2012 BMW 550i
The 2012 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 2012 BMW 550I
The 2012 BMW 550i is the rear-wheel-drive V8 version of the F10 5 Series saloon. Its 4.4-litre N63 V8 uses two turbochargers mounted inside the cylinder vee and is rated at 400 hp and 450 lb-ft. This entry covers the version with the eight-speed automatic; a six-speed manual was available on rear-drive 550i models.
The 2012 range
In its second year the F10 line-up grew from both ends. The four-cylinder 528i arrived as the new entry model while the new M5 was still to reach US buyers, leaving the 550i as the fastest regular 5 Series in showrooms. The rear-drive 550i is the purist’s pick of the V8 cars, and the availability of a manual gearbox with a V8 made it unusual among large luxury saloons of the time.
Performance and comfort
With strong low-rev torque the 550i feels effortless, and the rear-drive chassis is slightly lighter and more agile than the xDrive version. Optional Integral Active Steering adds rear-wheel steer, which helps both low-speed manoeuvres and high-speed stability. The interior is spacious and well finished.
Buying one today
The N63’s “hot vee” layout places the turbochargers close to many hoses, seals and sensors, which is behind several commonly reported problems: oil consumption, valve stem seal failure, timing chain wear and coolant leaks. BMW’s N63 service programme addressed many items, so ask for documentation. Rear tyres wear quickly on these heavy, powerful saloons.
Rivals
The 550i competed with the Mercedes-Benz E550, Audi A6 3.0T, Infiniti M56 and Jaguar XF Supercharged.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | 550i |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2012 | Version / Trim | BMW 2012 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 | 610 Nm / 450 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 5.2 sec | Top Speed | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 15 mpg city / 23 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,968 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,870 kg (4,123 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2012 SEDANS
Compared with other 2012 sedans in our database, its 400 hp is 45% more than the average 2012 sedan (276 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 1.8 seconds quicker than average, and it is 15% heavier than the typical sedan.
| 2012 BMW 550i | Average 2012 sedans | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 400 hp | 276 hp (119 cars) | +45% |
| Torque | 610 Nm | 355 Nm (119 cars) | +72% |
| 0–60 mph | 5.2 s | 7.0 s (121 cars) | -25% |
| Top speed | 155 mph | 137 mph (121 cars) | +13% |
| Kerb weight | 1,870 kg | 1,623 kg (138 cars) | +15% |
| Engine size | 4,400 cc | 3,193 cc (135 cars) | +38% |
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 2012 sedans with similar power to the 2012 BMW 550i.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 BMW 550i | 400 hp | 5.2 s | 1,870 kg |
| 2012 Maserati Quattroporte | 400 hp | — | 1,930 kg |
| 2012 Jaguar XF | 385 hp | 5.7 s | 1,720 kg |
| 2012 Tesla Model S | 416 hp | 2.7 s | 2,069 kg |
| 2012 Lexus IS F | 416 hp | — | 1,530 kg |