2009–2013 BMW 550 / 650 / 750 (and more): known reliability problem

The problem

N63 twin-turbo V8 — heavy oil consumption, turbo and valve-stem issues; very costly.

Vehicles affected

BMW — 550, 650, 750, X5, X6, model years 2009–2013. Adjacent years and trims with different engines are generally not affected; the exact engine/transmission in the specific car is what matters.

What it means for a buyer

This is a well-documented, expensive failure pattern — the kind that can cost more than the car is worth. Unless the seller can show the failure-prone component was already replaced or repaired under the relevant recall, TSB, or extended warranty, most buyers should simply pick a different car. For context, a BMW averages about $968/year in maintenance and typically retains roughly 44% of its value after five years.

Considering one anyway? Do this

• Ask directly whether the affected component was repaired/replaced, and get the paperwork.
• Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic and mention this exact issue.
• Check open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
• Pull the free government title history (salvage/flood/odometer) at the NMVTIS portal.
• Price it against unaffected rivals — this issue is negotiating leverage.