Service bulletins for the 2012 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.
372 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
By type
By component
By trouble code
By topic
| B520412 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. SEATS. Front Seat Base Makes Noise. A noise may be heard from the left or right front seat base when driving on rough roads. CAUSE The riveting of the seat control bracket to the metal seat base is too loose. |
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| B340614 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. ?SI B34 06 14December 2015 BrakesTechnical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 34 06 14 December 2014. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT M5 and M6 Front Axle Brake Squeak with Compound Brake System. A squeaking noise can be heard when braking from a slow speed. This situation may apply to M5 and M6 vehicles fitted with the metallic brake pads (P/N 34 11 2 284 869). These pads can be identified by the absorber weights at the top and bottom. Due to the design of the fixed caliper brake system, an unfavorable interaction between components may cause a squeaking noise. |
| B160915 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SI B16 09 15 Fuel Supply Systems. December 2015 Technical Service. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 26 01 15 dated November 2015. The wrong temperature sensor for the Natural Vacuum Leak Detection (NVLD) may have been installed. |
| B650915 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. HU-H: Headunit Resets Intermittently or Permanently. The HU-H (Headunit-High) resets intermittently or permanently. ? The display is inoperative and there is no audio output ? Automatic system start-up after a couple of seconds CAUSE Software error in the HU-H |
| B621015 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. "Instrument Cluster display inoperative FC B7F689. The Instrument Cluster (Kombi) is intermittently inoperative with fault code B7F689 ""display backlighting and graphics PCB switched off"" stored. Kombi software." |
| B620715 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "Instrument Cluster display is partially blank. INFORMATION Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks or the BMW Certified Pre-Owned Program. If you are using a Main labor code for another repair, use the Plus code labor operation 00 00 556 instead. Refer to KSD2 for the corresponding flat rate unit (FRU) allowances. Vehicle Programming and Encoding If a control module was working properly and it fails to program correctly or requires initialization, please claim this additional work with the applicable KSD2 labor operations under the defect code listed above. The diagnosis and repair of vehicles ""arriving"" with failed control modules or stored faults which will cause them to fail during programming cannot be claimed under the defect code listed in this bulletin. Other Repairs If other eligible and covered work is performed ""prior"" to programming and coding the vehicle, claim this work with the applicable defect code and labor operations listed in KSD2. " |
| B110815 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N63 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 |
| B620715 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. Instrument Cluster display is partially blank. The Instrument Cluster (Kombi) lower display may be intermittently blank. The Board Computer, Ambient Temperature and Check Control Messages will not display. Instrument Cluster software error. |
| B110815 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE. ?N63 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. |
| B613014 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. "BMW Maintenance Program: 12-Volt Battery Replacement Measure. INFORMATION This bulletin outlines a customer satisfaction measure that has been designed exclusively for the BMW vehicles listed above. It involves the replacement of the 12-volt battery as a preventive maintenance measure. This 12-volt battery replacement measure is: ? Effective for repairs dated on or after January 1, 2015. ? Applicable to vehicles that are still covered by the BMW Maintenance Program. This program is valid for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. ? The calculation is based on the current date of repair. It is ""applicable"" when the 12-volt battery was not replaced within the last 12 months. You can then perform the battery replacement as outlined below. Please check the warranty claim history for the specific vehicle in the DCSnet Warranty Vehicle Inquiry to confirm the battery was not already replaced within the previous 12 months." |
| B310112 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. SUSPENSION. Clicking Noise from Front Axle. Clicking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds (e.g., parking lot maneuvers). CAUSE Movement between the contact surfaces of the wheel bearing and swivel bearing (knuckle) |
| 122413 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE. "PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES BEFORE CUSTOMER DELIVERY OR THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS. BMW centers must ensure Recalls are completed after having been notified by BMW of North America, LLC (BMWNA) that a safety-related defect or noncompliance exists in any motor vehicle or item of replacement equipment in the center's possession at the time of notification. In BMW NA's case, this notification would typically be made by the issuance of a Recall notification in the form of a Service Information bulletin (SIB) or transmission of a Dealer Communication System (DCS) Recall message. Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, as amended, if a Recall Campaign is announced by BMW NA, centers must ensure that all Recalls on new vehicles and new items of replacement equipment are completed BEFORE delivery to the consumer. This means that centers may not legally deliver new motor vehicles or new items of replacement equipment to consumers with an open Recall. The Safety Act also prohibits centers from selling or leasing the motor vehicle or item of replacement equipment, unless and until the open Recall has been completed BEFORE delivery. This also pertains to vehicles in the Certified Pre-Owned program, and to items of replacement equipment. Finally, BMW centers should not sell or use parts that have been recalled by BMW NA. Please follow the specific instructions provided by BMW NA on the return or disposition of the parts. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Voluntary Emissions Recall Campaign 13E-A03: Program Control Units (OBD). Due to an error in the DME (Digital Motor Electronics) software, the required oxygen sensor onboard diagnostics (OBD) is not functioning. As a result, the ""Readiness bit"" confirming a successful completion of the oxygen sensor diagnostics will not be set. In order to remedy the situation, BMW is conducting a Voluntary Emissions |
| 121513 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE. ?N20 and N26 Engine: Various VANOS System Faults Stored in DME. The Service Engine Soon lamp and Engine Malfunction warning are illuminated, and the vehicle has reduced power output. This situation can occur as a customer complaint, or after performing repairs to the engine valve train assembly. One or more of the following faults is stored in the DME. F10, F25, F30, F31 and F34: 131401 VANOS, exhaust, starting from cold: Non-adjustable 131501 VANOS, intake, starting from cold: Non-adjustable 131808 VANOS, exhaust, starting from cold: Position not reached 131908 VANOS, intake, starting from cold: Position not reached 130104 VANOS, intake, control fault, camshaft jammed 130304 VANOS, exhaust, control fault, camshaft jammed 130308 VANOS, exhaust, control fault, position not reached 130108 VANOS, intake, control fault, position not reached E84 and E89: 2D54 VANOS, exhaust, starting from cold: Non-adjustable 2D55 VANOS, intake, starting from cold: Non-adjustable 2D56 VANOS, exhaust, starting from cold: Position not reached 2D57 VANOS, intake, starting from cold: Position not reached 2D60 VANOS, exhaust, control fault, camshaft jammed 2D5A VANOS, intake, control fault, camshaft jammed 2D5B VANOS, intake, control fault, position not reached 2D61 VANOS, exhaust, control fault, position not reached If one of the applicable faults listed above is not stored in the DME fault memory then continue troubleshooting with the applicable test plan for the fault(s) stored. CAUSE This is due to a diagnostic programming error in the DME. |
| B840514 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. One or both of the situations listed below may be encountered: ? Android device connection stability (dropped calls) ? Third-Party App Metadata: The album art and song title do not update when streaming audio from Pandora or Spotify, etc. New KISU (Customer Initiated Software Update) software is available on the TIS website. This software improves the Bluetooth functionality in our vehicles, and it helps to keep us up-to-date with technology innovation. |
| B112314 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE; EQUIPMENT. SI B11 23 14March 2015 EngineTechnical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 11 23 14 dated February 2015. PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES BEFORE CUSTOMER DELIVERY OR THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Service Action: Replace the Thermostat (F10). The Service Engine Soon light is on with corresponding fault codes in the DME for the engine thermostat. CAUSE Moisture and corrosion could develop on the electrical contacts for the heater circuit in the thermostat. |
| B111614 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE. "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. AFFECTED VEHICLES This Service Action applies to E70, E71, E72, F01, F02, F04, F07, F10, F12, and F13 vehicles with the N63 engines corresponding to the production dates listed above. First check if a Service Action label with a code number 728 is already attached to the B-pillar. If a code number 728 has already been punched out, the Campaign has already been performed and no further action is necessary. Eligible vehicles will show the following Service Action-related Campaign Code: 00 13 48 02 00 If the vehicle already has a label from a previous Service Action/Recall Campaign, affix the new label next to the old one. Do not affix one label on top of another one, because a number from an underlying label could appear in the punched-out hole of the new label." |
| B110715 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE. "N63: Quality Control Monitoring After CCP. INFORMATION If the vehicle exhibits any of the above drivability issues, perform the ISTA/D N63 Misfire Detection test plan. Please make sure the FASTA data is transmitted. Submit a PuMA case titled ""N63: Drivability after CCP."" Follow the recommendations received." |
| B110515 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE. "N20 and N55 Engine: Engine Oil Filter Application for Plastic Oil Filter Housing. The current version of EPC does not provide all available options for the engine oil filters used in the N20 and N55 engines produced with a ""plastic"" oil filter housing. The illustration below will help identify the proper engine oil filter application until the EPC is corrected." |
| B110315 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N20 and N26 Engine: Oil Leaks from Cylinder Head Cover. There is an engine oil leakage under the vehicle, or the vehicle smells of engine oil. The cylinder head cover gasket is leaking engine oil due to loose retaining bolt(s). |
| 840115 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT. "MSUBJECT iPhone and iOS 8.x Information. INFORMATION With the release of iOS 8.0, please be aware of the important functional change noted below: Scenario: z The customer leaves the vehicle and turns the phone off. z He or she turns the phone back on. z The customer then enters the vehicle, but does not unlock the phone prior to turning the vehicle on. https://www.minitis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/20701.1.M840115....3/2/2015 Page 2 of 2 Result: z The phone reconnects to the Bluetooth system (normal). z However, the contact list is not transferred (not normal). z The contact list in the iDrive will be empty. z The call list in the Kombi will display only phone numbers, but no names. z The hands-free system works for accepting calls and conversing on calls started on the phone. Solution: z Prior to the customer entering the vehicle, he or she must unlock the phone at least once (passkey). With the release of Apple's new iPhone 6, 6 Plus and iOS 8.x software, there have been many questions regarding the new phone and software. The information in the attachment to this Service Information will help answer these questions. A printed copy can be given to the customer if needed. The attachment provides information on the differences between the new iPhone 6, 6 Plus and the previous versions, along with Apple software improvements in the following areas: 1. Visual comparison 2. Connectivity 3. Functionality Refer to the PDF file in the ""Attachment"" section of this bulletin for complete details. Information on the iPhone 6 is also available via the following website: www.miniusa.com/bluetooth NOTE: This SI will be updated as new information is received. " |
| 652413 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B65 24 13 dated January 2014. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Headunit-High: INITIAL Enabling Code Is Not Accepted Via I-Drive. INFORMATION Do not replace parts and do not program the vehicle for this issue. First-time activation of the navigation system should always be performed during the Quality Certification 1 (QC1) Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI), with the vehicle connected to the ISTA diagnosis system. Refer to SI B65 22 14. WARRANTY INFORMATION Not applicable since the first time activation of the navigation system is part of the QC1 process and cannot be claimed separately. [ Copyright (c)2015 BMW of North America, Inc. ] https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/20588.1.B652413....3/2/2015 |
| 651312 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B65 13 12 dated September 2012. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Headunit High: Navigation System Road Map Usage. INFORMATION The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609. This change will affect the navigation system road map data support process and the warranty spare parts processes for the HU-H. For the US market, all vehicles will come pre-loaded from the factory with the latest navigation system road map database version that was available at the time of vehicle production. Therefore, there will be no physical copy of the navigation system road map data media DVD set or USB stick placed in these vehicles at the Vehicle Distribution Center (VDC). NOTE: Additionally, all replacement HU-H parts come with a pre-loaded version of the current available navigation system road map database installed. A set of DVD copies of the navigation system road map database, HU-H NAVI Road Map North America NEXT, is shipped to all BMW centers through the automatic tool shipment program with each release of a navigation system road map database. IMPORTANT: Additional copies or earlier NAV road map database versions cannot be ordered individually! Therefore, please take special care to archive the HU-H NAV road map DVD sets! The NAV road map data on the DVD set can also be installed into the Network Attached Storage (NAS). From there it then can be installed onto the HU-H in the vehicle, using the Integrated Service Technical Application for Programming (ISTA/P). For installation of the navigation system road map data media DVD set onto the Network Attached Storage (NAS), please contact your ISPI NEXT Administrator. In addition to this procedure, it is also possible to download the NAV road map data on the DVD set directly to the hard disc drive (HDD) integrated in the HU-H by inserting the DVDs one by one into the HU-H internal DVD |
| 651009 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B65 10 09 dated March 2013. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT CIC head unit: Vehicle Position Is Missing or Incorrect on Navigation Map. The vehicle position is missing or incorrect on the navigation map. The navigation system integrated in the Car Information Computer (CIC) is not calibrated correctly. |
| 650509 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B65 05 09 dated July 2009. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT CIC Headunit: Navigation System Road Map Usage. INFORMATION The Car Information Computer (CIC) began replacing the Car Communication Computer (CCC) on vehicles with option 609 in September of 2008. This change affected the navigation system road map data support process and the warranty spare parts processes for the CIC. For the US market, all vehicles come pre-loaded from the factory with the latest navigation system road map database version that was available at the time of vehicle production. Therefore, no physical copy of the navigation system road map data media DVD set or USB stick is placed in these vehicles at the Vehicle Distribution Center (VDC). NOTE: Additionally, all replacement CIC parts come with a pre-loaded version of the current available navigation system road map database installed. A set of DVD copies of the navigation system road map database, CIC NAVI Road Map North America PREMIUM, is shipped to all BMW centers through the automatic tool shipment program with each release of a navigation system road map database. IMPORTANT: Additional copies or earlier NAV road map database versions cannot be ordered individually! Therefore, please take special care to archive the CIC NAV road map DVD sets! The NAV road map data on the DVD set can also be installed into the Network Attached Storage (NAS). From there, it can then be installed onto the CIC in the vehicle, using the Integrated Service Technical Application for Programming (ISTA/P). For installation of the navigation system road map data media DVD set onto the Network Attached Storage (NAS), please contact your ISPI Next Administrator. In addition to this procedure, it is also possible to download the NAV road map data on the DVD set directly to the hard disc drive (HDD) integrated in the CIC by inserting the DVDs one by one into the CIC internal DVD drive. It will take approxim |
| 340714 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES. "SUBJECT Carbon Ceramic Brake Noise. INFORMATION ""M"" vehicles are designed for high-performance, spirited driving. To accommodate this type of driving profile, a braking system which exceeds the standards for handling heavy brake forces, extreme temperatures, and excellent stopping power at high speeds is required. ""M"" vehicles can be ordered with the optional ultra high-performance braking system, featuring perforated carbon ceramic brake discs designed for circumstances similar to those encountered on racetracks. The carbon ceramic brakes were designed to improve braking efficiency, and dramatically increase braking performance along with a significant reduction in weight. When developing the carbon ceramic brake system, the main focus was on braking performance for the sporty-minded driver, while accepting the comfort limitations of functional noises at slower speeds and when coming to a stop. Please inform the customer that the carbon ceramic brake system's functional noises (squealing/honking), are a known characteristic for this type of material, and are only a small trade-off for the improved braking performance. These functional noises have no effect on the performance, operational reliability and durability of the brakes. Part replacement will not provide a remedy for the noise; this is a known characteristic of the high-performance brake system. More information on the performance and operation of these brakes can be found in the Owner's Manual under ""M carbon ceramic brake."" WARRANTY INFORMATION Not applicable." |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.