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2010 BMW 550i

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By Research the Car 5 min read

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2010 BMW 550i, categorized by component and including details on symptoms, solutions, and estimated repair costs. The 2010 BMW 550i is a luxury sedan appreciated for its powerful engine, refined handling, and luxurious interior. Available engines included a 3.0-liter inline-6 and the 4.4-liter V8. The 4.4-liter V8 produces 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, offering strong acceleration and a sporty driving experience. Many owners praise the car’s comfortable ride and upscale features, while common complaints revolve around maintenance costs, particularly concerning electrical and cooling system issues.

Engine

N62 4.4L V8

  • Valve Stem Seal Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust, especially after idling.
    • Solution: Replacing the valve stem seals. This is a labor-intensive job often requiring removal of the cylinder heads.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Low coolant levels, overheating, visible leaks under the car. Common leak points include the water pump, thermostat housing, radiator hoses, and the expansion tank.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking component(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Water pump replacement $800 - $1,500; thermostat housing replacement $500 - $1,000; hose replacement $200 - $500 per hose; expansion tank replacement $300 - $600.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine, oil consumption, burning oil smell. Common leak points include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking gasket(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve cover gasket replacement $500 - $1,200; oil pan gasket replacement $800 - $2,000; oil filter housing gasket replacement $400 - $800.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Alternator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Battery light on the dashboard, dimming headlights, difficulty starting the car, or a completely dead battery.
    • Solution: Replacing the alternator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

ZF 6HP26 6-Speed Automatic

  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, transmission slipping, failure to shift into certain gears, transmission malfunction warning lights.
    • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body. In some cases, flushing the transmission fluid and replacing the solenoids can resolve the issue.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve body replacement/rebuild $1,500 - $3,000; fluid flush and solenoid replacement $500 - $1,000.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, particularly at low speeds, abnormal noises from the transmission area, transmission slipping.
    • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Failure (If Equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: The car sits unevenly, suspension warning lights, the car is riding harshly.
    • Solution: Replacing the air struts, air compressor, or associated air lines.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Air strut replacement $800 - $2,000 per strut; air compressor replacement $700 - $1,500.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Control Arm Bushing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, particularly when going over bumps, vibrations at high speeds, uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replacing the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Bushing replacement $300 - $800 per control arm; control arm assembly replacement $500 - $1,200 per control arm.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • iDrive System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, slow response, random reboots, display issues.
    • Solution: Software update, replacement of the iDrive control unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update $150 - $300; iDrive control unit replacement $800 - $2,000.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, requiring frequent jump starts. This can be caused by a faulty module that doesn’t properly shut down, or a parasitic draw.
    • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the source of the parasitic draw, replacing the battery.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Diagnosis $100 - $300; battery replacement $300 - $600.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sensor Failures (ABS, TPMS, etc.)
    • Description/Symptoms: Warning lights on the dashboard for ABS, TPMS, or other systems.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per sensor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Xenon Headlight Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Headlight flickering, dimming, or complete failure.
    • Solution: Replacing the headlight bulb or ballast.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Bulb replacement $150 - $400 per bulb; ballast replacement $300 - $700 per ballast.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof jamming, not opening or closing properly, excessive noise when operating.
    • Solution: Lubricating the sunroof tracks, repairing or replacing the sunroof motor or mechanism.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Lubrication/minor repair $100 - $300; motor/mechanism replacement $500 - $1,500.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Door Lock Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Door not locking or unlocking with the remote or interior switch.
    • Solution: Replacing the door lock actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700 per door.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2010 BMW 550i, while a luxurious and enjoyable car to drive, is prone to a range of issues, particularly with its engine, transmission, electrical system, and suspension. Engine issues such as valve stem seal failure and coolant leaks can be costly to repair. Transmission problems, especially those related to the valve body, can also lead to significant expenses. Electrical problems can range from annoying iDrive glitches to serious battery drain issues. While not every 2010 550i will experience all of these issues, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor in potential repair costs when considering purchasing this model. The severity and cost of these repairs can vary widely, with some fixes costing only a few hundred dollars while others can reach several thousand. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended.

BMW, 550i
BMW 550i 2010
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