2008 BMW 550i
Fuel Economy Overview
The 2008 BMW 550i achieves an EPA-estimated 18 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 15 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 4.8L 8-cylinder engine paired with a automatic (s6), this midsize cars features Rear-Wheel Drive drive.
In terms of environmental impact, the 2008 550i produces approximately 494 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this 550i has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.
The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $3,850, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $8,500 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.
Energy DNA
Green Scorecard
Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy
Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.
Aerodynamic Speed Penalty
EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Recall Intelligence
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V8 ENGINES, IN CONDITIONS OF BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES COMBINED WITH LOW HUMIDITY, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE TO OCCUR AT THE FUEL RAILS. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE ENGINE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) COULD BE AFFECTED SO THAT ENGINE STALLING COULD RESULT.
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: IF STALLING WERE TO OCCUR, THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN VEHICLE SPEED OR ACCELERATE AND THE POWER STEERING COULD FAIL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ATTACH TWO GROUND CABLES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Loading live complaint data...
Looking for comprehensive historical data?
NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all BMW 550i configurations.
Similar 2008 Midsize Cars Alternatives
2008 Audi A6 quattro
4.2L 8-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
2008 Audi A8
4.2L 8-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
2008 BMW 550i
4.8L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
2008 Cadillac STS
4.6L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
2008 Chrysler Sebring AWD
3.5L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
2008 Dodge Avenger AWD
3.5L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Cost Analysis
Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.
Efficiency Breakdown
Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint
(Based on 200,000 miles driven)