Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2015 550i xDrive.
The 2015 BMW 550i xDrive is a passenger car equipped with an automatic S8 transmission and an oil system that holds 10.0 qt of 0W‑30/0W‑40/5W‑30 viscosity, delivering EPA‑rated fuel economy of 16/24/19 mpg. In its model year it logged only six owner complaints, all traced to the fuel/propulsion system and accompanied by zero recalls. This figure represents the lowest complaint count in the 2011‑2015 span, contrasting sharply with the 2011 peak of 165 complaints and indicating a notable improvement in reliability for the 550i xDrive line.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 49 · 850 CCA battery, OE oil filter 11427583220. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | 11427583220 |
| Engine air filter | 13717577457 alt 13717577458 |
| Spark plug | 12120039664 alt 12120040581 |
| Front wiper blades | 61612458015 |
| Thermostat | 11538632664 alt 11537586885 |
| Cabin air filter | 64119272642 alt 64116809933 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Overall length | 192.9 in |
| Overall width | 73.2 in |
| Overall height | 57.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.9 in |
| Curb weight | 4431 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 63 / 64.2 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 51/49 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 16 / 24 / 19 mpg |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger volume | 102 cu ft |
| Cargo volume | 14 cu ft |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 10.0 qt of 0W-30 / 0W-40 / 5W-30 engine oil, Castrol SAF-X0 in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque the oil drain plug to M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Clutch Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Differential Gear Oil | Castrol SAF-X0 |
| Engine Coolant | Ethylene Glycol |
| Engine Coolant Capacity | 9.5-11.5 |
| Engine Oil | 0W-30 · 0W-40 · 5W-30 · 5W-40 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 10.0 qt |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gallons |
| Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts | 11 |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs |
| Transfer Case Fill Plug | 43.0 ft-lbs |
| Transfer Case Drain Plug | 43.0 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 |
| Spark Plug Manufacturer | BMW |
| Spark Plug Type | M14X1.25 |
| Spark Plug Gap | non-adjustable in |
| Spark Plug Torque | 20.0 - 24.3 ft-lbs |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 49 |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 850 cca |
| Pressure Test | 21.7 psi |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 28-32 psi |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | Front: 0.145; Rear: 0.145 pads |
| Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement | Stamped on rotor |
| Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness after Refinish | Stamped on rotor |
| Vented Rotor Maximum Scoring Depth | Stamped on rotor |
| Variation from Parallelism Thickness Variation | Stamped on rotor |
| Maximum Rotor Runout | Stamped on rotor |
Prep Do not reuse old bolts
| 1 | 22.0 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 3 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 2015 BMW 550i xDrive sits in the middle of a notable decline in federal complaints and recalls within its generation. In 2011 the model received 165 complaints and 7 recalls, dropping to 45 complaints and 2 recalls in 2012, and further to 15 complaints and 1 recall in 2013; the 2015 record shows only 6 complaints and no recalls, though one investigation was still noted. The top complaint categories for 2015 were fuel/propulsion system (3 complaints), power train/electrical system (1), power train/engine (1), and tires/wheels (1), with zero crash or fire complaints reported that year. This sharp reduction in issues suggests the 2015 model benefited from design and quality improvements made after the earlier years’ higher defect rates. Consequently, 2015 represents a relatively strong year for the 550i xDrive, making it a more reliable choice among used options in this generation.
All 6 complaints on record, top 4 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
No recall campaigns on record with NHTSA for this vehicle as of the last data refresh.
Showing 5 of 286 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B010122 | 2026-01-21 | Engine | N63TU1 CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT SVC CAMPAIGN: OIL CONSUMPTION DIAGNOSIS/REPAIR |
| B510819 | 2024-01-16 | Electrical System | The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. |
| B611305 | 2024-01-11 | Electrical System | The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process… |
| B160623 | 2023-12-20 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel… |
| B653423 | 2023-11-22 | Electrical System | Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
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Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
10.0 qt of Gasoline engines: 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40 oil meeting BMW specification LL01.Diesel engines: 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40 oil meeting BMW specification LL04, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 0 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 16 city / 24 highway / 19 combined mpg.