Is the 2013 Bmw 550I reliable?

The 2013 Bmw 550I has 26 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Bmw 550I?

Top problems: ENGINE (8 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (5 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (3 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Bmw 550I?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Contact any Bmw dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Bmw 550I?

The 2013 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 2013 Bmw 550I?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Bmw 550I is approximately $1,853/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.

2013 Bmw 550I

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Bmw 550I has 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 26. The most common issue is engine problems (31% of all complaints), specifically: engine continues to burn through oil approximately every 1,500 miles, which could leave the vehicle stranded and inoperable. it's unacceptable in a brand new vehicle. *tr. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.

1 injury

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

8 complaints

31%

• ENGINE CONTINUES TO BURN THROUGH OIL APPROXIMATELY EVERY 1,500 MILES, WHICH COULD LEAVE THE VEHICLE STRANDED AND INOPERABLE. IT'S UNACCEPTABLE IN A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. *TR
• THE COMPLAINT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. IT'S A QUALITY ISSUE. BMW'S N63 ENGINE IS EVIDENTLY NOT WELL ENGINEERED. THEY HAVE A "CUSTOMER CARE PACKAGE"' IN PLACE FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS THAT COMPLAIN TO THE SERVICE DEPT ABOUT THEIR ENGINES NOT RUNNING RIGHT. BMW IS VERY CAREFUL TO MAKE SURE CUSTOMERS DO N
• WHILE DRIVE BELOW 30 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT BROKE AND RUPTURED A HOLE IN THE ENGINE'S UPPER OIL PAN. THE FLEXIBLE JOINT OR UNIVERSAL JOINT SEIZED AND BROKE THE FRONT PART OF THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT. THEN THE VEHICLE HAD METAL IN THE ENGINE OIL AND THAT HAS DAMAGED THE ENGINE AND THE TURBOCHARGERS

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“ENGINE CONTINUES TO BURN THROUGH OIL APPROXIMATELY EVERY 1,500 MILES, WHICH COULD LEAVE THE VEHICLE STRANDED AND INOPERABLE. IT'S UNACCEPTABLE IN A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. *TR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Bmw 550I

Based on 20 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 74K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 74K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 80K mi · 5 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 (1)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING31/03/2015

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 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 2013 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

$1,853

Full coverage / month

$154

Liability only / year

$668

vs US avg

+11%

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 age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1853

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 2013 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

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 26 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: ENGINE CONTINUES TO BURN THROUGH OIL APPROXIMATELY EVERY 1,500 MILES, WHICH COULD LEAVE THE VEHICLE STRANDED AND INOPERABLE. IT'S UNACCEPTABLE IN A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: THE COMPLAINT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. IT'S A QUALITY ISSUE. BMW'S N63 ENGINE IS EVIDENTLY NOT WELL ENGINEERED. THEY HAVE A "CUSTOMER CARE PACKAGE"' IN PLACE FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS THAT COMPLAIN TO THE SERVICE DEPT ABOUT THEIR ENGINES NOT RUNNING RIGHT. BMW IS VERY CAREFUL TO MAKE SURE CUSTOMERS DO N
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: ENGINE CONTINUES TO BURN THROUGH OIL APPROXIMATELY EVERY 1,500 MILES, WHICH COULD LEAVE THE VEHICLE STRANDED AND INOPERABLE. IT'S UNACCEPTABLE IN A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SEATS/RESTRAINTS: I STARTED THE CAR AND TURNED ON THE HEATED SEATS AND WENT INSIDE. I CAME BACK OUT A FEW MINUTES LATER AND SAT DOWN. I SMELLED BURNING PLASTIC AND COULDN'T FIGURE IT OUT UNTIL MY BACKSIDE WAS BURNED BY THE HEATING ELEMENT. I HAD SECOND DEGREE BURNS FROM THE SEAT.
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)