Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 6 | −46% | — | Wheel & Tire | Good |
| 2013 | 16 | 1.7× | — | Engine | Caution |
| 2012 | 20 | 2.2× | 2 | Engine | Caution |
| 2010 | 5 | −62% | — | Engine | Good |
| 2008 | 6 | −85% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 2007 | 22 | 1.9× | 1 | Airbag | Caution |
| 2006 | 20 | typical | 1 | Brake | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median 650i year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common BMW 650i problems
Latest BMW 650i recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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…
Remedy: 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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
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,…
Remedy: 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.
Engine and engine cooling
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.
Remedy: 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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the BMW 650i should you avoid?
2012, 2007 and 2013 — these years have the most complaints relative to other 650i years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2012.
What is the best year for the BMW 650i?
2008 has the fewest complaints compared with other 650i years at the same age, followed by 2010 and 2014. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common BMW 650i problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (31), electrical system (12) and air bags (11). Engine complaints peak in the 2012 model year.
How many recalls has the BMW 650i had?
3 recalls across 2006–2014. The model year with the most is 2012. See all BMW 650i recalls by year.
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.