VehicleVerdict

2011 BMW 550i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 144 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.7 times the median 550i year — the 2011 model ranks #1 of 12 550i years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (35), electrical system (24), and tires & wheels (18), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

144

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

21

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2011 compare to other 550i years?

550i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 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, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 550i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 BMW 550i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3524%
Electrical System2417%
Tires & Wheels1813%
Fuel System1611%
Transmission1410%
Other86%
Airbags64%
Visibility & Wipers43%
Brakes43%
Seat Belts43%
Body & Structure32%
Speed Control32%
Steering21%
Lighting21%
Suspension11%

Does the 2011 BMW 550i have recalls?

3 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.

16V832000AirbagsNovember 17, 2016 · 91 units

Defect

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. The affected vehicles may have received a replacement Sensor Cluster Unit (SCU) during a service visit. These SCUs have an acceleration sensor that may have been incorrectly programmed and, as a result, the SCU may not accurately determine if activation and deployment of the air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and head restraints is necessary in the event of a crash.

Consequence

Depending on the severity of the crash, inadequate activation of the driver and/or passenger air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and active head restraints may increase the risk of injury.

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.

16V746000Fuel SystemOctober 17, 2016 · 136,188 units

Defect

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 Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.

Consequence

The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE RECALLS. THE LATEST ONE WAS CAMPAIGN NO. 18V-248. BMW HAS YET TO DO ANYTHING FOR MY VEHICLE, EVEN AFTER IT BURNT ITSELF TO THE GROUND AND A PORTION OF MY HOME. THEY DID NOT ADD ANY EXPLANATION OR ATTEMPT TO INVESTIGATE THIS SITUATION. IT IS STILL UNDEFINED HOW THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 19, 2016 · fire

“THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE RECALLS. THE LATEST ONE WAS CAMPAIGN NO. 18V-248. BMW HAS YET TO DO ANYTHING FOR MY VEHICLE, EVEN AFTER IT BURNT ITSELF TO THE GROUND AND A PORTION OF MY HOME. THEY DID NOT ADD ANY EXPLANATION OR ATTEMPT TO INVESTIGATE THIS SITUATION. IT IS STILL UNDEFINED HOW THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 19, 2016 · fire

“GOODYEAR RUN ON FLAT 245/40/19 GETS BUBBLE ON TIRE. I HAD TO CHANGE THE SAME TIRE WITHIN 10 DAYS WITH NO WARRANTY COVERAGE AVAILABLE. THEN A WEEK LATER HAD TO CHANGE ANOTHER TIRE WHICH IS 3 TIRES WITHIN 5,000 MILES AND COST OF $1,600. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 27, 2013

“THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE RECALLS. THE LATEST ONE WAS CAMPAIGN NO. 18V-248. BMW HAS YET TO DO ANYTHING FOR MY VEHICLE, EVEN AFTER IT BURNT ITSELF TO THE GROUND AND A PORTION OF MY HOME. THEY DID NOT ADD ANY EXPLANATION OR ATTEMPT TO INVESTIGATE THIS SITUATION. IT IS STILL UNDEFINED HOW THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 19, 2016 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 550I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING AND LOST ALL POWER. THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE HIGH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 15, 2015

2011 BMW 550i — common questions

Is the 2011 BMW 550i reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 144 complaints put the 2011 model at #1 of 12 550i years. It is one of the 550i years to avoid.

What are the most common 2011 550i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (35 complaints), electrical system (24 complaints), tires & wheels (18 complaints).

Does the 2011 BMW 550i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 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.

How safe is the 2011 BMW 550i?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2011 BMW 550i earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.