2013 BMW 550i

The 2013 BMW 550i is a performance-oriented luxury sedan known for its powerful engine and comfortable ride. The 550i comes equipped with a 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2013 5 Series include the 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder, and the 3.0L Turbo Inline-6, each with varying levels of performance. The 550i was offered with either an 8-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission. Owners often praise the 550i for its strong acceleration, luxurious interior, and comfortable highway cruising. Common complaints revolve around higher maintenance costs, potential for expensive repairs, and complex electronics that can be prone to failure.

Engine

N63 4.4L TwinPower Turbo V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks commonly develop from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, the oil pan gasket, the turbocharger oil lines, and the front crankshaft seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected gaskets or seals. In severe cases, turbocharger oil lines may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+, depending on the location and severity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from various locations, including the water pump, thermostat housing, radiator hoses, and the coolant expansion tank. Symptoms include low coolant levels, overheating, and visible coolant leaks.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected parts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+, depending on the affected component.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Stem Seal Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Valve stem seal failure can cause excessive oil consumption, especially during cold starts or after the car has been sitting for a while. Symptoms include blue smoke from the exhaust, fouled spark plugs, and the need to add oil frequently.
  • Solution: Replacing the valve stem seals, which requires removing the cylinder heads.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Direct fuel injection (DFI) engines are prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves, which can reduce performance and fuel economy. Fuel injectors can also fail, causing misfires and rough running.
  • Solution: Walnut blasting the intake valves to remove carbon buildup. Replacing faulty fuel injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Walnut blasting: $500 - $1,000. Fuel injector replacement: $200 - $500 per injector.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

ZF 8HP Automatic Transmission

• Mechatronic Sleeve Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: The mechatronic unit is the control unit for the transmission. The sleeve that connects the unit to the wiring harness can leak, leading to transmission issues. Symptoms include rough shifting, delayed engagement, and transmission malfunction warnings.
  • Solution: Replacing the mechatronic sleeve and potentially servicing the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The valve body controls the flow of hydraulic fluid within the transmission. Problems with the valve body can lead to shifting problems, slipping, and 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

• Adaptive Drive/Dynamic Damper Control (DDC) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: If equipped with Adaptive Drive or DDC, the shocks or control modules can fail, resulting in a harsh or uneven ride. Warning lights may illuminate on the dash.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty shock absorber(s) or control module(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per shock absorber.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can occur due to various issues, including faulty sensors, modules that don’t shut down properly, or aftermarket accessories. Symptoms include a dead battery, difficulty starting the car, and warning lights on the dash.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the source of the battery drain. This may involve replacing a faulty module, sensor, or accessory.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+, depending on the cause.
  • Recalls: None Found
• iDrive System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive system can experience various malfunctions, including freezing, crashing, and failure to connect to devices. The screen may also go blank or flicker.
  • Solution: Resetting the iDrive system, updating the software, or replacing the iDrive control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,500+ depending on severity.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroofs can experience problems such as failing to open or close properly, getting stuck, or leaking.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof motor, track, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2013 BMW 550i, while offering a luxurious and powerful driving experience, can be prone to several issues, particularly related to the engine, transmission, and electrical systems. The N63 engine is known for oil leaks and potential valve stem seal failures, which can lead to significant repair costs. The ZF 8HP transmission can experience mechatronic sleeve leaks and valve body problems, also resulting in potentially expensive repairs. Electrical gremlins, such as battery drain and iDrive malfunctions, can be frustrating. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and factor in higher maintenance costs when considering a 2013 BMW 550i. Pre-purchase inspections by a qualified BMW mechanic are highly recommended.