2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive

2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive

The 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive is a sporty and luxurious hatchback that combines the practicality of a wagon with the performance of a sedan. It’s powered by a 4.4-liter V8 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive. The 550i GT is praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and impressive handling. However, it also has some potential issues that owners should be aware of.

Engine

• N63 4.4L V8
  • Valve Stem Seal Failure: Leaking seals cause excessive oil consumption and smoke from the exhaust.
  • Timing Chain Rattle: Worn timing chains can rattle or skip, potentially causing catastrophic engine damage.
  • Fuel Injector Failure: Faulty injectors can result in engine misfires, rough running, and poor fuel economy.

Transmission

• ZF 6HP28 6-Speed Automatic
  • Torque Converter Shudder: The torque converter can develop a shudder when shifting gears.
  • Mechatronic Unit Failure: The mechatronic unit, which controls the transmission’s operation, can fail, leading to erratic shifting or loss of power.
  • Transmission Fluid Leak: Leaks can develop from the transmission pan or other seals, causing fluid loss and potential damage.

Suspension

• Front Control Arm Bushing Wear: Worn bushings can cause clunking noises and affect handling.
• Rear Suspension Sagging: The rear suspension can sag over time, leading to uneven tire wear and reduced handling stability.
• Adaptive Suspension Malfunction: The adaptive suspension system may malfunction, causing the ride height to fluctuate or the shocks to become overly stiff or soft.

Electrical

• Battery Drain: Parasitic drain on the battery can lead to premature discharge.
• Xenon Headlamp Ballast Failure: Faulty ballasts can cause the xenon headlights to flicker or fail.
• Navigation System Malfunction: The navigation system may freeze or display incorrect information.

Exterior

• Sunroof Drain Tube Clogging: Clogged drain tubes can cause water to leak into the cabin.
• Tailgate Latch Failure: The tailgate latch may fail, preventing the tailgate from closing properly.
• Rubber Trim Deterioration: Rubber trim around the windows and doors can deteriorate over time.

Interior

• Panorama Sunroof Noise: The panoramic sunroof can generate excessive wind noise at highway speeds.
• iDrive System Lag: The iDrive infotainment system may experience lag or responsiveness issues.
• Climate Control Malfunction: The climate control system may fail to regulate temperature effectively.

Recalls

• Fuel Pump Failure (NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V176000)
• Power Window Module Failure (NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V025000)
• Seat Belt Buckle Corrosion (NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V394000)

Summary

The 2011 BMW 550i GT xDrive is a capable and enjoyable vehicle, but it is not without its potential issues. Engine problems, particularly related to the N63 engine, can be severe and costly to fix. Transmission issues can also be a concern, as well as various electrical and suspension problems. Owners should be aware of these issues and budget for potential repairs down the road.