BMW 550I fire or smoke problems

Filed Apr 17, 2025 · Engine · 126,000 miles · GA

The contact owned a 2013 BMW 550I. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast into the driveway. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure; however, several unknown warning lights illuminated when the vehicle failed to restart. The contact's husband checked the vehicle and became aware of smoke coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced. The contact insisted that the dealer check the vehicle again, and it was diagnosed and determined that there were metal fragments found in the oil pan. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

Filed Sep 5, 2023 · Engine · 77,500 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 550I. The contact stated that after having an oil change performed, he noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a stem valve cover failure. The contact was informed that the valve cover needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,500.

Filed Aug 7, 2023 · Electrical · DE

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

Filed Jul 10, 2021 · Engine · FL

Engine is available for inspection upon request. Earlier this month, my 550i completely shut off at a traffic light. When attempting to restart the engine, the Starter strained very hard and smoke came out of the engine. Engine was immediately shut off and the car was towed to a local shop. In turn the shop replaced the Starter the following day and heard knocking from the engine once it turned it over. Upon examination the shop pulled open the oil filter and it was full of metal shrapnel. I feel fortunate the car was not in motion at the time of the failure, given the engine shut off with no warning this could have resulted in a catastrophic accident.

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 Sep 10, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 110,000 miles · CA · fire

On july 19, 2019, I drove my car 2.5 miles from my office and parked the car at my residence. The car was parked overnight and next day the car failed to start. When the hood was open the engine was on fire overnight while the car was parked, lucky the fire was self contained and did not spread to nearby homes. I contacted mr. Mike discepolo with bmw north america and after 30 days of investigation he told me that the fire was because I failed to maintain my car, I searched the net and his answer was consistent with answers to other bmw cars that start fire while parked. Abc nightline and other tv stations investigated parked bmw cars fire and bmw deny the problem. See attached https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=us56c7yqayy https://www.10news.com/news/team-10/san-diego-bmw-owners-say-their-used-bmws-suddenly-caught-fire https://abc7chicago.com/automotive/bmw-car-fires-more-fires-reported-in-parked-cars-while-engines-off/5121834/

Filed Jun 7, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 59,287 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 bmw 550i. After driving the vehicle a short distance, the contact felt extreme heat coming from underneath the vehicle and smelled burning wires. Orange county bmw (101 maher ln, harriman, ny 10926, (845) 782-4269) stated there were no recalls and scheduled an appointment. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 59,287.

Filed Oct 24, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 55,000 miles · IL · fire

This vehicle has had multiple recalls. The latest one was campaign no. 18v‑248. Bmw has yet to do anything for my vehicle, even after it burnt itself to the ground and a portion of my home. They did not add any explanation or attempt to investigate this situation. It is still undefined how this vehicle lit itself on fire as it was parked and turned off sitting in my garage, after just being driven 5-10 minutes before the fire started.

Filed Aug 22, 2018 · Body, Electrical · 137,000 miles · OR · fire

Vehicle stationary for over 3 hours, parked in a parking lot (work location) and burst into flames under the engine compartment. 8-22-18; 12:30 pm. Beaverton, oregon fire department responded and put fire out. See fire department report

Filed Mar 19, 2018 · Seats · 44,000 miles · UT · 1 injury

I started the car and turned on the heated seats and went inside. I came back out a few minutes later and sat down. I smelled burning plastic and couldn't figure it out until my backside was burned by the heating element. I had second degree burns from the seat.