Most common 2013 BMW 550i problems
Share of the 15 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 →
2013 BMW 550i recalls (1)
Exterior lighting
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
What 2013 BMW 550i owners say
Engine & cooling
The contact owned a 2013 BMW 550I. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast into the driveway. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure; however, several unknown warning lights illuminated when the vehicle failed to restart. The contact's husband checked the vehicle and became aware of smoke coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced. The contact insisted that the dealer check the vehicle again, and it was diagnosed and determined that there were metal fragments found in the oil pan. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. …
After having my BMW at the dealership for two weeks I had the low battery discharging message come on when I took the car home. The dealer also performed an oil change less than 1K miles prior to this problem. My battery died, luckily at exactly the time, I drove onto my driveway. The car just stopped. I'm just glad I wasn't on the highway or going faster speeds. I attempted to jump it and charge it but it wouldn't start. I had the car towed to the dealership and was told my engine had locked up and there were metal shavings in the oil filter and I need a new engine ($13,000). I don't know how this happened and the dealer can't tell me what caused this. I didn't get any warnings, car drove fine other than the battery discharging and your usual drivetrain malfunction message after the car wouldn't start. I'm trying to work with the dealership but I haven't gotten anywhere yet. …
Fuel & propulsion system
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 550i. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the warning message illuminated on the instrument panel stating, "Driving moderately and drive pit not available". The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the high-speed fuel pump on the passenger's side was replaced but the failure continued. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the high-speed pressure sensor was replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 96,280.
After having made several replacements to parts (e.g. All three fuel pumps) to this vehicle over three, the vehicle now requires a new engine due to the failure of a rod ring. The root cause for this failure remains unidentified, however BMW is refusing to identify and/or accept accountability to address this failure which requires an engine replacement (>$13000). Any vehicle of this age (~7 years old) and mileage (~80,000 mi.) should not require an engine replacement. Fortunately this issue occurred while traveling on urban roads at speeds less that 50 MPH. Had this occurred at highway speeds, this failure could have been catastrophic for me, my loved ones and others. Additionally each failure (e.g. Of fuel pumps and rod ring) has caused me to increasingly question the safety resulting from BMW's vehicles using these components. …
Transmission & drivetrain
While drive below 30 MPH, the front driveshaft broke and ruptured a hole in the engine's upper oil pan. The flexible joint or universal joint seized and broke the front part of the front driveshaft. Then the vehicle had metal in the engine oil and that has damaged the engine and the turbochargers. The vehicle is going to need a new engine, new turbochargers, and a new front driveshaft. The repair estimates are: new engine - $3800.00 turbo chargers - $1100.00 front driveshaft - $1500.00 auxiliaries parts - $1200.00 labor/repair cost - $7000.00 total cost - $14,600.00
Guibo flexible disc failed during routine pa inspection. Technician said it was cracked and failed the inspection. My vehicle only has 62000 miles on it and the cv joint failed. I believe their was a recall for 2011 and 2012 models for the same issue.I was charged more than 1000 dollars for the repair of the flexible disk at the dealership and had no choice but to fix it so it would pass state inspection. I did not want the drive axle to fall off the car. This is ridiculous for a car with such low mileage.
2013 BMW 550i engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 22 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 BMW 550i a good car?
Based on 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 550i rates average: 24% 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 2013 BMW 550i?
The engine & cooling — 8 complaints, 53% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (5) and transmission & drivetrain (3).
How many recalls does the 2013 BMW 550i have?
There is 1 recall for the 2013 BMW 550i, the most recent from March 31, 2015 (exterior lighting). 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 2013 BMW 550i problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 72,000 miles; 27% 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.