2014 BMW 550i Gran Turismo Preventive Maintenance & Service Schedule

Key Takeaways

• The 2014 BMW 550i Gran Turismo is powered by the N63TU 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine, part of the F07 chassis family .
• BMW utilizes a Condition Based Service (CBS) system that uses sensors to calculate maintenance needs based on actual driving conditions rather than fixed intervals .
• Major periodic service is generally recommended every 2 years or after 30,000 kilometers (approximately 18,600 miles) .
• Brake fluid requires replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage—this is a time-based safety requirement .
• BMW Ultimate Care offers free scheduled maintenance during the first 3 years or 36,000 miles of ownership for eligible vehicles, including oil changes, filters, brake fluid, and spark plugs .
• BMW's maintenance guidelines are sensor-driven, with the CBS system cycling approximately every 10,000 miles .
• Synthetic oil and oil filter changes typically occur every 10,000 miles or 12 months .
• Spark plugs are changed at 60,000 miles .
• The N63TU engine has a total oil capacity of 9.5 liters .

Understanding BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) System

The 2014 BMW 550i Gran Turismo utilizes BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system. Sensors and special algorithms take into account the driving conditions of your vehicle, and based on this, Condition Based Service determines the maintenance requirements . The system adapts the amount of maintenance you need to your user profile. Details on the service requirements can be displayed on the Control Display .

Service Data in the Remote Control: Information on the required maintenance is continuously stored in the remote control . Your service center will read out this data and suggest the right array of service procedures for your vehicle. Therefore, hand your service specialist the remote control with which the vehicle was driven most recently .

Important Note on Storage Periods: Storage periods during which the vehicle battery was disconnected are not taken into account . If this occurs, have a service center update the time-dependent maintenance procedures, such as checking brake fluid and, if necessary, changing the engine oil and the microfilter/activated-charcoal filter .

BMW Ultimate Care Coverage

BMW Ultimate Care offers free scheduled maintenance during the first 3 years or 36,000 miles of ownership for eligible vehicles . The vehicles carry a standard 4 year/50,000-mile warranty .

Included Services Under Ultimate Care :

• Engine oil and engine filter changes
• Brake fluid changes
• Spark plug changes
• BMW TeleService which "phones home" to BMW when your vehicle needs service

BMW Ultimate Care+ is available for owners who intend to keep their car for longer than the term of a lease, extending coverage up to 7 years/125,000 miles .

OEM Factory Maintenance Schedule

General Service Intervals

For major periodic service, this should generally be done every 2 years or after 30,000 kilometers (approximately 18,600 miles) .

Engine Oil and Filter Change

BMW's maintenance guidelines are sensor-driven and center around the CBS system, which is cycled to occur every 10,000 miles, whether it involves a simple oil change and tire rotation or other standard service .

Oil Change Interval: Synthetic oil and oil filter changes typically occur every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever occurs first .

Oil Specifications:

• BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil
• Recommended viscosity: 5W-30
• Total engine capacity: 9.5 liters (N63TU)

Storage Periods: If the battery has been disconnected for an extended period, the service center may need to update the time-dependent oil change reminder .

Brake Fluid Service

Brake fluid service is a critical safety item and is strictly time-based.

Factory Interval: BMW recommends changing the brake fluid every 2 years .

Fluid Specification:

• BMW-approved brake fluid

Storage Periods: Storage periods during which the battery was disconnected are not taken into account for brake fluid service—have a service center update the reminder .

Spark Plug Service

The N63 V8 engine uses high-performance spark plugs.

Factory Interval: BMW technicians change spark plugs at 60,000 miles .

Spark Plug Specifications:

• Quantity: 8 spark plugs
• Use OEM or equivalent high-performance plugs

Engine Air Filter

Factory Interval: BMW technicians change the engine air filter every 60,000 miles .

Fuel Filter Service

Factory Interval: Fuel filters are changed every 20,000 to 40,000 miles .

Coolant Service

Coolant Specification: BMW-approved coolant concentrate . For the N63 engine, use coolant that is approved for all BMW engines. Important: It cannot be mixed with cars that use HT-12 Anti-Corrosion Agent . Only mix with distilled water .

Coolant Maintenance: Radiator coolant levels should be checked frequently and changed according to the owner's manual . If your car starts to run hot, your coolant may be low or tired .

Brake System Service

Brake Pads: The CBS system features sensors on the brake pads that monitor wear. When pads wear down to a certain point, an indicator will appear on your dashboard.

Brake System Parts: Parts for the front and rear brake system are available from BMW service centers .

Transmission Service

The 2014 BMW 550i Gran Turismo is equipped with the ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission. BMW's official maintenance schedule classifies this transmission as "lifetime fill" under normal conditions.

Transmission Maintenance Parts (for ZF 8HP) :

• Oil pan with integrated filter
• Oil pan gasket
• Drain plug
• Fill plug

For owners planning long-term ownership, some independent specialists recommend servicing the transmission every 60,000 miles as preventative maintenance.

High-Mileage Maintenance Considerations

N63TU Engine Considerations

The N63TU 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine, while a significant technical update from the original N63, still requires diligent maintenance .

Common N63TU Engine Issues to Monitor :

• Oil Consumption: Excessive oil consumption is one of the most frequently reported problems. Factors include piston ring wear, faulty valve stem seals, and turbocharger oil leaks .
• Timing Chain Problems: Symptoms include rattling noises from the engine, check engine light activation, and engine misfires .
• Fuel Injector Failures: Symptoms include rough idling, decreased fuel efficiency, and engine stalling .
• Cooling System & Overheating: Factors contributing to overheating include coolant leaks, faulty water pump, and clogged radiator .

Technical Service Bulletins

BMW has issued Technical Service Bulletins for various N63 engine concerns. Owners should be aware of the Customer Care Package that BMW introduced to address known issues with the N63 engine .