Vehicle abruptly shut off while reversing out of my driveway. Vehicle restarted after a long crank and appeared to enter a reduced power mode/limp mode with a transmission fault that locked the transmission in 4th gear. Reading OBD2 codes revealed a code for the crankshaft position sensor. Inspection of the 3 terminal sensor revealed 2 of the terminal contacts on the sensor to be shorted out with melted plastic on both the sensor and the wiring connector plug. Shorted wire could be a result of a leaking coolant passage at rear of engine within bellhousing where sensor is located. Coolant intrusion into sensor connector resulted in electrical short and melted connections.
The worst 2008 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.
- Electrical9
- Lights7
- Airbags6
- Engine6
- Seat belts4
- Transmission3
- Fuel system2
- Suspension2
- Tires2
- Acceleration1
- Body1
- Brakes1
- Seats1
- Steering1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 BMW 550I
Recalls 2
Exterior lighting: tail lights
- What is wrong
- BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).
- Risk
- Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1‑800‑525‑7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Recall number 13V407000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- 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
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 BMW 550I 55
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few...
- Engine will crank but not start
- Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle
- Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal...
- Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been...
- Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon"...
- Various Electrical Problems Caused by Water Ingress
- ?Class action law suit settlement: water intrusion and accumulation in the trunk (E60)/rear cabin well...
- Navigation system: reporting missing or incorrect road map data
2008 BMW 550I fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.8L 8‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 22-23 | 18 |
What 2008 BMW 550I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2008 BMW.The contact stated that he was getting ready to drive the vehicle, however when he started the vehicle, the ABS and check engine lights illuminated.The contact stated that he noticed the vehicle was overheating and turned the vehicle off.The contact heard an unusual sound which came from under the hood.The contact inspected and noticed that the coolant reservoir lid had detached and dented the hood due to the vehicle overheating.The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer.The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided no assistance.The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The daytime running lights aka Angel Eyes wiring is sub-standard. The plastic coating on the wires for the daytime running lights/Angel Eyes has melted away exposing bare wiring that has fused causing the lights to malfunction and not work. I believe the manufacturer is aware of this sub-standard issue and needs to provide a suitable fix or replacement for the sub-standard wiring of their product.
I was driving and came to a stop and noticed smoke and an odd smell coming from under the hood. The heater control valve and the wire connector started to smolder and melt the plastic. If it wasn’t for me disconnecting the connector wire to the heater control valve, it would have definitely would have caught on fire.There was no warning other than the smoke and smell coming from the car. I am in the process of the car getting inspected from a bmw service center
The wiring in my headlight assembly is crumbling and the headlight is shorting out. The coating on the wiring is trash. I own a 08 Bmw550i. BMW should be ashamed. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 550I. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and turned off and restarted the vehicle however, the battery warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer and was previously repaired under an unknown recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000.
Vehicle parked for days, noticed smoke from passenger side engine bay, inspection found possible faulty electrical wiring or oil leak onto electrical wiring causing small fire on engine floor. Disconnected negative terminal to battery.
I was driving on the freeway and the power train light came on and the car began to loose a lot of power then when I pulled to side of the road the car turned of and would not start until several attempts . I waited about 8 min then started to drive . And it does this all the time now . Then the light goes out and drives fine . But this always happens . And it's very dangerous. I've been in some tight situations.
Car smokes bad valve seals and seatbelt restrain went bad twice and car seat adjustment goes bad
I have been in contact with bmw of north america for 8 weeks. My 2008 bmw 550i caught fire while stationary at a gas station at the gas pump. The fire department was called out to contain the fire. The fire inspector and the fire chief both stated that it was a wiring issue. I have the fire report. I was finally able to get bmw of north america to inspect the vehicle on feb. 5, 2018 and was told there 'looks like there could have been'work done to the wiring of the car. I have owned the vehicle since april 2017 (7 months) and have not done any work to the wiring. I also pulled a carfax report before purchasing the vehicle. It showed 0 accidents and 0 major mechanical working. I asked bmw for a copy of the inspector's report and was denied. That really made me suspect something foul from bmw.
Compare the 2008 BMW 550I
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Questions about the 2008 BMW 550I
Is the 2008 BMW 550I reliable?
Owners have filed 32 complaints about the 2008 BMW 550I, 2.1 times a typical 550I model year.
What is the 2008 BMW 550I year score?
The 2008 BMW 550I scores 46 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 2008 BMW 550I?
Electrical system, with 9 complaints, typically around 77,000 miles. Next is lights (7).
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW 550I have?
2 recalls, covering exterior lighting and engine and engine cooling.
What gas mileage does the 2008 BMW 550I get?
Official estimates for the 2008 BMW 550I range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.8L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 22-23 highway.
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