Most common 2010 BMW 550i problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 550i complaints by model year
Best 550i years: 2016, 2014, 2015. Years to avoid: 2011, 2012, 2007, 2008. Compare all years →
2010 BMW 550i recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Tail lights
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
What 2010 BMW 550i owners say
Engine & cooling
I have been having issues , not sure what the problem is but the car doesn't seem like it's getting proper gas , & it shakes when I drive . I had to park it in the garage after having it towed home due to an unknown issue .
On 11/10/21 I was advised by Long Beach BMW (Long Beach, CA) that my car needs a new engine. The car smells of gas (both when running and when sitting) and burns excessive amounts of oil. The car requires a quart of oil every 200 - 400 miles. The first engine was replaced after only 77,000 miles because the car was stalling unexpectedly. Now, the current engine needs to be replaced after only 51,000 miles because the car smells of gas (likely because the fuel injection system is not working properly) and because it is burning excessive amounts of oil. BMW expects me to cover the cost of a new engine even thought there is an obvious defect. I contacted BMW of North America and they offered to take the car back & give me $2000 toward a new car. There is currently a recall because of engines at risk of blowing up but for some reason, my car does not appear to be part of that recall. …
Transmission & drivetrain
I have been having issues , not sure what the problem is but the car doesn't seem like it's getting proper gas , & it shakes when I drive . I had to park it in the garage after having it towed home due to an unknown issue .
When driving freeway or street, transmission malfunctions causing it to drop into a low gear and reduce speed significantly. There is no maintenance schedule on the transmission. Unfortunately will need replacement at 8 yrs & 90K on odometer. BMW should recall and fix.
Electrical system
Purchased car two years ago and drivetrain malfunction continues to light continually comes on, vehicle begins to shake uncontrollably. I've had driven Lexus vehicles for the prior 30 years and never spent so much time at the dealer trying to resolve the same problem or any mechanical / electrical problems. Switching to BMW within these past two years have literally interrupted my life, cost me time and money as this vehicle was in the repair shop (dealer) for more than 70 days within two years (dealer spent just as much time with the car as I). After all the repairs the faithful drivetrain malfunction enters my life yet again. Can you do something about this major component in this car. After purchasing for cash I thought I would not need to purchase another car for at least 5-6 or more years but once again I find myself having to now buy a reliable car. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 BMW 550i. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. Before the failure, the entire panel and all of the warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact did not feel safe driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was 90,000.
2010 BMW 550i engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 22 / 18 |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 BMW 550i a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 550i rates average: 35% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 550i at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2010 BMW 550i?
The engine & cooling — 4 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (3) and electrical system (3).
How many recalls does the 2010 BMW 550i have?
There is 1 recall for the 2010 BMW 550i, the most recent from September 11, 2013 (tail lights). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 550i?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2016, 2014 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011, 2012, 2007 and 2008. See the full BMW 550i years comparison.
At what mileage do 2010 BMW 550i problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 57,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.