2011 BMW 550i
The 2011 BMW 550i is a sedan. It has a 4.4-litre turbocharged eight-cylinder engine producing 400 hp (298 kW), with an 8-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 5.2 seconds and top speed is 155 mph (249 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2011 BMW 550I
The 2011 BMW 550i is the V8 version of the sixth-generation 5 Series sedan (F10), launched for the 2011 model year. It uses BMW’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre N63 V8, rated at 400 hp and 450 lb-ft, and drives the rear wheels. This entry covers the version with the eight-speed automatic; a six-speed manual was also offered on the 550i.
A new generation
The F10 replaced the E60, adopting more conservative styling and much of the technology and chassis design of the F01 7 Series, including a double-wishbone front suspension. Its 2,968 mm wheelbase is notably longer than the E60’s, improving rear legroom. Electric power steering arrived, as did an optional Integral Active Steering system with rear-wheel steering. Compared with the outgoing 4.8-litre 550i, the turbocharged V8 added 40 hp and much more low-end torque.
Practicality
The cabin seats five in comfort, the boot is a good size for the class, and the updated iDrive system with a larger screen was easier to use than earlier versions.
Buying one today
As a launch-year car with the first-generation N63, it carries the engine’s commonly reported weak points: oil consumption, valve-stem seal wear, timing-chain stretch, injector failures and heat-damaged seals and hoses. Check whether the BMW customer care package work was done. Electronics and suspension components can be costly to fix.
Rivals
The 550i competed with the Mercedes-Benz E550, Audi A6 4.2 quattro, Jaguar XF Supercharged and Lexus GS 460.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | 550i |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2011 | Version / Trim | BMW 2011 550i |
| Body Style | Sedan | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | Ext. Colour | Alpine White, Jet Black, Black Sapphire Metallic, Space Gray Metallic, Titanium Silver Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Mineral Gray Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, Melbourne Red Metallic |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Germany |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Engine | 4.4L 8-cyl Turbo | Engine Size | 4,400 cc |
| Power | 400 hp / 298 kW | Torque | 600 Nm / 450 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 5.2 sec | Top Speed | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 17 mpg city / 25 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,968 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,870 kg (4,123 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2011 SEDANS
Compared with other 2011 sedans in our database, its 400 hp is 41% more than the average 2011 sedan (284 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 1.6 seconds quicker than average, and it is 14% heavier than the typical sedan.
| 2011 BMW 550i | Average 2011 sedans | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 400 hp | 284 hp (107 cars) | +41% |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 363 Nm (107 cars) | +65% |
| 0–60 mph | 5.2 s | 6.8 s (106 cars) | -24% |
| Top speed | 155 mph | 139 mph (106 cars) | +12% |
| Kerb weight | 1,870 kg | 1,639 kg (121 cars) | +14% |
| Engine size | 4,400 cc | 3,291 cc (121 cars) | +34% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2011 sedans with similar power to the 2011 BMW 550i.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 BMW 550i | 400 hp | 5.2 s | 1,870 kg |
| 2011 Maserati Quattroporte | 400 hp | 5.6 s | 1,930 kg |
| 2011 Jaguar XF | 385 hp | 5.7 s | 1,720 kg |
| 2011 Lexus IS F | 416 hp | — | 1,530 kg |
| 2011 Audi A8 | 372 hp | 4.9 s | 1,970 kg |