“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. THE FIRE INSPECTOR AND THE FIRE CHIEF BOTH STATED THAT IT WAS A WIRING ISSUE. I HAVE THE FIRE REPORT.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 18, 2017 · fire

“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. HAVE SYSTEM CHECKED BY THE NEAREST BMW CENTER. I WAS DRIVING NORMALLY WITH NO SUDDEN STOP OR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 6, 2013

“VEHICLE PARKED FOR DAYS, NOTICED SMOKE FROM PASSENGER SIDE ENGINE BAY, INSPECTION FOUND POSSIBLE FAULTY ELECTRICAL WIRING OR OIL LEAK ONTO ELECTRICAL WIRING CAUSING SMALL FIRE ON ENGINE FLOOR. DISCONNECTED NEGATIVE TERMINAL TO BATTERY.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 5, 2021 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND THE POWER TRAIN LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR BEGAN TO LOOSE A LOT OF POWER THEN WHEN I PULLED TO SIDE OF THE ROAD THE CAR TURNED OF AND WOULD NOT START UNTIL SEVERAL ATTEMPTS . I WAITED ABOUT 8 MIN THEN STARTED TO DRIVE . AND IT DOES THIS ALL THE TIME NOW . THEN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 2, 2020

2008 BMW 550i — common questions

Is the 2008 BMW 550i reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 49 complaints put the 2008 model at #3 of 12 550i years. It is one of the 550i years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 550i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (9 complaints), lighting (7 complaints), airbags (6 complaints).

Does the 2008 BMW 550i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 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.