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2016
BMW 550

Starts at:
$68,600
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New 2016 BMW 550
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Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn 550i RWD
    Starts at
    $66,300
    17 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn 550i xDrive AWD
    Starts at
    $68,600
    16 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-8
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2016 BMW 550 2016 BMW 550 2016 BMW 550 2016 BMW 550 2016 BMW 550 2016 BMW 550 2016 BMW 550 2016 BMW 550 2016 BMW 550 2016 BMW 550 2016 BMW 550 2016 BMW 550 2016 BMW 550 2016 BMW 550 2016 BMW 550 2016 BMW 550 2016 BMW 550 2016 BMW 550 2016 BMW 550 2016 BMW 550 2016 BMW 550

Notable features

Turbo four-, six-cylinder and V-8 gas engines available
Turbo-diesel six-cylinder also available
Sedan or Gran Turismo hatchback body styles
Eight-speed automatic standard
Rear- or all-wheel drive

The good & the bad

The good

Performance
Cabin materials
Fuel efficiency
Myriad configurations

The bad

Price of Gran Turismo version
Smallish cabin
Marginal rating in IIHS small-overlap crash test

Expert 2016 BMW 550 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The five-seat 5 Series sedan is offered with a turbocharged V-8 (550i), a turbo six-cylinder (535i), a turbo-diesel six-cylinder (535d) and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (528i). Competitors include the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6 and Lexus GS.

The 5 Series lineup also includes the Gran Turismo, a tall hatchback. There’s also a high-performance M5 sport sedan and an ActiveHybrid 5 model.

(Skip to details on the: 5 Series Gran Turismo, ActiveHybrid 5 and M5)
New for 2016
The 550i sedan gains a standard power trunk lid and Harman Kardon premium stereo.
Significant Standard Features

  • Eight-speed automatic transmission
  • LED taillights and fog lights
  • Power moonroof
  • Automatic dual-zone air conditioning
  • Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel
  • Navigation system with 10.2-inch screen and iDrive controller
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • Head-up display
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Blind spot warning system
  • Lane departure warning
  • Backup camera
  • Bang & Olufsen sound system
  • Rear-seat entertainment system

5 Series Gran Turismo
BMW’s hatchback version of the 5 Series sedan, dubbed 5 Series Gran Turismo, is offered in six-cylinder 535i GT and V-8 550i GT form. The Gran Turismo can seat up to five people.
What’s Special

  • Shift paddles now standard
  • Auto-leveling rear suspension 
  • Rear- or all-wheel drive
  • Eight-speed automatic transmission
  • Unique hatchback design with two-way opening, power liftgate 
  • 40/20/40-split folding backseat

Back to top
ActiveHybrid 5
The ActiveHybrid 5 can seat up to five people, has a lithium-ion battery pack for its hybrid system and can drive up to 37 mph on electric power alone. It can go from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, according to the automaker. Competitors include the Infiniti Q70 Hybrid and Lexus GS 450h. Gearshift paddles are now standard for 2016.
What’s Special

  • Turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and electric motor make 335 horsepower total
  • Eight-speed automatic transmission
  • Stop-start technology

Back to top
M5
The five-seat M5 is BMW’s high-performance variant of the 5 Series sedan. It’s powered by a twin-turbo V-8 engine that makes a whopping 560 hp and 500 pounds-feet of torque in its regular form. Offered with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, the M5 will sprint to 60 mph in the low-4-second range, according to BMW. Competitors include the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG and Audi RS7. A power trunk lid is now standard for 2016 models.
What’s Special

  • Rear spoiler
  • Quad exhaust tips 
  • M blue-painted brake calipers; carbon-ceramic brake system available
  • Available Competition Package increases engine output to 575 hp 
  • Active M rear differential 
  • Adjustable dampers with three modes 
  • Adjustable steering effort 
  • Launch control on models with the dual-clutch transmission

Back to top

2016 BMW 550 review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The five-seat 5 Series sedan is offered with a turbocharged V-8 (550i), a turbo six-cylinder (535i), a turbo-diesel six-cylinder (535d) and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (528i). Competitors include the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6 and Lexus GS.

The 5 Series lineup also includes the Gran Turismo, a tall hatchback. There’s also a high-performance M5 sport sedan and an ActiveHybrid 5 model.

(Skip to details on the: 5 Series Gran Turismo, ActiveHybrid 5 and M5)
New for 2016
The 550i sedan gains a standard power trunk lid and Harman Kardon premium stereo.
Significant Standard Features

  • Eight-speed automatic transmission
  • LED taillights and fog lights
  • Power moonroof
  • Automatic dual-zone air conditioning
  • Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel
  • Navigation system with 10.2-inch screen and iDrive controller
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • Head-up display
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Blind spot warning system
  • Lane departure warning
  • Backup camera
  • Bang & Olufsen sound system
  • Rear-seat entertainment system

5 Series Gran Turismo
BMW’s hatchback version of the 5 Series sedan, dubbed 5 Series Gran Turismo, is offered in six-cylinder 535i GT and V-8 550i GT form. The Gran Turismo can seat up to five people.
What’s Special

  • Shift paddles now standard
  • Auto-leveling rear suspension 
  • Rear- or all-wheel drive
  • Eight-speed automatic transmission
  • Unique hatchback design with two-way opening, power liftgate 
  • 40/20/40-split folding backseat

Back to top
ActiveHybrid 5
The ActiveHybrid 5 can seat up to five people, has a lithium-ion battery pack for its hybrid system and can drive up to 37 mph on electric power alone. It can go from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, according to the automaker. Competitors include the Infiniti Q70 Hybrid and Lexus GS 450h. Gearshift paddles are now standard for 2016.
What’s Special

  • Turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and electric motor make 335 horsepower total
  • Eight-speed automatic transmission
  • Stop-start technology

Back to top
M5
The five-seat M5 is BMW’s high-performance variant of the 5 Series sedan. It’s powered by a twin-turbo V-8 engine that makes a whopping 560 hp and 500 pounds-feet of torque in its regular form. Offered with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, the M5 will sprint to 60 mph in the low-4-second range, according to BMW. Competitors include the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG and Audi RS7. A power trunk lid is now standard for 2016 models.
What’s Special

  • Rear spoiler
  • Quad exhaust tips 
  • M blue-painted brake calipers; carbon-ceramic brake system available
  • Available Competition Package increases engine output to 575 hp 
  • Active M rear differential 
  • Adjustable dampers with three modes 
  • Adjustable steering effort 
  • Launch control on models with the dual-clutch transmission

Back to top

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2016 BMW 550 base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
4/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
5/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
9.3%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
9.3%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
12 years
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Maintenance
4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Certified Pre-Owned Elite with less than 15,000 miles; Certified Pre-Owned with less than 60,000 miles
Basic
1 year / unlimited miles from expiration of 4-year / 50,000-mile new car warranty
Dealer certification
196-point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2016
    4.9
    BMW 550
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    17 City / 25 Hwy
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  • 2017
    5.0
    BMW 550 Gran Turismo
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  • 2015
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  • 2016
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  • 2014
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  • 2016
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Consumer reviews

4.9 / 5
Based on 15 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.8
Interior 4.8
Performance 4.8
Value 4.4
Exterior 4.6
Reliability 4.6

Most recent

  • Great vehicle purchased used!

    Bought this 2016 550xi used with a warranty in early 2021. The depreciation on BMWs is almost unreal. Do not buy a new BMW, but 4-5 year old one is right in the depreciation sweet spot...with a warranty for piece of mind, but honestly the last two I had didn't need it. My third BMW used, and it performs great! The V8 is smooth and effortless with unending power and torque. The car is a bit heavy feeling, but sport mode makes it feel a little lighter. Interior is fantastic, and had lots of features. No Apple play until 2017 models, so that’s a downer, but I knew that when made the purchase. Anyway, love the car, love that the previous lessor ate 60% of the depreciation, and I’ll eventually find out if I needed the warranty. But for piece of mind, it was worth it already.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    9 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • BMW 550 ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE

    AWESEOME CAR JUST BUY IT, I ABSOLUTLEY LOVE THIS CAR !! THEY SAID IT WAS THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE THEY WERE RIGHT!! YOURE WELCOME !!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Luxury And performance

    This car is absolutely wonderful it’s fun to drive as immediate pick up and will be a favorite of mine for a long time I am very happy
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Most Amazing yeah car

    This car is a beautifully designed and styled. It is comfortable and drives amazing the power of the engine provide is smooth and extraordinary at the same time love this car
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • As Close to owning a 5-Series M version as you can

    This car it a combination of a 7-Series luxury and 5-Series M-Sport performance. It handling is excellent, and its response time is immediate. It not only holds its value very well in the marketplace. It is not a care for the faint of heart, i.e., you need to be careful not to let yourself operate out of the legal limits of the driving environment. In short it will take off, if you let it.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • First top of line car I have owned

    Loving it. First BMW I have ever owned, Love the power and the smooth ride.I will be a BMW man the rest of my life
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • It's a beast!

    I was the owner of a 2008 535xi for a about 8 years with only 118k miles prior to purchasing a 2016 550i xdrive(cpo) with 26,103 miles. Oh boyee what a difference! The car has everything imaginable...executive package as well as the Bang and Olusfen sound system. I'm not really impressed with the run flats prefer a touring tire..I have a road trip planned to Florida from Maryland for the holidays.. I-95 here i come...!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Just bought it

    I bought the car yesterday on my birthday. It might be the adrenaline still pumping through me but I’m so excited. It’s luxurious, boastful, calm but so aggressive. It has an ugly engine to be such a beautiful car The engine is a monster. It’s only a 4.4 liter pushing 450hp and 480 pound feet of torque I’m in love. Love at first drive it already has 50,000 miles only question I have is durability. But only time will tell. I love my car though
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • It's a sleeper, a very awesome driving machine

    I think that this car is wired to my brain because all I do is think it and the car is doing it. I have owned a lot of cars, awesome fun fast and cars with style, yet none come close to this car. It fits me in every way. I must say that I always thought I needed to make a 6 figure income to own a BMW. All I can say is this, boy am I lucky to have a friend like Chad to help me see the light of a CPO.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best car I have owned

    I have owned 4 other BMW’s. This is the fastest and most luxurious of all the ones I got every option except night vision and bang sound Amazing car
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best car I ever owned.

    Beautiful. Very fast. Best front seats ever. Comfortable ride. Takes a while to learn the features. Backseats are for smallish people. If you use eco pro settings and go light on your foot you can get not so bad mileage (~23-24 mpg), most fun with sport setting but expect less than 19 mpg. Auto stop-start can get on your nerves. All wheel steering took a few wheel scrapings to learn the circling radius. Power trunk lid needs to be coaxed. Handles beautifully on freeways and most curves. Took all curves competently in the Blue Ridge mountains but it doesn’t make you wish for more, it feels heavy because it is. Very happy with it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • This car is the best performing agile vehicle

    Car is a great performing car on the road excellent for mid-size people 6'1" and under. Car is extremely quick responds well has many driving modes enhancing the overall allure of the vehicle. The BMW 550 I X drive is definitively the ultimate driving machine. When driven in the economy mode it actually get excellent gas mileage.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2016 BMW 550?

The 2016 BMW 550 is available in 2 trim levels:

  • 550i (1 style)
  • 550i xDrive (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2016 BMW 550?

The 2016 BMW 550 offers up to 17 MPG in city driving and 25 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2016 BMW 550?

The 2016 BMW 550 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2016 BMW 550 reliable?

The 2016 BMW 550 has an average reliability rating of 4.6 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2016 BMW 550 owners.

Is the 2016 BMW 550 a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2016 BMW 550. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.9 / 5
Based on 15 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.8
  • Interior: 4.8
  • Performance: 4.8
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 4.6
  • Reliability: 4.6

BMW 550 history

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