2013 BMW 550I
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2013 BMW 550I. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2013 BMW 550I. Newest first.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Owner complaints
15 complaints1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
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…
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.
- Exterior lighting
Water resistant
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Pressure sensor
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 550i. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the warning message illuminated on the instrument panel stating, “Driving moderately and drive pit not available”. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the high-speed fuel pump on the passenger’s side was replaced but the…
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 550i. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the warning message illuminated on the instrument panel stating, “Driving moderately and drive pit not available”. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the high-speed fuel pump on the passenger’s side was replaced but the failure continued. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the high-speed pressure sensor was replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 96,280.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
I have soft closing doors on my vehicle. My doors won’t unlock/open, the only way I can get the driver side door open is using the physical key. When trying to unlock the door with the key fob, it makes the sound but none of the doors unlock. The unlock button inside doesn’t work and when trying to…
I have soft closing doors on my vehicle. My doors won’t unlock/open, the only way I can get the driver side door open is using the physical key. When trying to unlock the door with the key fob, it makes the sound but none of the doors unlock. The unlock button inside doesn’t work and when trying to open the other doors (passenger side and rear doors) manually, it won’t open! Thank goodness I didn’t have anyone in the backseat, otherwise I would have to call the fire department and they would probably have to end up breaking the glass if they couldn’t crawl through the front. I feel this is a major safety issue. The dealer said it maybe a fuse or actuator issue. To replace one actuator is $1300, and I may need to replace all four! The car is like a death trap currently, again I’m just thankful no one was in the back seat.
- Power train
Guibo flexible disc failed during routine pa inspection. Technician said it was cracked and failed the inspection. My vehicle only has 62000 miles on it and the cv joint failed. I believe their was a recall for 2011 and 2012 models for the same issue.i was charged more than 1000 dollars for the…
Guibo flexible disc failed during routine pa inspection. Technician said it was cracked and failed the inspection. My vehicle only has 62000 miles on it and the cv joint failed. I believe their was a recall for 2011 and 2012 models for the same issue.i was charged more than 1000 dollars for the repair of the flexible disk at the dealership and had no choice but to fix it so it would pass state inspection. I did not want the drive axle to fall off the car. This IS ridiculous for a car with such low mileage.
- Engine · Unknown or other
After having my BMW at the dealership for two weeks I had the low battery discharging message come on when I took the car home. the dealer also performed an oil change less than 1K miles prior to this problem. my battery died, luckily at exactly the time, I drove onto my driveway. the car just…
After having my BMW at the dealership for two weeks I had the low battery discharging message come on when I took the car home. the dealer also performed an oil change less than 1K miles prior to this problem. my battery died, luckily at exactly the time, I drove onto my driveway. the car just stopped. I'm just glad I wasn't on the highway or going faster speeds. I attempted to jump it and charge it but it wouldn't start. I had the car towed to the dealership and was told my engine had locked up and there were metal shavings in the oil filter and I need a new engine ($13,000). I don't know how this happened and the dealer can't tell me what caused this. I didn't get any warnings, car drove fine other than the battery discharging and your usual drivetrain malfunction message after the car wouldn't start. I'm trying to work with the dealership but I haven't gotten anywhere yet. this IS a 2013 550I m sport with 72,343 miles on the car. the car has been kept up and IS up to date on maintenance. I've read about issues with the N63 engine but I can't believe a car with 72K miles will just die. A car stalling out and stopping IS not a good thing. *tr
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
After having made several replacements to parts (e.g. All three fuel pumps) to this vehicle over three, the vehicle now requires a new engine due to the failure of a rod ring. the root cause for this failure remains unidentified, however BMW IS refusing to identify and/or accept accountability to…
After having made several replacements to parts (e.g. All three fuel pumps) to this vehicle over three, the vehicle now requires a new engine due to the failure of a rod ring. the root cause for this failure remains unidentified, however BMW IS refusing to identify and/or accept accountability to address this failure which requires an engine replacement (>$13000). any vehicle of this age (~7 years old) and mileage (~80,000 mi.) should not require an engine replacement. fortunately this issue occurred while traveling on urban roads at speeds less that 50 mph. had this occurred at highway speeds, this failure could have been catastrophic for me, my loved ones and others. additionally each failure (e.g. Of fuel pumps and rod ring) has caused me to increasingly question the safety resulting from bmw's vehicles using these components. at this point in the absence of a remedy from BMW I am left with no choice by to file this complaint as I have tried everything possible with BMW.
- Engine · Seats · Service brakes
Pulled a nhtsa report on this vehicle and saw nothing dangereous about this vehicle until we got it inspected. We took the vehicle to athens BMW in athens,georgia and the service advisor told us that they do not know how the vehicle made it to their shop. There were over 30 bolts and screws missing…
Pulled a nhtsa report on this vehicle and saw nothing dangereous about this vehicle until we got it inspected. We took the vehicle to athens BMW in athens,georgia and the service advisor told us that they do not know how the vehicle made it to their shop. There were over 30 bolts and screws missing from the engine and in their words, "the engine was raising up like a heart beating out of its chest." we got a 2ND opinion from, euro auto pro in lilburn, georgia and they confirmed the vehicle needed valve seals and the vehicle had been wrecked in the front. Neither was disclosed to us from the nhtsa nor the dealership where we purchased the vehicle. We were told by athens BMW that this vehicle should have never been sold to the general public in that condition. The vehicle IS sitting in our driveway. We just purchased it on december 13, 2018. The owner of the dealership IS refusing to take the vehicle back.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
"Takata recall" I have a 2013 BMW 550I xdrive m sport. It keeps on misfiring on cylinder number two and I have changed all 8 spark plugs and the injector for that cylinder. I also used octane booster and sea foam to clean the carbon out the fuel system. I don't know what else it could be if it's…
"Takata recall" I have a 2013 BMW 550I xdrive m sport. It keeps on misfiring on cylinder number two and I have changed all 8 spark plugs and the injector for that cylinder. I also used octane booster and sea foam to clean the carbon out the fuel system. I don't know what else it could be if it's still misfiring on that cylinder. It starts up good and sometimes it starts up kind of hesitant. When I come to a complete stop after really going fast it starts to shake as I am stopped and when I go to take off it lurches sometimes. I have only had mechanics work on my car and can't find any other explanation as to why it's not functioning right.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
While drive below 30 mph, the front driveshaft broke and ruptured a hole in the engine's upper oil pan. the flexible joint or universal joint seized and broke the front part of the front driveshaft. then the vehicle had metal in the engine oil and that has damaged the engine and the…
While drive below 30 mph, the front driveshaft broke and ruptured a hole in the engine's upper oil pan. the flexible joint or universal joint seized and broke the front part of the front driveshaft. then the vehicle had metal in the engine oil and that has damaged the engine and the turbochargers. the vehicle IS going to need a new engine, new turbochargers, and a new front driveshaft. the repair estimates are: new engine - $3800.00 turbo chargers - $1100.00 front driveshaft - $1500.00 auxiliaries parts - $1200.00 labor/repair cost - $7000.00 total cost - $14,600.00
- Seats
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.
- Suspension
Car will not rise due to airbag malfunction. car IS a cpo still under warranty. BMW has not agreed to replace the airbag component of the suspension although it's not listed under the items that are not covered. The car IS inoperable with this part malfunctioning.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
The complaint IS not a safety issue. it's a quality issue. bmw's N63 engine IS evidently not well engineered. they have a "customer care package"' in place for those customers that complain to the service dept about their engines not running right. BMW IS very careful to make sure customers do…
The complaint IS not a safety issue. it's a quality issue. bmw's N63 engine IS evidently not well engineered. they have a "customer care package"' in place for those customers that complain to the service dept about their engines not running right. BMW IS very careful to make sure customers do not view the repair as a recall. that said the amount of work required IS extensive (takes more than 1 week to complete). from what I've read online the fix they have in place does not always work. I asked to be let out of my lease and put into a different vehicle with no penalty and was refused any accommodations. I'm writing because you should be aware of this engine issue (google N63 issues) encourage BMW to recall the cars and allow their customers to swap out vehicles if they choose to do so. *tr
- Tires · Wheels
I have goodyear 245/40r19 run flats on my vehicle. a huge bubble came up and I took it to the dealership. they said it was due to impact and not covered on my warranty. I know, there has been no impact. since then another bubble on another tire has manifested. it IS a cost of over $1000 to replace the two tires. very frustrating when reading all the complaints online; clearly there IS an issue. *tr
- Engine · Power train
Engine continues to burn through oil approximately every 1,500 miles, which could leave the vehicle stranded and inoperable. it's unacceptable in a brand new vehicle. *tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints.
- 10247567Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (- 0x33E) missing, receiver DME, transmitter TFE
- 10245422Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicles equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm LED in the interior mirror does not briefly flash every 2 seconds, indicating the alarm is armed.
- 10239605The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warning light comes on while driving. The following DSC fault codes for the wheel speed sensors are stored: 480712 and/or 480715 and/or 480718 and/or 48071B They cannot be cleared, even though the wheel speed sensors work correctly and no problem can be found with the wiring harness.
- 10238090After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.
- 10238062With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft and BMW of North America, LLC. The Settlement Benefits are effective and available on and after February 9, 2022. Note: This bulletin is a notice of a Class Action Settlement Service Campaign benefits that are now available.
- 10230717For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Fuel Injectors to 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
- 10230716With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft and BMW of North America, LLC.
- 10227568According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction" is stored. The fault may or may not currently be present. Or 2. ACSM fault code "930A1C - Front passenger seat occupancy detection transmitting fault(moisture)" is stored. The fault may or may not currently be present.
- 10215746Component specific limited warranty extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor(s) to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle original in-service date.
- 10215025Shipping specific non-deployed vehicle safety devices to lighting resources, llc. This service Information bulletin provides information on shipping "specific" noin-deployed vehicle safety devices that are classified as Dangerous Goods (DG) to Lighting resources, LLC
- 10215024The engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification
- 10215023Visual Inspection of Brake discs/Rotors for new car deliveries
- 10214990The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America EVO. The Headunit High 4 (HU-H4, also called MGU21) superseded the MGU starting with certain MY2021 vehicles with option code 6U3 Live Cockpit Professional. This uses map North America JOY. The ENTRY Media/Navigation (HU-B) is the low line business version of the navigation system and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America ROUTE. The ENTRY NAV EVO (HU-B2) replaced Entry Media/Navigation as the low-line business version and was introduced in certain MY2018 vehicles. This uses map North America WAY.
- 10214247BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. BMW of North America, et al. The Court has granted final approval of the settlement. The Settlement Benefits are effective and available on and after February 9, 2022.
- 10214246BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. BMW of North America, et al. The Court has granted final approval of the settlement. The Settlement Benefits are effective and available on and after February 9, 2022.
- 10211851This bulletin outlines the procedure for checking the engine timing chains for wear, and should be completed in conjunction with SI B11 06 14, "N63 Customer Care Package." The N63CCP and N63 Engine Check the Timing Chain are NOT mandatory Technical Campaigns or Recalls. They should be completed only based on parts availability, workshop capacity, and the customer's schedule.
- 10204660The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America EVO. The Headunit High 3 (HU-H3, also called MGU) superseded the NBT-EVO starting with certain MY2019 vehicles with option code 6U3 Live Cockpit Professional or 6U2 Live Cockpit Plus. This uses map North America LIVE. The ENTRY Media/Navigation (HU-B) is the low line business version of the navigation system and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America ROUTE. The ENTRY NAV EVO (HU-B2) replaced Entry Media/Navigation as the low-line business version and was introduced in certain MY2018 vehicles. This uses map North America WAY.
- 10203336Inform the customer during a consultation that the M Compound (standard equipment) and M Carbon Ceramic (optional) brakes are high-performance brake systems which are designed for sporty, dynamic driving styles. As a side effect of the highest possible brake performance, customers are likely to hear noises due to the extremely resilient materials. In the same conversation, inform the customer that his/her braking performance can help ensure that the noises do not occur or disappear quickly.
- 10201141Inform the customer during a consultation that the M Compound (standard equipment) and M Carbon Ceramic (optional) brakes are high-performance brake systems which are designed for sporty, dynamic driving styles. As a side effect of the highest possible brake performance, customers are likely to hear noises due to the extremely resilient materials In the same conversation, inform the customer that his/her braking performance can help ensure that the noises do not occur or disappear quickly.
- 10200487TELEMATICS UNIT DEACTIVATION DUE TO 3G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY DISCONTINUATION: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022.
- 10200224While engine oil consumption may create a customer inconvenience, in the short term it should not cause any drivability problems that would prevent normal day-to-day operational use of the vehicle
- 10194296Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form.
- 10193495The customer complains of rattling noises from the rear window when driving on rough roads.
- 10193494Butt connector for repairing a plug connection. The ?top up coolant? message is displayed in the central display (CC message ID 166). When checking the cooling system there are no leaks found and the expansion tank is filled to the proper level.
- 10188954COLLECTION OF DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS: BMW intends to perform evaluations and analyses on these side air bags.
- 10186215INCORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATION FOR THE HIGH-PRESSURE PUMP IN ISTA: The current version of ISTA states the incorrect tightening torque for the High-Pressure pump M6 mounting bolts to the cylinder head cover. The correct tightening torque is only 12 Nm for the M6 bolts.
- 10184575TICKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT AXLE WHEN CORNERING: The customer may complain of a metallic ticking noise from the front axle, when cornering, maneuvering, parking or pulling away from a parking space.
- 10179812CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONTAXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATION: Cracking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds (e.g., parking lot maneuvers) or when turning the steering wheel while stationary.
- 10179009NAVIGATION SYSTEM - REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROADMAP DATA: Do not replace parts and do not program the vehicle. Roads can change by up to 15% every year. To ensure the best navigation experience, we do everything in our power to create the best maps. Your reports help us to detect changes in your area and keep future versions of our maps as accurate as possible. Therefore, a road map error or missing data must be reported directly to the map supplier.
- 10178996TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied, noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle must be moving.
- 10178991N63 CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT - BATTERY SERVICE BENEFIT - RETROFITS/ REPLACEMENTS: This Service Information bulletin applies to: Class vehicles in operation on the road (Applicable N63 engine model vehicles); by Class members (Class Vehicle owners on the date this settlement became effective), And it provides diagnostic/repairs instructions, as well as, Warranty Information for performed remedies.
- 10178990N63T REAR MONITORING OXYGEN SENSORS - LTD WTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES: Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Rear Monitoring Oxygen (O2) Sensors (one shown) to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date This component-specific limited warranty extension applies to defects in materials or workmanship.
- 10174320CONNECTEDDRIVE/BMW ASSIST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 7) replaces SI B84 02 14 dated May 2019. ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist features are partially or completely inoperative. This Service Information Bulletin: Is being published because vehicles are down for an extended period of time when researching system failures with ConnectedDrive or BMW Assist. Will assist you both in identifying the issue and providing technical support. CAUSE Not enough information is available for BMW NA engineers to assist the technician in diagnosing the root cause.
- 10174032AUTOMATED ACTIVATION OF NAVIGATION SYSTEM DURING PDI/QC1: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 2) replaces SI B65 22 14 dated October 2015. The INITIAL NAV enabling code no longer needs to be pre-ordered through the Parts department! When the vehicle is connected to the diagnostic system ISTA to perform PDI/QC1 the step to activate the navigation system (part of Delete Transport Mode) will automatically request the INITIAL NAV enabling code (VIN-specific) without pre-ordering the enabling code. This enabling code will be automatically delivered through ISTA and it then activates the navigation system.
- 10174015TAILGATE UNINTENTIONALLY OPENS: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 4) replaces SI B51 30 16 dated March 2018. Trunk/tailgate may open when vehicle is locked Trunk/tailgate may open while the vehicle is in motion usually after stopping such as a traffic light etc. Vehicle key trunk/tailgate button may be accidentally pressed thus opening the tailgate.
- 10174009TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 3) replaces SI B34 05 17 dated September 2017. Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle must be moving. See attached video V34 01 20 Note: For a similar noise heard when parking with the brakes applied refer to SIB 31 01 12. Microscopic movement of the contact interface between the inner brake disc and the wheel bearing flange on vehicles equipped with lightweight brake discs.
- 10172479LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSIONTO 10 YEARS/120000 MILES: This Service Information Bulletin replaces SI B01 05 18 dated July 2019. Engine starts poorly (hard starting) rough idle and misfires. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is on.
- 10169460HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMER DISCUSSIONS REGARDING MOTORSPORT VEHICLE BRAKES: INFORMATION Inform the customer during a consultation that the M Compound (standard equipment) and M Carbon Ceramic (optional) brakes are high-performance brake systems which are designed for sporty dynamic driving styles. As a side effect of the highest possible brake performance customers are likely to hear noises due to the extremely resilient materials.
Every BMW 550I model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.