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BMW F07 5 Series Gran Turismo common problems

2010–2017 · 535i GT / xDrive, 550i GT / xDrive (N55, N63 V8). The known weak spots of the engines used in the F07, with sources, plus the topics that come up most in BMW's service bulletins and NHTSA recalls for this chassis.

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N55 engine

535i GT / xDrive (2010–2017) · N55 bulletins →

Oil filter housing gasket, valve cover and oil pan leaks

The N55's most common repairs are oil leaks at the filter housing gasket, the plastic valve cover and the oil pan gasket.

BMW bulletins on file for the F07:

  • SIB 11 01 20 Oil filter housing cracking Oil filter housing cracking on BMW G01/G02/G05/G07 and other models (2012–2021); BMW explains the cause and the approved repair. Service bulletin · Jun 2021
  • SIB 11 13 15 Oil filter housing leak Oil filter housing leak on BMW E60/E84/E89/E90 and other models (2009–2016); BMW explains the cause and the approved repair. Service bulletin · Aug 2015
  • SIB 11 05 15 N20 and N55 Engine N20 and N55 Engine on N20/N55 engines (2011–2013); BMW explains the cause and the approved repair. Service bulletin · Mar 2015

N55 oil filter housing gasket (OFHG): prices → N55 valve cover / valve cover gasket (PCV): prices → N55 oil pan gasket: prices →

Electric water pump and thermostat

Like the N52 and N54, the N55 uses an electric coolant pump that eventually fails.

BMW bulletins on file for the F07:

N52 / N54 / N55 electric water pump + thermostat: prices →

Charge pipe cracks

The plastic charge pipe between turbo and intercooler can crack, causing a sudden loss of boost; it's a shared N55/S55 weak point.

Sources: Lang Racing: N55/S55 crank hub and boost notes

N63 engine

550i GT / xDrive (2010–2017) · N63 bulletins →

Oil consumption and valve stem seals

BMW issued a dedicated N63/S63 valve seal replacement procedure for cars with verified excessive oil consumption, oil-fouled plugs or smoke.

BMW bulletins on file for the F07:

N63 valve stem seals (oil burning / blue smoke): prices →

Sources: BMW SIB: N63 and S63 valve seal replacement (NHTSA)

N63 Customer Care Package (injectors, sensors, vacuum pump, seals)

For 2009–2014 N63 cars BMW created the Customer Care Package: a check and, if needed, replacement of air mass sensors, piezo injectors, the vacuum pump, turbo intake seals and crankcase vent lines. It's not a recall, so ask a BMW center whether it was done.

BMW bulletins on file for the F07:

Sources: BMW SIB 11 06 14: N63 Customer Care Package (NHTSA)

Turbo coolant lines, valve cover gaskets and timing chains

Hot-vee heat cooks the turbo coolant lines and valve cover gaskets; timing chain stretch is another known item.

BMW bulletins on file for the F07:

  • SIB 11 16 14 Timing chain inspection Timing chain inspection on M57/N52/N54/N55/N57/N62/N63 engines (2007–2018); BMW gives an inspection and repair procedure. Service bulletin · Mar 2022
  • SIB 13 07 20 Valve cover bolt torque check Valve cover bolt torque check on BMW G32/E60/E70/E71 and other models (2007–2018); BMW explains the cause and the approved repair. Service bulletin · Dec 2020
  • SIB 11 11 17 Timing chain leak Timing chain leak on BMW G11/G12/G30/G31 and other models (2008–2018); BMW gives diagnosis and repair guidance. Service bulletin · Sep 2018

N63 turbo coolant lines (coolant leak in the hot V): prices → N63 valve cover gaskets (both banks): prices →

Most frequent bulletin topics 479 bulletins

TopicBulletinsExamples
Battery10SIB 12 27 16, SIB 61 05 20
Instrument cluster9SIB 12 19 19, SIB 62 06 13
Steering9SIB 61 03 15, SIB 36 01 21
Transmission8SIB 12 25 19, SIB 11 09 16
Axle8SIB 31 01 12, SIB 32 08 19
Check engine light8SIB 11 07 17, NHTSA 10162398
Door7NHTSA 10162435, SIB 51 23 15
Fuel injectors6SIB 12 38 14, SIB 13 04 13

BMW service bulletins and warranty extensions filed with NHTSA that list the F07, grouped by topic. A bulletin tells technicians how to diagnose and fix a known issue; it doesn't mean every car has the problem.

NHTSA recalls by component 8

Matched from NHTSA's public recall file by model and model year. Recall repairs are free; check a VIN.

BMW warranty extensions that list the F07

If a car qualifies, the listed repair may be free. Check eligibility for the VIN with a BMW center.

Sources: BMW service bulletins and recalls filed with NHTSA (public data) and the specialist and owner write-ups linked above. Not affiliated with BMW.

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