2011 BMW 550i xDrive
Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2011 BMW 550i xDrive, structured as requested.
The 2011 BMW 550i xDrive is a luxury sedan known for its powerful performance and comfortable ride. It came equipped with a 4.4-liter Twin Turbo V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2011 5 Series included inline-6 engines such as the 528i’s 3.0L naturally aspirated inline-6 and the 535i’s 3.0L turbocharged inline-6. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the 550i xDrive for its acceleration, handling, and upscale interior. Common dislikes include the potential for high maintenance costs and complex electronics that can be prone to failure.
Engine
N63B44O0 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8
- Valve Stem Seals
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust, especially upon start-up after the car has been sitting for a while. The engine may run rough.
- Solution: Replacement of the valve stem seals. This is a labor-intensive job, often requiring removal of the cylinder heads.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Whining noises from the engine bay, loss of power, check engine light illuminated.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+ per turbo.
- Recalls: None Found
- Fuel Injector Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, check engine light, reduced fuel economy. High pressure fuel injectors are a common failure point.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty fuel injector(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ per injector.
- Recalls: None Found
- Coolant Leaks (Valley Pan & Coolant Transfer Pipe)
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks often originate from the valley pan (under the intake manifold) or coolant transfer pipe (often referred to as a coolant crossover pipe). These leaks can be difficult to detect initially but can lead to overheating if not addressed. Visible coolant loss and the smell of coolant are common signs.
- Solution: Replacement of the valley pan gasket and/or coolant transfer pipe. This is a labor-intensive job due to the location of these components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks (Various Locations)
- Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks from various locations such as the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, or timing chain cover. The smell of burning oil can also be present.
- Solution: Replacement of the leaking gaskets/seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the location and complexity.
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
ZF 8HP Automatic Transmission
- Mechatronic Unit Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, delayed engagement, slipping between gears, transmission fault codes.
- Solution: Replacement or repair of the Mechatronic unit. Some shops specialize in rebuilding these units.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Valve Body Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Similar to Mechatronic unit failure, including harsh shifting, slipping, and fault codes.
- Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the valve body.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Failure (Rear)
- Description/Symptoms: The rear of the car sags, the air compressor runs excessively, “Self-leveling Suspension Inactive” warning on the iDrive screen.
- Solution: Replacement of the air springs/bags. Replacement of the air compressor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per air spring. $500 - $1,500+ for the compressor.
- Recalls: None Found
- Control Arm Bushings
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, particularly over bumps, vague steering, uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replacement of the worn control arm bushings.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per control arm.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- iDrive System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Freezing, rebooting, unresponsive buttons, navigation problems.
- Solution: Software update, replacement of the iDrive controller or head unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+ depending on the issue and solution.
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not driven for a few days. This can be caused by a faulty module not “sleeping” properly, or a parasitic draw.
- Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the source of the battery drain. This can involve testing individual modules and circuits.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the complexity.
- Recalls: None Found
- Electrical Power Steering (EPS) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power steering assist, warning lights on the dashboard.
- Solution: Replacement of the EPS unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Adaptive Headlight Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Headlights not leveling properly, error messages on the dashboard.
- Solution: Replacement of the headlight unit or the adaptive headlight control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+ per headlight unit.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, unusual noises.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor or mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Seat Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Seat not adjusting properly, motor making unusual noises.
- Solution: Replacement of the seat motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per motor.
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2011 BMW 550i xDrive, while offering a compelling driving experience, is prone to several potentially expensive issues. The most significant concerns revolve around the N63 engine, particularly oil consumption due to valve stem seal issues and turbocharger failures. Transmission problems, electrical gremlins, and suspension issues can also contribute to high maintenance costs. Overall, owning a 2011 550i xDrive requires careful consideration of the potential for costly repairs. Prospective buyers should thoroughly inspect the vehicle and obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified BMW mechanic.