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Research · Midsize Cars · 2 NHTSA variants

2011 BMW 550I XdriveRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 169 owner complaints for the 2011 BMW 550I Xdrive. Most complaints involve tires (43) and engine (37). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
18mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
169
Top: tires
Fuel cost / yr
$4,400est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2011 BMW 550I Xdrive as of Oct 31, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 31, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

169 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2010 – Jan 2026
  1. Tires43
  2. Engine37
  3. Electrical system26
  4. Power train25
  5. Steering23
  6. Fuel/propulsion system15
  7. Wheels10
  8. Engine and engine cooling8
  9. Vehicle speed control7

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each 550I Xdrive model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2011169
201248
201315
20156
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
13
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 31, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Tires

43 reports
“I WAS DRIVING MY 2011 BMW 550X M SPORT ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE IN JULY 2014 WHEN TWO BUBBLES STARTED TO FORM ON THE GOODYEAR LS-2 245/40R19 FRONT LEFT TIRE. GIVEN I ONLY HAD 70 MILES TO MY DESTINATION I CONTINUED AT THE 65 MPH. WELL, NEEDLESS TO SAY, AS I EXITED THE TURNPIKE THE FRONT LEFT TIRE FAILED. LOST ALL PRESSURE. THIS WASN'T EVEN THE TIRE I THOUGHT MIGHT FAIL. I WAS FORCED TO DRIVE 30 MILES ON THE HIGHWAY ON TWO DANGEROUS TIRES SO I COULD GET TO A SAFE PLACE TO CALL FOR A TOW. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP 70 MILES AWAY. THESE WERE NEWLY REPLACED TIRES WITH ABOUT 5K MILES ON THEM. I'M ATTEMPTING TO GET THE TIRES REPLACED AT NO COST EVEN GIVEN THE UNSAFE TIRE RESULTS BUT IT'S MY ONLY OPTION AT THIS POINT GIVEN MY LOCATION. THE DEALER IS TRYING TO CHARGE FULL PRICE FOR THE REPLACEMENT TIRES. I FIND THIS UNACCEPTABLE. *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 1, 2014TiresODI 10607559

Engine

37 reports6 fires
“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 reference, the last seven digits of my VIN are [XXX] . You can reach me at [XXX] or via email at [XXX] .”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 25, 2025Electrical system, Structure, EngineFire reportedODI 11695616

Electrical system

26 reports1 crash10 fires
“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 problem exist in the replacement transmission. As I was driving on highway, the transmission began displaying message above and caused the vehicle suddenly slow down without warning lights causing me to avoid an accident by pulling over to avoid being rear ended. The problem has been reproduced by dealer: tech and service advisors manager( authorized to drive) and he charge me for a tow even after I mention to him I have AAA if he needs it. Service manager stated that it may need the mechatronics unit which $4k for part but they’re unsure because they didn’t take it apart but it’s a known issue. They mention that it’s a known problem for the TCM (mechatronic valve throttle body control module to go bad). Manufacturer has not inspected vehicle. So currently it’s at BMW of Owings Mills get a second opinion.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 17, 2024Power train, Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11583551
All 2011 550I Xdrive problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 31, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars, Large Cars
Engines
4.4L 8-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S8)
Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 31, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
550i xDrive
Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
162418$4,400494
550i xDrive Gran Turismo
Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
152218$4,400494
  • 550i xDrive
    Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo
    16 city · 24 hwy · $4,400/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • 550i xDrive Gran Turismo
    Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo
    15 city · 22 hwy · $4,400/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 31, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
BMW 550 I Xdrive GT 4 DR 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.3%
Overall
5 / 5
BMW 550 I Xdrive 4 DR 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.3%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 31, 2026Vehicle 29Vehicle 30
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2011 550I Xdrive questions

How many recalls does the 2011 BMW 550I Xdrive have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 31, 2026.

What are the most common 2011 BMW 550I Xdrive problems?

Owners filed 169 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are tires (43), engine (37), electrical system (26). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2011 BMW 550I Xdrive get?

The EPA rates the 2011 BMW 550I Xdrive at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2011 BMW 550I Xdrive?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2011 BMW 550I Xdrive 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 31, 2026