MotorDeets

2013 BMW 550I: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2013 BMW 550I: 1 recall, 15 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
15owner complaints
0mention a crash
20best combined mpg
2013 BMW 550I
Photo: Navigator84 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Exterior lights Vehicle recall #15V188000 · 2015 · 13,443 vehicles

What's wrong: The rear reflex reflectors May not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

Why it matters: The vehicle May be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine8
Fuel & propulsion4
Transmission & drivetrain3
Seats2
Other / unknown2
Wheels1
Tires1
Suspension1

What owners describe

The 2013 BMW 550I has 15 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 11 550I model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 23). Complaints peaked in 2018 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 72,343 miles. Neighboring years: 2012 (35 complaints, 2 recalls), 2014 (6 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.4 L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive172520Premium
4.4 L 8-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive152217Premium

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 2013 BMW 550I.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2013 BMW 550I manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2013 BMW 550I manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2013 BMW 550I manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2013 BMW 550I manual

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FAQ

Does the 2013 BMW 550I have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2013 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 2013 BMW 550I problems?

Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (8), fuel & propulsion (4), transmission & drivetrain (3).

What gas mileage does the 2013 BMW 550I get?

EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (4.4 L, Automatic (S8)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2013 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.

Other 550I years

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