2021 BMW 550i

The 2021 BMW 550i is a luxury sedan known for its blend of performance and comfort. The 550i specifically packs a punch with its 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 engine, delivering 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2021 5 Series include a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (530i), a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (540i), and a plug-in hybrid variant (530e). All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the 550i for its powerful acceleration, comfortable ride, and luxurious interior. Some common dislikes include the complex infotainment system and the higher cost of maintenance and repairs compared to non-luxury vehicles.

Engine

4.4L TwinPower Turbo V8 (N63TU3)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing, and oil pan gasket. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gasket or seal. For more significant leaks, the entire component (e.g., oil filter housing) might need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+ depending on the source and severity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from the coolant expansion tank, hoses, or water pump. Symptoms include a sweet coolant smell, low coolant levels, and overheating.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking component. A pressure test can help pinpoint the source of the leak.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,500+ depending on the component.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP76)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported occasional rough shifting, particularly at lower speeds. Hesitation during acceleration can also occur. This can be related to the mechatronic unit.
  • Solution: A software update may resolve minor issues. For more severe cases, replacement of the mechatronic unit or valve body may be necessary, or potentially the entire transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 for software update, $800 - $6,000+ for mechatronic unit/valve body/transmission replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Adaptive Damper Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Issues with the adaptive dampers (if equipped) can lead to a harsh or uneven ride quality. Error messages related to the suspension system may also appear.
  • Solution: Diagnosing the specific damper that is malfunctioning and replacing it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ per damper, including labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezes/Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive infotainment system can occasionally freeze, become unresponsive, or exhibit glitches.
  • Solution: A software update may resolve the issue. In some cases, replacing the iDrive control unit may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 for software update, $500 - $2,000+ for control unit replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: BMWs have many sensors. Issues with sensors, such as parking sensors, can cause error messages or malfunctions.
  • Solution: Diagnosing the failed sensor and replacing it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800 depending on sensor type and location.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof malfunction, including getting stuck, making unusual noises, or leaking water.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks and seals. Replacing the sunroof motor or the entire sunroof assembly may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,500+ depending on the severity of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 BMW 550i, while a high-performance luxury vehicle, can present some reliability concerns. The most common issues involve oil and coolant leaks from the V8 engine, and some rough shifting of the transmission. Electrical issues with the infotainment system and sensors are also reported. Suspension malfunctions, while less frequent, can also be costly to repair. While not every 550i will experience these issues, prospective buyers should be aware of the potential for these problems and factor in the higher maintenance and repair costs associated with a luxury vehicle. The severity and cost of these issues can vary significantly, with some repairs costing hundreds of dollars and others potentially exceeding several thousand.