2007 BMW 550i recalls and problems

The 2007 BMW 550i has 2 safety recalls and 37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
37
Crashes / fires
3 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2007 BMW 550i vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2007 BMW 550i recalls

Recall 13V-564: Air Bags

Reported Nov 12, 2013 · 76,565 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.

Risk: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Fix: BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Recall 07V-479: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Oct 12, 2007 · 29,250 vehicles affected · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Problem: On certain vehicles equipped with v8 engines, in conditions of below freezing temperatures combined with low humidity, it is possible for electrostatic discharge to occur at the fuel rails. If this were to occur, the engine electronic control unit (Ecu) could be affected so that engine stalling could result.

Risk: If stalling were to occur, the driver may not be able to maintain vehicle speed or accelerate and the power steering could fail increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will attach two ground cables in the engine compartment free of charge. The recall began on october 29, 2007. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

2007 BMW 550i problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags8
Steering6
Exterior Lighting6
Wheels5
Engine5
Power Train3
Unknown or Other3
Tires3
Service Brakes2
Electrical System2
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Suspension1

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
  • Wheels › Rim — 1
  • Suspension › Rear — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 72,100 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2007 BMW 550i complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Oct 11, 2021
The vehicle is Burning a lot of oil due to the valve stem seals. Because of how the engine was designed. Since 2011 to 2018 was a law suit of the same engine since 2000 of the N62 V8 Engine of BMW. Smoke of oil comes out the exhaust and BMW cannot fix the issue they designed.
Air Bags · reported Apr 30, 2021
Car has faulty passenger seat occupancy sensor matt. Recall for this issue was done in 2014 - the recall called for inspection and possible replacement. In the instance of my car the matt was inspected and not-replaced. The matt now appears to be faulting as the passenger airbag off light (For children etc.) is on even with full grown adults sitting in the seat. Seems to be that the airbag will not go off even when it should. Bmw issues numerous warranty extensions for the 04-10 e60 5 series and seems to be a widely reported issue. In the instance of my VIN the recall was conducted (But the…
Engine · reported Jul 5, 2020
Oil leaks due to improperly fitting valve stem seals. This is a manufacturer defect rendering the car constantly leaking oil and virtually in danger of complete engine failure
Exterior Lighting · at 150,000 miles · reported Jun 25, 2020
Wiring in headlight assemblies shorts out because of degraded defective wiring insulation. Headlights can immediately fail while driving at night. Passenger side headlight failed.
Engine · at 90,000 miles · reported May 26, 2020
Excessive exhaust smoke when vehicle is idling... White smoke. The oil seems to collect somewhere in the engine while idling and continues to smoke for a while, after idling and in motion. The smoking seems to be worse when idling on an incline or decline. This has been going on a while. I thought there was a recall due to this problem being prevalent with this 8 cyl engine. I AM just now reporting this issue but it's been ongoing for a couple years now.

Other BMW 550i years

Compare all BMW 550i years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2007 BMW 550i have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2007 BMW 550i: 13V-564 (air bags), 07V-479 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2007 BMW 550i?

Owners report air bags problems most often (8 reports), followed by steering (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 72,100 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.