Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 M550i xDrive.
The 2018 BMW M550i xDrive employs an eight-speed automatic transmission (S8) and posts EPA fuel economy ratings of 16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. Reliability data positions this as a relatively stable model year, with only 22 total owner complaints and a single recall documented. Researchers should note, however, that air bags account for the top complaint area, indicating that system warrants particular scrutiny during assessment.
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; Auxiliary w/M Sports Suspension: 47 · 900; Auxiliary w/M Sports Suspension: 60 O.E. AmpHrs 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 | 13718613251 alt 13718613250 |
| Spark plug | 12120047946 |
| Battery | 61216806755 alt 61217604802 |
| Front wiper blades | 61612447932 |
| Thermostat | 11538632664 alt 11538685978 |
| Cabin air filter | 64115A1BDB7 alt 64115A1BDB6 |
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 | 4537 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 63.4 / 64.2 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 54/46 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 16 / 25 / 19 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 DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque the oil drain plug to 29.0 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 |
| Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s) | 7.4 ft-lbs |
| Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s) | 3.0 ft-lbs |
| Oil Pan to Block Bolts | 7.4 ft-lbs |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | 29.0 ft-lbs |
| Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs | 18.0 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Refrigerant Capacity | 1.85-1.90 lbs |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | 46 |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 49; Auxiliary w/M Sports Suspension: 47 |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 900 |
| Optional BCI Group Number | 95R |
| Optional BCI Cranking Performance | 105 |
| RPM | 725.0 |
| 1 | 48.0 inch lbs. | 48 in |
| 2 | 15.0 ft. lbs. | 15 ft. lbs |
| 3 | 70 | |
| 1 | 73.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 60 degrees, Step 3: 60 degrees, Step 4: 60 | 73 ft. lbs |
Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Use new bolts coated with clean engine oil. Tighten all bolts to finger tight then continue on with the following procedure.
| 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.
Owner complaints about the 2018 BMW M550i xDrive lead in one area — the air bags, 4 of 22 reports (18%), well ahead of the next concern. None of this vehicle's 1 recall campaigns target the air bags, so those reports read as owner-reported wear-and-tear rather than an acknowledged defect. 0 of the reports describe a crash and 1 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the air bags 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 22 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i… Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at…
Showing 5 of 285 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B720125 | 2025-04-18 | Electrical System | The Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Front Passenger’s Seat Occupancy Capacitive… |
| 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… |
| B340714 | 2023-10-13 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
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Interactive fuse-box and wiring references for this vehicle, searchable by circuit.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined mpg.