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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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Bulletins, newest first
B1107152018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE. "N63: Quality Control Monitoring After CCP. INFORMATION If the vehicle exhibits any of the above drivability issues, perform the ISTA/D N63 Misfire Detection test plan. Please make sure the FASTA data is transmitted. Submit a PuMA case titled ""N63: Drivability after CCP."" Follow the recommendations received."
B1105152018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE. "N20 and N55 Engine: Engine Oil Filter Application for Plastic Oil Filter Housing. The current version of EPC does not provide all available options for the engine oil filters used in the N20 and N55 engines produced with a ""plastic"" oil filter housing. The illustration below will help identify the proper engine oil filter application until the EPC is corrected."
B1103152018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N20 and N26 Engine: Oil Leaks from Cylinder Head Cover. There is an engine oil leakage under the vehicle, or the vehicle smells of engine oil. The cylinder head cover gasket is leaking engine oil due to loose retaining bolt(s).
8401152018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT. "MSUBJECT iPhone and iOS 8.x Information. INFORMATION With the release of iOS 8.0, please be aware of the important functional change noted below: Scenario: z The customer leaves the vehicle and turns the phone off. z He or she turns the phone back on. z The customer then enters the vehicle, but does not unlock the phone prior to turning the vehicle on. https://www.minitis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/20701.1.M840115....3/2/2015 Page 2 of 2 Result: z The phone reconnects to the Bluetooth system (normal). z However, the contact list is not transferred (not normal). z The contact list in the iDrive will be empty. z The call list in the Kombi will display only phone numbers, but no names. z The hands-free system works for accepting calls and conversing on calls started on the phone. Solution: z Prior to the customer entering the vehicle, he or she must unlock the phone at least once (passkey). With the release of Apple's new iPhone 6, 6 Plus and iOS 8.x software, there have been many questions regarding the new phone and software. The information in the attachment to this Service Information will help answer these questions. A printed copy can be given to the customer if needed. The attachment provides information on the differences between the new iPhone 6, 6 Plus and the previous versions, along with Apple software improvements in the following areas: 1. Visual comparison 2. Connectivity 3. Functionality Refer to the PDF file in the ""Attachment"" section of this bulletin for complete details. Information on the iPhone 6 is also available via the following website: www.miniusa.com/bluetooth NOTE: This SI will be updated as new information is received. "
6524132018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B65 24 13 dated January 2014. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Headunit-High: INITIAL Enabling Code Is Not Accepted Via I-Drive. INFORMATION Do not replace parts and do not program the vehicle for this issue. First-time activation of the navigation system should always be performed during the Quality Certification 1 (QC1) Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI), with the vehicle connected to the ISTA diagnosis system. Refer to SI B65 22 14. WARRANTY INFORMATION Not applicable since the first time activation of the navigation system is part of the QC1 process and cannot be claimed separately. [ Copyright (c)2015 BMW of North America, Inc. ] https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/20588.1.B652413....3/2/2015
6513122018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B65 13 12 dated September 2012. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Headunit High: Navigation System Road Map Usage. INFORMATION The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609. This change will affect the navigation system road map data support process and the warranty spare parts processes for the HU-H. For the US market, all vehicles will come pre-loaded from the factory with the latest navigation system road map database version that was available at the time of vehicle production. Therefore, there will be no physical copy of the navigation system road map data media DVD set or USB stick placed in these vehicles at the Vehicle Distribution Center (VDC). NOTE: Additionally, all replacement HU-H parts come with a pre-loaded version of the current available navigation system road map database installed. A set of DVD copies of the navigation system road map database, HU-H NAVI Road Map North America NEXT, is shipped to all BMW centers through the automatic tool shipment program with each release of a navigation system road map database. IMPORTANT: Additional copies or earlier NAV road map database versions cannot be ordered individually! Therefore, please take special care to archive the HU-H NAV road map DVD sets! The NAV road map data on the DVD set can also be installed into the Network Attached Storage (NAS). From there it then can be installed onto the HU-H in the vehicle, using the Integrated Service Technical Application for Programming (ISTA/P). For installation of the navigation system road map data media DVD set onto the Network Attached Storage (NAS), please contact your ISPI NEXT Administrator. In addition to this procedure, it is also possible to download the NAV road map data on the DVD set directly to the hard disc drive (HDD) integrated in the HU-H by inserting the DVDs one by one into the HU-H internal DVD
6510092018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B65 10 09 dated March 2013. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT CIC head unit: Vehicle Position Is Missing or Incorrect on Navigation Map. 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.
6505092018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B65 05 09 dated July 2009. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT CIC Headunit: Navigation System Road Map Usage. INFORMATION The Car Information Computer (CIC) began replacing the Car Communication Computer (CCC) on vehicles with option 609 in September of 2008. This change affected the navigation system road map data support process and the warranty spare parts processes for the CIC. For the US market, all vehicles come pre-loaded from the factory with the latest navigation system road map database version that was available at the time of vehicle production. Therefore, no physical copy of the navigation system road map data media DVD set or USB stick is placed in these vehicles at the Vehicle Distribution Center (VDC). NOTE: Additionally, all replacement CIC parts come with a pre-loaded version of the current available navigation system road map database installed. A set of DVD copies of the navigation system road map database, CIC NAVI Road Map North America PREMIUM, is shipped to all BMW centers through the automatic tool shipment program with each release of a navigation system road map database. IMPORTANT: Additional copies or earlier NAV road map database versions cannot be ordered individually! Therefore, please take special care to archive the CIC NAV road map DVD sets! The NAV road map data on the DVD set can also be installed into the Network Attached Storage (NAS). From there, it can then be installed onto the CIC in the vehicle, using the Integrated Service Technical Application for Programming (ISTA/P). For installation of the navigation system road map data media DVD set onto the Network Attached Storage (NAS), please contact your ISPI Next Administrator. In addition to this procedure, it is also possible to download the NAV road map data on the DVD set directly to the hard disc drive (HDD) integrated in the CIC by inserting the DVDs one by one into the CIC internal DVD drive. It will take approxim
6103132018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. "This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 03 13 dated August 2013. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT High Battery Discharge Warning: Battery Needs Replacement. After the vehicle is started, a Check Control message ""High Battery Discharge Warning"" is displayed in the Central Information Display (CID). Various power supply and power management faults are stored, including the following: CAS - ""930769 Deactivation of terminal 15: upper startability limit reached"" CAS - ""93076A Deactivation of terminal 15: upper startability limit reached, but deactivation preventer or legal load/consumer active"" CAS - ""93076B Deactivation of terminal 30B: upper startability limit reached"" CAS - ""93076C Deactivation of terminal 30B: upper startability limit reached, but deactivation preventer or legal load/consumer active"" JBE - ""8020E8 Reset or deactivation of terminal 30F"" DME - ""213901 Power management: reduction or deactivation of individual electrical loads/consumers"" CAUSE The battery has become heavily discharged or is faulty. The following reasons can contribute to a prematurely failing battery: z Unfavorable driving profile - excessive short trips z Excessive terminal 30B after run - normal coolant pump or electric fan operation z Extremely cold temperatures z Vehicle faults - closed circuit draw, sleep mode preventer or frequent wakeups."
3407142018-11-13. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES. "SUBJECT Carbon Ceramic Brake Noise. INFORMATION ""M"" vehicles are designed for high-performance, spirited driving. To accommodate this type of driving profile, a braking system which exceeds the standards for handling heavy brake forces, extreme temperatures, and excellent stopping power at high speeds is required. ""M"" vehicles can be ordered with the optional ultra high-performance braking system, featuring perforated carbon ceramic brake discs designed for circumstances similar to those encountered on racetracks. The carbon ceramic brakes were designed to improve braking efficiency, and dramatically increase braking performance along with a significant reduction in weight. When developing the carbon ceramic brake system, the main focus was on braking performance for the sporty-minded driver, while accepting the comfort limitations of functional noises at slower speeds and when coming to a stop. Please inform the customer that the carbon ceramic brake system's functional noises (squealing/honking), are a known characteristic for this type of material, and are only a small trade-off for the improved braking performance. These functional noises have no effect on the performance, operational reliability and durability of the brakes. Part replacement will not provide a remedy for the noise; this is a known characteristic of the high-performance brake system. More information on the performance and operation of these brakes can be found in the Owner's Manual under ""M carbon ceramic brake."" WARRANTY INFORMATION Not applicable."
1209152018-11-13. Service bulletin. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL. "SUBJECT N55: Slight Surging at Constant Speeds when Accelerating Very Lightly. The vehicle shudders or surges slightly while driving at constant speeds and applying the accelerator very lightly. This symptom is most easily reproduced under light loads when the current fuel consumption is approximately 3448 miles per gallon. The current fuel consumption can selected and monitored in the instrument cluster while driving (the ""fuel consumption, current"" option is set to active in the settings menu). No relevant fault will be stored in the DME memory. DME software; the fuel injection rate under these conditions is too close to the minimum calculated threshold."
1204152018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE. SUBJECT DME Internal and Valvetronic Faults Set at Cold Ambient Temperatures. The Service Engine Soon light (MIL) can be illuminated with the erroneous internal and Valvetronic faults stored in the DME. The MIL will only come on if the fault has been detected on two (or more) consecutive drive cycles. The following fault codes may be stored in the DME: E Seriesz 36AE - DME, internal fault, Valvetronic: Current implausible One or more of the following secondary faults may also be stored: z 2DE2 - Valvetronic, actuation, voltage phase: Line disconnection z 2DE3 - Valvetronic, actuation, volt phase: Line disconnection z 2DE4 - Valvetronic, actuation, volt phase: Line disconnection F Seriesz 1F0905 - DME, internal fault, Valvetronic: Current implausible One or more of the following secondary faults may also be stored: z 135B10 - Valvetronic, actuation, voltage phase: Line disconnection z 135B11 - Valvetronic, actuation, volt phase: Line disconnection z 135B12 - Valvetronic, actuation, volt phase: Line disconnection Engine performance and driving characteristics are not affected. DME software diagnostic sensitivity.
1201152018-11-13. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. SUBJECT N20 and N26 Differential Pressure Sensor Fault 195002 Stored in DME. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) light is on with the following differential pressure sensor fault stored: z 195002 - Differential pressure sensor, tank vent valve, electrical: Short circuit to ground During engine operation, vibration and movement of the sensor can damage the pin contacts of the harness connector, or cause a break in the wiring.
1106142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. "This Service Information bulletin and attachment supersedes SI B11 06 14 dated January 2015. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT N63 Engine: Customer Care Package. INFORMATION This bulletin outlines the Customer Care Package program that has been designed exclusively for BMW vehicles with the N63 engine. Vehicles with the N63 high performance engine are engineered with EfficientDynamics that provides fuel economy without compromising on its ""class leading"" power and performance. To ensure these engines keep delivering the ultimate performance, we have designed this Care Package that includes a 6 point check, and if necessary, the replacement of one or more of the following powertrain components: z Hot-Film Air Mass Sensors z PIEZO High Pressure Fuel Injectors z Engine Vacuum Pump z Fuel System Low Pressure Sensor/Feed Line z Fresh Air Intake Turbo Seals z Crankcase Ventilation Lines (Hoses) This engine care package also includes a multi-point inspection of the vehicle, including tire pressures, fluid levels, safety and convenience features. The N63CCP is NOT a mandatory Technical Campaign or Recall (per the authorities). It should only be completed based on parts availability, workshop capacity, and the customer's schedule. Complete all other applicable open Campaigns per the DCS Warranty inquiry and the Key Reader. Perform all recommended, due or qualifying ""time-based"" maintenance service task items as directed by the Key Reader/ISPA Light application. When eligible, also perform the procedure described in SI B61 30 14: 12-Volt Battery Replacement together with performing the N63 Customer Care Package. After completing all the necessary repairs, the vehicle needs to be road tested for 30 minutes to assure the highest standard of performed repairs (Please see ""Warranty Information"" section below)."
1102152018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV). SUBJECT Deleting DME Adaptations After Crankshaft Sensor-related Repairs. The erroneous misfire faults are stored, and the Service Engine Soon light (MIL) illuminates The ISTA Service Function to delete the DME adaptations fails to clear the crankshaft incremental wheel adaptation, depending on the current DME software version. This adaptation must be cleared whenever the following repairs are made: 1. Replacement of the crankshaft position sensor 2. Replacement of the incremental sensor wheel on the crankshaft 3. Replacement of the crankshaft 4. Replacement of the crankcase (block) with pistons 5. Replacement of the engine assembly Due to slight tolerance differences with the new replacement hardware and the original learned crankshaft position, values could cause cylinder balance calculation errors by the DME. DME software (the incremental wheel adaptation cannot be cleared)
B3304162018-11-13. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES. Delivery Stop: Replace Rear Differential.
B1210162018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "N63T - Drivetrain Malfunction Message after Driving for Several Hours This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B12 10 16 dated April 2016. ""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)."
B1112162018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. SERVICE ACTION: N63T ENGINE - CHECK AND REPLACE THE CRANKCASE VENTILATION HOSES. The crankcase ventilation hoses may become brittle and break when they come in contact with hot engine components. One or more of the crankcase ventilation hoses are not FPM rubber material. The FPM rubber material is engine heat resistant. Or The plastic coggurated hoses are not fitted with the self-locking spacers. The self-locking spacers maintain an air gap between the hoses and the hot engine components.
B1111152018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM. Service Action: Replace the Thermostat. The Service Engine Soon light is on with corresponding fault codes in the DME for the engine thermostat.
B3404142018-11-05. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC. Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 34 04 14 dated December 2014. Designates changes to the bulletin. INFORMATION 1.Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form. These surface hairline cracks are usually spread over the entire brake disc friction area, and have no negative influence on the durability or braking performance. The rotors should not be replaced only for their appearance reasons.When performing routine service on the brake system (pad replacement due to wear), the brake discs should be replaced if surface cracks are found to be greater than 13 mm, or if the brake disc thickness is below the minimum thickness. Always replace brake discs in pairs (per axle). Install new brake pads when replacing discs. By doing this, the service life of the friction pad surface is increased, and an even material loss is ensured. 2. Vibrations and/or steering wheel torsional vibrations during braking are caused by applying the brakes on discs with minimal to heavy corrosion. These vibrations are most noticeable when braking from high speeds with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F), and will diminish with normal everyday operation. Parts replacement is not required. 3.After high brake loads, running noises can be heard when applying the brakes, and may also be heard to a limited extent after the brakes are released. (See the note in the Owner's Manual). These noises are reduced during normal everyday operation, due to further erosion of the brake pad friction lining. Visible surface cracks or craterlike recesses on the brake pad surface are caused by a minor difference in the material of the pad lining, which will decrease with further operation and should not be replaced due to their appearance.
B2704152018-11-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE; WHEELS. Shudder from the Driveline on Vehicles with xDrive. There is a shudder or vibration from the driveline when taking off from a stop, or when accelerating at highway speeds. CAUSE Possible multiple root causes related to the engine, wheels & tires, suspension components or internal wear on the clutch plates of the xDrive transfer case.
B1116152018-11-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE; 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. Engine oil leakage into the induction system and/or the turbo charger assembly.
B6510152018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). NAV Road Map Installation Using USB Stick. INFORMATION The Navigation road map can be installed onto the head unit in the vehicle using a USB stick connected to the USB connector in the center console in the vehicle. ? 32GB USB stick is necessary ? Desired NAV road map version can be retrieved from the HDD-Update console PROCEDURE 1. Copy the desired NAV road map from the HDD-Update console onto a 32GB USB stick. Refer to Attachment. 3. When prompted, enter the 20-digit enabling code. 4. Start the NAV road map installation and follow the on-screen instructions. WARRANTY INFORMATION Not applicable. ATTACHMENTS View PDF attachment B651015_Attachment.
B5116152018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. "Affected vehicles in dealer inventory must not be retailed or delivered until the label is removed. Vehicles at ports of entry will be remedied prior to dealer delivery. On affected vehicles, there is an incorrect label regarding the appropriate engine oil. Affected vehicles can be identified with a ""Vehicle Comment"" in the DCS Warranty Vehicle Inquiry or ISPA Light. Remove the engine oil label (located in the front or rear of the hood)."
B3301152018-11-05. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE; POWER TRAIN. Cracking in Rear Differential Mount Bushing. During inspection, the rear differential mount in the rear axle support shows signs of cracking.

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