"Is the 5 Serisi 550i reliable, and what should you check?"
The most frequently mentioned issue when buying a used BMW 5 Series 550i 2016 (F07 / F10 / F10M / F11 / LCI): Cooling system components and risk of overheating. Also, oil leaks from valve covers, gaskets, and manifolds (pipes/hoses) are commonly reported.
Engine: N63
N63B44B · 550i · Used in this car from 2013-2017
Strengths
Provides hurricane-like dynamics
Great tuning potential
Watch-outs
Quite high fuel consumption
Early versions have many problems
Very picky about fuel and oil
Known engine issues
Early year problemsThe first engine modifications caused a lot of trouble: rapid wear of bearings, peeling coating in cylinders, short life of timing chains, and even bursting spark plugs. However, it should be noted that all defective components were replaced under warranty without issue.
Oil consumptionThe majority of owner complaints on specialized forums are related to oil consumption. The culprits are usually stuck piston rings or hardened valve stem seals, but sometimes the cause can be a faulty crankcase ventilation system.
Coolant leaksIn some operating modes, this engine forces coolant out of the reservoir and it leaks directly onto the coils and injectors, which usually leads to serious breakdowns. Therefore, purchasing a plastic deflector to divert antifreeze is highly recommended.
Listed from most frequently reported, each with its source.
Cooling system components and risk of overheating
Often reported
Failures of the water pump, thermostat, or other cooling circuit elements, combined with the thermal stress of the hot-V layout, can lead to overheating and consequent damage. This issue is significant in high-performance engines where thermal control is critical.
Cooling
Oil leaks from valve covers, gaskets, and manifolds (pipes/hoses)
Often reported
Multiple reports indicate external oil leaks from various points: valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and turbo oil lines. These leaks are triggered by heat and material aging and can lead to oil accumulation.
Engine Bay
Excessive oil consumption
Often reported
Higher than normal oil consumption is widely reported: many users mention needing to add oil frequently (sometimes hundreds of ml every few hundred kilometers).
Engine Internal
Injectors, misfires, and ignition issues (coils/spark plugs)
Often reported
In direct-injection V8 engines, clogged or faulty injectors, degraded ignition coils, and worn spark plugs can cause misfires, hesitation, or lack of response. Carbon buildup on intake valves can worsen combustion.
Fuel System
Turbocharger failures and seal wear (wastegate/oil lines)
Often reported
The hot-V layout of the N63 V8 concentrates the turbochargers in the engine valley, increasing heat and stress on seals and oil lines. Common symptoms include whistling noise, power loss, wastegate rattle, and in severe cases, bearing failure or seizure requiring replacement.
Turbo
BMW 5 Serisi 550i technical specs
BMW 5 Serisi 550i (2016): boot 520 L; fuel use 9,3 l/100 km (urban 13 l/100 km · extra-urban 7,2 l/100 km); 0–100 in 4.4 s.
Boot capacity
520 L
Fuel consumption
9,3 l/100 km (urban 13 l/100 km · extra-urban 7,2 l/100 km)
What should I look for when buying a BMW 5 Series 550i?+
When buying a 2016 550i, check the service history, test drive, and look for engine/transmission warnings. Most commonly reported issues: cooling system components and risk of overheating; oil leaks from valve covers, gaskets, and manifolds (pipes/hoses); excessive oil consumption.
What are the chronic problems of the BMW 5 Series 550i?+
Most commonly reported issues: cooling system components and risk of overheating; oil leaks from valve covers, gaskets, and manifolds (pipes/hoses); excessive oil consumption.
Is the BMW 5 Series 550i reliable?+
Rather than a simple yes/no, it is necessary to evaluate proven pros and cons together. This page lists 5 verified findings.
How does Carbeak collect data?+
The cards on this page are derived from Difetti fault database records; compatibility of brand, fuel, engine, and generation between the source vehicle and target vehicle is verified. Topics with insufficient evidence are not shown.