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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
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
6511132018-12-03. Service bulletin. AIR BAGS. CIS Seat Mat Replacement. Installation of a new CIS (capacitive sensing passenger occupancy mat) will not enable with ISTA/P. Wrong coding in the spare part from the supplier
6510092018-12-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT. 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.
6509132018-12-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. "CHAMP2: Stored Radio Stations Deleted After Ignition Off. After ignition off, the stored radio stations (AM/FM and Satellite) are no longer available in: * Menu ""PRESETS"" * Functional bookmarks (buttons on the head unit) Error in the CHAMP2 head unit"
6401112018-12-03. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. "Whistling Noise Heard from the Center Fresh-Air Vent During Heating. A whistling noise is heard from the center fresh-air vents. The noise can be heard during the warm up phase (3 to 10 mins) after the heating system is first activated, with low outside temperatures and the center vents stratification adjustment wheel is turned to the ""red"" position. Note: This is independent of the air distribution setting, but a lower fan speed is required. CAUSE Unfavorable air flow against the mixing flaps in the upper distribution housing"
6102112018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Advanced Onboard Battery Diagnostics. INFORMATION Starting with the introduction of the F10 (5 Series), an advanced intelligent battery sensor has been used. This now makes it possible for the vehicle to monitor the condition of the battery in order to determine if the battery needs to be recharged or replaced, along with the remaining capacity of the battery. The analysis and testing of the battery's SoC (State of Charge) and SoH (State of Health) is now performed using ISTA (Integrated Service Technical Application) diagnosis. A separate test using a battery tester is no longer needed.
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).
6206132018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. 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
3201132018-12-03. Service bulletin. STEERING. Squeaking Noises when Steering Wheel Is Turned. There are squeaking noises from the steering spindle when the steering wheel is turned. The steering spindle sleeve's plastic bearing is insufficiently lubricated or not lubricated at all.
2702132018-12-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Knocking Noise from Driveline During Low-speed Turning. A cracking or knocking noise is heard from the driveline on sharp turns at low driving speeds (<15 mph). CAUSE Software calibration error in the transfer case control unit (Longitudinal Torque Module or LMV)
B8406162018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ?BMW ONLINE NON-FUNCTIONAL: CHECK ICC-ID IN ACCOUNT. BMW Online/BMW ConnectedDrive not functional. Vehicle and service cockpit have different ICC-ID's (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier).
B8402142018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ?CONNECTEDDRIVE/BMW ASSIST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION. ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist features are partially or completely inoperative. This Service Information bulletin is being published because vehicles are down for an extended period of time when researching system failures with ConnectedDrive or BMW Assist. This Service Information bulletin will assist you both in identifying the issue and providing technical support. CAUSE Not enough information is available for BMW NA engineers to assist the technician in diagnosing the root cause.
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.
8406132018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. iPhone Charging Status Constantly Switches On and Off. Do not replace any other parts! Advise the customer that he/she must use one of the following: * The original Apple iPhone/iPOD USB cable that came with the device * A BMW supplied iPhone/iPOD USB adapter cable PARTS INFORMATION Part Number
6603132018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Parking Assistant Inoperative After Programming. The parking assistant system does not function correctly. One or more of the following scenarios may occur: * Unable to activate the parking assistant via the iDrive * When activated, the vehicle does not locate a parking spot * Does not assist with parking the vehicle CAUSE Software error in ISTA/P 2.49.0 programming data
6404132018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. Rattling/Grinding Noises from Center Console. When the heating and air conditioning system is first turned on, a grinding noise may be heard from the right side of the front center console. CAUSE The bushing of the blending flap for the rear seat outlet lacks sufficient grease.
6138122018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "Service Action: Program Control Units (CAS). After programming/coding the vehicle with ISTA/P 2.48.1 or earlier, the Car Access System (CAS) was incorrectly coded. This causes the anti-theft alarm system panic button on the remote control to not function. In order to determine whether a specific vehicle has had this Service Action completed or is affected by this Service Action, first check the B-pillar label for code number 637. If code number 637 has been punched out, the campaign has already been performed. If code number 637 has not been punched out, it will be necessary to utilize the ""Service Menu"" of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or the Key Reader. Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the corrective action or take no further action. Important Note: A campaign can be reserved in ISPA Light as ""Pending"" prior to submission of a claim. If you find this campaign reserved, please verify the reason before attempting to perform this repair."
5109132018-11-26. Service bulletin. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES. "The Door Springs into Pre-Locking Position. When the customer closes the door, it may seem that the door has closed completely. However, it is only in the pre-locking position, not the fully locked position. A check control message indicates that the door is open. 3.Close the front door and pull the outer door handle to the ""trigger point"" when the door first pops open. Measure the distance from the edge of the inside of the outer door handle to the metal door skin, as shown. The ""trigger"" distance should be between 24 mm-27 mm. Note: A scale or tape measure is physically too large to accurately make this measurement. A sliding caliper must be used for accuracy. Note: The door will not completely open when either in the pre-locking or the fully locked position CAUSE * Door adjustment (closing effort too high) * Incorrect routing of the Bowden cable (outside and inside door handle). Heavy accumulation of dirt and grime in the door lock."
3406122018-11-26. Service bulletin. AIR BAGS. DSC Warning Light is On. The warning lamps for DSC, ABS and brake warning are illuminated. There may also be a warning in the control display for 'Chassis Control System failure' One or more of the following fault codes are stored: F25, F30 DSC * D36D44 - Signal error longitudinal torque distribution (LMV) * 48097D - Transfer Case clutch position open F01, F02, F07, F10, F12 and F13 LMV: * 440108 - Control Unit internal error * 44010F - Control Unit internal error E70, E71 and E84 LMV: * 5219 - Control Unit: EEPROM Writing-reading-error * 522D - Control Unit: internal Error CAUSE Software calibration error in the LMV
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

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