Problems · by component

2011 BMW 550I Xdrive engine problems

37 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2011 BMW 550I Xdrive cite engine, 22% of all 169 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
37
22% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
6
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“The contact owns a 2011 BMW 550I. The contact stated that after having an oil change performed, he noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a stem valve cover failure. The contact was informed that the valve cover needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,500.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 5, 2023EngineODI 11542593
“DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION COMES ON DASH, DUE TO TIMING CHAIN BEING OUT OF "TIME" MEANING THAT THE CRANSHAFT AND CHAIN HAS MOVE OUT OF PLACE, THIS REPAIR IS ESTIMATED TO COST ABOUT 10K, OTHER VEHICLES OF THE THIS TYPE ARE ALSO INCLUDED, THE RECALL FROM BMW IS CALL THE "N63 CUSTOMER SERVICE PACKET", N63 IS THE KIND OF ENGINE THAT THIS CAR AND OTHER IN SIMILAR SERIES AND YEARS ARE KNOWN AND INNEVIDATABLE TO PREVENT SINCE ITS A MANUFACTURER MISTAKE. I PERSONALLY LOST OUT ON A LOT OF MONEY DUE TO THE PROBLEM THAT LANDED IN MY HANDS.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 27, 2022Power train, Seat belts, EngineODI 11454313
“THE CAR JUST DON'T GO THE SPEED IS SUPPOSED TO I CAN'T GO IN HIGHWAY BECAUSE THE CAR DON'T GO THAT FAST AND THAT IS NOT SAFE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY I SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TRYING TO FIX IT BUT THE PROBLEM ALWAYS COME BACK”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 5, 2021EngineODI 11386561
“I AM HAVING OIL COME FROM MY OIL PAN WHICH I LATER FOUND OUT THAT IT COULD POSSIBLY BE COMING FROM MY OIL PAN GASKET WHICH SOME PEOPLE HAVE TOLD ME THERE WERE RECALLS ON THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 18, 2020Unknown or other, EngineODI 11359840
“THIS CAR HAVE BEEN N GREAT MAINTENANCE ALWAYS, AND SUDDENLY STARTED TO THROW WHITE SMOKE AS CRAZY... (75K MILES ONLY) I DID MY SEARCH AND TURNS OUT THAT IS A BIG PROBLEM THAT MANY BMW V8 ENGINE THAT THEY HAVE .... BIG HEADACHE TO SEE THIS KIND OF LUXURY CAR SMOKING LIKE THAT”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 25, 2020Steering, EngineODI 11351181

Showing 6 of 37 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 31, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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

Other 2011 550I Xdrive problem areas