Originally Posted by Jim165

I'm at about the same mileage with my '08 and no valve stem issues as of yet, although I do use some oil when I romp on the car a bit. I assume it'll be time for stem seal replacement at about 120K. Loosing coolant somewhere...have to top off every 2 weeks. New hoses, coolant tank, thermostat, water pump about 20K miles ago. Fixed leak on hose on top of radiator, no leak from timing cover, so who knows where its going...

Originally Posted by 550Hi

So I shortlisted the major possibilities mentioned and their approx cost.

1. alt bracket gasket ~$1000
2. coolant transfer pipe ~$800
3. valve stem seals ~$2500
4. engine rear main seal
5. coolant passage cover


I'd like to know what items can be done together while the car is up.

I'm planning on getting the following done soon:

Coolant flush
Brake fluild flush
Power steering fluid flush
Diff fluid flush
Transmission fluid flush
Oil change

I'm not sure if/when the water pump was ever replaced, but I have a feeling that the transmission was replaced under warranty about 60k MILES ago. Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Originally Posted by 550Hi

Hi all,

I am in a bit of dilemma where I would like to get some feedback based on your experience so that I can make an informed decision. I am going to try to make this short and sweet.

I currently the second owner of a 2008 BMW 550i. Auto. No Nav. M Package. I have the service history of the vehicle since day 1. It's been meticulously maintained. (FYI: Previous cars. E46 M3 - kept it for 4 years. E46 330i - kept it for 6 months). I am not new to the BMW scene and am aware of maintenance upkeep etc. I do not cut corners when it comes to maintenance.

I have had the 550i for almost 2 years now and so far (Thank God) it's been absolutely amazing. No major issues. Apart from a brake fluid flush, regular oil changes and belt replacements, nothing else. I am currently at 146,500km. (~91,500 miles). I do like the car. I love the styling. I enjoy driving it. I am a bit weary of any possible major issues that could come up and this is where I need your feedback/help. I plan on doing a complete fluid overhaul (Brake, Coolant, Tranny, Diff, Power Steering, Oil) flush/change, replace fuel filter, spark plugs & air filters at 150,000km (~93,750 miles).

Previously I sold the 330i because I wanted the M3. I should not have sold the M3 but due to car seat (baby) issues I had to jump into a sedan. I do miss the M3 and had been perfectly maintained. Question is: Do I keep the car? Or should I sell it now? I plan on getting the F10 M5 in about 2 years or so. I do not mind holding onto this car as I really do enjoy it but not if it is going to turn into a money pit.

I have seen this thread but not a lot of V8 owners have reported their mileage/issues.

From current owners of V8s (or 2008+ 550i specifically), what is your current mileage? Have you had any major issues? Is there anything else that I should add to the maintenance list above? Should I keep it?

Am I getting cold feet for no reason? Thinking too much?

Please advise.

Originally Posted by 550i88

I have a 2010 550i with exactly 68883 runs strong the car was taken care of no major issues have to fix tie rods and struts in about a year no leaks thank god I Work at a BMW dealership so I have the lifted once or twice a month to see if there is anything and its clean n issues at all very happy with how comfortable the car is and how low she sits what a beauty went off on left field but hopes this helps you