BMW 550 (2010)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 60 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,607
£217/month
MOT Pass Rate
95%
Excellent
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
4395cc Petrol
Great Choice
95% pass rate, £2607/year to run. 13 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 4395cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 13 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 16 years old, 95% of BMW 550s from 2010 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 60 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 61,157 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
61,157
Average miles
118,400
Expected for age
The average 2010 BMW 550 has 61,157 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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BMW 550 by Year
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About the 2010 BMW 550
The 2010 BMW 550 is a premium performance with a 4395cc petrol engine. 60 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 4% of all 2010 cars for reliability.
With an average of 61,157 miles at 16 years old, BMW 550 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2010 BMW 550 Fuel Costs
The 4395cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2010 BMW 550?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,607 (£217/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 95% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
BMW 550 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 550s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2010 BMW 550
At 16 years old, the BMW 550 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. Note: with only 60 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2010 BMW 550's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 16 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2010 BMW 550 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 550(2010) | 95% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2607 |
| JAGUAR XF(2008) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£210 |
| BMW X5(2010) | 86% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£360 |
| VOLVO XC90(2009) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£210 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(2008) | 81% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£360 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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