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Service bulletins for the 2011 BMW 535i

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.

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

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Bulletins, newest first
B3701152018-12-10. Service bulletin. SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM. Service Action: Replace Left Rear Air Spring. Torsional stress can cause the threaded fabric of the left air spring bellow to rupture and lose its airtightness. If the air spring is not airtight, the vehicle will lean on one side.
B3206162018-12-10. Service bulletin. STEERING. Troubleshooting intermittent Steering Assistance with Electric Power Steering (EPS). Intermittent steering assistance failure CAUSE The power supply of the EPS control unit.
B1117152018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE; EQUIPMENT. "N63, N63TU and N63R Engines: Upper Oil Pan Removal and Installation Repair Instructions This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B11 17 15 dated August 2015.. INFORMATION When removing and/or installing the engine upper oil pan assembly, the oil pan can sustain damage if this operation is not performed correctly. Before loosening or tightening the engine upper oil pan refer to the newly released Repair Instruction 11 13 010 ""Removing and installing/replacing upper oil sump"" in ISTA/D 3.55.11 or higher for the proper procedures. IMPORTANT: The new repair instructions will state one of the following before reinstalling the upper engine oil pan. ""All threads must be cleaned with screw tap"" Or ""Clean all threads with screw tap. Order number 81 43 0 402 559"" Or ""Clean all threads with a thread cutter"". The current repair instruction terminology will be modified to include this information."
B1109162018-12-10. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:BELL HOUSING; POWER TRAIN. N63, N63TU, S63 and S63TU Engines: Oil Leak from the Rear of the Engine and Transmission Bell Housing. Customer complains that engine oil is leaking from the center of the vehicle. When verified, the engine oil residue can be seen leaking from between the engine and the transmission bell housing.
B1108152018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N63 and S63 Engine: Valve Seal Replacement This Service Information bulletin and attachment supersedes SI B11 08 15 dated March 2016. Refer to the following applicable SIBs before replacing the valve seals. SI B11 07 11 - Turbocharger Failure: Oil Supply and Return Line Blockage and Proper Repairs SI B11 07 12 - N63 Engine: Oil Consumption and/or Rough Running Complaints SI B11 01 13 - N63 Engine: Engine Oil Consumption, Engine Oil Top-ups and Refill Capacity SI 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
B8407152018-12-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SOS Malfunction Is Displayed In Kombi Sporadically. After engine start-up, a CCM (Check Control Message) for SOS malfunction is displayed in the Kombi and in the CID (Central Information Display). One or more of the fault codes below may be stored in the TCB or Combox control unit: 0xB7F32B - GSM Antenna: Open Circuit 0xB7F31F - GSM Antenna: Short to ground 0xB7F31E - GSM Antenna: Open Circuit A signal error is identified during the aerial self-test performed by the TCB (Telematic Control Box or the Combox).
B1205162018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE. "N55 - Engine Malfunction Warning Due to Vapor Forming in the Fuel System. The Engine Drivetrain Malfunction"" Check Control warning is displayed and the Service Engine Soon (MIL) Lamp may also be on. In areas where winterized fuel is used, this situation may occur after prolonged periods of engine idling or ""stop and go"" driving. Additional symptoms that may be present: rough running poor engine performance difficulty in starting the engine. Either or both of the following fault codes can be stored in the DME. 11A002 - Fuel high pressure, plausibility: Pressure too low 11AC02 - Fuel high pressure, plausibility, cold start: Pressure too low In addition any of the following faults may also be stored: 119404 - Rail pressure sensor, signal: Permanently stuck 118001 - Mixture control: mixture too lean 118401 - Mixture control: mixture too lean; large deviation Vapor formation in the fuel system from fuel quality characteristics of certain winter fuel blends along with high engine compartment temperatures."
B1116152018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM. 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.
B1108152018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; EQUIPMENT; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. 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. SI B11 07 11 - Turbocharger Failure: Oil Supply and Return Line Blockage and Proper Repairs SI B11 07 12 - N63 Engine: Oil Consumption and/or Rough Running Complaints SI B11 01 13 - N63 Engine: Engine Oil Consumption, Engine Oil Top-ups and Refill Capacity SI 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
B6507162018-12-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. NBT and Entry Head Unit Software Update for Improved Satellite Radio Reception. Poor Satellite Radio reception CAUSE After this software update there is a slight improvement in Satellite Radio reception for these vehicles when receiving their signal from XM Satellites. This is due to the changeover from Sirius Satellite broadcasting to XM Satellite broadcasting in 2016 (See SI B65 19 15).
B6506162018-12-10. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. NBT Head Unit Aborts Import of CD. While importing a CD to the internal music collection of an NBT head unit the process aborts. You will see 'import error' on the radio display when this occurs. NBT Head Unit software
B6403162018-12-10. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. "Air Conditioning Refrigerant R1234yf Introduction. Highlights of R-1234yf Meets SAE J2888_201301 ""This SAE Standard covers fittings, couplers, and hoses intended for connecting service hoses from mobile air- conditioning Systems to service equipment such as charging, recovery and recycling equipment"" New tools and equipment are required. To service vehicles equipped with R-1234yf refer to SI B04 02 16. Air conditioning technician certification is required to work on system. Refer to your State Law. Unique low and high side fittings. Revised evaporator core as per SAE J2842. System will use about 5% more refrigerant than a comparable R134a system. System oil is a specific PAG oil. Refer to ISTA repair recommendation. Do not interchange components between systems using other refrigerants. Do not reuse Seals / O-ring material from another system. The system piping has internal heat exchangers (IHX or IWT) as introduced in the G12 (7 series). SAFETY INFORMATION Several precautions need to be observed when working on automotive air conditioning systems: Always wear eye protection and gloves while handling refrigerant or servicing air conditioning system. Avoid breathing R1234yf lubricant vapor or mist. Use only approved service equipment to discharge A/C systems. If refrigerant or compressor oil contacts the skin or eyes, large quantities of cool water should be used to flush the affected area. Never heat a refrigerant container with an open flame. Keep all refrigerant away from open flames. Under no circumstances should R1234yf service equipment or vehicle A/C systems be pressure tested or leak tested with air/R1234yf mixtures. NOTE: The use of compressed air (shop air) for leak detection in an R1234yf system can contaminate the system and/or refrigerant with moisture. Leak detection equipment that meets the SAE J2791 standard will work with R1234yf Never use fittings for an R12 or R134a system on an R1234yf system. Any difficulty in connecting service equipm
B5104162018-12-10. Service bulletin. STEERING; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Groaning Noise When Adjusting Steering Column. A groaning noise can be heard when the steering column is retracted and moves into the lower position. Friction between gap trim and the lower trim cover.
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
B8403142018-12-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. SI B84 03 14 February 2016 Communication Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B84 03 14 dated October 2014. SUBJECT Bluetooth Connection Failures. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple iPhones Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure examples are: Call disconnection - Call is transferred back to the handset. In some instances the call is then transferred back to the vehicle. Contact List incomplete General connection failures CAUSE Apple iOS software (issue started with iOS 8.3 continues with iOS 9.x and its variants) Samsung S6 and S6 Edge device firmware CORRECTOPM None available at this time. We are currently working with the device manufacturer on a solution.
B6502162018-12-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. SUBJECT Audio System Speaker Testing. For audio system speaker testing there is a NED (Non Electrical Diagnosis) Test Plan available. CAUSE We previously recommended use of the Audio Test CD (ATC) from BMW. This CD has been discontinued.
B6410152018-12-10. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Certain air conditioning condensers must be replaced. Premature condenser failure due to corrosion. Replace the condenser if the vehicle contains the affected part number (9255983) AND the production date of the part falls on or before 11/11/13.
B6103142018-12-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. February 2016 General Electrical Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 03 14 dated May 2015. SUBJECT Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge during Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days (an outside ambient temperature below 15F), customers may notice a check control message related to the battery displayed on the instrument cluster and the control information display. 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).
B5104162018-12-10. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; STEERING. SUBJECT Groaning Noise When Adjusting Steering Column. A groaning noise can be heard when the steering column is retracted and moves into the lower position. CAUSE Friction between gap trim and the lower trim cover
B5103162018-12-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY; POWER TRAIN. SUBJECT Noise from the Power Window. When operating front power windows a chattering noise can be heard. Front window regulator is lacking lubrication
B1303152018-12-10. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; EQUIPMENT. SI B13 03 15 February 2016 Fuel Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B13 03 15 dated March 2015 and replaces SI B13 04 13 dated March 2014. SUBJECT N20, N26, N55, N63TU, S63TU and S55 Engines: Bosch Injector ETK Part Number Error. The current version of the ETK incorporates multiple part number errors for the Bosch type injectors. Ordering the injectors by VIN number or manual identification in ETK may result in an incorrect part number.
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.
B6507092018-12-10. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. Whistling Noise Coming from the Center Vent - A/C is Off . A very high pitched whistling or beeping noise is heard coming from the center vents. The flow of refrigerant through the expansion valve at certain temperature differentials.

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