Research · Midsize Cars · 2 NHTSA variants
2012 BMW 550I XdriveRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 48 owner complaints for the 2012 BMW 550I Xdrive. Most complaints involve engine (18) and fuel/propulsion system (12). The EPA rates it 17 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
17mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
48
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$4,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2012 BMW 550I Xdrive as of Oct 31, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 31, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
48 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2012 – Oct 2026
- Engine18
- Fuel/propulsion system12
- Tires11
- Power train7
- Electrical system4
- Wheels4
- Fuel system, gasoline2
- Steering2
- Suspension2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 31, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
18 reports1 fire
“I was driving when the vehicle engine randomly shut down with out warning I was on the freeway at the time and could have been hit by a car. I took thr car to an auto repair shop, had the problem inspected snddiagnosed and was told the engine was faulty. I had the engine replaced and the same issue occurred. There were no warning lamps, messages, or alerts prior to the problem occurring. The drivetrain malfunction light came on as soon as the engine cut off.”
Fuel/propulsion system
12 reports1 fire
“2012 F10 had issues while running as car installed and stopped completely multiple times in traffic. Fuel supply sign came on. Diagnosed as low pressure fuel pump degraded and need replacement. Same recall took place for 2007-2011 5 series model as well via recall campaign No. 16v-746: In-Tank Fuel Pump. 2012 have same issue and very dangerous to drive on road when vehicle stalls and stops while driving in traffic”
Tires
11 reports
“I HAVE NOW DRIVEN MY 2012 BMW 550I X DRIVE FOR APPROXIMATELY 22,000 MILES. I HAVE BEEN FORCED TO REPLACE 5 RUN FLAT TIRES IN THE PAST 11 MONTHS. TWO GOODYEAR EXCELLENCE ROF AND 3 DUNLOP SP SPORT MAX GT. THREE TIRES DEVELOPED BUBBLES ON THE SIDEWALL AND I CANNOT THINK OF A PREVIOUS IMPACT THAT STOOD OUT IN MY MIND. TWO TIRES RAPIDLY DEFLATED AFTER COMING IN CONTACT WITH POT HOLES. THE COMBINATION OF THE TIGHT SUSPENSION ALONG WITH THE LOW PROFILE OF THE RUN FLAT TIRES MAKES THIS COMBINATION VERY DANGEROUS. *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 31, 2026
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
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 550i xDrive Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $4,700 | 523 |
| 550i xDrive Gran Turismo Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 17 | $4,700 | 523 |
- 17mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 31, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5BMW 550 I Xdrive 4 DR AWD
- 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 GT 4 DR AWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 5 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 9.3%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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.
2012 550I Xdrive questions
How many recalls does the 2012 BMW 550I Xdrive have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 31, 2026.
What are the most common 2012 BMW 550I Xdrive problems?
Owners filed 48 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (18), fuel/propulsion system (12), tires (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2012 BMW 550I Xdrive get?
The EPA rates the 2012 BMW 550I Xdrive at 17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2012 BMW 550I Xdrive?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2012 BMW 550I Xdrive 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 31, 2026