MotorDeets

2009 BMW 550I: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2009 BMW 550I: 1 recall, 2 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
2owner complaints
0mention a crash
18best combined mpg
2009 BMW 550I
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Exterior lights Vehicle recall #13V407000 · 2013 · 134,100 vehicles

What's wrong: 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).

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

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Tires2

What owners describe

The 2009 BMW 550I has 2 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 11 550I model years for complaints (well below the 23 average). Neighboring years: 2008 (32 complaints, 2 recalls), 2010 (11 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.8 L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive152218Premium
4.8 L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive152318Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2009 BMW 550I.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2009 BMW 550I manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2009 BMW 550I manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2009 BMW 550I manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2009 BMW 550I manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2009 BMW 550I have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2009 BMW 550I. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2009 BMW 550I problems?

Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are tires (2).

What gas mileage does the 2009 BMW 550I get?

EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.8 L, Manual 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2009 BMW 550I repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other 550I years

20062007200820092010201120122013201420152016