BestCarRank
Bmw

2010 Bmw 550I

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2010 Bmw 550I has 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 26. The most common issue is engine problems (24% of all complaints), specifically: from a very slow roll there is a delay in engine response of 1-2 seconds. there is also a delay in engine response in the 10-30 mph range of the same length of time. the slow roll event can cause confusion to other drivers who believe you are yielding the right away when you do not accelerate in a . There is 1 recall issued for this model year.

3 crash reports

17

Total Complaints

1

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 7)

ENGINE

4 complaints
24%
  • FROM A VERY SLOW ROLL THERE IS A DELAY IN ENGINE RESPONSE OF 1-2 SECONDS. THERE IS ALSO A DELAY IN ENGINE RESPONSE IN THE 10-30 MPH RANGE OF THE SAME LENGTH OF TIME. THE SLOW ROLL EVENT CAN CAUSE CONFUSION TO OTHER DRIVERS WHO BELIEVE YOU ARE YIELDING THE RIGHT AWAY WHEN YOU DO NOT ACCELERATE IN A
  • LOST OF POWER WHILE DRIVING, 2 INCIDENT: BAD VIBRATIONS WHILE AT A IDLE.
  • On 11/10/21 I was advised by Long Beach BMW (Long Beach, CA) that my car needs a new engine. The car smells of gas (both when running and when sitting) and burns excessive amounts of oil. The car requires a quart of oil every 200 - 400 miles. The first engine was replaced after only 77,000 miles
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

FROM A VERY SLOW ROLL THERE IS A DELAY IN ENGINE RESPONSE OF 1-2 SECONDS. THERE IS ALSO A DELAY IN ENGINE RESPONSE IN THE 10-30 MPH RANGE OF THE SAME LENGTH OF TIME. THE SLOW ROLL EVENT CAN CAUSE CONFUSION TO OTHER DRIVERS WHO BELIEVE YOU ARE YIELDING THE RIGHT AWAY WHEN YOU DO NOT ACCELERATE IN A

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2010 Bmw 550I

Based on 12 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 57K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
3
30-60K
4
60-100K
5
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (1)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS11/09/2013

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).

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

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2010 Bmw 550I

Live EIA prices
Per year
$2,667
Per month
$222
Per mile
22.2¢
MPG
18
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$3,201/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$2,087/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Bmw 550I

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,821
Full coverage / month
$152
Liability only / year
$710
vs US avg
+9%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age0.85x
= Full coverage estimate$1821

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Bmw 550I Service Intervals

Oil change
10K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
10K mi
Brake fluid
24 months
Transmission fluid
60K mi
Engine coolant
100K mi
Spark plugs
60K mi
Cabin air filter
15K mi
Engine air filter
30K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
60K mi

Condition-Based Service (CBS) tells you exactly when service is due. Transmission fluid was labeled 'lifetime' but many owners service at 60K-100K.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Bmw New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
4 yr / 50K mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
12 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion is unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Bmw. If you're buying a used 2010 550I, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Bmw dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
WHEELS(~50K mi)
$500
FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 17 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • ENGINE: FROM A VERY SLOW ROLL THERE IS A DELAY IN ENGINE RESPONSE OF 1-2 SECONDS. THERE IS ALSO A DELAY IN ENGINE RESPONSE IN THE 10-30 MPH RANGE OF THE SAME LENGTH OF TIME. THE SLOW ROLL EVENT CAN CAUSE CONFUSION TO OTHER DRIVERS WHO BELIEVE YOU ARE YIELDING THE RIGHT AWAY WHEN YOU DO NOT ACCELERATE IN A

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • TRANSMISSION: LOST OF POWER WHILE DRIVING, 2 INCIDENT: BAD VIBRATIONS WHILE AT A IDLE.

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ELECTRICAL: LOST OF POWER WHILE DRIVING, 2 INCIDENT: BAD VIBRATIONS WHILE AT A IDLE.

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • WHEELS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 550GT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ALERTED LOW TIRE PRESSURE. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND THEN RESUMED OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE CENTER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFO

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Bmw dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
17
Recalls
1
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
3
Injury reports
0
Segment avg
26

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2010 Bmw 550I