Here is why I SOLD my BMW 550i - 4 Year Ownership Report

BMW 550i xDrive was my first 'adult' car where I didn't specifically go for looks or what people thought of it. I went for an understated 4 door sedan with tons of power and presence on the road. The 4 years I owned it, I enjoyed driving it every time I was in it. The plushy, yet sporty luxury seats were some of the most comfortable I ever sat in and you needed those with how hard it would push you into the seat. In this video I talk about how and why I bought the car, problems over the years, modifications I've done, why I kept it for such a long time and of course why I sold it. My 4 year journey with this car has been a great one and I'm looking forward to more luxury, plushy big BMWs in my future.
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[@Sam-ks6ic]

Man I tell you. I drove my 2014 M550 xDrive through a blizzard through the Rockies for like 5 hours. It was rock solid. This car can pick up speed so fast especially w the peddles shifters. I love mine!

[@lilkd1433]

i plan on getting a bmw soon really want a 550i, but debated a 2013 m5. i would daily to work but also use as a fun car. any advice as far as milage, reliability??

[@socommaster]

You 550 Its not a m550

[@bimmerfan6538]

Wow very well done on the video! Looks awesome! I've been following the 550 and z4 for over a year on your channel!

[@THEtimguitartaylor]

the much maligned n63 has been dead reliable and a fantastic engine. Ive owned performance all my life and my 2011 550i has been terrific. Ive had it 7 years. total cost of maintenance over the life of the car including tires, some wear in suspension pieces and brakes is right at 7 grand. about to buy an m5 or m6, so will let go of the 550i. I bought it with 39k miles, and am just hitting 75k. At 88k new…ouch!!! But at the 27k I paid it was a bargain. Hard to believe, but one of the best cars Ive ever had. I did get mighty lucky in terms of reliability.

[@TheMcFather]

Update?

[@tyrskykuutti9103]

Something with xDrive, because that in winter is really useful and you can still have fun with it!

[@markmayfield1170]

I have a 2016 M6 and it’s almost 2 years old in my care. I’ve had no issues. I keep the oil and filter changed at 7500 miles. Will be changing spark plugs and coils for preventive maintenance soon. 48,000 mile. Bought it with 23,300 mile. Fast machine without mods. 600HP with comp pkg.

[@mazpr2025]

KZbinr M539 recommends no more than 5k miles and Liquid Molly on all his BMWs.

[@MikeyG003]

Yeah I’d run no more than 5k oci on those motors with the turbos in the middle, create a lot of heat. Not that you ideally should be going over 5k on any car lol

[@ashleyhaine3361]

Appreciate the feedback Playa x Thought on new 3O00?

[@MsKGucci]

This car is on my list..found one I have to look at tomorrow!

[@nopal4025]

Did you ever get it?

[@botdakota4213]

watching this video 2 years later but very insightful as I am looking to purchase one

[@AudioAlchemy2023]

Me too

[@BmwMe-uh9sy]

the 335xi u got is all you need, i daily one n love the sound

[@raybutts9133]

I LOVE MY 2011 528I. 3.0 liter straight 6 with no turbo! naturally aspirated. Probably too slow and boring for most of the viewers here but it has been reliable for me. Fast enough for this old guy.

[@shawndon7374]

I want that exact spec for my birthday next month when I turn 27

[@shawndon7374]

Hows electronics been for you? Have you had it awhile?

[@raybutts9133]

Not a problem BUT then again I have only 6,000 miles. ( six thousand) I have owned since new. Is yours a 528i and does it have the 3 liter engine? How many miles does yours have and have you had any vanos bolts problems yet? Have ypu had to repair or replace your interior headliner yet? @@shawndon7374

[@davntelisha19]

Yeah it's crazy I had the BMW 750 745 645 and the 650 I sold all of them while they where still good I do miss them but man it's a shame there all problems expecting how much problems they developed and to make problems worse there so expensive repairs ect ect

[@JRB41]

I’ll stick to my 11’ BMW 328i xDrive sport wagon, 6 speed manual single hump - N52 N/A straight 6, all the power I need

[@melrosabal3564]

Hey what’s a good price to pay for a 2013 650i gran coupe with 70000 miles ?

[@RukusWoW]

Are timing chains an issue on these cars?

[@robertread4000]

Get a 750i you’ll love it!

[@JeffST11]

I had an x5 with the same engine and never gave any problems at all beside spent more money on fuel.

[@Scotford_Maconochie]

The X5 with the N63 xDrive50i has a ton of power. I'm just happy with my xDrive35i and 300hp

[@joeseeking3572]

Mine = 2015 5501 Xdrive M Sport well optioned - mostly happy with it, and i don't feel it's outdated, but then I don't care about the touch screen nav, et al. Frankly I'd rather have hard buttons and I can still store CDs in the hard drive. Am fine with Waze on my phone. Fast, but has a huge thirst.

[@jaybomb5022]

God the thirst is too real now that gas is almost 7$

[@Cj-gb6is]

how much do you pay on gas a week ?

[@jaybomb5022]

@@Cj-gb6is 142$ per tank. Not including the octane modifier since CA has terrible fuel quality.

[@honorablewiz7447]

Hes talking about a thirst for OIL 😆

[@jaybomb5022]

@@honorablewiz7447 Gas is made from oil

[@nathansamataro3075]

Can you please tell me what time of module the apple car play upgrade was ? I have the same car, and I want to do this, as the model year is 2015, and apple car play was not offered. Did it work well ? were there any issues ?

[@IBraQx.101]

You can upgrade apple car f10 model from 2010 to 2016 .But just be careful who you take your car to get the job done for you,if he is not professional it can mess up your ICU system.I got 2014 545 IX Drive and I recently upgraded apple car play on mine to be honest to you on my opinion is a waste of money because even when you got apple car play the sound quality changes in comparing to normal sound quality while music and also the guy who installed mine (apple car play) messed up my confort access and ICU now I can’t get in the the ICU using the OBD adapter to read bimmercode 🤦🏾‍♂️.The only good thing about the apple car play is the navigation system and that already come with your car originally.So I would recommend don’t install it and playing video is a whole process you gatto connect on your phone and connect on dash it’s a whole headache,you can’t be doing that while driving .So if I was you just code the video motion in your bimmer and Insert your USB to play video music while driving so easy and sound quality remains the same.If you want apple car play just upgrade to a BMW 2017 ahead all those models comes with apple car play already installed so you don’t have to waste money or neither take your care to these guys and the gonna mess up something’s in your car that would damage your car cause these cars are electronic so any small damage could cost a big deal …..

[@AYO_KO]

I definitely need that executive package when I get one. But I’m definitely doing performance mods.

[@Astonvman007]

Go with catted downpipes and a muffler delete. Keep the 2 mid resonators though, they'll balance the drone and higher engine pitch from the downpipe. With a nice tune option (you'll want one after the DP install) you can have a 4 door luxury sport sedan with around 400 to the wheel and 480 or so at the crank. Replace the fuel injectors and high pressure fuel pump before long or you can be looking at a pretty heavy repair.

[@AYO_KO]

@@Astonvman007 update: got the car. Nice spec. But I need to replace my crankcase breather hose. Luckily not the entire PCV system bc I don’t have any oil leaks or excess oil consumption in the slightest. I do have a cold air intake on it now tho. And I already had the sport oil cooler valve installed. I have Downpipes on stand by in my closet but they’re Catless

[@Astonvman007]

@AYO KO catless on a V8 will be very loud and will definitely give potent odor! Lots of fun though!!! Congrats on the buy, I also had the vent lines in the crank case replaced, along with the high pressure fuel pump. Valve stems are next on my bucket list with new fuel injectors from BMW's M line. I also recommend ceramic brakes but not necessary. Have fun!

[@AYO_KO]

@@Astonvman007 thank you man. I’m going to replace the hoses bc I’m getting that whistle sound but no drivability issues or oil issues. Before I install my DPs and get tuned, I’m going to change spark plugs and coil packs. I also want to look into the FCP Euro transmission service kit as well. Btw, you can see the car on my channel. In the shorts section.

[@Astonvman007]

@AYO KO nice, I wish you all the best, enjoy the ride!

[@ulisesroldan2955]

Anyone had a cylinder with no compression problem on their 550i 2014?

[@youngadott7321]

How many miles?

[@stephenm3874]

Picked up a mint 2014 550i M Sport X Drive 1 owner three months ago for $24k that literally had every option including the heads up display and the Bang and Olufsen stereo. After a month knew it was a keeper. Decided to future proof it by doing BMW plugs/coils as well as the turbo coolant lines. New Vredestein Hypertrac all around and now have an amazing daily driver. Just had a software update making it purr like a kitten and is happy at 110 as it is at 80!

[@jakoreian]

Total cost after everything?

[@stephenm3874]

@@jakoreian I'm at about 28k. I've got the complete service history and it is about as mint as clean as it gets.

[@musthakahamad]

have u done the software update with bmw or out side also after the software update of the entire computer what is the difference u felt ..? or u are talking abt idrive update ?

[@Sam-ks6ic]

Congratulations! I literally bought the same car w 1 owner as well for 22K at 100K miles. Just took it in for turbo coolant and lines and also new plugs/coils. I’m at 26K and the car is looking very good long term!

[@stephenm3874]

That's awsome, glad you are having the same experience. Just passed 114k and still just as tight, quick and smooth as the day I bought her. Next month going to refinish the wheels, have her completely detailed, do a one step and a ceramic coat. The interior (black) still looks brand new. Amazing.

[@bradrose8826]

What car play did you add? I’m looking at a 750i 2012 that will need it

[@levipugh3400]

What did you end up going with?

[@nyc_-qm5kd]

get a 2011 and up porsche panarama, 440i, or 650i, i have a 440i i love so fast was stuck between it or 2014-2016 550 xdrive

[@XhuissenX]

Way more expensive

[@peterchan6926]

BMW 650 gran coupe xdrive

[@ashleyhaine3361]

B44tu Thoughts bro?

[@dunkirk6808]

Does the 2015 550i gives you a lot of problems?

[@Scotford_Maconochie]

From 2014 BMW reworked the "50i" models with the TÜ engine to increase reliability and performance.

[@DirtySS]

You got lucky. I bought a 91k miles 2015 550i M Package, with all the bells and whistles, and a good maintenance record. Not a week into owning it, left me stranded on the side of the road, looks to be internal engine damage, not yet sure what the cause of it is.

[@TheGamersRace]

Probably has something to do with the Germans

[@Tom-tq8vj]

Damn

[@Tom-tq8vj]

Did u get warranty from dealer

[@DirtySS]

@@Tom-tq8vj warranty had expired and no, didn't get extended warranty. Found out the issue is at least 3 spun bearings. No clue how that happened.

[@DirtySS]

Still going back and forth with the dealer about this issue. Hopefully they can do something to make it right. Hard to sell a new(ish) car with bad bearings. Bought it from a small dealer but not a shady one. They have great reviews and the sales rep sold me on their vision to make things right by their sales and making the costumer happy. Let's see how it plays out.

[@Computertaurus]

I'm interested in buying a BMW. I've seen two that I like but I'm stuck trying to make a logical choice. The first one is a 2006 BMW 650i convertible with 70,000 miles 3 owners. The other is a 2013 BMW 550i xDrive M sport with 103,000 miles with one owner. I've read the carfax on both but I'm not sure which one to get. What factors should I consider to help make a more decisive choice. I've watched videos on both but I'm still not sure so I'm asking for other opinions. Thanks!

[@Astonvman007]

DO NOT BUY THE 2013 550! Those cars still have the first gen N63 engine. 2014 -2017 has the updated much better N63TU. The 2018 to current models have an upgraded version of the N63TU.

[@RevitChannel]

I’m considering a 2011 BMW 550i xdrive with a manual transmission. Can someone share their ownership experience? Is it reliable? The car has 110,000 km (approx 70,000 miles). Any helpful comments will be appreciated.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

2011 is not the best year for the N63 engine. I made a video on N63 (engine in that car) reliability, I suggest you check it out for best/worst years.

[@nate96x31]

What size rims are those and what are they called?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Those were standard stock 19in BMW rims.

[@Krowicki]

this video makes me wish i got a 550 instead of a 535. maybe in the future if I upgrade to a g30 I'll get a more loaded model

[@Scotford_Maconochie]

Don't bother with a G30 M550i unless you want >500hp. The 540i with the B58 is best of both with 335hp

[@tominator028]

@@Scotford_Maconochie 335hp lol puss

[@Mcali1984]

Damn, 1 hard pool and needed plugs? Thats tough.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

haha fair enough! Careful what you do with your cars and 'pools'!

[@dhyeysolanki8309]

What year was your model ??

[@SimpleCarGuy]

It was 2014

[@arnoldj2764]

How many miles did you buy it at? How many miles did you sell it at?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

It’s been a while, but if I remember correctly bough with about 35k and sold with around 80k miles.

[@imaged-]

Honestly man I just feel like you got beyond lucky with not spending a bunch on the engine. I really want one but that engine scares me

[@danielbulkhak524]

Same man idk if I should get one

[@drudown6527]

@@danielbulkhak524 you only got one life. Do it

[@jaybomb5022]

Just get an LCI, 2014+ and keep the oil changed.

[@markberger8638]

And did you guys get one

[@imaged-]

@@markberger8638 nah sticking with my daily f10 528i

[@FreeFlowFlicks2]

what year was it?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

It was a 2014 BMW 550i xDrive

[@anthony908]

Really thinking about adding the f10 to my family, my E60 looking a little lonely but im worried on the f10 maintenance i found a 550i for 8900$ but the miles are high, 140k what would be the ideal mileage to buy this car at? And what should i look for? I know the valve stem seals are one thing, my E60 hasnt had that problem yet thankfully lol

[@cartere9981]

With today's market to find one for 9 grand it's most likely a turd but if not, not too bad of a deal

[@anthony908]

@@cartere9981 most likely was a turd, didnt bother going to look at it, from my research i am going to buy a 2014 f10 its more reliable than the regular N63

[@cartere9981]

@@anthony908 yes the facelift 2014+ n63 is much more reliable that's what I'm in the market for as well it just sucks how inflated used cars are rn. I am looking at the n55 535i as well, they seem to have less issues and can be fast as well with tuning but I really want that v8 they are beasts.

[@custumwith2u]

man id say get it, id definitely would like to see any service records to see what has been done. I have a 2011 550i n63 and so far (knock on wood) no issues at all during my ownership and it has 195k miles

[@chrishansen5784]

@@custumwith2u that's awesome! How much did you get it for?

[@larryzeldin7561]

I had over 8 different bmws up until I got an X6 50i in 2011 with the n63. It was a nightmare and that was the last one. I had two e60 550s. Two e39 540s. Two e36s 325i and 328i. One e90 335i and the first gen X6 50i. The styling of BMW was not my cup of tea anymore. I been with Lexus ever since. Got an Infiniti q50S in between and a dodge charger scat pack but other than that it’s been Lexus ever since. No headaches with any of them. Yes they don’t preform nowhere near as good as a BMW but I’m older now and don’t care about going fast. I like comfort and quiet.

[@AK-xx5us]

love this comment but ironic that you like comfort and quiet i was 19 my 08' ran it up to 230k got totaled by a 21' lexus an older gentleman he ran a stop sign loll, 2 and a half years later now 21 got a settlement 3x the car and plan on buying a 2013-2016 328i but saw some 550i' around 60-85k miles , 70-60k being very rare it seems and i am tempted but might just stay with ol' reliable 3 series.

[@thekillerking7393]

Hello from Spain

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Hi!

[@HorribleHarry]

looking at the engine I see water to air intercoolers? I thought the 550i was NA?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Nope, 550i has a 4.4 TwinTurbo V8

[@GiorgioNiro]

NEXT CAR? MAYBE A PORSCHE C4?

[@dwightlooi]

LOL... your N63 didn't blow up? Wow, that's new...

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Most reliable bmw engine I’ve had lol!

[@dwightlooi]

@@SimpleCarGuyHad a 2011 550i between 2015 and 2016 (It was a CPO). That thing was a total turd... First the fuel injectors broke (replaced under warranty), the fuel pump broke (warranty), then right turbo grenaded (warranty). They didn't fix it right and oil leaked into the vee causing smoke to billow from under the hood, so they re-did it (dealer responsibility) It was OK for a year then the timing chain skipped and the engine came out (warranty)... then I freaking sold the bloody thing with 2 weeks left on the CPO warranty. -- I had the car for something like 14 months and it was in the shop for a total of something like 4 months over multiple unscheduled visits. A fucking Lada would have done better. The funny thing is that they gave me a bunch of different loaners while the car was at the dealer getting fixed... and I manage to grenade a X5 335i with the N55 engine (the water pump broke) LOL!

[@thedude9960]

this guy has the perfect beard i ve ever seen

[@hitetshqip4871]

should i buy bmw 550i 400-500hp with 100,000 km ?

[@Scotford_Maconochie]

No. It will be a money pit

[@musthakahamad]

@@Scotford_Maconochie should I buy v8 550i RWD 2014 which ran 37k miles .

[@rogermellie689]

Jesus. If having a car for 4 years is a long time. We’re fucking doomed

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Most people get a new car every 2-3 years. I usually keep mine longer, but it’s definitely not typical around here.

[@gediminasbielskis8346]

One thing to mention Most mechanics and services are so bad… its very hard to find good quality mechanics Poor product in addition with shitty specialist makes owning bmw a nightmare

[@HansFelsh]

Wow…8m15s just to say “no problems, I just wasn’t using it.” You made me waste 8 minutes. 🤦‍♂️

[@kenc2386]

Your car has lasted because you violate the BMW advertising and keet yours serviced. I’m pretty sure BMW is like Cadillac: recommending 15,000 mile oil changes and no other service prior to 130,000 miles.

[@Missacek]

They had 15000 for 2011-2013 models, then they changed it to 10000 for 2014+. But yea, those 5000-6000 intervals mentioned in the video probably helped a lot.

[@Scotford_Maconochie]

I heard nearly all BMW "50i" models MY 2008-2013 were know to be highly unreliable.

[@custumwith2u]

Not true my n63 reaching 200k in the next months

[@Swami-Switches]

Some people get lucky. I had a 2011 550i GT with an N63 and the fuel injectors kept failing, needed a quart of oil every few days, fuel pump kept failing as well.

[@custumwith2u]

@@Swami-Switches yea maybe I have a unicorn (hopefully) I’ll start documenting the car after I hit 200k I’m putting about 2k per month on it and it just works

[@Scotford_Maconochie]

@@Swami-Switches you're not lucky.

[@ScullCandy56]

​@@Swami-Switches did you do the fuel pump circuit board recall? Fixes that issue. Also there was a lawsuit settlement that caused bmw to issue recall for the valve stem seal and they get replaced for free. The engine is supposed to burn 1qt of oil between changes and is within design limits and it's because of the placement of the turbos in the middle of the v

[@nyc_-qm5kd]

get another 550,340i, or porsche panarama 2011-2014 v8

[@imm0rt4l52]

bmw m340i

[@FindShindoHere]

M5

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Great option, but what generation?

[@dobdagawd]

For the algo

[@ladislavgazdos6654]

He sad long time lol

[@bmwlane8834]

Get m3 or m4.

[@Luis92r]

I just sold my 2012 528i and I'm beyond sad.

[@coreybutler5325]

Every car company has a lemon don't buy a car made on Friday because workers are drunk and Mondays they are recovering from a hangover