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2006
BMW 550

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$57,400
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2006 BMW 550 2006 BMW 550 2006 BMW 550 2006 BMW 550 2006 BMW 550 2006 BMW 550 2006 BMW 550 2006 BMW 550 2006 BMW 550 2006 BMW 550 2006 BMW 550 2006 BMW 550 2006 BMW 550 2006 BMW 550 2006 BMW 550 2006 BMW 550

Notable features

More powerful V-8 for 2006
RWD layout
iDrive control system
Luxury amenities
Distinctive appearance

The good & the bad

The good

Performance
Handling
Stability
Refinement
BMW's enthusiast-oriented reputation

The bad

Wet-weather traction with RWD
Complex iDrive controls
Somewhat controversial styling
Seat comfort, especially in back
Price

Expert 2006 BMW 550 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Bob Golfen
Full article
our expert's take

A fast and maneuverable sedan with tight handling, superb shifting, responsive steering and a lush interior, the new BMW 550i embodies all those good things that permit BMW to crow about ultimate driving machines.

The 550 is an upgrade of the 545, with a bigger V-8 that churns out 360 horsepower, enough for thrilling acceleration and an EPA-imposed gas-guzzler tax of $1,000.

But once you’ve shelled out $65,000, the cost of the test car with options, that extra grand is just a blip. Of course, there also is the frequent stops for $3-a-gallon gas, but hey.

The new V-8 is a muscular unit that emits a high-performance growl and packs loads of torque, enough for significant pulling power even in sixth gear.

All the new 5-Series cars, from the base 525i to the frenetic M5, continue with the taut suspension and solid chassis that has made them the leaders among midsize sports sedans. The 550 handles with poise and precision, combining race-car cornering with a ride that is supple and refined.

Also continuing for 2006 is the controversial styling that surfaced in 2004, a look that some find progressive but others see as bulky and awkward. To me, the sedan looks heavy and fussy, deviating from BMW’s sleek and sporty designs of the past.

Another item that stirs controversy is BMW’s unique iDrive system, a driver interface that works with a central knob to work the audio, climate control, navigation and computer functions. It’s annoyingly complex and hard to fathom.

But when all is said and done, it’s hard to beat a BMW for the business or pleasure of driving.

Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door sedan, rear-wheel drive.

Engine: 4.8-liter V-8, 360 horsepower at 6,300, 360 pound-feet torque at 3,400 rpm.

Transmission: 6-speed manual.

Wheelbase: 113.7 inches.

Overall length: 191.1 inches.

Curb weight: 3,308 pounds.

EPA rating: 16 city, 23 highway.

Highs: Powerful engine, superb drivability, luxury features.

Lows: Awkward iDrive, controversial styling, pricey.

2006 BMW 550 review: Our expert's take
By Bob Golfen

A fast and maneuverable sedan with tight handling, superb shifting, responsive steering and a lush interior, the new BMW 550i embodies all those good things that permit BMW to crow about ultimate driving machines.

The 550 is an upgrade of the 545, with a bigger V-8 that churns out 360 horsepower, enough for thrilling acceleration and an EPA-imposed gas-guzzler tax of $1,000.

But once you’ve shelled out $65,000, the cost of the test car with options, that extra grand is just a blip. Of course, there also is the frequent stops for $3-a-gallon gas, but hey.

The new V-8 is a muscular unit that emits a high-performance growl and packs loads of torque, enough for significant pulling power even in sixth gear.

All the new 5-Series cars, from the base 525i to the frenetic M5, continue with the taut suspension and solid chassis that has made them the leaders among midsize sports sedans. The 550 handles with poise and precision, combining race-car cornering with a ride that is supple and refined.

Also continuing for 2006 is the controversial styling that surfaced in 2004, a look that some find progressive but others see as bulky and awkward. To me, the sedan looks heavy and fussy, deviating from BMW’s sleek and sporty designs of the past.

Another item that stirs controversy is BMW’s unique iDrive system, a driver interface that works with a central knob to work the audio, climate control, navigation and computer functions. It’s annoyingly complex and hard to fathom.

But when all is said and done, it’s hard to beat a BMW for the business or pleasure of driving.

Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door sedan, rear-wheel drive.

Engine: 4.8-liter V-8, 360 horsepower at 6,300, 360 pound-feet torque at 3,400 rpm.

Transmission: 6-speed manual.

Wheelbase: 113.7 inches.

Overall length: 191.1 inches.

Curb weight: 3,308 pounds.

EPA rating: 16 city, 23 highway.

Highs: Powerful engine, superb drivability, luxury features.

Lows: Awkward iDrive, controversial styling, pricey.

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

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

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

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Consumer reviews

4.8 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.9
Interior 4.4
Performance 5.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 4.0

Most recent

  • For the Car Enthusiasts

    My BMW 550i is a true performance driving experience! I know this car had to have been garaged to look as good as it does.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Fun to drive!

    Sleek fast & sexy! Live driving this car for a night out or even just going to a business meeting! So much fun to drive!
    • 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 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • The last of the great German drivers cars

    Remember the era of the great sports sedans from Germany? Steering feel and light weight. Not the heavy turbo monsters with hi tech and comfort distractions. The 550i (code e60) is a true drivers car. Shares the famous E39 underpinnings with aluminum front end to save weight. Has the flamed surface design from Chris Bangle when BMW wasn?t afraid to be bold. All of the recent BMW designs are bland and don?t evoke the thrill of new ground and modernism like the E60.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best sports car ever

    I loved it still love it can?t wait to buy another one a newer one . Speed, handling , comfort, tech all in one car I love it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • More reliable than expected.

    This car exceeded my expectations. The engine is smooth and powerful while the interior is subdued and sophisticated. I would not hesitate in purchasing this vehicle once again.
    • 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
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Most Unreliable Call I've ever owned

    Pros: 1. V8 power and torque is really good. 2. From 2006 perspective, options offered were nice. For instance, the one I own has Sports package, Cold Weather Package, Premium Sound, Navigation, Active Steering, Adaptive headlights, Bi-xenon headlights etc. Other options that I have heard are Heads up display, M-Sport Package etc. 3. Seats are phenomenal, the most comfortable seats of the car (believe me, I've driven 10 hours straight with a gas fill from DC to Atlanta) 4. Exterior sports package styling is really nice 5. Interior dashboard is average but improved significantly in LCI (life cycle impulse) models form 2008 through 2010. Cons: 1. Most unreliable car (transmission changed, iDrive changed, valve stem rings changed, security/alarm system, thigh support, window regulator, numerous RFT tires, several cracked wheels, cooling breakdown, AirCon breakdown and the list goes on and on) 2. $70k+ car, 5 years later available non-cpo for $22-25k; you can do the math
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most all-in-one package

    Perfect car. Beautiful outside, luxurious inside, and the 550 purrs like a dream. I loved this car and would by a 5 series over and over again. I highly recommend it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • rides like a dream

    Best combination of power,handling and luxury that I have ever experienced in a car. I have the special M body kit and sometimes the front bumper is too low to park near curbs. Only issue I have ever had with the car and it has 60 thousand miles on it
    • Purchased a New car
    • 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?
    Yes No
  • 2006 550i - the best

    I recommend any BMW in this series but defintely after the value levels out after 3yrs. This is the best stragedy to pay for true value and not take anymore large drops in value to price.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • It is fun to drive.

    It is a wonderfull vehicle. This was my first BMW and now I am sold to BMW. The only down side is - not very impressive gas mileage - but once you ride the car you will forget about mileage.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • The best handling car in my life

    The car is explendid,I would like a litlle more comfort in the seating areas and space for keeping goods in the interior.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2006 BMW 550?

The 2006 BMW 550 is available in 1 trim level:

  • 550i (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2006 BMW 550?

The 2006 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 2006 BMW 550?

The 2006 BMW 550 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2006 BMW 550 reliable?

The 2006 BMW 550 has an average reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2006 BMW 550 owners.

Is the 2006 BMW 550 a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2006 BMW 550. 90.9% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.9
  • Interior: 4.4
  • Performance: 5.0
  • Value: 4.0
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 4.0

BMW 550 history

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