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2016 BMW 550i GT xDrive

The 2016 BMW 550i GT xDrive is a mid-size luxury sedan that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and space. It comes equipped with a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 445 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The 550i GT is known for its smooth ride, luxurious interior, and impressive handling capabilities. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of issues that owners have reported.

Engine

  • N63 4.4L Twin-Turbocharged V8
    • Fuel injector failure
      • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfiring, loss of power, rough idling
      • Solution: Replace faulty fuel injector(s)
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
      • Recalls: None Found
    • Turbocharger wastegate actuator failure
      • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, whistling noise from the engine bay
      • Solution: Replace faulty turbocharger wastegate actuator(s)
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
      • Recalls: None Found
    • Timing chain tensioner failure
      • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling noise, loss of power
      • Solution: Replace faulty timing chain tensioner(s)
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
      • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

  • 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
    • Mechatronic unit failure
      • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, shifting problems, loss of power
      • Solution: Replace faulty mechatronic unit
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $3,500+
      • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Adaptive suspension system
    • Air spring failure
      • Description/Symptoms: Uneven ride height, loss of suspension damping
      • Solution: Replace faulty air spring(s)
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per air spring
      • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Battery discharge * Description/Symptoms: Vehicle battery drains prematurely * Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the cause of the discharge (e.g., faulty alternator, parasitic drain) * Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ * Recalls: None Found
  • Xenon headlight ballast failure * Description/Symptoms: Headlights not functioning or flickering * Solution: Replace faulty headlight ballast(s) * Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per ballast * Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Sunroof panel seal failure * Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into the cabin through the sunroof * Solution: Replace faulty sunroof panel seal * Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ * Recalls: None Found
  • Tail light condensation * Description/Symptoms: Moisture accumulation inside the tail lights * Solution: Replace affected tail light assembly * Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per assembly * Recalls: 16V323, 16V826

Interior

  • iDrive system malfunction * Description/Symptoms: Navigation, audio, or other iDrive functions not working properly * Solution: Software update or replacement of iDrive module * Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the issue * Recalls: None Found
  • Heated seat element failure * Description/Symptoms: Heated seats not functioning or heating unevenly * Solution: Replace faulty heated seat element * Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per seat * Recalls: None Found

Summary

While the 2016 BMW 550i GT xDrive offers a premium driving experience, it is not without its potential issues. The engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical components have been reported to have significant problems that can be costly to repair. Interior issues are generally less severe but can still contribute to owner dissatisfaction. Overall, potential owners should consider the potential costs and reliability concerns associated with this vehicle before purchasing.

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