Skip to content
Trimslate
SavedHelp

2021 BMW

M550i xDrive

Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo

BMW M550i: best and worst years
2021 BMW M550i xDrive (photo 1 of 2)

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2021.

PhotoDamian B OhCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Midsize CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
All-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic (S8)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
PremiumEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
523
Power to weight
0.124 hp/lb
Axle ratio
2.81
Cyl
8EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
TurbochargedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Start-stop system
YesEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
25 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
17 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
20 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$3,850EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
CO₂
439 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Eco Score
4/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score
3/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
195 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Width
74 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Height
58 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Wheelbase
117 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Curb Weight
4,222 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Pass. Vol
99 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Cargo Vol
14 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Recalls
2
Owner complaints
1

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • POWER TRAIN100%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 1 total.

BMW M550i: best and worst years

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

120 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Sep 19, 2025ENGINEB011724

    The Fuel Injector Condition-Specific Repair Coverage Program applies to qualifying repairs for the required replacement of one or more the fuel injectors which were determined to have failed due to a buildup of external corrosion in the engine’s center fuel injector bore area that resulted after this location was periodically contaminated by engine coolant residue over time. This special program’s coverage is 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the vehicle's original in-service / first d

  • Mar 14, 2024EXTERIOR LIGHTINGB630418

    One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored.

  • Jan 16, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEMB510819

    The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

  • Jan 11, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEMB611305

    The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

  • Oct 13, 2023SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICB340714

    Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material-

  • Aug 1, 2023STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARSB540521

    ?The sunroof will not operate in either direction.

  • Aug 1, 2023SEATSB520121

    ?The front seat will not calibrate/initialize, and the stored faults cannot be deleted.

  • Aug 1, 2023STEERINGB320223

    ?Unusual noises occur only when operating the steering column in the axial direction.

  • and 112 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50k mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr
Maintenance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.