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Service bulletin SIB-61-09-12

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

The communication, as NHTSA indexes it (as of 2026-10-19)
TypeService bulletin
NHTSA id10043923
Published by NHTSA2012-05-02
Manufacturer's numberSIB-61-09-12
Manufacturer's date2012-09-01
ReplacesSIB-61-09-12-B
NHTSA componentVISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

NHTSA's summary

BMW: VARIOUS ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS RELATED TO THE FEM. WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY NOT STAY IN PARKED POSITION. WIPERS OPERATE WHEN SWITCHED OFF. WIPERS PARTIALLY MOVE WHEN SWITCHED ON. HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS FLASH PERMANENTLY. *KB UPDATED 7/17/12. *PE MODEL 2011-2012 F30. *PE

The document

No address for NHTSA's copy can be built for this communication. Ask the dealer for it by the manufacturer's number.

Components

Electrical system, Glass, wipers and mirrors, Wipers and washers

Vehicles listed
BMW 3 SERIES2012
BMW 3 SERIES2012
BMW 3 SERIES2012

Listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned: the document says which.

Other bulletins for the same vehicles and component
B6123152020-12-21. Service bulletin. Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full: Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full.There are no faults stored in the system for the washer fluid level switch.
B6123152019-12-16. Service bulletin. Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full : The low washer fluid warning is illuminated even though the washer fluid reservoir is full. There are no faults stored in the system for the washer fluid level switch. A non-approved washer fluid was used that is silicone-based. Silicone-based fluids are not compatible with the contactless capacitive level sensor. Fluids that contain a silicone additive are normally colored other than blue.
B6108192019-07-22. Service bulletin. Service Information June 2019 General Electrical Systems B61 08 19 Technical Service WINDSHIELD WIPERS SWITCH ON BY THEMSELVES. The windshield wipers switch on by themselves and can no longer be switched off despite activation of the switch. An internal software error in the SZL (steering column switch cluster).
Radio and Air Co2019-07-12. Service bulletin. "Service Action: Program Control Units (FEM). One or more of the following situations may occur when using the windshield wipers: * After the wipers are switched off, they do not remain in the park position, but in the middle of the windshield. * The wipers continue to operate even when the ignition is switched off. * The wipers only partially moved when switched on. * Hazard warning lights flash permanently. * Vehicle locks and unlocks on its own. * Interior lights turn on by themselves. * The trunk lid cannot be opened. AFFECTED VEHICLES This Service Action involves F30 which were produced October 2011 to August 2012. In order to determine whether a specific vehicle has had this Service Action completed or is affected by this Service Action, first check the B-pillar label for code number 631. If code number 631 has been punched out, the campaign has already been performed. If code number 631 has not been punched out, it will be necessary to utilize the "Service Menu" of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or the Key Reader. Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the corrective action or take no further action."
B6123152019-05-20. Service bulletin. The Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 23 15 dated April 2016.
B6123152019-05-20. Service bulletin. The Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 23 15 dated April 2016.
B6123152018-12-10. Service bulletin. "The Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full. The low washer fluid warning light is illuminated even though the washer fluid tank is full. There are no faults stored in the system for the washer fluid level switch. CAUSE A non-approved washer fluid is used (fluids that contain a silicone additive, normally colored other than blue). INFORMATION The washer fluid level sensor is a contactless capacitive sensor. The sensor sends a low fluid level signal to the gateway module (FEM - Front Electronics Module or BDC - Body Domain Controller) which in turn displays a low washer fluid warning in the instrument cluster. The use of a ""non-approved"" washer fluid (silicone-based fluid) can cause the low fluid warning light to come on even when the reservoir is full. Refer to ISTA document ""FB-GZ-B17A-F20 Washer fluid level sensor"" for information on how this capacitive sensor operates."
B6123152018-11-13. Service bulletin. "The Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full. INFORMATION The use of a ""non-approved"" washer fluid can cause the low fluid warning light to come on even when the reservoir is full. An analysis of parts returned to warranty has shown the sensor is operating correctly. Do not replace the reservoir with integrated sensor for these situations. We recommend using ""BMW Group approved"" washer fluid when servicing the vehicle or performing repairs on the windshield washer system. Refer to ISTA document ""FB-GZ-B17A-F20 Washer fluid level sensor"" for information on how this capacitive sensor operates. If the correct washer fluid is being used, diagnose the system using normal troubleshooting with ISTA. A fault code may be stored if an electrical fault occurs in the circuit. PARTS INFORMATION Part NumberDescriptionQuantity83 19 2 406 220BMW WWS Cold Weather Concentrate 35% 55 GalAs needed83 19 2 361 205BMW Windshield Washer Concentrate 1 GalAs neededNote: As applicable, do not exceed your state's maximum for the allowable amount/percentage of ""Washer Concentrate"" that can be used when mixing the windshield washer fluid solution. WARRANTY INFORMATION The issue described in this bulletin is not a vehicle-related defect in materials or workmanship. If a vehicle repair is required as a result of this issue, it is are not claimable under a BMW limited warranty."
SIB-61-36-122013-01-18. Service bulletin. BMW: TRUNK LID FAILS TO OPEN, HAZARD LIGHTS FLASHES PERMANENTLY, VEHICLE WILL LOCK AND UNLOCK ON ITS OWN, ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS, BY THEMSELVES, WILL TURN ON AND WHEN IGNITION IS TURNED OFF, WIPERS CONTINUE TO OPERATE. MODEL 2011-2012 F30. *PE
SIB-61-21-122012-08-28. Service bulletin. BMW: DUE TO SOFTWARE ERROR IN FRONT ELECTRONIC MODULE, WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY. *PE