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Service bulletins for the 2011 BMW 528i

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.

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

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Only bulletins with component: Engine are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
B1106162018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. N51, N52, N52K and N52T Engines: Various Eccentric Shaft Sensor Faults stored in the DME - Diagnostic Hints. The customer may complain about one of the following: Rough engine running Engine cannot be started (crank no start) Check Engine Light illuminated One or more of the following faults may be stored in the DME: 2A37 - Valvetronic, eccentric shaft sensor plausibility 2A47 - Valvetronic, eccentric shaft, signal plausibility 134E08 - Eccentric shaft plausibility (on F10, F25 vehicles only) CAUSE The VVT eccentric shaft sensor connector, and/or DME connector may have oil contamination due to oil leakage at the VVT sensor gasket.
B1108152018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE; EQUIPMENT. This Service Information bulletin and attachment supersedes SI B11 08 15 dated November 2015. SUBJECT N63 and S63 Engine: Valve Seal Replacement. Refer to the following applicable SIBs before replacing the valve seals. B11 07 11 - Turbocharger Failure: Oil Supply and Return Line Blockage and Proper Repairs B11 07 12 - N63 Engine: Oil Consumption and/or Rough Running Complaints B11 01 13 - N63 Engine: Engine Oil Consumption, Engine Oil Top-ups and Refill Capacity B11 03 13 - Engine Oil Consumption (all models) If the valve seals are leaking, one of the following will help determine if the seals should be replaced. Smoke from the tailpipe when starting or aggressively accelerating and decelerating the engine Excessive engine oil consumption Spark plugs fouled with engine oil
B1116152018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER. February 2016 Engine Technical Service This Service Information Bulletin supersedes SI B11 16 15 dated September 2015 SUBJECT N20 and N26 engine: Smoke from Exhaust when Starting a Cold Engine. When starting a cold engine, blue smoke can be seen emitting from the exhaust tailpipe for approximately 10-20 seconds. No turbo charger boost faults are stored and no drivability issues can be detected. CAUSE When the vehicle is parked overnight the engine oil pressure will equalize and may leak past the turbo charger exhaust side turbine seal.
B1116142018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ENGINE. "This Service Information bulletin and attachment supersedes SI B11 16 14 dated May 2015. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT N63 Engine: Check the Timing Chain. INFORMATION This bulletin outlines the procedure for checking the engine timing chains for wear, and should be completed in conjunction with SI B11 06 14, ""N63 Customer Care Package."" The N63CCP and N63 Engine Check the Timing Chain are NOT mandatory Technical Campaigns or Recalls. They should be completed only based on parts availability, workshop capacity, and the customer's schedule. Performing the test plans identified in the procedure below will detect wear at an early stage and, if necessary, provide a repair solution. To avoid future valvetrain wear, the vehicle must be reprogrammed and a shorter oil service interval must be retrofitted via ISTA/P. Finally, drain and replace the engine's oil and filter. After completing all necessary repairs included in the N63 Customer Care Package and the Timing Chain Check, the vehicle must be test driven for up to 30 minutes to ensure that the repairs were performed to the highest standard."
B0703142018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE; STEERING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Fault codes stored in vehicles being serviced are not being diagnosed, leading to repeat repair visits (source- Analysis of FASTA data and repeat repair visit reports). INFORMATION Where diagnosis (vehicle or short test) with ISTA has already started, it is important to diagnose the fault code(s) listed below (when they are stored in the vehicle) to find their root cause during the current workshop visit. This will help lead to a reduction in workshop repeat repair visits and higher customer satisfaction.
B1111152018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. ?SERVICE ACTION: REPLACE THE THERMOSTAT New information provided by this revision. Please perform the procedure outlined in this Service Information on all affected vehicles before customer delivery. In the event the customer has already taken delivery of the vehicle, please perform the procedure the next time the vehicle is in the shop. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 11 11 15 dated January 2016.
B1111152018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM. SI B11 11 15 January 2016 Engine Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 11 11 15 dated August 2015. The Service Engine Soon light is on with corresponding fault codes in the DME for the engine thermostat.
1220122018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. N55 Engine: DME FC 160502 Crankcase Ventilation Heater Activation. The Service Engine Soon lamp is NOT illuminated. When diagnosing the vehicle for a customer complaint, the following fault is stored in the DME fault memory. FC 160502 Crankcase ventilation heater, activation: short circuit to ground. This is an erroneous fault that can be ignored.
1214122018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. N51, N52K, N52T and N55 Engine: Various Faults Stored in DME Related to VANOS and Camshaft Position. A rattling noise can be heard from the engine compartment; the engine exhibits a loss of power; and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. One, or more of the following faults may be stored. E70, E71, E82, E88, E90, E92 and E93: 2A7C - VANOS, inlet, cold start 2A82 - VANOS, intake, variable cam control test 2A7A - VANOS, exhaust, cold start 2A87 - VANOS, intake: control fault, camshaft sticking 2D5A - VANOS, intake: control fault, camshaft sticking 2D5B - VANOS, intake: control fault, position not reached 2D54 - VANOS, exhaust, cold start: not controllable 2D55 - VANOS, intake, cold start: not controllable 2D60 - VANOS, exhaust: control fault, camshaft sticking 2D61 - VANOS, exhaust: control fault, position not reached 2D9F - Camshaft input sensor: signal implausible 2DA1 - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal implausible 300C - Camshaft input sensor: signal high 300D - Camshaft input sensor: signal low 300E - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal high 300F - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal low F07, F10, F12, F13 and F25: 130104 - VANOS, intake: control fault, camshaft sticking 130108 - VANOS, intake: control fault, position not reached 130304 - VANOS, exhaust: control fault, camshaft sticking 130308 - VANOS, exhaust: control fault, position not reached 130E11 - Camshaft input sensor: signal implausible 130F11 - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal implausible 164020 - Camshaft input sensor: signal high 164021 - Camshaft input sensor: signal low 164030 - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal high 164031 - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal low CAUSE One, or both (intake and/or exhaust) of the VANOS gear assemblies have failed; the attaching bolts may have also loosened and/or broken.
1307122018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. N63 and S63 Engine: High-pressure Fuel Injector Replacement Procedures. The customer complains that one of the following scenarios has been encountered while operating the vehicle: * During a cold start in the morning, the engine runs very roughly and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. * During a hot start, the engine runs very roughly and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. ??While driving or idling, the engine will misfire and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. * Various misfire faults are stored in DME fault memory. CAUSE An internal failure of the high-pressure fuel injector can lead to incorrect operation.
1216112018-12-03. 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).
1217122018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. A customer may complain of a delay in engine response after decelerating at low road speeds and then reaccelerating. This can occur when the transmission remains in a high gear due to a delay in the transmission downshifting. This situation can be more noticeable while driving on roads with slight turns or with an increasing gradient. Unfavorable EGS and DME software
1215132018-12-03. 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.
1214122018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. N51, N52K, N52T and N55 Engine: Various Faults Stored in DME Related to VANOS and Camshaft Position. A rattling noise can be heard from the engine compartment; the engine exhibits a loss of power; and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. One, or more of the following faults may be stored. E70, E71, E82, E88, E90, E92 and E93: 2D5A - VANOS, intake: control fault, camshaft sticking 2D5B - VANOS, intake: control fault, position not reached 2D54 - VANOS, exhaust, cold start: not controllable 2D55 - VANOS, intake, cold start: not controllable 2D60 - VANOS, exhaust: control fault, camshaft sticking 2D61 - VANOS, exhaust: control fault, position not reached 2D9F - Camshaft input sensor: signal implausible 2DA1 - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal implausible 300C - Camshaft input sensor: signal high 300D - Camshaft input sensor: signal low 300E - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal high 300F - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal low F07, F10, F12, F13 and F25: 130104 - VANOS, intake: control fault, camshaft sticking 130108 - VANOS, intake: control fault, position not reached 130304 - VANOS, exhaust: control fault, camshaft sticking 130308 - VANOS, exhaust: control fault, position not reached 130E11 - Camshaft input sensor: signal implausible 130F11 - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal implausible 164020 - Camshaft input sensor: signal high 164021 - Camshaft input sensor: signal low 164030 - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal high 164031 - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal low CAUSE One, or both (intake and/or exhaust) of the VANOS gear assemblies have failed; the attaching bolts may have also loosened and/or broken.
B1111172018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE. ?ENGINE LEAK DIAGNOSIS ON TURBOCHARGED V8 ENGINES. When diagnosing an engine oil leak or a coolant leak on turbocharged V8 engines it is necessary to use a borescope to identify if the source of the leak is from under the turbochargers. Engine oil or coolant leaking from the bell housing area or the front timing chain cover area may be caused by the turbocharger itself, a turbocharger oil/coolant feed line or turbocharger oil/coolant return line. Do not remove the transmission and do not dissemble the engine before performing this inspection. If necessary, use engine oil leakage detection dye.
B1108152018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N63 and S63 Engine: Valve Seal Replacement. Refer to the following applicable SIBs before replacing the valve seals. * B11 07 11 - Turbocharger Failure: Oil Supply and Return Line Blockage and Proper Repair * B11 07 12 - N63 Engine: Oil Consumption and/or Rough Running Complaints * B11 01 13 - N63 Engine: Engine Oil Consumption, Engine Oil Top-ups and Refill Capacity * B11 03 13 - Engine Oil Consumption (all models) If the valve seals are leaking, one of the following will help determine if the seals should be replaced. * Smoke from the tailpipe when starting or aggressively accelerating and decelerating the engine in addition to excessive engine oil consumption * Spark plugs fouled with engine oil and excessive engine oil consumption * Excessive engine oil consumption All Vehicles: On vehicles, where an excessive oil consumption between services is the only complaint, a complete oil consumption test as described in SI B11 03 13, must be performed first before replacing the valve seals. On vehicles exhibiting reproducible smoking from the tailpipe when hot, additional engine diagnostic steps (e.g. engine compression test, leak-down tests; inspection of the crankcase ventilation lines and turbo intake/outlet tubes for excessive oil accumulation) should be performed and documented prior to replacement of the valve seals, in order to eliminate other possible causes. Refer to the SIBs listed above for important diagnostic tips. Do not remove the intake manifolds to clean the intake valve carbon.
2403132018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. N52T/N55 with 8HP45: Delay in Engine Response. When slowing down to lower suburban road speeds and then accelerating, a delay in engine response may be experienced. This situation may be more noticeable when driving in a bend in the road or on roads with a rising gradient. Unfavorable EGS and DME software calibration
1307122018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. N63 and S63 Engine: High-pressure Fuel Injector Replacement Procedures. The customer complains that one of the following scenarios has been encountered while operating the vehicle: * During a cold start in the morning, the engine runs very roughly and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. * During a hot start, the engine runs very roughly and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. ??While driving or idling, the engine will misfire and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. * Various misfire faults are stored in DME fault memory. CAUSE An internal failure of the high-pressure fuel injector can lead to incorrect operation.
B1101132018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N63 AND N63T ENGINE: ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION, ENGINE OIL TOP-UPS AND REFILL CAPACITY. Customers with one of the vehicles above may complain that the engine's oil consumption is "too high," resulting in engine oil top-ups and workshop visits to address the issue before the vehicle displays an engine oil service as being "due." When the vehicle's engine oil drops to the minimum level, a message will display in the vehicle advising the driver to "add 1 quart of engine oil." After topping up and continued operation, the "add engine oil" message may display again before an engine oil service is required and performed. CAUSE Engines that are fitted with a turbocharger, as part of their normal operation, will consume engine oil at a higher rate than a naturally aspirated engine (non-turbocharged engine). In this case, a "turbocharged" engine could require topping up of the engine oil more frequently.
1112122018-11-26. 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.
3204142018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Engine: Fault Code 4823FC. Page 1 of 2 October 2014 Technical Service When starting the engine, the yellow EPS warning lamp may briefly light up. The power assist may also be reduced during this process. A brief undervoltage occurs in the EPS when starting the engine. The EPS recognizes this brief undervoltage and stores a fault code.
1305142018-11-26. 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.
1101132018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. MService Action: Replace the Coolant Pump. Coolant is leaking from the coolant pump. CAUSE The coolant pump may develop cracks in the plastic housing. These cracks may result in a coolant leak.
1214122018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N51, N52K, N52T and N55 Engine: Various Faults Stored in DME Related to VANOS and Camshaft Position. A rattling noise can be heard from the engine compartment; the engine has a loss of power; and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. One or more of the following faults may be stored. E70, E71, E82, E88, E90, E92 and E93: 2D5A - VANOS, intake: control fault, camshaft sticking 2D5B - VANOS, intake: control fault, position not reached 2D60 - VANOS, exhaust: control fault, camshaft sticking 2D61 - VANOS, exhaust: control fault, position not reached 2D9F - camshaft input sensor: signal implausible 2DA1 - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal implausible 300C - Camshaft input sensor: signal high 300D - Camshaft input sensor: signal low 300E - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal high 300F - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal low F07, F10, F12, F13 and F25: 130104 - VANOS, intake: control fault, camshaft sticking 130108 - VANOS, intake: control fault, position not reached 130304 - VANOS, exhaust: control fault, camshaft sticking 130308 - VANOS, exhaust: control fault, position not reached 130E11 - Camshaft input sensor: signal implausible 130F11 - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal implausible 164020 - Camshaft input sensor: signal high 164021 - Camshaft input sensor: signal low 164030 - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal high 164031 - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal low CAUSE One or both (intake and/or exhaust) of the VANOS gear assemblies have failed; the attaching bolts may have also loosened and/or broken.
1110122018-11-26. 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.

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