2011 Bmw 550i Problems
Shopping for a used 2011 Bmw 550i? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 172 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2011 Bmw 550i has 172 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2011 Bmw 550i Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2011 Bmw 550i trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2011 Bmw 550i Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
9.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
9.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2011 Bmw 550i has 172 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Bmw
- Model
- 550i
- Model year
- 2011
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 172
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 18
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 24
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2011 Bmw 550i problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Tire Issues
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Tire Issues, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2011 Bmw 550i?
The 2011 Bmw 550i shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2011 Bmw 550i
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for reported issues.
- Check tire condition and review any tire-related complaints.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and transmission systems.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for reported issues.
- Check tire condition and review any tire-related complaints.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and transmission systems.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2011 Bmw 550i, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2011 BMW 550i has 172 NHTSA complaints, with the highest counts in engine problems and tire issues. Three recalls and three crash-related complaints are recorded, but the confidence level is low, so patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine problems account for the largest share of complaints (45).
- Tire issues are the second most reported component (42 complaints).
- Electrical faults and transmission/drivetrain issues also have notable complaint counts.
- Engine Problems
- Tire Issues
- Electrical Faults
Full breakdown
All 2011 Bmw 550i complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Bmw 550i. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 45 | — | 7 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 42 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 29 | 1 | 11 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 26 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 23 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 16 | — | 4 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | 1 | 3 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 4 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | 1 | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Bmw 550i. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
1. TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied, noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle must be moving. 2. CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONTAXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATION: Cra…
My 2011 BMW 550i experienced an unexpected fire in my driveway while my wife and I were sleeping. The fire nearly caused our house to catch fire and also resulted in damage to my BMW Z4. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with someone regarding this matter. For your refe…
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 550I. The contact stated that oil was leaking from the vehicle. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who declined to service the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was co…
Vehicle displays Transmission Malfunction & DSC and xDrive malfunction, this vehicle is available upon request for inspection. Currently been to two dealerships and all I got from the first dealership is to replace transmission at 59k mile. I purchased a used transmission same pr…
Vehicle was parked while running errands, returned to leave and it would not start. Went to trunk to check battery connection and found that the positive battery cable had burnt in two where it connects to cable that runs to the engine compartment. Carpet cover and sound deadenin…
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 550I. The contact stated that after having an oil change performed, he noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a stem valve cover failure. The contact was informed …
I purchased this car from a used dealer ship, drove it for less than a month. Then it started misfiring. I paid the car off in cash so I decided to change all of the coils and spark plugs so I did that outta my own pocket also. They put an insert inside of my 2nd spark plug so I …
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 5 Series. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed as a camshaft failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign…
I started my car to drive to an appointment and noticed that the car was jerking/bucking as I pulled out of my driveway onto the main road. I was unable to accelerate appropriately for oncoming traffic behind me because the car was jerking violently and it was a bit scary since …
DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION COMES ON DASH, DUE TO TIMING CHAIN BEING OUT OF "TIME" MEANING THAT THE CRANSHAFT AND CHAIN HAS MOVE OUT OF PLACE, THIS REPAIR IS ESTIMATED TO COST ABOUT 10K, OTHER VEHICLES OF THE THIS TYPE ARE ALSO INCLUDED, THE RECALL FROM BMW IS CALL THE "N63 CUSTOMER S…
light assembly has became compromised with moisture , casued a total light failure ! repair cost is $4000.00
BMW SAID THEY REPLACED THE STEM SEAL OR VALVE SEAL AROUND 50K MILES I GOT THE CAR AROUND 69K MILE AND AFTER IT HIT 90K MILE I STARTED TO SEE SOME SMOKE I REALLY DIDNT PAY ATTENTION UNTIL ONE DAY I WAS COIMING OUT OF MY HOUSE THEN THAT'S WHEN I SEEN THE BLUISH SMOKE I CALLED BMW A…
DOOR OPENING DEFECT. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD LOCK AND NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE POSING A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AS ONE CANNOT GET OUT OF VEHICLE IN EMERGENCY. THIS IS NOTED WHEN VEHICLE IS IN STATIONARY OR PARKED POSITION.
THE CAR JUST DON'T GO THE SPEED IS SUPPOSED TO I CAN'T GO IN HIGHWAY BECAUSE THE CAR DON'T GO THAT FAST AND THAT IS NOT SAFE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY I SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TRYING TO FIX IT BUT THE PROBLEM ALWAYS COME BACK
COMES UP DAYS DRIVER RESTRAINT MALFUNTION
I AM HAVING OIL COME FROM MY OIL PAN WHICH I LATER FOUND OUT THAT IT COULD POSSIBLY BE COMING FROM MY OIL PAN GASKET WHICH SOME PEOPLE HAVE TOLD ME THERE WERE RECALLS ON THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM
THIS CAR HAVE BEEN N GREAT MAINTENANCE ALWAYS, AND SUDDENLY STARTED TO THROW WHITE SMOKE AS CRAZY... (75K MILES ONLY) I DID MY SEARCH AND TURNS OUT THAT IS A BIG PROBLEM THAT MANY BMW V8 ENGINE THAT THEY HAVE .... BIG HEADACHE TO SEE THIS KIND OF LUXURY CAR SMOKING LIKE THAT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 550I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE SERVICED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR SIMI…
I OWN MY BMW 550I GRAN TURISMO SEDAN 2011 F10(N63). THERE IS A RECALL ON MY EXACT MODEL. NHTSA NUMBER: 18V248000/ ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. I AM HAVING THE SAME EXACT ISSUES THAT THE RECALL SHOWS. I HAVE PROOF OF DOCUMENTS SHOWING MY WATER PUMP FAILING, GETTING SERVICE WATER PUM…
I OWN MY BMW 550I GRAN TURISMO SEDAN 2011 F10(N63). THERE IS A RECALL ON MY EXACT MODEL. NHTSA NUMBER: 18V248000/ ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. I AM HAVING THE SAME EXACT ISSUES THAT THE RECALL SHOWS. I HAVE PROOF OF DOCUMENTS SHOWING MY WATER PUMP FAILING, GETTING SERVICE WATER PUM…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Bmw 550i.
Safety recalls
2011 Bmw 550i recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Bmw 550i. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2011 Bmw 550i buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2011 Bmw 550i reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 172 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2011 Bmw 550i shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Bmw 550i?▾
#1: Engine Problems (45 complaints). #2: Tire Issues (42 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (29 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Bmw 550i?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Bmw 550i?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2011 Bmw 550i, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 14 fire reports out of 172 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Bmw 550i have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Bmw 550i. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2011 Bmw 550i?▾
The 2011 Bmw 550i shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Bmw 550i reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2011 Bmw 550i based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.