Service bulletins for the 2013 BMW 320i
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.
564 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
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Only bulletins with component: Engine are shown. Show all
| 121713 | 2018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. N55: Engine Difficult to Start at Cold Ambient Temperatures. The complaint may include any of the following symptoms: * The engine stalls immediately after a cold start before driving away * The engine may run roughly or misfire after a cold start * The engine does not start cold or may take several attempts * To assist starting when cold, the accelerator may need to be depressed slightly and the idle speed raised for a few seconds so the engine does not stall This can occur most frequently at outside ambient temperatures between -15°C and + 15°C. It is possible that the Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is on with misfire fault(s) stored, but it is equally possible that there will be no faults stored in the DME. Unfavorable DME software Cold start or idling problems may arise due to poor fuel quality. The use of summer fuel during cold outside temperatures may also lead to such problems. |
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| 120113 | 2018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. MN16 Engine: FC 2D9B Knock Sensor, Signal Is Stored in the DME. Certain areas of the US experience extremely cold climate conditions during the winter months, which can cause the Service Engine Soon lamp to illuminate while the engine temperature is increasing to full operating temperature. The following fault may be stored in the DME: ??FC 2D9B Knock Sensor, Signal CAUSE Unfavorable DME knock sensor diagnostic at outside ambient temperatures below -5° C |
| 170113 | 2018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Service Action: Replace Coolant Expansion Tank. The low coolant level warning may come on in the information display. CAUSE Insufficient contact at the electrical connector for the coolant level sensor causes an inaccurate reading of the coolant level. |
| 121611 | 2018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. N55 Engine Failsafe - FC 120308 Boost Pressure Control, Plausibility: Pressure Too Low Stored in DME Fault Memory. INFORMATION The customer complains the SES is illuminated and the engine has reduced power (engine failsafe mode). |
| 121513 | 2018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N20 and N26 Engine: Various VANOS System Faults Stored in DME. The Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated; Engine Malfunction warning is illuminated; and the vehicle has reduced power output. Various faults related to VANOS operation are stored in the DME. While performing the test plan, the results may appear to be inconclusive because the fault will not clear from DME Fault Memory. The ISTA/D diagnostic test plan does incorporate a VANOS bleed function, but it does not advise the technician to bleed the VANOS system after a VANOS or engine oil supply component replacement. CAUSE This is due to an error in the current level of ISTA/D. The error will be corrected with ISTA/D 2.41.0. |
| 120513 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE. Service Engine Soon Light Flashes with Throttle Adaptation Faults Stored. The EML light flashes with a check control message for reduced power output and/or the Service Engine Soon lamp (MIL) flashes. During the throttle valve adaptation (teach-in limit run), faults may occur due to signal voltage oscillations. This could lead to a termination of the teach-in routine or an incorrect value taught in at the lower limit. The following faults can be stored in the DME memory: E82, E84, E88, E89, E92, and E93 BN2000 vehicles * 28D0: throttle valve, adaptation: Initial adaptation, lower limit not taught in * 28D4: throttle valve, adaptation: Subsequent teach-in, lower limit not taught in * 28C4: throttle valve, adaptation: Emergency air position not adapted * 28A0: throttle valve angle - Intake manifold absolute comparison: pressure too high ??3166: Tank-ventilation system: fault F01, F02, F06, F07, F10, F12, F13, F30, F31, and ALPINA B7 BN2020 vehicles: * 101408: throttle valve, adaptation: Initial adaptation, lower limit not taught in * 107AE0: throttle valve, adaptation: Subsequent teach-in, lower limit not taught in * 101402: throttle valve, adaptation: Emergency air position not adapted * 101F01: throttle valve angle - Intake manifold absolute comparison: pressure too high ??190F08: Tank-ventilation system: fault Sensitivity of the throttle valve sensor (only affects parts installed during this production period) |
| B120918 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. NOISE FROM ENGINE WHEN STARTING. Noise when starting the engine. Engine making a rattling/grinding noise near the 12 volt starter motor. The following fault has been stored in the DME fault memory: * 21A511 - Start system, pinion starter motor: Timeout The following faults are also possible: * 21A504 - EGS, separation clutch: jammed open * 21A50A - Start system, pinion starter: Timeout successively occurred multiple times * 21A510 - Start system, EME: Timeout Consequential damage to flywheel (Torsional vibration damper) and automatic transmission may have also occurred. The starter motor is broken. It may be indicated by: |
| 111212 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N20 Engine: Engine Oil Filter Application. INFORMATION The current version of EPC does not provide all available options for the engine oil filters that are used in the N20 engine. The illustrations below will help identify the proper engine oil filter application until the EPC is corrected. Vehicles produced prior to 6/2012 will be equipped with a black plastic oil filter housing (1). In this case, engine oil filter kit P/N 11 42 7 634 291 should be used. Vehicles produced as of 6/2012 and later will be equipped with a silver aluminum oil filter housing (1). In this case, engine oil filter kit P/N 11 42 7 640 862 should be used. |
| 170114 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Low Coolant Level with No Sign of External Leaks. The Low Coolant Warning light is on and there are no signs of a visual leak. Pressure testing the cooling system may or may not show an internal leak (loss of pressure). There may also be a complaint of transmission fluid leaking from the vent on top of the transmission; poor shift quality; or a shuddering from the transmission. There is an internal failure of the automatic transmission oil cooler, allowing coolant to mix with transmission fluid. Possible faulty coolers were built between 6/6/2013 and 8/4/2013. |
| 130514 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE. . INFORMATION To properly diagnose the customer's complaint, the applicable test plan for the misfire faults stored in the DME must be performed to avoid repeat repairs. If a misfire fault is not stored in the DME memory and an engine related drivability complaint is received, follow the path below to manually start the misfire test plan (AT1214_TVD4_MISFIRE_20): 1. Perform a vehicle test. 2. Select "Function Structure." 3. Select "01 Engine." 4. Select "Engine electronics MEVD." 5. Select "Misfire detection." 6. Follow the steps in the test plan and select "Basic check (start)" first. Do not select "Additional check" at this time. 7. If the result of the "Basic check" indentifies a fuel system component failure, replace the identified component. If the result of the "Basic check" test plan was inconclusive, go to step 7. After the component replacement, perform the "Basic check" portion of the test plan again to verify if the diagnosis was correct and the vehicle condition has been rectified. |
| 130114 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. N47T and N57T Diesels with SCR Efficiency Faults Stored. A. The Service Engine Soon lamp is on (MIL) with either or both of the following SCR efficiency faults stored in the DDE: 26F500 - SCR system, efficiency: Efficiency too low 26F600 - SCR system, efficiency: Efficiency too low B. In addition, a Check Control message of "Incorrect diesel exhaust fluid" may be displayed with "no start scenario countdown" active. This would cause any of the following additional faults to be stored, depending on the SCR system status at the time. 2C4E00 - SCR system: System error and poor urea/water mixture quality detected 26FD00 - Reducing agent metering, long-term adaptation: Adaptation value too high 29FB00 - SCR system, warning and deactivation scenario: Warning level 1 29FC00 - SCR system, warning and deactivation scenario: Warning level 2 CAUSE Unfavorable DDE software |
| 122914 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Reduced Engine Performance. When driving with high outside ambient temperatures, repeated stop and go, or high-load operation over longer distances, the engine performance can be reduced. The air-conditioning system blower output may also be reduced, and in some circumstances, the compressor is switched off. One or both of the following faults are stored in the DME: 1A2108: Electric fan, self-diagnosis, interval stage 1: Minor fan fault 241400: Electric fan, diagnosis feedback 1: Fan slightly stiff The Service Engine Soon lamp (MIL) would not be illuminated in these situations. 1. A DME software error in the control of the 600W electric fan over-boost or high speed function 2. The electric cooling fan design was not robust enough for continuous over-boost or high-speed operation. |
| 122412 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N20 and N26 Engine: DME FC CDA904 FA CAN Message State Trailer 0x2E4 Is Missing. |
| 122212 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. Service Action: Program Control Units. When coming to a stop, there is the possibility of an unfavorable judder. This is due to the software parameters for downshifting and transmission clutch control. CAUSE Unfavorable vehicle software |
| 111012 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE. ?N20 Engine: Repeated Juddering or Surging While Accelerating. The vehicle judders or surges repeatedly while accelerating in hot ambient temperatures between 3,000 RPM and 5,000 RPM. The Service Engine Soon lamp is not illuminated, and no fault codes are stored in the vehicle memory related to this complaint. CAUSE The EPDW (electropneumatic pressure convertor) for the turbocharger wastegate valve is binding internally. |
| 112014 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV). Delivery Stop: Crankcase Failure. A Delivery Stop has been issued on certain 2015 model year vehicles with N20/N26 engines produced from September 4, 2014 through October 21, 2014. These vehicles may have a crankcase failure. Approximately 145 vehicles are affected. |
| 111414 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE. Engine Damage Due to Debris in Oil Passages. After performing extensive engine repairs (e.g., cylinder head removal), the engine begins to knock and may lose power. Debris has entered the engine oiling passages during cleaning of the engine block and cylinder head mating surfaces during engine repair. |
| 710214 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. Service Action: Replace Emission Label. Certain 2015 model year vehicles with N47T and N57T diesel engines were produced with an "emissions" label which contains incorrect information pertaining to the 2015 model year. Affected vehicles in dealer inventory must not be retailed or delivered until this issue is corrected. Vehicles at VDCs will be repaired prior to dealer delivery. |
| 620613 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. Condition Based Service Due Date Is Reset to 01/2000. The Condition Based Service (CBS) due date is reset to 01/2000 and cannot be updated for: * Oil Service * Check Vehicle Note: No fault code is stored Software error in the Instrument Cluster. |
| 170114 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN. Low Coolant Level with No Sign of External Leaks. The Low Coolant Warning light is on and there are no signs of a visual leak. Pressure testing the cooling system may or may not show an internal leak (loss of pressure). There may also be a complaint of transmission fluid leaking from the vent on top of the transmission; poor shift quality; or a shuddering from the transmission. There is an internal failure of the automatic transmission oil cooler, allowing coolant to mix with transmission fluid. Possible faulty coolers were built between 6/6/2013 and 8/4/2013. |
| 120514 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY; ENGINE. N20/N26: Engine Fails to Run on Repeated Cold Start. The engine turns over but does not start on a repeat cold-starting attempt. For example, on the first cold start the engine may start normally, but if shut off right away, the engine may then fail to start and remain running on the next repeated attempts. Unfavorable DME software in combination with the NGK SILZKBR8B8S spark plug |
| 120414 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. MTurbocharger Coolant Pump: Fault Code 20A503. "Drive Faulty" message is displayed in the Check Control. Fault code 20A503 "Turbocharger coolant pump, self diagnosis: Signal implausible" is stored in the DME. Unfavorable DME software application |
| 130114 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL; FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL. "N47T and N57T Diesels with SCR Efficiency Faults Stored. A. The Service Engine Soon lamp is on (MIL) with either or both of the following SCR efficiency faults stored in the DDE: * 26F500 - SCR system, efficiency: Efficiency too low * 26F600 - SCR system, efficiency: Efficiency too low B. In addition, a Check Control message of ""Incorrect diesel exhaust fluid"" may be displayed with ""no start scenario countdown"" active. This would cause any of the following additional faults to be stored, depending on the SCR system status at the time. * 2CE400 - SCR system: System error and poor urea/water mixture quality detected * 26FD00 - Reducing agent metering, long-term adaptation: Adaptation value too high * 29FB00 - SCR system, warning and deactivation scenario: Warning level 1 * 29FC00 - SCR system, warning and deactivation scenario: Warning level 2 CAUSE Unfavorable DDE software" |
| 123514 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N20, N26 Service Engine Soon Light On: Fault Code 1B9702 is Stored. The Service Engine Soon light (MIL) is on with only the following fault stored in the DME: ? 1B9702: Engine switch-off time, timer, instrument panel timer DME, Comparison: Value of instrument panel timer too low while engine is running This fault will not cause any engine running or drivability problems. Unfavorable instrument cluster and DME software |
| 123314 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Fault Code 1D2008 Stored in DME. The Service Engine Soon light is on. Fault Code 1D2008: Map thermostat: jammed open is stored in the DME. There may also be a complaint of low heat output with lower outside temperatures. CAUSE During the engine warm-up, the engine coolant does not reach operating temperature within the DME's allowable time limits. This is caused by either a faulty thermostat inside the transmission oil heat exchanger or a faulty engine characteristic map thermostat. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.