Research · Midsize Cars · 2 NHTSA variants
2015 BMW 550I XdriveRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints for the 2015 BMW 550I Xdrive. Most complaints involve fuel/propulsion system (3) and power train (2). The EPA rates it 19 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
19mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
6
Top: fuel/propulsion system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2015 BMW 550I Xdrive as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
6 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2018 – Sep 2025
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Power train2
- Electrical system1
- Engine1
- Tires1
- Wheels1
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 Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Fuel/propulsion system
3 reports
“Fuel pump failure causing engine to spontaneously shut down on road or freeway at any speed. This puts the safety of occupants in my car and the cars around me in danger as I need to put my hazards and safely move the car to the side of the road. No warning prior to failure. Warning and check engine light came on after problem occurred.”
Power train
2 reports
“The transmission's automatic gear selector indicator lights are no longer working properly. Without the indicator lights, it is difficult to determine if the vehicle is in Park, Drive or Reverse which is a MAJOR safety issue. This is apparently a well known issue with this vehicle model and no recall has been issued as of yet. There are no warning lights, the issue is confirmed by an independent repair facility and the full shifter assembly requires replacement. The part cost is over $1000.00 plus installation cost. This appeared on my vehicle last week at mileage of roughly 58,000 miles.”
Electrical system
1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 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 Nov 12, 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 | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,950 | 461 |
| 550i xDrive Gran Turismo Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,950 | 477 |
- 19mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 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 5 HB 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.
2015 550I Xdrive questions
How many recalls does the 2015 BMW 550I Xdrive have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 12, 2026.
What are the most common 2015 BMW 550I Xdrive problems?
Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel/propulsion system (3), power train (2), electrical system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2015 BMW 550I Xdrive get?
The EPA rates the 2015 BMW 550I Xdrive at 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2015 BMW 550I Xdrive?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2015 BMW 550I Xdrive 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026