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Service bulletins for the 2012 BMW 328i

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.

623 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

By type

By component

By trouble code

Bulletins, newest first
6609142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK. Unlocking Trunk with Remote Unlocks All Doors. After programming the vehicle with ISTA/P 2.47.1, unlocking the trunk with the remote changes to unlocking all the doors. An application error occurred after programming the vehicle to the Personal Profile Setting (PIA) in the Front Electronic Module (FEM).
6103142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge During Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days with an outside ambient temperature of less than 15F, customers may notice a check control message related to the battery that is displayed on the instrument cluster and the control information display. Under these conditions, the vehicle starts. Various power management faults can be stored: z 213901 - Power management: Reduction or shutdown of individual electrical consumer z 8040BD - Reset or deactivation of Terminal 30F z 8040B9 - De-activation of terminal 30B: Top start capability limit reached z 8020E8 - Reset or deactivation of terminal 30F z 800E89 - FRM: start capability limit reached with lights active during stationary mode z 93076B - Deactivation of terminal 30B: upper start capability limit reached z 93076A - Deactivation of terminal 15: upper start capability limit reached, but deactivation preventer active z 93076C - Deactivation of terminal 30B: upper start capability limit reached, but deactivation preventer or legal loads active z 930769 - Deactivation of terminal 15: upper start capability limit reached Note: When the outside temperatures drop below 46F, the charging system is switch to full charge. CAUSE z The check control message (ID 229) is caused by a heavily discharged battery. z The check control message is triggered when the current state of charge (SoC) of the battery approaches the minimum SoC that is required to start the vehicle (start capability limit). z In low outside ambient temperatures, the start capability limit of the vehicle is higher. Therefore it takes more energy from the battery to start a cold engine. z Without the early warning of the check control message, the current state of charge would drop below the start capability limit and the vehicle would not start. z The vehicle's intelligent power management system actively takes measures to increase the charge of the battery, such as increasing idle speed and reducing or shutting
5131142018-11-13. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. Headlight Cleaning System: Functional Operation Change. The customer complains that the headlight cleaning system is not working properly and only works after several actuating attempts. CAUSE The "functional" operation of the headlight cleaning system was changed with integration level F020-14-07-500. The functional changes to the headlight cleaning system's operation will occur only after programming the vehicle with ISTA/P 2.53.0 or higher. INFORMATION The headlight cleaning system is no longer activated with the first stalk activation when the lights are on. The functional programming change now requires the stalk to be activated four times before headlight cleaning is activated. The change prevents automatic activation of headlight cleaning when the customer only wants to clean his/her windshield. This is normal operation and no parts should be changed.
7102142018-11-13. 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.
6406132018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. A/C Cooling: Intermittent Reduction of Air Flow. The customer may complain of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time, usually longer than one hour. The complaint can vary due to one or more of the following variables: * High outside ambient temperature * Too much humidity * A/C temperature and fan settings set too low for too long Note: It is very difficult to duplicate this issue due the required outdoor weather conditions and length of driving time needed. CAUSE Evaporator starts to freeze up due to the position of the evaporator temperature sensor.
6202142018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Head-Up Display Inoperative. The Head-up Display is inoperative. Fault code 0xB7F6E3 - HUD: Communication error (HUD does not answer) is stored in the Instrument Cluster (KOMB25). A software error in the instrument cluster prevents the Head-up Display from activating.
6120142018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY. Vehicle Only Starts when Remote Key Held Against Column. The vehicle does not start using the Comfort Start feature. The vehicle does start once the remote key is held next to the steering column emergency start area (key symbol at the right side of the column between the white marks). The antenna (aerial) in the passenger compartment near the front of the center console has shorted wiring.
6308142018-11-13. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. Active Headlight Control Malfunction in Both Headlights. AHL (Active Headlight Control) malfunctions on both sides. Both lights aim either up or down while driving. Fault Code 8041B6 is present. Broken mounting bolt holding on the rear height sensor bracket.
6206132018-11-13. 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.
5409082018-11-13. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT. Cleaning Excess Butyl from RHT Roof Shells. Butyl adhesive is used to secure the seals of the retractable hardtop (RHT) to the steel roof shell panels. Particularly at high ambient temperatures, if excess butyl is present, it may start to seep out from between the seal and the roof shell. This butyl may be black or gray in color. Excess butyl applied to the roof shell during assembly
5113142018-11-13. Service bulletin. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK; STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID. Trunk Lid Does Not Open Completely. The customer may complain that the trunk does not open fully when using the remote key or hands-free trunk-lid opening (a Comfort Access function). CAUSE * A dry trunk lid seal causes the trunk lid to stick. * F30 and F32 only: A trunk return spring that is not installed correctly may not open the trunk lid fully.
5105142018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. MF56 Make Good Program: Install Accessory Roof Graphic or Mirror Caps. Due to production restrictions at Plant Oxford, certain F56 vehicles produced in May and June of this year cannot be built with the factory option for the contrasting roof and/or mirror caps. This production issue was caused by the plant expanding its paint capabilities to meet increasing vehicle demand. In a continuing effort to maintain the utmost in Motorer satisfaction, MINI USA is offering our dealer partners an alternative solution, the "Make Good" program. For all affected MINI F56 vehicles: * Produced from May 1, 2014 to June 30, 2014 and * Built without the factory order "Contrasting Roof and Mirror Caps" option (382 and 383) Your MINI dealer can offer these Motorers the installation of an accessory roof graphic or set of mirror caps. The Motorer has the choice of either the accessory roof graphic or exterior mirror caps, not both. MINI Area Manager (AM) "Field Authorization" (FAS) is not required. Note: For eligible vehicles (VINs) that are affected by this production restriction, the procedure outlined in this bulletin only applies to mirror caps or roof graphics installed by your dealer. Mirror caps or roof graphics installed through the MINI USA "VIA" (VDC-Installed Accessory) program are not eligible for reimbursement through this Make Good Program.
3603092018-11-13. Service bulletin. TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS. Third Generation Tire Pressure Monitor System (RDC). INFORMATION As of September 2009 production, a new generation Tire Pressure Monitor System has been introduced for all 3 Series models. Although the basic operation of the system is similar to the previous version, there are several key differences between the two systems. The new system consists of five components: One central antennae with an integrated control module (5) mounted in the right rear wheel arch Four wheel electronics (1-4) mounted at the base of each tire valve. Central antennae with integrated control module The control module and central antennae have been combined in a single housing. This new control module has the ability to send requests for information to each of the 4 wheel New style wheel electronics The wheel electronics consist of a plastic housing with integrated circuitry. The following items are contained within the wheel electronics: Pressure sensor Temperature sensor Acceleration sensor Transmitter/receiver unit Self-diagnosis controller Battery The following points should be considered when diagnosing and/or servicing the system: * The system components are not interchangeable or compatible with previous versions. * The type of wheel electronic fitted can only be determined via visual inspection. * The detection of low tire pressure and the subsequent warning is similar to the previous design. * The reset procedure has changed. Special Note for Reset Procedure After initiating a reset, the vehicle must be driven for a period longer than 12 minutes with a vehicle speed which exceeds 19 mph (~30 km/h). WARRANTY INFORMATION Not applicable.
3602112018-11-13. Service bulletin. TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Functional Changes. INFORMATION There has been a disruption in the production and supply chain of certain electronic components. These events have influenced global manufacturing facilities, including the automotive sector. In order to fulfill customer demand and maintain production schedules, BMW has made a change to the Tire Pressure Monitor System of certain vehicles. https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/16234.2.B360211.... 6/8/2014 Page 2 of 2 Although the basic system operation and function remain the same, changes have been made to the vehicle's display elements when a low tire pressure condition occurs. The following points apply to vehicles produced during the period listed above: * The Tire Pressure Monitor System continues to meet all federal requirements. * When a low tire pressure condition is detected, a general system warning is issued. The warning will be displayed in the instrument cluster (KOMBI) and/or Control Display, depending on the vehicle's equipment level (refer to the attachment). * When a driver is alerted to a low pressure condition, all four tires should be inspected for damage and proper inflation. The system components, wheel electronics and central antennae/module are fully compatible with current replacement parts. This functional change represents a running production change and is not a defect in materials or workmanship. Any further changes to the system function or components will be communicated in a future bulletin. It is imperative that all service personnel be familiar with these changes. WARRANTY INFORMATION Not applicable.
3403132018-11-13. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:PADS; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS. Incorrect Remaining Service Life from CBS Data for Brake pads. The yellow "Service Due" warning message lights up in the instrument cluster, even though the brake pad thickness is more than 4.2mm (above the thickness at which the pad sensor intervenes). The calculated remaining service life for the brake pads (front and/or rear axle) from the CBS data does not match the actual brake pad thickness. Note: E9x vehicles with xDrive are not affected by this bulletin. Software calculation in the brake pad wear model
1205142018-11-13. 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
1204142018-11-13. 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
6505142018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). Traffic Information Is Inoperative. The traffic information is intermittently or permanently inoperative. * Traffic flow is not displayed on the navigation map. * The traffic list is empty. 1. The Offboard Availability (backend) system is unavailable and is not sending traffic information. 2. The traffic information feature is not activated correctly.
6307142018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. "One or Both Xenon Headlights Aiming Downwards. CAUSE Both sides are aiming downwards: * The most likely cause is a faulty or disconnected rear height sensor. In very extreme cases due to poor road conditions, both headlight assemblies could have the vertical aim ball socket adjuster disconnected, as noted below. Only one side is aiming downwards: * The cause could be a ""disconnected"" vertical aim ball socket adjuster, resulting from excessive road vibration or sharp impacts (pot holes) through the suspension to the headlight assembly. Important Note: Follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin first; replacing headlight assemblies for a vertical aim ball socket adjuster issue is an excessive repair."
6103142018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge During Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days with an outside ambient temperature of less than 15F, customers may notice a check control message related to the battery that is displayed on the instrument cluster and the control information display. Under these conditions, the vehicle starts. Various power management faults can be stored: * 213901 - Power management: Reduction or shutdown of individual electrical consumer * 8040BD - Reset or deactivation of Terminal 30F * 8040B9 - De-activation of terminal 30B: Top start capability limit reached * 8020E8 - Reset or deactivation of terminal 30F * 800E89 - FRM: start capability limit reached with lights active during stationary mode * 93076B - Deactivation of terminal 30B: upper start capability limit reached * 93076A - Deactivation of terminal 15: upper start capability limit reached, but deactivation preventer active * 93076C - Deactivation of terminal 30B: upper start capability limit reached, but deactivation preventer or legal loads active * 930769 - Deactivation of terminal 15: upper start capability limit reached Note: When the outside temperatures drop below 46F, the charging system is switch to full charge. CAUSE * The check control message (ID 229) is caused by a heavily discharged battery. * The check control message is triggered when the current state of charge (SoC) of the battery approaches the minimum SoC that is required to start the vehicle (start capability limit). * In low outside ambient temperatures, the start capability limit of the vehicle is higher. Therefore it takes more energy from the battery to start a cold engine. * Without the early warning of the check control message, the current state of charge would drop below the start capability limit and the vehicle would not start. * The vehicle's intelligent power management system actively takes measures to increase the charge of the battery, such as increasing idle speed and reducing or shutting
5110142018-11-13. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR; EQUIPMENT. Front Door Loudspeaker Make Noises When Cold. The customer complains of front door loudspeaker noises when the temperature is below freezing. CAUSE Water from the door window may enter the rear area of the front door medium range loudspeaker basket/cage and can solidify when the temperature drops below freezing, creating the noise.
5108142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. Service Action: Repair Corrosion Protection in Engine Compartment. Various engine compartment battery cable mounting points are not sufficiently protected against corrosion. Lack of corrosion protection can lead to improper battery cable connections.
5106142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES. Service Action: Repair Corrosion Protection Engine Compartment. Various engine compartment battery cable mounting points are not sufficiently protected against corrosion. Lack of corrosion protection can lead to improper connections associated with the battery cables.
1301142018-11-13. 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"
1201132018-11-13. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. "Transmission Intermittently Goes into ""P"" or ""N"" After MSA Engine Start. After an MSA engine start, the transmission intermittently goes into the Park (P) or Neutral (N) position without any customer influence. This problem can be sporadic, difficult to reproduce, and no relevant faults are stored. Unfavorable DME/EGS software"

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.