BMW 550i xDrive Review | The BEST 5-Series For Under $30k!

Instagram: @eddiex616
Video edited by: @dale_zhang
The BMW 550i xDrive features the same 4.4L Twin turbo V8 found in the BMW M5 and M6...except it was equipped with AWD. This means it can really put the power down. It is also more luxury oriented, fitting the personality of a big luxury sedan like the 5 series has become. Is this a better option than the M5/M6? You can build up a 550i to be even more powerful than the M5...and it has AWD. I think this could be the best F10 5 series to buy!
Music from: www.epidemicsound.com/

[@THEWRITERSTELEVISION]

I drive the 550i M-Sport and it drives smooth and quiet. I had it for five years now. Got it with an extended warranty when I brought it. I once owned 528i and 320i years ago but this is a beast. I just hit 89,000. Love the car.

[@user-ky7ld3kw1k]

How’s the engine condition for that I’m guessing N63tu?

[@anjr9915]

how is the reliability?

[@111tombomb]

Finally a review on this car! Have one and have been trying to find a decent review on it. Anxious to see what you think of it

[@AG-ob1yr]

I have a 2015 550i xdrive. Love everything about it. Power is unbelievable. Luxury is top notch. Just engineered so well all the way around. I have had no mechanical problems and from my own research, I believe that the N63tu engine is basically an entirely new engine relative to the problematic original n63.

[@alanp1728]

Any issues with it sofar?

[@bigdaddy5087]

I’ve had my 2011 550m for a year now with 77k miles and it doesn’t feel outdated to me and still powerful and sweeping new sport cars on the street

[@chancegreer9778]

Big Daddy yeah we still have options that new 2019 cars don’t have. My 550 delivers the best of all worlds.

[@k-dawg58]

Huh , my 2013 M 550i is not x drive but I don’t care because is more better at turn and is cool looking mature car I just boost that 45hp and 30 torque

[@jordanjohnson7264]

@@k-dawg58 more better? Lol

[@k-dawg58]

Jordan Johnson Ya bro , more sporty and lighter weight .

[@waautosource]

Hey bro just wondering how your 550 has been reliability wise? I’m looking to buy a 2012 with 64k miles.

[@adamy3834]

Owned several F10’s- great linear driving sedan as the 550 is fun. Although over 50,000 miles I sure would look at a solid extended warranty

[@rollydoucet8909]

Yes, an extended warranty is a must, especially on the V8 engines. They are noted for oil burning because the heat from the turbo chargers dries up the valve stem seals. I'm surprised BMW hasn't addressed that issue.

[@gjiroukehaxhaj5653]

I have been driving a 550i xdrive for about 3 years now (2014). You hit the review on the spot, big - powerful - luxury. Too much body roll. Also Living in NY hitting any pothole with 4500 lbs is a rim buster.

[@jasonmark650]

Gjiro Ukehaxhaj any repairs

[@jordanbanko5347]

Hate hate Hate yeah I think he also thought they had the same transmission 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@prohomespa108]

Best highway cruiser !!

[@killerkett]

bro is it reliable car or u pay a lot of maintenance?

[@caloFi]

@@killerkett 550i is unreliable as shit, get a 535i and tune it

[@StupidFastTruck]

Great review and close to my heart. One of my other cars is a F10 550xDrive. Does his have the DSC suspension? The car really tightens up in sport mode with that option.

[@Jacobk66]

I really wanted one of these. I ended up last year getting a fully optioned “used” 330i from a BMW dealer as I got tired trying to find a 5 Series with adaptive cruise control. I don’t know why but BMWs are impossible to find with that option, new or used. There’s not a single 3 or 5 Series for sale new or used anywhere near me with that option. Only reason I have it is because my car was a BMW employee model that had every option available which no dealer in their right mind orders.

[@alcaponed16]

Same man I’m looking for a 550 with ACC but it’s pretty much impossible :(

[@FishFind3000]

I have the e60 550i m pack and it’s a blast to drive. That v8 Torque is so nice.

[@TOTO_209]

FishFind3000 get jb4 in it and you’ll have a better time driving it.

[@cartergarnon6299]

The S motors have bigger turbos and and almost twice the direct port injection capacity, not just a different tune. However the N motors can very easily be tuned to match and exceed the stock S motors. The S motor will retain a roughly 150hp advantage from the hardware no matter the software.

[@macneg]

N motors fucking leak.

[@stuffle69]

What years are the s motors ?

[@geemanbmw]

Oh and not to mention the rims cracking constantly! If anybody gets one take off those run flats because they are the leading reason for cracked rims the steel in the tire always wins against aluminum on a hard compression bump.

[@luckiegonzalez7547]

I used to have an f10 , love my current F06

[@juniorhector9582]

I just test drive one of these car in New Jersey yesterday no doubt the 550i xdrive is a monster the car is quick I am still think about buying it.

[@Blace5]

Did you get the car??

[@_enigma_5308]

My family used to own a 2013 650i it has the same n63 engine as the 550i. Thankfully it was just a lease, we have been receiving loads of different letters from lemon law firms asking us to join them in a lawsuit against bmw over this engine. (Excessive oil consumption, bad cooling systems, wonky electronics...ext) anyways if I were you I would stay away from anything with the 50i badge from bmw between 2011 and 2015. Get the 35i with the n55 they fixed most of the reliability issues from the n54 with this platform and with a simple jb4 tune you can gain at least 75+ whp and so much more with bolt ons.

[@Blace5]

Good point however the 2015+ models are too expensive…. have to bit the bullet and get the older models since that’s more affordable

[@JohnGlasscock]

Would not touch this thing without a CPO dealer warranty

[@youssefaitmenna5003]

why?? lol

[@threesidedtriangle1798]

Expensive to repair, especially the v8

[@JohnGlasscock]

^yup you'll spend more time fixing it than driving it probably 😁

[@Alumnikiid]

The V8 in the 550i was known to have issues make sure its a 2014+ but the 535i is the safer bet

[@usernamealreadytaken770]

Agreed. I don’t trust BMW V8’s out of warranty and would rather have a 535i with the N55. Although it’s a lot less powerful, at least the N55 is somewhat reliable and BMW is better known for the I6 anyways.

[@JB-lj6vv]

Great vid !

[@Ensignpeak]

He is spot on. I owned one, and it was fast, but no fun to steer. I couldn't keep it. I bought an e60 550i to replace it, that car is much more fun to drive even though its much slower.

[@gottgaame]

Eddie i drove the 2018 530i g30. Performance and handling are not a crazy difference over the f10.

[@Belle1337]

What is the mileage on those cars? I mean in EU you can't find one for so "little money" with a decent mileage on them. In Europe we are talking more like 40-50k.

[@alekssbelskis3544]

www.truecar.com/used-cars-for-sale/listing/WBAKN9C56GD962082/?referrer_id=autotempest

[@dunstondallas]

Eddie you are definitely a brother from another mother saving for new m5 when do will love meet and greet..oh yeah I'm black and I live for my kids and cars..

[@campaspe810]

Who cares what colour you are

[@Vistamotorwerks]

Great video

[@ericmknsana2608]

@EddieX Can I ask? How is the 550i going for you so far? Still running good? Have you experienced any major issues with it since? I'm asking because I'm interested in getting one right about the same year range as yours in a year or two, after I finish paying off my e46 M3. This 5 series with the M Sport pkg is looking pretty nice I've seen a dark gray one about a week ago drove past me while I was stopped at a red light I think it had a rear lip spoiler it looked really nice. I'm thinking either this 5 series or a Lexus IS350... Love both cars tho.

[@EddieX]

I don't own this car! Just drove it for a review. A couple friends have had them and they have been fine, but the N63 is known for having some issues. Do your homework, get a pre purchase inspection and budget for some repairs!

[@ericmknsana2608]

EddieX Issues? What kind of issue, or issues? Minor ones I can deal with it.

[@EddieX]

Anything from excessive oil consumption to timing chain issues. Well documented.just do some research

[@ericmknsana2608]

EddieX 👌Thanks!

[@luketanner7638]

I leased an F10 528i and it was very sporty. I could throw that into a corner all day long and even with only 240hp, it was a beast.

[@Raymond-ck6ms]

hows the n63tu doing bro

[@geemanbmw]

I have a 2011 550xi msport and it's nothing short of a fuckin nightmare in maintenance!! It's my 14th BMW and it's the worst car I've ever had as far as maintenance but with that said I LOVE IT!!! The power with JB4 is incredible and that AWD is a rocket off the line. Ive done 0-60 in 4.0 consistently. Even with a decent aftermarket warranty your still gonna bleed money. Im in it for the long haul

[@GrimySeason]

What specifically are you spending money on?

[@jondafei3021]

​@@GrimySeason yes what about one that has it turbos , fuel intector, belts, new engine done?

[@brianrenteria9181]

Well if u didn’t tune it the engine will last longer and give u less issues. This car doesn’t need a tune at 445hp that’s all you need.

[@northernpatriot]

I have a 2015 550i X-Drive M-Package with stage 1 Dinan tuning pushing about 540Hp and 520 lb.ft and this car is absolutely a sports sedan not a luxury sedan. I think this would be the case even with the stock 550i with M-package. These cars are built to give you a perfect mix of luxury and sports and there are not many vehicles out there that deliver this mix the way the BMW 5Series does. So to conclude, I disagree with this guys assessment.

[@sofianes2186]

Hi, How is the reliability on this car ? looking for a 2016 550i

[@northernpatriot]

Bought it at 95,000km and currently sitting at approx 115,000km. In the 20,000km I have driven it there have been no issues at all. I would highly recommend getting a full inspection of the vehicle by a independent reputable mechanic prior to buying. This is something I stressed at the dealership and they tried to tell me that they would do safety, etc and everything with the car would be fine. Make sure you don’t listen to the seller and get that independent inspection done.

[@044alord]

@@sofianes2186 did you get it??

[@E28Source]

N63tu is pretty nice, rip the 2013 N63 😭

[@joeseeking3572]

I have both an E60 and an F10 that I switch out depending on the day. The F10 is essentially a 7 and E60 still retains some 3 series DNA. IE60 is a much more entertaining car to drive, but the F10 is much more smooth, isolated, etc. -- IF that's what you want. (Note - even the F10 isn't a Lexus, so it does retain something of its heritage / that's a plus for me, but a minus perhaps for people seeking ultimate cush)

[@jrocxzs]

I’d recommend the 535i over the 550i if you’re buying used and out of warranty.

[@usernamealreadytaken770]

Agreed. N55 ftw!

[@kckrol85]

Currently looking at a 2016 535i. What are the odds I make it to 100k miles without any major repairs

[@Enthusiastlist]

kckrol85 many factors on that question such as Do you drive hard, do you plan to tune it, how good are you with maintenance, etc.

[@summerbreeze5758]

550 steering is tighter. Much better than 535

[@_enigma_5308]

The internals of this n63 (I think that’s what it’s called) are different form the s63 in the m5 and m6 they have better valves crank ext...

[@brentlacrone9500]

_ENIGMA _ internals (pistons, crankshaft) are the exact same, the blocks however are different for oil veining and accessory changes.

[@jondafei3021]

Looks like every time you floor it you are enjoying it haha

[@nevelndoli5768]

I'm seriously looking for this car but to my surprise it's not available in my country 💔😔

[@ayushmalpeddi2793]

DUDE! How come Everytime I look up some used car, you review it in the NEXT VIDEO? Audi r8 and now this!

[@EddieX]

I'm secretly monitoring you 😂🤫

[@ayushmalpeddi2793]

@@EddieX 🧐

[@Smith-qt4us]

You should make a vid on sports cars under 40k.

[@ryanpinkham4119]

S63 and N63 are very different motors. And the M5 has a DCT not a 8 speed auto... again very different. The f10 550i is VERY MUCH softer then the M5. And also the backseat is wayyyyyy smaller then a 7 series.

[@G3t0wt]

He may have been referring to the current awd m5 which does have 8 speed?

[@s1mulati021]

what is the music of the intro

[@johnbauss4246]

Your 0-60 number was conservative. I have a 2014 550xi and I have done it in 4.2 with the right launch and no extra weight and not much gas in the tank.

[@apthashooter860]

John Bauss any major issues? Looking into getting one soon

[@thatflywelshguy9662]

its not the same engine as the M5. M5 is S63 and this is a N63. Different block, oil squirters, rods, pistons, exhaust manifolds.

[@prohomespa108]

This car is best for highway cruising!

[@volitiveclover]

Omg idk why I thought this was the guy from RedlineReviews

[@kckrol85]

Hello All, What are the odds a 2016 535i makes its to 100k with no major repairs. Toss of a coin, or worse?

[@lilripstaSSF4]

My 535i made it to 155k miles before some idiot on her phone hit my car and totaled it, I only had a water pump repair which is common for BMW and rolls Royce engines, other than that ran fine. BMWs aren’t as bad as people say they are you just have to maintenance them on time and treat the, perfectly. I only drove my F10 Monday through Thursday I drive my corvette on the weekends

[@husseinshahin9358]

Eddie please make a comparison between bmw e90 3 series and mercedes w204 c class!

[@jetcity7156]

Sharp!

[@jondafei3021]

i'm thinking about picking this car up... new engine, new turbos, fuel injector, belt, battery... What do you guys think?

[@jondafei3021]

what else tends to go wrong on these 550is? Thinking at least a year or two and then pass the hot potato...

[@santiagocorona2094]

This do it for me

[@Vistamotorwerks]

Smooth fun car!

[@shamrahman7436]

Fuckin love this beast man

[@BMWFanatic]

This is the N63TU 550xi, which is much better since BMW changed too many things to list vs. the prior not reliable N63. It still has its issues though 😂 I’ve been on the hunt to find an ‘14 535xi M-sport car to add to my channel 👌🏻

[@NotNickWasTaken]

Ay love your videos man, atm im stuck between an f30 335i or an f10 550i with the n63tu, its a tough choice. You cant beat that v8 exhaust note.

[@Enthusiastlist]

CrowdSurfer5.0 in the same situation. Haven’t decided yet.

[@ducati10985]

Heard the F10 model has serious transmission issues? Still love how it handles and drive

[@MajicMua]

So since everyone’s saying that the 550 is unreliable, does that make the M5 and M6 unreliable too since they all have the same engine?

[@bigboss1990926]

Leonardo DiCaprio it actually does

[@Jwdude123]

Get the inline 6

[@FishFind3000]

IDrive is great once you learn how to use it.

[@heatsyncperformanceeuro5336]

Need more power out of you 550i or N63 ? 10 second record quarter mile pass shown here below. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3bScpaJj7dog6c

[@oledgaming4997]

I have a 2011 550ix drive and it’s beast 🔥🔥🔥

[@Penuts911]

how’s reliability been?

[@oledgaming4997]

Am literally in 4K worth of debt v8 engines are the worst

[@Penuts911]

@@oledgaming4997 damn bro, just sold my lexus rc f with the NA 5.0 v8 and it gave me literally zero issues. sold it at 112k miles. just not very fast…

[@nrenenra4287]

@@Penuts911 Toyota vs a bmw reliability right there. He also got the worst n63 engine he could’ve. The 2014 and newer are the engines you want. Super reliable if you’re in top of your oil chain, pay attention to ur chain, and and abuse the hell out of it without upgrading components

[@Penuts911]

@@nrenenra4287 i went with an N55 435i fbo stage 2+ mhd/xhp stage 3 and it’s fun but i think the rod bearings are getting ready to go. bout to sell this one too

[@akselcapuri]

Imo best car under 30k is a 2013 s550. I could not have bought any other car, it's so sweet.

[@PsalmMiracle]

Owning this car, I’m gonna tell everyone to not believe him, remember his people said they didn’t start the corona virus 🦠, as an owner of nothing bmw this car is dope and fast af and kills anything on the road, forsure

[@bimmer4755]

You forgot the 535d for the USA market.

[@mavricxx]

Bimmer -I'd love to find me a 535/540 diesel but they're so rare in the U.S.

[@1tokeover]

Skip the 5 and get a 335d. Smaller, lighter, and subsequently faster. The the diesels have v8 power.

[@brentlacrone9500]

1tokeover ok no just stop

[@1tokeover]

Brent LaCrone I’m not lying they haul ass. Wanna race?

[@benjaminshafer5444]

Lol wish I could fine one of these under 30k right now. I’d buy it in no time.

[@joeseeking3572]

I've got a well optioned 2015 550xi M Sport 50k miles - 30k cash might do it, lol. When it's in its element, it's great. Unfortunately I spend far more time on rush hour freeways that are often at a standstill, and I'm semi-seriously thinking Accord Hybrid which would totally go against almost 20 years of buying German.

[@k-dawg58]

I had one , ls quick , lucky got rid of it , the n63 engine block issue from the factory is crazy , you have to replace the whole engine, only the 2018 and newer n63 has cured the problem

[@beigefox6579]

3:19 Where those cars in the middle lane about to rear end each other? Pay attention drivers and stop looking at Eddie reviewing cars

[@DarkIllusionsFilmsSD]

That's what I thought too but it looks like the lead car went over a man hole cover which is why it looks like he got rear ended

[@IEATU95]

2015 550i is good they fixed the engine after that

[@brentlacrone9500]

IEATU95 no they didn’t but it’s slightly better

[@jeffkierstein700]

Fun car but carry a few quarts of oil always

[@ArtSkyNet]

younggunns118 link? is there any documents to use in argue with dealer?

[@adx1885]

pretty similar to my 650i grancoupe. My only complain is the ugly rims from the factory

[@EddieX]

That sounds like a simple fix 👌

[@1tokeover]

I don't understand the Xdrive. Why would you want MORE weight and MORE unnecessary complexity? Are you planning on offroading or driving in the snow?

[@landynstella5977]

Awd means you dont have to deal with all 440hp going through two wheels. Way better when trying to put power down.

[@1tokeover]

@@landynstella5977 my 335d has almost 600ft lbs of tq and has an open diff and still doesn't spin.

[@g.w.7893]

Certain climates require xdrive. Read a book ffs.

[@1tokeover]

@@g.w.7893 then buy a crossover or SUV

[@thatpersiandude7386]

Very expensive car to own

[@MaxSpeedMike]

Totally non-related car before under $30,000 I'm buying a 135

[@ig6894]

2011 BMW 550i is reliable, just maintain the car as required, it is not a honda it is a bmw.

[@fredaydaybae8450]

Bs! Mine was maintained more than required and was in the shop all the time until it threw a rod a few weeks ago. Fkn tragic cars

[@MichaelBatmanKeaton]

👏👏👏👍

[@G3t0wt]

@eddieX just so you know the 550i 4.4 is not the same as the as the m. They are both tt v8s and 4.4l and that's about it. For more www.caranddriver.com/features/two-bmw-twin-turbo-v-8s-emerge-from-the-same-factory-but-dont-call-them-the-same

[@rambo4war]

Front end is very heavy and has issues long term... The transmission is fragile....

[@brentlacrone9500]

rambo4war sure it’ll have issues if you fail to replace the high wear items as needed. But the steel chassis is shared with a rolls Royce and is 50% stiffer than the previous model, so it’s far less prone to creep than the average car. The transmission can handle 700 tq, maybe you’re not changing the fluids like you’re supposed to. (Don’t listen to bmw). But other parts in the drivetrain are fragile though especially the guibos, need replacing every 50k miles

[@Jwdude123]

Under 30k ? Good lucking finding a newer f10 in good shape for that money

[@shamrahman7436]

I found one with 38k miles

[@revo2321]

I got one with 100k miles for 10k.. Runs like a champ but has oil leak.. But still worth it for the money

[@nyjatt911]

The award for THE most unreliable V8 in recent times. Stick with the amazing Inline 6s. Good money maker at repair shops though.

[@AG-ob1yr]

Wrong. This vehicle has the n63TU... Entirely different engine.

[@nyjatt911]

@@AG-ob1yr You’re wrong, the n63 as well as the n63tu and the s63 etc are all unreliable engines. Our shop is always full of them and they’re good money-makers. Thanks for the business LOL

[@davidhampe6882]

I know I'm late to the party, but I'd like to point out that the motor is NOT the same as found in the m cars. The engine found in the 550 is the n63(tu) and the engine found in the m cars is the s63(tu) and are two very different engines, down to different blocks and piston designs. Are they similar? Yes. But they are two different engines completely

[@brentlacrone9500]

David Hampe same piston, most internals are exact same. And lots of different variations of n63/s63 between models 5/6/7/x5/x5m/x6/m5/m6.

[@FishFind3000]

Wrong the engine is not %100 the same. The internals are different. Same displacement but a lot is different.

[@lijax9606]

U can buy a F10 M5 now for under 30K

[@Demerrisk72]

Until the N63 DIES and you have to cough up $10k in repairs. So many ppl still do not understand the difference between being able to BUY a car and being able to AFFORD a car. Set yourself up for failure and debt with this bitch out of warranty of you want. #BuyerBeware

[@justinjohnson623]

You can get one for under 10k now

[@revo2321]

If you get one take car of it and don't abuse it and it'll last you.

[@rodionevtushenko4941]

Just bought 550i 2012. Blow up the engine next day lol

[@DomWayne]

Damn lol

[@HoodSwami]

Yeah, until those injectors, fuel pump, and valve seals fail. Then you're gonna wish you never bought it💀

[@barrymcockener4336]

For 30k I’d get a CTS V2

[@fanwu6620]

Yeah 535 Over 550

[@drifttandemz101sidewayzz9]

I agreed I'm kinda scared of them 550...lol

[@Agent77X]

What year is this! I been looking at the 2016 and they asking from $40K-$55K! Must be the 2013-2014 year high mileage for $30K!

[@blade643]

HW2800 a 16 is way too new to be thinking you can find one in that price range

[@gribzz]

actually its the worst the valve covers/whole engine is total crap

[@beck___3926]

445 hp 481 lb ft of TQ with a very weak exhaust that you can barely just barely hear smh lmao 🤣😂😅!!

[@bigdaddy5087]

If anyone wants to complain about reliability bmw just took care of that due to the lawsuit

[@jchris5256]

Big Daddy what happened ?

[@brockwalseth]

?

[@bigdaddy5087]

Look at bang vs bmw settlement

[@twowheelrush]

The N63 is an unreliable piece of shit engine. Lower timing case covers leak, valve seals, coolant leaks all over, injectors, Turbos can fail, etc. I wouldn’t even get one with warranty. I’d much rather stick with a N55 powered BMW. Reliable inline 6 even with a few bolts on and it sounds awesome!

[@butterfaceee]

N63 is shite. Make sure you get newer N63TU if you're getting a 550i, 650i, 750i

[@YoussefE2003]

1st😝

[@Seconds-sk6he]

no point buying an xDrive if you live in the South and not driving in snowy weather....

[@pdxbmwfan5824]

Not really. All wheel drive gets you better grip, puts the power down better than rwd, faster launches.

[@dudenoway96]

This vehicle is horribly unreliable

[@fredaydaybae8450]

dudenoway96 that’s an understatement. Mine threw a friggin rod with no warning and maintained as nauseum. These cars are pure junk. Loved the way it drove though

[@jackcolt6875]

Never had an issue with my 2014 550i with 70k+ miles....and I drive the hell out of it...just oil changes....

[@GrayHuska]

It’s the best until you need an engine swap... that “50” engine in any BMW is the biggest piece of garbage, you should know better Eddy smh 🙄

[@adamy3834]

Official LXRY had 3 550’s and you are correct my engine on my 2016 550 needed a replacement at 31,000. Buyer beware! Extended warranty

[@onthefly7265]

Good Luck with it bmw quality isnt that good

[@donpedro35]

Kaptain Kid Lexus

[@brentlacrone9500]

Just because you don’t know how to properly maintain a driving machine doesn’t mean they don’t have quality.

[@fanwu6620]

Unreliable engine.

[@esteemedenergy]

Moron, this has the new TU motor.

[@AntLive29]

why are you squinting?

[@brentlacrone9500]

480 lb-ft will do that