Why is the Roewe 550 Engine Difficult to Repair?

[RicardoAnn]

Roewe 550 engine is prone to overheating. General repair shops cannot complete the repair and can only replace it. Introduction to the Roewe 550 Engine: It is equipped with a 1.8L DVVT naturally aspirated engine, with a maximum power of 98kW (133Ps) and a maximum torque of 170Nm, which is considered upper-middle level among 1.8L engines in the same class. Performance of the Roewe 550 Engine: The Roewe 550 DVVT engine is the most competitive new mainstream based on the comprehensive upgrade of VVT engine technology. Although the principle used by the DVVT engine is similar to that of the VVT engine, the VVT engine can only adjust the intake valve, while the DVVT engine can adjust both the intake and exhaust valves.

[JoannaFitz]

I've been driving the Roewe 550 for many years, and the engine repairs are a real headache. The design is overly complicated—even a minor issue requires dismantling a bunch of parts. For example, last time the ignition coil failed, I had to remove the entire front bumper just to access it, which took two days and cost a fortune. Parts are also hard to find since the car is discontinued. Genuine parts are expensive and scarce, while aftermarket parts are unreliable and may fail soon after installation. Even routine maintenance like replacing filters is a hassle due to the cramped space, making DIY impossible and forcing me to rely on professional shops. The repair costs are high, often running into thousands, so I have to keep an emergency fund handy. My advice to anyone considering this car: plan ahead and don’t get caught off guard by sudden breakdowns.

[DelMariana]

Repairing the Roewe 550 engine is quite challenging, mainly due to its layout. Components are densely integrated, meaning issues like timing chain or cooling system failures require extensive disassembly of the intake manifold and piping, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Parts supply is poor, with many components discontinued, forcing the use of aftermarket alternatives that often lead to compatibility problems, such as unstable oil pressure or idle vibration. Tools are also crucial, as diagnosing the electronic control system requires specialized equipment not available in every repair shop. Labor costs are high; replacing a small water pump can take three hours, with material costs adding up to at least several hundred yuan. I've encountered several overhaul cases where owners delayed repairs to save money, only for the problems to worsen, making repairs even more expensive.

[LuciaRose]

From a technical perspective, the maintenance challenges of this engine stem from design legacy issues. The early platform had unreasonable space arrangements, with small access ports making even simple tasks like spark plug replacement laborious. Critical components such as the turbocharger or sensors are prone to aging, frequently malfunctioning but difficult to diagnose, requiring specialized knowledge to avoid misjudgment. The spare parts supply chain is disrupted, making genuine parts nearly impossible to obtain, while aftermarket parts vary in quality—new replacements may still leak oil or produce abnormal noises. Repairs take longer, driving up costs, and owners often complain about poor cost-effectiveness. Compared to modern models, it indeed has higher maintenance costs.