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2014 BMW 550i xDrive

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2014 BMW 550i xDrive is a luxury sedan known for its powerful engine and comfortable ride. It offers a blend of performance and refinement that appeals to many drivers. The xDrive system provides enhanced traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. The 550i xDrive comes standard with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 445 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. Other available engine options for the 2014 BMW 5-Series (though not specifically the 550i xDrive) include various inline-4 and inline-6 cylinder options, both gasoline and diesel. All 2014 550i xDrive models are equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise its strong acceleration, luxurious interior, and advanced technology features. Common complaints often revolve around higher maintenance costs compared to non-luxury vehicles and potential for electrical issues.

Engine

4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (N63TU)

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various points on the engine, including valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing, and the turbocharger oil lines. Symptoms include visible oil drips, burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals. For turbocharger lines, replacing the lines is the typical fix.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+, depending on the location of the leak and the parts needing replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur in multiple locations, particularly around the coolant transfer pipe (“valley pan” leak) and the plastic coolant hoses/fittings. Symptoms include low coolant level, overheating, and visible coolant puddles.
    • Solution: Replacing the coolant transfer pipe and/or the leaking hoses and fittings. The valley pan leak often requires significant engine disassembly, driving up labor costs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+, depending on the location and complexity.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Fuel Injector Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Direct injection engines like the N63TU can experience fuel injector failures, leading to rough running, misfires, and potentially catalytic converter damage.
    • Solution: Diagnosing the faulty injector(s) and replacing them. Coding of new injectors to the DME is required.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per injector, including labor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Vacuum Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Vacuum leaks can occur in various hoses and fittings of the engine management system, causing a lean air-fuel mixture, rough idle, and decreased performance.
    • Solution: Locating and repairing or replacing the leaking hoses or fittings. Smoke testing can be helpful in pinpointing the leak.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+, depending on the source and severity of the leak.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)

  • Mechatronic Sleeve Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: The Mechatronic unit is the control unit inside the transmission. It is connected to the outside via a rubber sleeve which can start to leak over time, causing transmission fluid to leak, leading to shifting problems.
    • Solution: Replace the mechatronic sleeve and refill the transmission with fluid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Shifting Problems/Rough Shifts
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough or erratic shifting, delayed engagement, or slipping can occur, especially at higher mileage.
    • Solution: In some cases, a transmission fluid flush and filter replacement can alleviate the issue. If the problem persists, valve body issues or torque converter failure may be the cause, requiring more extensive repairs or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 for fluid and filter; $1500 - $5000+ for valve body repair or transmission replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Issues (if equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: The rear air suspension (if the vehicle is equipped with it) can experience failures of the air springs or compressor. Symptoms include the vehicle sitting unevenly, a sagging rear end, and error messages on the dash.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty air springs or compressor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ per air spring; $500 - $1000+ for the compressor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Control Arm Bushing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Worn control arm bushings can cause vibrations, clunking noises, and poor handling.
    • Solution: Replacing the control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per control arm.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The car battery can drain quickly, especially if the car sits for extended periods. This can be due to faulty modules, parasitic drains, or a failing battery.
    • Solution: Diagnosing the source of the drain and repairing or replacing the faulty component. Replacing the battery if it is old or defective.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+, depending on the cause. A new battery will generally cost between $200 and $400 installed.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • iDrive System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive system can experience various issues, including freezing, crashing, and loss of functionality.
    • Solution: Software updates can sometimes resolve the issue. In other cases, the iDrive controller or display screen may need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+, depending on the issue and the parts needing replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Adaptive headlights can fail to function properly, resulting in error messages or poor lighting performance.
    • Solution: Diagnosing the faulty headlight module or motor and replacing it.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ per headlight.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Door Handle Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The door handle actuator can fail. This results in difficulty opening the door, or the door not opening at all.
    • Solution: The door handle actuator needs to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ per door.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroofs can experience problems with the motor, tracks, or seals, resulting in difficulty opening or closing, leaks, or excessive noise.
    • Solution: Repairing or replacing the faulty components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2014 BMW 550i xDrive, while offering a luxurious and powerful driving experience, can present owners with a range of potential issues. The engine, particularly the N63TU, is prone to oil leaks, coolant leaks, and fuel injector problems, which can lead to significant repair costs. Transmission issues, particularly with the ZF 8HP, can also be costly to address. Electrical problems, such as battery drains and iDrive malfunctions, are also common complaints. While some issues are relatively minor, others can be quite expensive to repair, making a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified BMW mechanic essential. Potential owners should also budget for higher-than-average maintenance costs.

BMW, 550i xDrive
BMW 550i xDrive 2014
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