The most-reported 550i run is WBAFR9C55BC (2011 builds) with 9 complaints, 5× the typical run. Engine problems make up 30% of reports; 2011 is the worst model year at 2.3 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for 550i model years 2006–2016.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The BMW 550i has 75 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 24% of every 550i complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WBAFR9C55BC•••••• | 2011 | — | 2 | |
| WBAFR9C57BC•••••• | 2011 | — | — | |
| WBAFR9C58BC•••••• | 2011 | — | 1 | |
| WBAFR9C52BC•••••• | 2011 | — | — | |
| WBAFU9C54CC•••••• | 2012 | — | — | |
| WBAFR9C50BC•••••• | 2011 | — | 2 | |
| WBAFU9C57BC•••••• | 2011 | — | — | |
| WBAFR9C54BC•••••• | 2011 | — | — | |
| WBAFR9C5XBC•••••• | 2011 | — | 1 | |
| WBAFU9C51BC•••••• | 2011 | — | 1 | |
| WBAFU9C5XBC•••••• | 2011 | — | — | |
| WBASN4C54BC•••••• | 2011 | — | 1 |
Each of the other 63 550i runs has 2 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 15 550i VINs so far, most often 2013, 2012, 2008 builds.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the BMW 550i the gap between build years is 1.9×: a 2011 car draws 2.3 complaints per run, a 2014 one 1.2.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 6 | 5 | — | |
| 2014 | 6 | 5 | — | |
| 2013 | 14 | 11 | — | |
| 2012 | 29 | 20 | — | |
| 2011 | 79 | 34 | 1 |
Heaviest year here is 2011 at 2.3 complaints per run; lightest is 2014 at 1.2.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 30% of everything BMW 550i owners report: Engine, 52 of 134 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | — | 8 | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | — | 5 | |
| Electrical System | — | 9 | |
| Power Train | — | — | |
| Tires | — | — | |
| Wheels | — | — | |
| Unknown Or Other | — | — | |
| Air Bags | 1 | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 11 recall campaigns on the BMW 550i; the 6 below cover build years 2006 to 2014. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 13V407000 | Exterior Lighting:tail Lights | 2008–2010 |
| 07V479000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 2006–2008 |
| 15V188000 | Exterior Lighting | 2013–2014 |
| 18V248000 | Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger | 2011–2012 |
| 16V746000 | Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump | 2011–2012 |
| 13V564000 | Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification | 2006–2007 |
13V407000 was opened in 2013 on cars built from 2008: 5 years on the road before the recall.
The 550i against its rivals
The 550i draws 1.8 complaints per production run; the Chevrolet Monte Carlo 3.7. That is the lowest rate of the 2.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 550i | 134 | 75 | 0.7% | |
| Chevrolet Monte Carlo | 1,689 | 454 | 6.5% |
How serious were they
Of the 134 reports on the BMW 550i, 0.7% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, below the norm.
| Outcome | BMW 550i | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 134 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 1 (0.7%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 13 (9.7%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 88% below the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The BMW 550i share of that is 134 complaints over 75 runs, 0.01% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a BMW 550i VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 134 NHTSA complaints from 75 550i runs and 11 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which 550i production run has the most complaints?
WBAFR9C55BC, a 2011 build, with 9 complaints. The typical 550i run has 1.8.
Which 550i years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2011 is heaviest at 2.3 complaints per run and 2014 lightest at 1.2.
Does the 550i get more complaints than the Chevrolet Monte Carlo?
No: 1.8 complaints per production run for the 550i against 3.7 for the Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
How many 550i complaints involve a crash?
0.7% of 134 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 13 involved a fire.
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