Is the 2011 Bmw 550I reliable?

The 2011 Bmw 550I has 144 complaints filed with NHTSA (5.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2011 Bmw 550I?

Top problems: ENGINE (35 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (20 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (16 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2011 Bmw 550I?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. Contact any Bmw dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2011 Bmw 550I?

The 2011 Bmw 550I gets 19 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2526. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2011 Bmw 550I?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2011 Bmw 550I is approximately $1,712/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2011 Bmw 550I

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2011 Bmw 550I has 144 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 5.5x the segment average of 26. The most common issue is engine problems (24% of all complaints), specifically: i have prepared a pdf document that i would like to submit as well. i can supply it at any time. here is the short version. 10/17/13: i have the family come with me for a ride and then the vehicle begins to malfunctions and the check engine light comes back on. the vehicle is struggling to even dr. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 18 fire reports filed.

18 fire reports 1 crash report

144

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

5.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

35 complaints

24%

• I HAVE PREPARED A PDF DOCUMENT THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT AS WELL. I CAN SUPPLY IT AT ANY TIME. HERE IS THE SHORT VERSION. 10/17/13: I HAVE THE FAMILY COME WITH ME FOR A RIDE AND THEN THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO MALFUNCTIONS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES BACK ON. THE VEHICLE IS STRUGGLING TO EVEN DR
• ADD OIL LIGHT CAME ON APPROXIMATELY EVERY 4000-5000 MILES STARTING AT 5000 MILES. OIL LEAKED ONTO GARAGE FLOOR. BMW DEALERSHIP REPEATEDLY CLAIMED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. AROUND 25,000 THEY TOLD ME THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD ISSUED A DATA SHEET SAYING THEY WERE CHANGING THE MAXIMUM OIL FILL CAPACITY
• I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENTIRE CAR STARTED SHAKING. I GET MULTIPLE ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHTS AND THEN GET A "REDUCED POWER" ALERT ON MY DASHBOARD. THE CAR GOES INTO "LIMP-MODE", WHICH MEANS IT'S INCAPABLE OF GOING PAST 40-45 MPH AND GOING ANYTHING ABOVE 25 RESULTS IN VIOLENT SHA

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 6 fire reports

“I HAVE PREPARED A PDF DOCUMENT THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT AS WELL. I CAN SUPPLY IT AT ANY TIME. HERE IS THE SHORT VERSION. 10/17/13: I HAVE THE FAMILY COME WITH ME FOR A RIDE AND THEN THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO MALFUNCTIONS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES BACK ON. THE VEHICLE IS STRUGGLING TO EVEN DR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2011 Bmw 550I

Based on 106 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 54K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 53K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TIRES

In line with typicalmedian 5K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

WHEELS

In line with typicalmedian 6K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

Later than typicalmedian 54K mi · 16 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

Later than typicalmedian 55K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

High-mileage issuemedian 73K mi · 29 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

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 (3)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER18/04/2018

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.

Risk: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.

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 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2011 Bmw 550I

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,527

Per month

$211

Per mile

21.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,201/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,920/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

Show:

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 2011 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.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,712

Full coverage / month

$143

Liability only / year

$668

vs US avg

+2%

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 rating0.94x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1712

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 2011 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

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

TIRES(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 144 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: I HAVE PREPARED A PDF DOCUMENT THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT AS WELL. I CAN SUPPLY IT AT ANY TIME. HERE IS THE SHORT VERSION. 10/17/13: I HAVE THE FAMILY COME WITH ME FOR A RIDE AND THEN THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO MALFUNCTIONS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES BACK ON. THE VEHICLE IS STRUGGLING TO EVEN DR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: I HAVE PREPARED A PDF DOCUMENT THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT AS WELL. I CAN SUPPLY IT AT ANY TIME. HERE IS THE SHORT VERSION. 10/17/13: I HAVE THE FAMILY COME WITH ME FOR A RIDE AND THEN THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO MALFUNCTIONS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES BACK ON. THE VEHICLE IS STRUGGLING TO EVEN DR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: I HAVE PREPARED A PDF DOCUMENT THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT AS WELL. I CAN SUPPLY IT AT ANY TIME. HERE IS THE SHORT VERSION. 10/17/13: I HAVE THE FAMILY COME WITH ME FOR A RIDE AND THEN THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO MALFUNCTIONS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES BACK ON. THE VEHICLE IS STRUGGLING TO EVEN DR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: I WAS DRIVING ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AND SHIFTED INTO 3RD GEAR. THE CAR BEGAN TO BUCK VIOLENTLY. I PUSHED IN THE CLUTCH TO STOP THE BUCKING. I WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION. I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE AND THE GAS PEDAL WAS NON-RESPONSIVE. THE VEHICLE THEN INDICATED THAT IT HAD A DRIVETRAIN MA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Bmw dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)