2008 BMW 550I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 BMW 550I: 2 recalls, 32 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
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Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #07V479000 · 2007 · 29,250 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will attach two ground cables in the engine compartment free of charge. The recall began on October 29, 2007.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #13V407000 · 2013 · 134,100 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).
Why it matters: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (9): the most common themes are electrical failure (6), leaks (4), fire / smoke (4).
- Exterior lights (7): the most common themes are electrical failure (7), fire / smoke (3).
- Airbags (6): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Engine (5): the most common themes are warning light on (2), fire / smoke (2), leaks (2).
The 2008 BMW 550I has 32 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 11 550I model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 23). Complaints peaked in 2008 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 77,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (37 complaints, 2 recalls), 2009 (2 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.8 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | Premium |
| 4.8 L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 BMW 550I.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 BMW 550I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2008 BMW 550I. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2008 BMW 550I problems?
Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (9), exterior lights (7), airbags (6).
What gas mileage does the 2008 BMW 550I get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.8 L, Manual 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 BMW 550I repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.