2013 BMW 550i xDrive
The 2013 BMW 550i xDrive is a powerful and luxurious sedan that offers a blend of performance and comfort. It’s equipped with a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2013 5 Series lineup included a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (528i), a 3.0-liter inline-6 (535i), and a diesel 3.0-liter inline-6 (535d). All 550i xDrive models come standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the 550i xDrive’s strong acceleration, comfortable ride, and luxurious interior. However, common complaints include high maintenance costs, potential for expensive repairs, and the complexity of the electronic systems.
Engine
N63 4.4L Twin-Turbocharged V8
- Valve Stem Seal Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust upon start-up, especially after the car has been sitting for a while.
- Solution: Replacement of the valve stem seals. Requires removal of the cylinder heads.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling or whining sound from the engine, check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+ (depending on if one or both turbos need replacing)
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks (Various Locations)
- Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level warning. Common leak locations include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and the turbocharger oil lines.
- Solution: Replacement of the leaking gasket(s) or lines.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+ (depending on the location and complexity of the repair)
- Recalls: None Found
- Fuel Injector Issues (Direct Injection)
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, reduced power, check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty fuel injector(s). Requires proper coding of new injectors to the DME (engine control unit).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $250-$500+ per injector
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
ZF 8HP Automatic Transmission
- Mechatronic Unit Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, transmission fault codes.
- Solution: Replacement or refurbishment of the Mechatronic unit (valve body). Includes new solenoids, seals, and potentially new valve body housing.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, especially under light acceleration, transmission slipping, unusual noises from the transmission.
- Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Issues (if equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Sagging suspension (especially overnight), ride height faults, failure of the air compressor, leaks in the air lines or air struts.
- Solution: Replacement of faulty air struts, air compressor, or air lines.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ per strut; $500 - $1,500+ for the compressor
- Recalls: None Found
- Control Arm Bushing Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially over bumps, vague steering, uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replacement of the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per control arm
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the car, warning messages related to electrical malfunctions.
- Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the parasitic drain. Could be caused by a faulty module, wiring issue, or aftermarket accessory.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the source of the drain)
- Recalls: None Found
- iDrive System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, unresponsive buttons, navigation errors.
- Solution: Software update, replacement of the iDrive control unit (CIC or NBT system).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ (depending on the severity and the need for replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- ABS Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: ABS, DSC, and brake warning lights illuminated, loss of ABS functionality.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty ABS sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ per sensor
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Xenon Headlight Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Headlights flickering, turning off intermittently, failure of the headlight ballast or bulb.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty ballast or bulb.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per headlight
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, unusual noises when operating, water leaks.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, regulator, or seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Seat Motor Failures
- Description/Symptoms: Seats not adjusting properly, motor making unusual noises.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per motor
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2013 BMW 550i xDrive, while offering a luxurious and powerful driving experience, is prone to some significant and potentially expensive issues. Engine problems such as valve stem seal failure and turbocharger failure are major concerns, leading to high repair costs. Transmission issues can also be costly to resolve. The suspension and electrical systems also have their share of problems. Overall, while the car has its charms, prospective buyers should be aware of the potential for high maintenance and repair bills associated with this model, especially as it ages.