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Service bulletins for the 2011 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.

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

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Bulletins, newest first
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.
6501132018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; SEAT BELTS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING; EQUIPMENT; AIR BAGS. Airbag Warning Lamp Illuminated; Shorted Wire in Front Seat Harness. The airbag warning lamp (AWL) is illuminated. One or more of the following faults will be stored in the ACSM (Advanced Crash Safety Module) as displayed in ISTA: 930979: Side airbag, driver: short-circuit to negative 930955: CAK, driver: short-circuit to earth 930925: Seat belt tensioner, driver: short-circuit to earth 9309CA: Seat belt lock contact, front passenger: communication fault 93095B: Active head restraint, front passenger: short-circuit to negative 93095F: Active head restraint, front passenger: line coupled 93093A: Seat belt tensioner, front passenger: resistance too great 93095E: Active head restraint, front passenger: resistance too great 9309CA: Seat belt lock contact, front passenger: break in circuit 930982: Side airbag, front passenger: resistance too great CAUSE A short in the wiring harness in the driver's or/and passenger's seat
6210122018-11-26. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. Head-Up Display Is Too Dark. The Head-up Display (HUD) is too dark. Rain/light/solar/condensation sensor (RLSB) hardware error
3701122018-11-26. Service bulletin. SUSPENSION. Rear Ride Level Control Inactive. INFORMATION Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty when the "cause" of the moisture ingress into the trunk and relay is the result of defects in materials or workmanship of the vehicle. Defect Code:Refer to KSD2See below Labor Operation:Labor Allowance:Description: 61 31 898Refer to KSD2Replace the relay for the air supply system. and 37 99 0003 FRUWork time to repair pin connectors and install rubber insulator Refer to KSD2 and select and use the defect code for the "causal" part. Claim this additional work with the "causal" part repair defect code. Even though work time labor operation code 37 99 000 ends in "000," it is not considered a Main labor operation.
3402132018-11-26. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. Incorrect Remaining Service Life from CBS Data for Brake Pads. 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. The customer notices implausible remaining distances (too high or too low) on the front and/or the rear axle brake system. Software calculation of the brake pad wear model
1307122018-11-26. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. 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.
1222112018-11-26. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. 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.
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.
1114142018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE. Engine Damage Due to Debris in Oil Passages. After performing extensive engine repairs (e.g., cylinder head removal), the engine begins to knock and may lose power. Debris has entered the engine oiling passages during cleaning of the engine block and cylinder head mating surfaces during engine repair.
B6216162018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. WARRANTY 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. Work time labor operation code 61 00 006 is not considered a Main labor operation; however, it does require an individual punch time and an explanation on the repair order and in the claim comments Vehicle Programming and Coding When ISTA/P automatically reprograms and codes all the vehicle's control modules that currently do not have the latest software, and if control module failures occur during this programming procedure: ? Please claim this consequential control module-related repair work under the defect code listed in this bulletin with the applicable KSD2/AIR labor operations. Other Repairs Control module failures that occurred prior to this programming procedure and/or additional work is performed as a result of performing the ISTA diagnostics and related test plans: ? When covered under an applicable limited warranty, claim the control module-related and/or other repair work using the applicable defect code and labor operations in KSD2/AIR.
B5143162018-11-26. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR. ?EDGE CORROSION ON THE EXTERIOR FRONT AND REAR DOOR UNDER THE PAINT FINISH. Corrosion of the front door and rear edges is appearing in paint surface near window trim. Material contamination.
B5120172018-11-26. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT; STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR. "WINDOW FRAME TRIM OF FRONT DOOR IS DISPLACED. ? Noise detected upon closing door ? Damage to one or both window frame trims (front and rear door). CAUSE Front window frame trim is offset toward ""B"" pillar (as shown). Replace one or both window frame trim panels, if damaged."
B3401172018-11-26. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES. VIBRATION WHILE BRAKING. Vibration while braking is noticed: ? Most commonly when coming to a stop from higher speeds ? Less prominent when brakes are cold. ? After wheel balancing, the problem still exists. ? All other diagnosis according to SI B34 10 16 have no results. Over time, the original style NAO brake pads can develop friction variations.
6520132018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Vehicle inTransport Mode Cannot Be Unlocked with Remote Control. When the vehicle is in transport mode, intermittently it cannot be unlocked via the remote control key. CAUSE When the vehicle is in transport mode, to reduce power consumption, the software is designed to disable the outside antenna receiver from waking up the vehicle.
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
5133142018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS; STRUCTURE:BODY. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B51 33 14 dated October 2014. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT New "Gas Door Operation" Instruction Label. Initial quality reports show the customers are not certain how to open and close the fuel filler flap.
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.
6512112018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Replacement HiFi Amplifier Is Not Recognized by ISTA and ISTA/P. INFORMATION When installing the new style HiFi amplifier (replacement part), the following conversion must be performed in ISTA/P: Conversion replacement HiFi loudspeaker system Note: This conversion option is only available in ISTA/P prior to the first new style HiFi amplifier installation in the affected vehicle.
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.
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.
3402132018-11-13. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS; SERVICE BRAKES, AIR: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. Software calculation of the brake pad wear model in the DSC.
3201142018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; STEERING. Service Action: Replace Power Steering Pump Belt Pulley. The screw connection on the power steering pump belt pulley may slacken. This may lead to an audible squeaking and rattling at the pulley drive. AFFECTED VEHICLES This Service Action involves 5 Series 535d vehicles according to VIN selection. First check if a Service Action label with a code number 682 is already attached to the B-pillar. If a code number 682 has been punched out, the Campaign has already been performed and no further action is necessary. Vehicles which require this Service Action to be completed will show it as "Open" when checked either in the "Service Menu" of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or with the Key Reader.
3101122018-11-13. Service bulletin. SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING; SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:U-BOLT, LEAF SPRING TO AXLE. 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)
1307122018-11-13. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS; 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.

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