2018 BMW M550i xDrive
2018 BMW M550i xDrive
The 2018 BMW M550i xDrive is a high-performance luxury sedan with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that produces 456 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive. The M550i xDrive offers a combination of power, handling, and luxury. However, it also has several reported issues that can be costly to fix.
Engine
- N63 4.4L V8 Twin-Turbocharged Engine
- Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to jump or break. This can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
- Solution: The timing chain tensioner and timing chain must be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The high-pressure fuel pump can fail, causing the engine to lose power or stall.
- Solution: The high-pressure fuel pump must be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Transmission
- ZF 8HP70 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Torque Converter Shudder
- Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can shudder or vibrate during acceleration or deceleration.
- Solution: The torque converter must be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Shudder
Suspension
- Adaptive M Suspension
- Air Spring Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The air springs can leak or fail, causing the vehicle to sag or become unstable.
- Solution: The air springs must be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500 per corner
- Recalls: None Found
- Air Spring Failure
Electrical
- Battery Discharge
- Description/Symptoms: The battery can discharge prematurely, leaving the vehicle unable to start.
- Solution: The battery must be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
- Description/Symptoms: The battery can discharge prematurely, leaving the vehicle unable to start.
Exterior
- Headlight Condensation
- Description/Symptoms: The headlights can fog up or accumulate condensation inside.
- Solution: The headlight assemblies must be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500 per headlight
- Recalls: None Found
- Description/Symptoms: The headlights can fog up or accumulate condensation inside.
Interior
- Sunroof Rattle
- Description/Symptoms: The sunroof can rattle or make noise when driving over bumps or irregularities.
- Solution: The sunroof seals or tracks must be adjusted or replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
- Recalls: None Found
- Description/Symptoms: The sunroof can rattle or make noise when driving over bumps or irregularities.
- iDrive System Glitch
- Description/Symptoms: The iDrive infotainment system can freeze or glitch, causing various functions to become unavailable.
- Solution: The iDrive system software must be updated or the control unit replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500
- Recalls: None Found
- Description/Symptoms: The iDrive infotainment system can freeze or glitch, causing various functions to become unavailable.
Summary
The 2018 BMW M550i xDrive is a high-performance sedan with several reported issues that can be costly to fix. The most serious issues affect the engine and transmission, and can result in catastrophic damage if not addressed promptly. While the M550i offers impressive performance and handling, it is important to be aware of potential issues before purchasing one.