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2009 BMW 550i

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2009 BMW 550i is a luxury sedan known for its blend of performance and comfort. It was available with a 4.8-liter V8 engine (N62) that produced 360 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission were offered. Owners often appreciate the 550i’s powerful engine, comfortable ride, and luxurious interior. Common dislikes include the high cost of maintenance and repairs, as well as the potential for various electrical and mechanical issues.

Engine

N62 4.8L V8

  • Valve Stem Seal Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust, especially upon startup after the car has been sitting for a while.
    • Solution: Replacing the valve stem seals. This is a labor-intensive job, often requiring cylinder head removal.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Transfer Pipe Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, often difficult to detect due to its location under the intake manifold. May lead to overheating if not addressed.
    • Solution: Replacing the coolant transfer pipe. This requires significant disassembly, including removal of the intake manifold. Upgraded aluminum versions are available to prevent future failure.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks around the engine, often from the valve covers, oil pan gasket, or timing chain cover.
    • Solution: Replacing the affected gaskets and seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve cover gaskets: $500 - $1,000+, Oil pan gasket: $800 - $1,500+, Timing chain cover: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Alternator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Battery light on dashboard, dimming lights, difficulty starting the car, or complete electrical failure.
    • Solution: Replacing the alternator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1200+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

ZF 6HP26 6-Speed Automatic

  • Mechatronic Sleeve Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leak, rough or delayed shifting, transmission malfunction warnings.
    • Solution: Replacing the mechatronic sleeve (also known as the conductor sleeve) and often the transmission fluid and filter at the same time.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, transmission slipping, failure to shift into certain gears.
    • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Failure (If Equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting unevenly, sagging on one or more corners, air compressor running constantly, suspension malfunction warnings.
    • Solution: Replacing the air struts, air compressor, or air lines.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Air struts: $800 - $2,000+ per strut, Air compressor: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Control Arm Bushing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially over bumps, vibrations at higher speeds, uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replacing the control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Bushings: $300 - $800+ per arm, Complete control arm: $500 - $1,200+ per arm
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • iDrive System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, slow response, or complete failure of the iDrive infotainment system.
    • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the iDrive control module (CCC unit).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update: $100 - $300, CCC replacement: $500 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Comfort Access Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: Keyless entry and start not functioning, doors not unlocking or locking properly, requiring the key fob to be used manually.
    • Solution: Replacing door handle sensors, key fobs, or the comfort access module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Sensor replacement: $300 - $800+ per handle, Module replacement: $500 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Battery frequently draining, requiring jump starts, difficulty starting the car, even with a relatively new battery.
    • Solution: Diagnosing and addressing parasitic drain on the electrical system. This often involves identifying faulty modules or components that are not shutting down properly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on the source of the drain; $100 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Headlight Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Cloudy or yellowed headlight lenses, malfunctioning adaptive headlights, headlight bulbs frequently burning out.
    • Solution: Polishing or replacing headlight lenses, replacing headlight bulbs or ballasts, repairing or replacing adaptive headlight components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Lens polishing: $100 - $300, Bulb replacement: $50 - $300 per bulb, Ballast replacement: $200 - $600, Adaptive headlight repair: $300 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, making excessive noise, or leaking water.
    • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating sunroof tracks, replacing damaged components, or replacing the entire sunroof assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Cleaning/lubrication: $100 - $300, Component replacement: $300 - $1,000+, Sunroof assembly replacement: $1,000 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Navigation Screen Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Navigation screen goes black, flickers, or displays incorrect information.
    • Solution: Replacing the screen or the navigation module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2009 BMW 550i is a powerful and comfortable luxury sedan, but it is prone to a number of issues, especially as it ages. Engine issues like valve stem seal failure and coolant leaks can be costly to repair. Transmission problems, electrical gremlins, and suspension issues are also common. Overall, the 2009 550i can be an enjoyable car to own, but prospective buyers should be aware of the potential for high maintenance and repair costs. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, and the cost to fix can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the specific problem.

BMW, 550i
BMW 550i 2009
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