2011 BMW 550i recalls and problems
The 2011 BMW 550i has 3 safety recalls and 84 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2011 BMW 550i vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2011 BMW 550i recalls
Recall 18V-248: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
Risk: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.
Recall 16V-832: Air Bags
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 BMW 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i and 550xi vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, through August 31, 2011. The affected vehicles may have received a replacement Sensor Cluster Unit (SCU) during a service visit. These SCUs have an acceleration sensor that may have been incorrectly programmed and, as a result, the SCU may not accurately determine if activation and deployment of the air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and head restraints is necessary in the event of a crash.
Risk: Depending on the severity of the crash, inadequate activation of the driver and/or passenger air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and active head restraints may increase the risk of injury.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the SCU, free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Recall 16V-746: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.
Risk: The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2011 BMW 550i problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 32 | |
| Electrical System | 20 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 14 | |
| Power Train | 14 | |
| Tires | 12 | |
| Unknown or Other | 8 | |
| Wheels | 6 | |
| Air Bags | 6 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 4 | |
| Seat Belts | 4 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | |
| Service Brakes | 3 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 3
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum — 1
- Power Train › Driveline — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 1
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System — 1
- Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 55,000 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 2011 BMW 550i complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other BMW 550i years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2011 BMW 550i have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2011 BMW 550i: 18V-248 (engine and engine cooling), 16V-832 (air bags), 16V-746 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 BMW 550i?
Owners report engine problems most often (32 reports), followed by electrical system (20). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 55,000 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.