2006 Bmw 550i problems

General information about Bmw-550i
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

The sixth generation of the BMW 5 Series consists of the BMW F10 (sedan version), F18 (long-wheelbase sedan), BMW F11 (wagon, marketed as Touring) and BMW F07 (fastback/hatchback, marketed as Gran Turismo) executive cars and were produced by BMW from January 2010 (for the 2011 model year) to 2017, with F10 being launched on 20 March 2010 to domestic market and F11 in the summer of 2010. The F07 Gran Turismo was produced from early September 2009 to 2017, being launched in the domestic German market in late October 2009.

The F10 5 Series shares a platform with the F01 7 Series full-size luxury sedan and the F12 6 Series executive-sized grand tourers. The F10 generation is the first 5 Series to offer a hybrid drivetrain, a turbocharged V8 engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, a dual-clutch transmission (in the M5), active rear-wheel steering (called "Integral Active Steering"), electric power steering, double-wishbone front suspension, an LCD instrument cluster (called "Black Panel Display") and automatic parking (called "Parking Assistant"). A long-wheelbase sedan version (model code F18) was sold in China, Mexico, Turkey and the Middle East. Introduced in 2011, the M5 model is powered by the BMW S63 twin-turbocharged V8 engine coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The Gran Turismo (F07) is the first and only 5 Series to be produced in a fastback body style with a hatchback truck opening.

In February 2017, the G30 5 Series was released as the successor to the F10. G32 6 Series Gran Turismo (based on the G30 platform) succeeded the F07.

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Common 2006 Bmw 550i problems

The BMW 550i, particularly the 2006 model, is known to have several common problems that owners have reported. Here are some of the most frequent issues:

Noise from Front and Rear Doors: Some owners have reported hearing noises coming from the front and rear doors, which can be caused by various issues, including worn-out door seals, loose hinges, or problems with the door latch mechanism. Regular maintenance and inspection of the door components can help prevent or address these issues.

Head Gasket Replacement: The 550i's powerful V8 engine has been known to have head gasket issues, which can lead to coolant leaks and overheating. If not addressed promptly, this problem can cause severe engine damage. Regular maintenance and monitoring of the cooling system can help prevent head gasket problems.

Valve Cover Gasket Replacement: Another common issue with the 550i's V8 engine is the valve cover gasket, which can leak oil and cause a mess in the engine bay. This problem is more of an inconvenience than a severe issue, but it should still be addressed promptly to prevent further damage.

Alternator and Starter Replacement: The alternator and starter are critical components of the 550i's electrical system, and they can fail over time due to wear and tear. Replacing these components is a common repair for 550i owners, especially as the car ages.

Water Pump Replacement: The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant through the engine to keep it at the proper temperature. Over time, the water pump can fail, leading to overheating and engine damage. Regular maintenance and inspection of the cooling system can help prevent water pump failure.

Squealing from Brake Pad Wear Sensor: Some owners have reported a squealing noise coming from the brakes, which can be caused by a worn-out brake pad wear sensor. This problem is more of an annoyance than a severe issue, but it should still be addressed promptly to prevent further damage to the brakes.

Timing Chain Stretch: The timing chain is a critical component of the 550i's engine, and it can stretch over time due to wear and tear. This problem can cause misfiring, rough idling, and reduced performance. Regular maintenance and inspection of the timing chain can help prevent or address this issue .
Faulty Fuel Door: Some owners have reported issues with the fuel door, which can become stuck or fail to latch properly. This problem can be inconvenient and may require replacement of the fuel door assembly .
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure: The high-pressure fuel pump is a critical component of the 550i's fuel system, and it can fail over time due to wear and tear. This problem can cause reduced performance, rough idling, and difficulty starting the car. Regular maintenance and inspection of the fuel system can help prevent or address this issue .

In summary, the BMW 550i, particularly the 2006 model, is known to have several common problems, including transmission issues, noises from the front and rear doors, head gasket and valve cover gasket replacement, alternator and starter replacement, water pump replacement, squealing from the brake pad wear sensor, timing chain stretch, faulty fuel door, and high-pressure fuel pump failure. Regular maintenance and inspection of these components can help prevent or address these issues, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the 550i.

Is the BMW 550i engine reliable?

Overall, the pre-LCI BMW F10 550i can be a reliable and enjoyable vehicle to own, but like any car, it requires regular maintenance and attention to potential issues to ensure its longevity and reliability.

What is the problem with the BMW 550i GT?

A number of the new twin-turbo 550i series vehicles have issues with the high pressure fuel pump/pressurized fuel delivery system, fuel injectors and spark plugs, causing a rash of drive-ability issues including “no-start”, “hard-start”, “extended cranking time”, “start then stall”, “stall while engine is running” and ...

What is the fuel consumption of BMW 550i 2006?

Compare Side-by-Side

	2006 BMW 550i
EPA Fuel Economy	16 MPG 14 20 combined city/highway city highway
6.2 gal/100mi
288 miles Total Range
MPG estimates for 2016 and older vehicles may have been revised Learn more	View Original EPA MPG

What engine does a 550i have?

It has a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 engine generates an impressive 523 horsepower and 553 lb. -ft of torque.

Is the BMW 550i engine reliable?

What is the problem with the BMW 550i GT?

What series is a 2006 BMW 550i?

5 Series

It's standard on the 2006 BMW 550i and other cars in the 5 Series. BMW's new-vehicle warranty is for 4 years/50,000 miles and includes routine maintenance and roadside assistance during that period.

What engine does a 550i have?

It has a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 engine generates an impressive 523 horsepower and 553 lb. -ft of torque.

2006 Bmw 550i complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2006 Bmw 550i.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2006 Bmw 550i recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2006 Bmw 550i.

2017-07-06

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Summary: BMW of North America, Inc. (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, and 550i vehicles equipped with the Sport Seat option and certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i vehicles with standard seats. 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.
Consequence: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 1, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2013-11-12

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
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.
Consequence: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: 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 [email protected].

2007-10-12

Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
Consequence: 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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2006 Bmw 550i problems:

550i owners - any engine problems? | BimmerFest BMW Forum

https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/550i-owners-any-engine-problems.361759/

Apr 17, 2009 ... 1. N62TU engine seems to have fewer issues with oil leaks. · 2. Both engines seem to have valve stem seal issues. · 3. Both engines will likely ...

2006 550i tranny problems - 5Series.net - Forums

https://5series.net/forums/e60-discussion-2/2006-550i-tranny-problems-142122/

May 30, 2015 ... E60 Discussion - 2006 550i tranny problems - Hello All, I purchased a 2006 BMW 550i on Thursday. It's Mystic Blue, like new inside and out.

2006 550i engine problems | BimmerFest BMW Forum

https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/2006-550i-engine-problems.963184/

Feb 3, 2017 ... There are way too many things that can cause what you're describing. The oil overfill will damage your engine and that needs to be corrected ...