Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 M550i xDrive.
The 2021 BMW M550i xDrive routes its power through an eight-speed automatic (S8) and is specified with a substantial 11.09-quart engine oil capacity using 0W-30 viscosity, while delivering EPA fuel economy of 17 city, 25 highway, and 20 combined mpg. In the model's reliability history this year is notable for a very low single owner complaint, though that complaint centers on the power train and the year carries two recalls. For researchers, that combination points to a largely quiet owner-feedback record but enough recall activity—particularly around power train concerns—to merit careful review of campaign data when assessing this model year.
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 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 | 13718699811 alt 13718699812 |
| Spark plug | 12120057704 |
| Battery | 61216806755 alt 61215B3F325 |
| Front wiper blades | 61612447932 |
| Thermostat | 11538632664 alt 11538685978 |
| Cabin air filter | 64115A1BDB6 alt 64115A29D99 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Overall length | 195.3 in |
| Overall width | 73.6 in |
| Overall height | 57.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 117.3 in |
| Curb weight | 4222 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 63.4 / 64.2 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 54/46 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 17 / 25 / 20 mpg |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger volume | 99 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 11.09 qt of 0W-30 engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 103 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to Use new seal: 30.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2.
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | ATF3 |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | GA8HP76Z |
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Clutch Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Engine Coolant | Infiniti BASF Glysantin G40 Coolant |
| Engine Oil | 0W-30 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 11.09 qt |
| Power Steering Fluid | ATF |
| Cylinder Head Instructions | Only use new bolts. |
| Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts | Use new nuts only. 11.0 ft-lbs |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | Use new seal: 30.0 ft-lbs |
| Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs | 18.0 ft-lbs |
| Differential Fill Plug | Front: 44.0 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 103 ft-lbs |
| Transfer Case Fill Plug | Use a new plug: 44.0 ft-lbs |
| Transfer Case Drain Plug | 44.0 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 |
| Refrigerant | R1234yf |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | 46YF |
| Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque | Rear: 26.0 ft-lbs |
| Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque | Use new bolts. 81.0 ft-lbs |
| ABS Sensor Torque | 6.6 |
| Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement | Front: 12.99; Rear: 12.99 |
| 1 | 22.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°, Step 3: 140° | 22 ft. lbs |
| 1 | M6 Screw | 7.4 ft. lbs |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Owner complaints about the 2021 BMW M550i xDrive dominate in one area — the power train, 1 of 1 reports (100%), well ahead of the next concern. None of this vehicle's 2 recall campaigns target the power train, so those reports read as owner-reported wear-and-tear rather than an acknowledged defect. 0 of the reports describe a crash and 0 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the power train pattern above. These are tallies of what owners actually reported to the federal government, not an editorial score — and higher-selling models naturally rack up more reports.
All 1 complaints on record, top 1 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e… Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW…
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7… Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW…
Showing 5 of 165 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B011724 | 2025-09-19 | Engine | The Fuel Injector Condition-Specific Repair Coverage Program applies to qualifying… |
| B011724 | 2024-12-10 | Fuel/Propulsion System | the Fuel Injector Condition-Specific Repair Coverage Program applies to qualifying… |
| B630418 | 2024-03-14 | Exterior Lighting | One or more of the LED daytime running lights are dim or discolored. |
| 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… |
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.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
11.09 qt of BMW LongLife LL-01FE 0W-30 is recommended., per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined mpg.