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2007 BMW 550I problems

The most common problem on the 2007 BMW 550I is airbags, typically around 76,400 miles. It has 2.5 times the complaints of a typical 550I model year.

Typical year2.5x the typical complaints
Year score
42/100
Owner complaints
37
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
53
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
16-18mpg

The worst 2007 BMW 550I problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    8
  • Engine
    6
  • Lights
    6
  • Steering
    6
  • Wheels
    4
  • Tires
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Electrical
    2
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2007 BMW 550I

Headlights 5

Recalls 2

Air bags: sensor: occupant classificationReported November 12, 2013 · 76,565 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Risk
Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1‑800‑525‑7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

Recall number 13V564000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported October 12, 2007 · 29,250 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain vehicles equipped with v8 engines, in conditions of below freezing temperatures combined with low humidity, it is possible for electrostatic discharge to occur at the fuel rails. If this were to occur, the engine electronic control unit (ecu) could be affected so that engine stalling could result.
Risk
If stalling were to occur, the driver may not be able to maintain vehicle speed or accelerate and the power steering could fail increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will attach two ground cables in the engine compartment free of charge. The recall began on october 29, 2007. Owners may contact bmw at 1‑800‑831‑1117.

Recall number 07V479000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2007 BMW 550I

Technical service bulletins for the 2007 BMW 550I 53

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 53 bulletins for the 2007 BMW 550I

2007 BMW 550I fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.8L 8‑cylRWD14-1520-2316-18

What 2007 BMW 550I owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 11, 2021 · Engine · AZ

The vehicle is Burning a lot of oil due to the valve stem seals. Because of how the engine was designed. Since 2011 to 2018 was a law suit of the same engine since 2000 of the N62 V8 Engine of BMW. Smoke of oil comes out the exhaust and BMW cannot fix the issue they designed.

Filed Apr 30, 2021 · Airbags · NJ

Car has faulty passenger seat occupancy sensor matt. Recall for this issue was done in 2014 - the recall called for inspection and possible replacement. In the instance of my car the matt was inspected and not-replaced. The matt now appears to be faulting as the passenger airbag off light (for children etc.) is on even with full grown adults sitting in the seat. Seems to be that the airbag will not go off even when it should. Bmw issues numerous warranty extensions for the 04-10 e60 5 series and seems to be a widely reported issue. In the instance of my VIN the recall was conducted (but the matt not replaced) and the problem the recall aimed to correct for is occurring. I would suggest another recall or an extension of warranty for all vehicles that had this recall done as not every car had the faulty part replaced.

Filed Jul 20, 2020 · Lights · 101,000 miles · CA

The insulation wiring deteriorated causing the passenger headlight to stop working while driving on the freeway

Filed Jul 5, 2020 · Engine · NV

Oil leaks due to improperly fitting valve stem seals. This is a manufacturer defect rendering the car constantly leaking oil and virtually in danger of complete engine failure

Filed Jun 25, 2020 · Lights · 150,000 miles · TX

Wiring in headlight assemblies shorts out because of degraded defective wiring insulation. Headlights can immediately fail while driving at night. Passenger side headlight failed.

Filed May 26, 2020 · Engine · 90,000 miles · AR

Excessive exhaust smoke when vehicle is idling... White smoke. The oil seems to collect somewhere in the engine while idling and continues to smoke for a while, after idling and in motion. The smoking seems to be worse when idling on an incline or decline. This has been going on a while. I thought there was a recall due to this problem being prevalent with this 8 cyl engine. I am just now reporting this issue but it's been ongoing for a couple years now.

Filed Oct 11, 2019 · Electrical, Lights · AL

Was replacing h7 headlamps and discovered all of the insulation on the wiring inside both headlight assemblies had disintegrated and both assemblies contained multiple bare wires. This could result in a short or blowing a fuse when driving making headlamps stop working. Could easily cause an accident. Or car could catch on fire due to short circuit. I have googled this and found many many similar complaints. A recall should have already been voluntary on bmw USA or forced by the ntsb. Extremely dangerous situation.

Filed Jan 8, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · CA

I pulled my battery to charge it and now I'm getting a wheel lock alarm which will not allow my car to start. It is in my drive way same as when I last used it. It ran fine prior to charging my battery.

Filed Sep 8, 2016 · Lights · 105,000 miles · TX

Experience "highbeam malfunction" warning light. Inspected the headlamps (e60 adaptive xenon part # 6312710157). The driver's side low-beam halogen melted through reflector. Inspected wiring and the sheathing / jacket were disintegrating causing short circuiting. Upon further research, this is a result of bmw's use of biodegradable materials in mid-200's cars. Not only is this a fire hazard, the only remedy is to get a new headlamp set (~$1300 each)

Filed Jun 17, 2016 · Steering · 127,000 miles · CA

The steering lock malfunction light is on. This indicator light came while the car was stationary.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2007 BMW 550I before you buy

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Questions about the 2007 BMW 550I

Is the 2007 BMW 550I reliable?

Owners have filed 37 complaints about the 2007 BMW 550I, 2.5 times a typical 550I model year.

What is the 2007 BMW 550I year score?

The 2007 BMW 550I scores 42 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW 550I: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2007 BMW 550I?

Airbags, with 8 complaints, typically around 76,400 miles. Next is engine (6).

How many recalls does the 2007 BMW 550I have?

2 recalls, covering air bags and engine and engine cooling.

Was there a recall on the 2007 BMW 550I airbags?

Yes, 1 recall: 13V564000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What gas mileage does the 2007 BMW 550I get?

Official estimates for the 2007 BMW 550I range from 16 to 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.8L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 14-15 city and 20-23 highway.

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