2010 BMW 550I Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Dec 19, 2023 · 11 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other 550I years
Fewer complaints than other years 7th of 12 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 BMW 550I. That ranks 7th out of 12 550I model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (4 complaints, 36%), typically at around 36,000 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2010 BMW 550I problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine4 · ~36,000 mi
Electrical System3 · ~70,000 mi
Power Train3 · ~74,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion System2 · ~70,000 mi
Unknown or Other2 · ~70,000 mi
Wheels2 · ~30,060 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1 · ~1,137 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine436%36,000——
Electrical System327%70,000——
Power Train327%74,000——
Fuel/propulsion System218%70,000——
Unknown or Other218%70,000——
Wheels218%30,060——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic19%1,137——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2018, with 3 complaints
2010: 1201012012: 1201212013: 1201312015: 1201512016: 1201612017: 1201712018: 3201832022: 1202212023: 120231

n = 11 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2010 BMW 550I recalls (1)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Exterior lighting:tail lightsSep 11, 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V407000 · 134,100 vehicles

Problem: 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 [email protected].

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

I have been having issues , not sure what the problem is but the car doesn’t seem like it’s getting proper gas , & it shakes when I drive . I had to park it in the garage after having it towed home due to an unknown issue .

Engine · received Dec 19, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11560998

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…

Engine · received Mar 10, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11456105

When driving freeway or street, transmission malfunctions causing it to drop into a low gear and reduce speed significantly. There is no maintenance schedule on the transmission. Unfortunately will need replacement at 8 yrs & 90k on odometer. Bmw should recall and fix.

Power Train · received Jul 27, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11114176

Letter from senator gillibrand on behalf of madeline singas, who is the district attorney of nassau county, seeking assistance with a double homicide investigation following a fatal car accident in her county; *ld *js *js

Unknown or Other · received Jul 12, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11111593

Wheel cracked - run flat tires would not hold air due to unexplained crack in wheel

Wheels · received Feb 25, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11074714

Other BMW 550I years

← 2009 550I · 2011 550I →

See all BMW 550I problems by year, every BMW model, or the BMW VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2010 BMW 550I?

Owners most often report engine, electrical system, power train problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 4 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2010 BMW 550I?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2010 BMW 550I a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other 550I model years, the 2010 has fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.