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Service bulletins for the 2012 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.

416 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
B0103192019-05-20. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N63T ENGINE - REAR MONITORING OXYGEN (O2) SENSORS: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120000 MILES. The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) lights up after performing the Vehicle Test diagnosis fault(s) relating to the rear monitoring oxygen sensor(s) may be recorded in the DME fault memory.
B1114172019-03-18. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N20 AND N26 ENGINES TURBOCHARGER ELECTRIC WASTEGATE ACTUATOR LINKAGE PIN CORROSION This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B11 14 17 dated February 2018.
B1101192019-03-18. Service bulletin. ENGINE. ENGINE VIBRATIONS OR NOISE. One of the following complaints may be reported The engine runs erratically; The engine causes vibrations when running; Grinding noise from the engine compartment when engine is running.
1215132018-12-17. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 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. 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. CAUSE This is due to a programming error associated with ISTA/P 2.49 and lower. The error is corrected with ISTA/P 2.50.2 or higher.
1104132018-12-17. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. "The customer complains that the ""low engine oil"" message is displayed too frequently. CAUSE The cause is related to, but not limited to, one or more of the following components and systems shown below: * Turbocharger * Crankcase ventilation * Engine gasket leaks * Internal engine tolerances and sealing * Improper filling or topping up Use the troubleshooting procedure below to help identify the cause."
B1117152018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE; EQUIPMENT. "N63 and S63 Engine: Upper Oil Pan Removal and Installation Procedures. INFORMATION When removing and/or installing the N63 or S63 engine ""upper"" oil pan assembly, the oil pan can sustain damage if this operation is not performed correctly. Before loosening or tightening the upper oil pan bolts as per Repair Instruction 11 13 010 ""Removing and installing /replacing upper oil sump (N63),"" the steps outlined in the attachment of this bulletin must be followed. Refer to attached document and the instruction section that applies to the procedure being carried out. The ISTA/D repair instructions are currently being revised."
B1113152018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE. The plastic oil filter housing may fail and lead to an internal and/or external engine oil or coolant leak.
B1205162018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. "N55 - ENGINE MALFUNCTION WARNING DUE TO VAPOR FORMING IN THE FUEL SYSTEM This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B12 05 16 dated April 2016. 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."
B1107162018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE; ENGINE. Diesel Engine: Intake Manifold Damaged. The Service Engine Soon light is on. There may also be: Complaints of lack of engine performance An exhaust smell coming from the engine area. The following fault codes may be stored in the DDE: 24CE00 - Hot film air mass meter: Ratio of measured to calculated air mass too high 27F000 - Charge air hose monitoring in idle: Charge air hose fallen down 290900 - Air system, air to EGR air mass flow plausibility: Measured air mass compared to calculated air mass too high 290A00 - Air system, air to EGR air mass flow plausibility: measured air mass compared to calculated air mass too high and high charging pressure control deviation 1. Excessive thermal load from the EGR system on the intake components 2. An excessive or unmetered air leak in the intake/charge air system
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."
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
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
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.
B1111152018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. ?SERVICE ACTION: REPLACE THE THERMOSTAT New information provided by this revision. Please perform the procedure outlined in this Service Information on all affected vehicles before customer delivery. In the event the customer has already taken delivery of the vehicle, please perform the procedure the next time the vehicle is in the shop. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 11 11 15 dated January 2016.
B1111152018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM. SI B11 11 15 January 2016 Engine Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 11 11 15 dated August 2015. The Service Engine Soon light is on with corresponding fault codes in the DME for the engine thermostat.
1220122018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. N55 Engine: DME FC 160502 Crankcase Ventilation Heater Activation. The Service Engine Soon lamp is NOT illuminated. When diagnosing the vehicle for a customer complaint, the following fault is stored in the DME fault memory. FC 160502 Crankcase ventilation heater, activation: short circuit to ground. This is an erroneous fault that can be ignored.
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
1206132018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. The Service Engine Soon Lamp On with Post Oxygen Sensor Faults Stored. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is on and the following faults are stored in the DME fault code memory. BN2000 (E-Series) vehicles: * 2D22: Oxygen sensor downstream of catalytic converter, electric: open circuit BN2020 (F-Series) vehicles: * 12AB04: Oxygen sensor downstream of catalytic converter, electric: open circuit * 12AC04: Oxygen sensor downstream of catalytic converter 2, electric: open circuit These faults may occur sporadically after a long MSA engine stop. Unfavorable DME software diagnostics (fault is erroneous) This software error affects vehicles produced from 3/2013 to 6/2013, as well as older vehicles which have been programmed during service work to a current integration level of Xxxx-13-03-5xx.
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.

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