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2010 BMW 550I Gran Turismo

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
9
Latest Sep 13, 2021
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Apr 18, 2018
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 9 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2010 BMW 550I Gran Turismo, most frequently naming the electrical, fuel system and engine categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 287 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical433.3%
  • Fuel system325.0%
  • Engine216.7%
  • Other / unspecified18.3%
  • Powertrain (other)18.3%
  • Tires & wheels18.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

Apr 18, 2018
47,806 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
The risk: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Feb 18, 2010
1,040 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 7-SERIES AND MODEL YEAR 2010 550i GRAND TURISMO VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110 "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLE'S ARE EQUIPPED WITH A TIRE PRESSURE LABEL INDICATING THAT THE VEHICLE'S SEATING CAPACITY IS FIVE (5) PASSENGERS. THE ACTUAL SEATING CAPACITY IS FOUR (4) PASSENGERS. THE TIRE SIZE, TIRE PRESSURE, AND VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT ON THE LABEL ARE CORRECT.
The risk: THE TIRE LABEL DOES NOT CONFORM TO FMVSS 110.
The remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AUTHORIZED BMW DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIRE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 16, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Fuel system
Filed Sep 13, 2021

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a fuel odor detected inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a smog test but failed the smog test after the fuel odor was detected. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed as a fuel leak at the connection on the high line to injectors on bank 2. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for diagnosis. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V746000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was 122,515.

NHTSA ID
11432766
Incident
Jun 1, 2021
Mileage
122,515 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Jun 27, 2019

THERE IS A RECALL ON ALL BMW N63 VEHICLES FOR EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION BULLETIN B001314) CUSTOMERS CARE PACKAGE. MY BMW IS CONSUMING OIL AND WHITE SMOKE IS COMING OUT THE TAILPIPE. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO BMW AND THEY REFUSE TO PERFORM THE NECESSARY REPAIRS INCLUDED IN THE CCP MY CRANKCASE VALVES ALSO THE COOLING HOSES ALL THIS IS INCLUDED IN THE CLASS ACTION SUIT THEY CLAIM I HAVE A ENGINE LEAK. THE ENGINE IS LEAKING BECAUSE THE VALVES ARE WORN AND NEED TO BE CHANGED I NEED HELP GETTING THEM TO CONFORM TO THE CCP.

NHTSA ID
11222989
Incident
May 12, 2019
Mileage
106,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Nov 10, 2017

1. BATTERY/ALTERNATOR WHILE DRIVING CAR IT STARTED SLOWING DOWN SAYING BATTERY DISCHARGING AND FINALLY DIED ON THE ROAD. I HAD TO GET A NEW ALTERNATOR. SHORTLY AFTERWARDS, MY BATTERY START DISCHARGING AGAIN AND NOW NEED A NEW BATTERY. BATTERY ONLY ONE YEAR OLD. 2. ENGINE- WITH A LITTLE OVER 81,000 MILES ENGINE WAS GETTING EXTREMLEY HOT AND COOLANT PIPES HAD TO BE REPLACED. USING COOLANT AND BURNING A QUART OF OIL EVERY 400 MILES WITH A LOT OF WHITE SMOKE. NEED VALVE STEM SEALS WHICH IS EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE $5,000.00. CAN'T AFFORD, SO CAR IS JUST SITTING. ANY HELP WILL BE A BLESSING.

NHTSA ID
11045057
Incident
Oct 10, 2017
Mileage
82,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 31, 2017

UNDER NORMAL LOAD BATTERY CAN BECOME DISCHARGED EVEN WHILE DRIVING CAUSING TOTAL SHUT DOWN. THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN ON MY WHILE DRIVING IT DUE TO FAULTY DESIGN OF ALTERNATOR CLUTCH (EFFICIENT DYNAMICS) THERE ARE COUNTLESS REPORTS OF THIS ISSUE THROUGH BMW FORUMS FOR MODEL YEARS 2010 AND 2011 OF 550I GT. IN MY SPECIFIC CASE, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TOTAL ELECTRICAL POWER LOSS WHILE DRIVING AFTER 20 MILES ON HIGHWAY. ALL WARNINGS WENT OFF AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE CAR WAS MOVING. BATTERY IS ONLY 6 MONTHS OLD AND TESTS TO HAVE NO TROUBLE. I AM AFRAID THIS COULD HAPPEN WHILE AT SPEED AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. HTTP://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=672462

NHTSA ID
11041789
Incident
Oct 28, 2017
Mileage
66,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jun 14, 2017

I RECEIVED A LETTER IN EARLY DECEMBER ABOUT A RECALL, HOWEVER 6 MONTHS LATER, NO OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED.

NHTSA ID
10995069
Incident
Dec 12, 2016
Engine
Filed Sep 20, 2016
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 550I GRAN TURISMO. THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, BUT A REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 108,000.

NHTSA ID
10908207
Incident
Sep 17, 2016
Mileage
108,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 8, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW 550I GRAN TURISMO. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER TRAIN SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVE TRAIN SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED TEN TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER THE MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: N63 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,500.

NHTSA ID
10873183
Incident
May 13, 2016
Mileage
101,500 mi
Electrical
Filed Sep 15, 2013

COMPLAIN: BATTERY NOT REPLACED WHILE UNDER WARRANTY TOOK 2010 BMW 550I GT TO THE SHOP TO CHECK ON A WEAK BATTERY. SERVICE REPORT INDICATED SIDE LIGHTS OF THE VEHICLE WERE LEFT ON FOR 2 HOURS AND 40 MINUTES THAT CAUSED THE BATTERY FAILURE. FACTS: -MILEAGE WHEN THE FAULT OCCURRED WAS INDICATED AT 58091KM = 36096 MILES -ODOMETER READING WHEN BROUGHT TO SHOP WAS 36184. - RECEIVED VEHICLE ON FEB 1, 2013 @ 27291 MILES. -FROM 2/1/2013 TO 9/10/2013 THERE ARE 155 WORKING DAYS. -TOTAL MILES DRIVEN UP TO 9/10/2013 WAS 8805 (36184 ? 27291). SO MY AVERAGE DAILY MILEAGE IS 56.8 MILES. -IF THE FAULT OCCURRED AT 36096 MILES THAT MEANS IT WAS LESS THAN TWO DAYS BEFORE CAR IN THE SHOP. IT WOULD BE EITHER FRIDAY 9/6/13 OR OVER THE WEEKEND OF 9/8 OR 9/9 WHICH WAS THE SECOND TIME WARNING CAME ON. -THE SYMPTOM FIRST OCCURRED AT LEAST TWO WEEKS BEFORE CAN IN SHOP. SINCE THE FAULT READING INDICATED SOME ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT WAS LEFT ON FOR 2:40 HOURS, THE WARRANTY WAS REJECTED. FOR THIS TO HAPPEN, ONE OF THE FOLLOWING EVENTS MUST OCCUR FOR THE BATTERY TO BE DRAINED FOR THAT EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. 1.THE CAR DOOR WAS LEFT OPEN FOR 2:40 HOURS BUT THE CAR KEY MUST BE IN THE VICINITY OF THE CAR 2.SOMEONE SAT IN THE CAR FOR 2:40 HOURS AND TURNED ON THE RADIO 3.SOMEHOW SOME OF THE LIGHTS OF THE CAR WERE TURNED ON FOR THIS EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME FROM WHAT I CAN TELL AND EXPERIMENTED WITH THE CAR, NONE OF THE ABOVE COULD HAVE HAPPENED. 1.IF THE CAR KEY IS NOT IN THE VICINITY OF THE CAR, NO LIGHTS OR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT WILL BE TURNED ON FOR THAT LONG PERIOD OF TIME. 2.IF THE CAR IS LOCKED THEN ALL LIGHTS ARE CUT OFF ANYWAY. 3.NO ONE SAT IN THE CAR FOR 2:40 HOURS AND NOT IN MOTION. THIS TELLS ME EITHER THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL LEAK OR THE BATTERY PREMATURELY LOST ITS EFFICIENCY. IN EITHER EVENTS, THE BATTERY SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BUT REFUSED BY BMW. *TR

NHTSA ID
10543767
Incident
Sep 10, 2013
Mileage
36,184 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B510819

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The 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.

B160623

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Engine 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

B653423

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicle’s 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.

B010122

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

With 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.

B010122

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

With 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.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW 550I Gran Turismo by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2012210
2011720
2010Viewing920

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.