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Service bulletins for the 2010 BMW 550i

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.

334 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
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."
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
B1210162018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. "N63T Drivetrain Malfunction Message after Driving for Several Hours. F01, F02, F07 Target integration level: F001-16-07-501 or higher ""Drivetrain Malfunction"" message displayed with reduced engine power. Erroneous misfire faults may be stored for cylinders 3 and 6. The situation is most likely to occur after driving for several hours at constant highway speeds with light throttle (low load and low engine speed). Cycling ignition off and back on again clears the ""Drivetrain Malfunction"" warning DME software (plausibility check error)"
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."
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
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
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.
1107132018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. N63T Engine: New Test Plan to Check Engine Oil Level with ISTA/D 3.39.21. INFORMATION With the release of ISTA/D 3.39.21, a new test plan is available for checking the engine oil level in some vehicles with the N63T engine. The test plan will help identify the actual oil level, and advise the amount that will need to be added to correctly fill the engine when topping up. When performing the scheduled oil service and filling the engine with the amount specified, the applicable ISTA/D repair instruction does not require performing this test plan. Applicable models: * F01 and F02 with the N63T engine, produced from 3/2013 and later with I-Level F001-13-03-501 or higher * F06, F07, F12 and F13 with the N63T engine, produced from 3/2013 and later with I-Level F001-13-03-501 or higher * F10 with the N63T engine produced from 7/2013 and later with I-Level F010-13-07-501 or higher Test plan path: Service Function/Drive/Motor Electronics/Motor Oil/Oil Level IMPORTANT: Do not perform this test plan on the following vehicles: * E70, E71, F01, F02, F04, F06, F07, F12 and F13 vehicles with the N63 or N63T engine, produced before 3/2013 l * F10 vehicles with the N63 engine produced before 7/2013 If this test plan is performed on these vehicles, the result is an incorrect measurement and level indication; overfilling of the engine will occur. Overfilling of the engine will result in engine damage. When a solution for vehicles which are not at one of the integration levels above is available, it will be communicated promptly. WARRANTY INFORMATION Not applicable. [ Copyright (c)2013 BMW of North America, Inc. ] https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/15702.1.B11071... 11/12/2013
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.
1219132018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ?Service Action: Program Control Units (Oil Level Sensor). Due to a signal error from the oil level sensor, the vehicle could display an erroneous message indicating that an oil service is due after only a short distance has been traveled.
1218132018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. N63: Service Engine Soon Lamp (MIL) Is On with Fault 1D2008 Stored. Under certain low-load driving conditions at low outside ambient temperatures, the following fault may be stored in the DME with the Service Engine Soon lamp (MIL) on: Fault 1D2008 - Map thermostat, mechanical: jammed open. However, the thermostat is found to be operating correctly with sufficient heat output from the climate control system, and the engine is operating at the correct temperature. Unfavorable DME software diagnostic
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).
0102122018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. "BMW NA has agreed to extend the emissions warranties of the turbocharger's wastegate to: ??8 years or 82,000 miles, whichever occurs first, as determined from the vehicle's original in-service date select the ""Vehicle Comment"" button to display the extended coverage information. The terms of the original New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty and applicable emissions warranty still apply. BMW NA will not provide warranty coverage to any Settlement Class Member's vehicle containing modifications or alterations to the turbocharger or its wastegates (software, hardware or otherwise), or evidencing other conditions not normally covered under the original New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty or applicable emissions warranty. Modifications excluded from warranty coverage include any aftermarket parts that affect the turbocharger system, or if there are other conditions that would normally exclude it from warranty coverage."
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.
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.
1304092018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. "N54 Engine: Diagnosis of Cold Start Rough Running with Misfire Faults. The customer may complain that during the cold start in the morning, the engine runs very roughly and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. Various misfire fault codes (e.g., 29CC, 29D2, 29D1, 29D0, 29C0, 29CF) may be stored in the DME control module. The engine rough running complaint can be reproduced on a cold start in the workshop. During the course of diagnosis, the spark plugs, removed from the misfiring cylinders after the problem was reproduced, are found to be soaked (""wet"") with fuel, while the injector tips are covered with a layer of carbon deposit. Possible cause: high-pressure injector failure (leakage or incorrect spraying pattern) due to internal wear or unfavorable stock of tolerances IMPORTANT: For comprehensive N54 drivability diagnostics, always refer to the ""N54 Engine Diagnostic Fault Tree"" file (the current version ""02_14_13"" is found as a PDF attachment to SI B12 55 06)."
1222112018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE. "N63: Engine Malfunction Warning Due to Vapor Forming in the Fuel System. The Engine Malfunction warning is displayed and the Service Engine Soon (MIL) Lamp is on. This situation may occur when starting the engine at operating temperature after a ""hot-soak"" period. It is more likely to occur during months with cooler ambient temperatures and winter fuel is available. The following fault code is stored in the DME. 110001 - Cylinder injection cutout: pressure too low in high-pressure system And additionally in isolated cases fault: 11A002 - Fuel high-pressure system, fuel pressure: minimum pressure undershot This problem can occur if vapor forms in the fuel system due to excessive temperatures and fuel quality characteristics. Areas using winter fuel blends with high ethanol content are perhaps more susceptible in having this situation to occur."
1101132018-11-26. 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."
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.
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.
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.

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