KnownCarProblems2007 BMW 550i Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 37 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007 BMW 550i, most often about the air bags (22% of complaints, typically around 76,500 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about 550i model year since 2000 and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2007 BMW 550i problems
Air bags
8 complaints · 22%Half of these problems showed up before 76,500 miles.
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 550i. The contact stated while starting the ignition, the air bag warning indicator remained illuminated. There was a recall related to the failure under NHTSA campaign id number 13v564000 (air bags) but the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not…
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 550i. The contact stated the front passenger side air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was not contacted. There was no diagnosis completed on the vehicle. The failure mileage 76,000 and the current mileage was 87,000. ..updated 08/11/14
Wheels and tires
7 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 39,500 miles. Parts named most often: rim.
Have had this BMW 550i for about 2 years, and in that time I've had 3 bent wheels and one cracked wheel. I have cars with similar, aluminum alloy rims and lower profile tires on them - and have not bent or cracked a wheel on the other cars. The rear wheel cracked, but it was along the inner edge - and was not noticed.…
I have a 550i with the sport package. Both rear tires wore out the inner 1/4" of tire completely while the outer, and the visible portion of the tread had plenty of depth left (approx 4/32" or more). The right tire was slightly worse and blew out on the highway causing a dangerous situation. The left wear was very…
Engine
6 complaints · 16%Parts named most often: exhaust system.
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…
Steering
6 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 48,500 miles.
The active steering malfunction takes place every time the vehicle is started. The dealership has run full diagnostics and have come up with no errors. The only solution is to replace the steering column which is in excess of $5,000. I am worried the system is going to lock up in whole and lose steering capabilities.
About 3 months ago I bought a 2007 BMW 550i with 29,802 miles. When a large red steering lock light appeared on the dash, as well as, the center console computer had instructions "not to turn the engine off". The car operated normally just with an uncomfortable big red light on my dash. Before calling the BMW dealer I…
Lights
6 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 101,000 miles.
Experience "highbeam malfunction" warning light. Inspected the headlamps (e60 adaptive xenon part # [phone]). 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…
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 550i. The contact stated that the driver and passenger's side headlight wires were melted. There was also an intermittent tail light malfunction warning message. The contact inspected the tail lights and noticed they were illuminating properly. Additionally, the passenger's side restraint…
Transmission
3 complaints · 8%Parts named most often: automatic transmission, manual transmission.
2007 550i BMW sedan jerky transmission** the transmission would act erratic at anytime. The vehicle would lurch while at intersections and stop lights. The consumer also stated the turn signal indicators were hidden by the steering wheel. The consumer had to look down to see if they were flashing. The consumer brought…
Other or unspecified
3 complaints · 8%2007 550i BMW sedan jerky transmission** the transmission would act erratic at anytime. The vehicle would lurch while at intersections and stop lights. The consumer also stated the turn signal indicators were hidden by the steering wheel. The consumer had to look down to see if they were flashing. The consumer brought…
I recently contacted my local BMW of honolulu dealership ([phone], inquiring the recall NHTSA campaign number: 13v564000. I was informed solely based on my VIN number, I'm not eligible for repair, even though my airbag warning light is on. How can this be justified? My safety and my families safety is on the line, but…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2007 BMW 550i recalls
Air bags: occupant classification
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.
Fix: 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 customerrelations@bmwusa.
Full defect summary
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.
Engine: engine and engine cooling
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2007 BMW 550i
- What are the most common problems with the 2007 BMW 550i?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (8 complaints, typically around 76,500 miles); wheels and tires (7 complaints, typically around 39,500 miles); engine (6 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2007 BMW 550i have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from November 12, 2013 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2007 a bad year for the BMW 550i?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about 550i model year since 2000, with 37 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.