2011 BMW 550I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2011 BMW 550I: 3 recalls, 84 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
_530d_(2008)_(52915567221).jpg){kind=link}
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #16V746000 · 2016 · 136,188 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017.
Airbags Vehicle recall #16V832000 · 2016 · 91 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the scu, free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2016.
Engine & cooling, Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #18V248000 · 2018 · 47,806 vehicles
What's wrong: The electric auxiliary water pump May fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
Why it matters: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 11 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (32): the most common themes are fire / smoke (9), leaks (5), warning light on (4).
- Electrical (20): the most common themes are electrical failure (9), fire / smoke (7), warning light on (5).
- Fuel & propulsion (14): the most common themes are fire / smoke (4), warning light on (3), electrical failure (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (14): the most common themes are warning light on (5), stalls / loses power (3), hard / delayed shifting (2).
The 2011 BMW 550I has 84 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 11 550I model years for complaints (3.7× the average 550I year). Complaints peaked in 2013 (10 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 54,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (11 complaints, 1 recalls), 2012 (35 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | Premium |
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 2011 BMW 550I.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads 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 2011 BMW 550I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2011 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 2011 BMW 550I problems?
Owners have filed 84 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (32), electrical (20), fuel & propulsion (14).
What gas mileage does the 2011 BMW 550I get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (4.4 L, Automatic (S8)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2011 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.