Does the 2008 BMW 550I have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 BMW 550I, the most recent reported on September 11, 2013 (Exterior lighting: tail lights). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 550I?

Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (9 complaints), followed by exterior lighting (7).

How many 2008 BMW 550I complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 32 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2008 BMW 550I recalls and problems

2 recalls and 32 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2008 BMW 550I.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2008 BMW 550I recalls

Exterior lighting: tail lights

NHTSA campaign 13V407000 · reported September 11, 2013 · BMW of North America, LLC · 134,100 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).
The risk: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 07V479000 · reported October 12, 2007 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 29,250 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Electrical system9
Exterior lighting7
Air bags6
Engine5
Seat belts4
Power train3
Fuel system, gasoline2
Suspension2
Tires2
Unknown or other2

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 13, 2025 · Engine
Vehicle abruptly shut off while reversing out of my driveway. Vehicle restarted after a long crank and appeared to enter a reduced power mode/limp mode with a transmission fault that locked the transmission in 4th gear. Reading OBD2 codes revealed a code for the crankshaft position sensor. Inspection of the 3 terminal…

Nov 9, 2023 · Engine · 65,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 BMW.The contact stated that he was getting ready to drive the vehicle, however when he started the vehicle, the ABS and check engine lights illuminated.The contact stated that he noticed the vehicle was overheating and turned the vehicle off.The contact heard an unusual sound which came from…

Oct 22, 2023 · Exterior lighting
The daytime running lights aka Angel Eyes wiring is sub-standard. The plastic coating on the wires for the daytime running lights/Angel Eyes has melted away exposing bare wiring that has fused causing the lights to malfunction and not work. I believe the manufacturer is aware of this sub-standard issue and needs to…

Aug 7, 2023 · Electrical system
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…

Jun 2, 2022 · Exterior lighting
The wiring in my headlight assembly is crumbling and the headlight is shorting out. The coating on the wiring is trash. I own a 08 Bmw550i. BMW should be ashamed. Thanks […] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

550I model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2006	3	23	3	0
2007	2	37	3	1
2008	2	32	1	3
2009	1	2	0	0
2010	1	11	1	0
2011	3	84	1	11

Across all years, the 2011 550I has the most complaints (84). All BMW 550I years →

Questions

Does the 2008 BMW 550I have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 BMW 550I, the most recent reported on September 11, 2013 (Exterior lighting: tail lights). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 550I?: Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (9 complaints), followed by exterior lighting (7).
How many 2008 BMW 550I complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 32 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 13, 2025.