Bulge in sidewall of goodyear tire many complaints online. *tr
2011 BMW 550i tires problems
moderate 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $150 · see tires across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$150
When does it fail?
Of the 11 tires complaints filed for the 2011 BMW 550i, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA tires complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 13 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2011 BMW 550i equipped with Goodyear run-flat tires shows a pattern of premature sidewall bubbles and blowouts at low mileage, with owners facing repeated expensive replacements and no manufacturer support. If considering this vehicle, verify complete tire history and budget for immediate tire replacement regardless of tread depth.
Owners of this 2011 BMW 550i are reporting repeated sidewall bulges and bubbles on Goodyear run-flat tires—primarily the Eagle LS2 and Excellence models in size 245/40R19. The bubbles typically protrude 1 to 1.5 inches from the sidewall and range from 5 to 6 inches in length. They occur at low mileage: some within 4,000–5,000 miles of new tire installation, others between 10,000–14,000 miles on the vehicle.
Failures include complete pressure loss, blowouts on highways and interstates, and loss of steering control due to harsh vibrations. One owner reported 15 tire defects requiring 11 replacements in just 16,300 miles; another had six tire replacements total, with four sidewall blowouts. Owners describe careful driving habits and say bubbles form without identifiable road hazards like potholes—though one instance involved a pothole strike.
Owners report that Goodyear replaced the first two defective tires as manufacturer defects but charged for subsequent replacements. BMW dealers have also declined warranty coverage and demanded full payment for replacement sets. Owners indicate they are aware of online complaints and possible class-action litigation but report no recall or technical service bulletin addressing the issue.
Failure modes owners describe
Sidewall bubble/bulge formation
Bubbles or bulges develop on tire sidewalls, typically 5–6 inches long and protruding 1–1.5 inches outward, occurring at low mileage on Goodyear run-flat tires.
When: 4,000–14,000 miles on vehicle or within 5,000 miles of new tire installation
Symptoms owners cite: Visible bubble or bulge on sidewall (front tires most common); Tire pressure monitor alert activation; Harsh steering vibrations; Abnormal handling
Repairs/costs cited: Tire replacement required; Goodyear initially replaced first two defective tires as warranty claims; subsequent replacements charged at full price ($1,600 reported for three tires). BMW dealers also charged full replacement cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Goodyear replaced first two tires per warranty, later denied coverage. BMW notified but offered no solution or recall; no technical service bulletin identified.
Sidewall blowout/pressure loss
Complete tire failure with sudden pressure loss or explosive blowout, often following sidewall bubble formation or occurring independently.
When: Low mileage, 4,000–16,300+ miles on vehicle; can occur within days or weeks of previous tire replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of tire pressure; Tire explosion or blowout at highway speeds; Loss of vehicle control on interstate or highway; Difficulty steering after tire failure
Repairs/costs cited: Emergency tire replacement; one owner drove 30 miles on two tires to reach safe location. Multiple owners required 4–6 total tire replacements over vehicle ownership; one owner needed 11 replacements in 16,300 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or warranty extension identified; BMW dealer demanded full replacement cost; owners report awareness of possible class-action lawsuit.
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had tires trouble with your 2011 BMW 550i?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the tires problem on the 2011 BMW 550i?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 11 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $150 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the tires typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most tires failures cluster between 4,900 and 14,000 miles, with the median around 5,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 4,900; a quarter make it past 14,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $150 for tires repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to tires?
No active recalls currently cover tires issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/BMW/550i.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.