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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
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
2702122018-11-26. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "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: 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"
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.
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.
B0129182018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. N63 ENGINE VEHICLES: CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT FOR ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION/BATTERY DRAIN OVERVIEW CLASS VEHICLES (MODELS) Certain of the following US-specification BMW vehicles sold or leased in the United States and Puerto Rico are included.
B0123182018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. N63 ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION/BATTERY DRAIN CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT SETTLEMENT: FUTURE ENGINE OIL SERVICE BENEFIT CLASS VEHICLES (MODELS) Certain models of the following US specification BMW vehicles sold or leased in the United States and Puerto Rico are included.
B0122182018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. N63 ENGINE CLASS ACTION SETTELEMENT: BATTERY SERVICE BENEFIT.
B6130172018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. RAIN/LIGHT SENSOR (RLS): OIL LEAKAGE FROM GEL PAD. ??Oil leaking from the Rain/Light Sensor (RLS). Note: This oil serves as a separation medium between the RLS mounting gel pad and the windscreen. The oil ensures damage free disassembly in case of repair. CAUSE The oil that serves as the separation medium of the Rain/Light Sensor (RLS) gel pad and the windscreen leaks out. Expose the Rain/Light Sensor (RLS) and properly clean the area of all oily residue. Note: The separating oil usually leaks only once from the pad at the RLS. Due to the small oil quantity in the gel pad, additional oil leakage is not plausible. Leaking oil does not impair the function of the RLS.
8401132018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. MTelephone: Phonebook Does Not Transfer to the Vehicle. The telephone book does not transfer to the vehicle after the pairing process is completed. CAUSE Software error in the head unit
6513132018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "Headunit-High: CID Is Blank and ""NO SIGNAL"" Is Displayed. Intermittently the Central Information Display (CID) is blank and ""NO SIGNAL"" is displayed on the CID. ??Fault Code B7F8C3 ""no response from CID (HW error: loss of CID communication)"" is stored in the HU-H Hardware error in the Headunit-High"
6506132018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. CHAMP2: Integrated Cooling Fan Is Noisy Intermittently. Intermittently, the cooling fan integrated in the CHAMP2 head unit (Radio Professional) is noisy. * More noticeable after the ignition is turned off * The cooling fan runs for approx. 6 minutes (until CHAMP2 enters sleep mode), depending on the ambient temperature Settings of the fan characteristics: the fan keeps running after the ignition is turned off
6401132018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. MRed or Blue Cap Missing from Temperature Control Wheel. The customer states the red or blue cap is missing from the temperature control wheel of the heat and air conditioning control panel.
8401132018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Telephone: Phonebook Does Not Transfer to the Vehicle. The telephone book does not transfer to the vehicle after the pairing process is completed. CAUSE Software error in the head unit.
6514122018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Headunit High: Vehicle Position Is Incorrect on the Navigation Map. The vehicle position on the navigation map is incorrect. With route guidance active, the vehicle is displayed: * In an incorrect location Or * Outside the planned route The navigation system integrated in the Headunit High (HU-H) is not calibrated correctly.
6508132018-11-26. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY; EQUIPMENT. Bang & Olufsen Sound System: Loudspeaker Illumination. INFORMATION Do not replace parts and do not perform a repair attempt! Explain to the customer that loudspeaker illumination can vary from model to model. For an overview of the illuminated loudspeakers, refer to the attachment. IMPORTANT: The current version of the Owner's Manual for 5 Series vehicles is incorrect. On 5 Series vehicles (F07 and F10), only the main loudspeaker (moving part) in the dashboard and the two loudspeakers in the mirror triangles in the front doors are illuminated. The Owner's Manuals for 5 Series vehicles will be corrected with start of production of the MY2014 vehicles (July 2013). This Service Information will be updated as soon as a solution is available for adjustment of the brightness of the illuminated loudspeakers. A software solution is expected to be available with ISTA/P 2.50.0 in July 2013.
6507132018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. HiFi Audio System: Audio Intermittently Cuts Out in All Audio Modes. Intermittently, the audio cuts out in all audio modes (e.g,. AM/FM radio, Satellite radio, CD/DVD, AUX-In, etc.) Application error in the HiFi amplifier
6506132018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. CHAMP2: Integrated Cooling Fan Is Noisy Intermittently. INFORMATION Do not replace parts and do not perform a repair attempt! Explain to the customer that this only happens at high ambient temperatures, which keep the fan running after the ignition is turned off. The fan stops running when the head unit enters sleep mode (after approx. 6 minutes). This Service Information will be updated as soon as a solution is available. A software solution is expected to be available with ISTA/P 2.49.0 in March 2013.
6401132018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. IHKA Operating Panel Buttons Are Peeling.
6202132018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Instrument Cluster Only Displays Background Image and Gear Indicator. The display in the instrument cluster intermittently only shows the background image and the gear indicator. * No fault code is stored * All gauges function correctly Note: The issue is rectified after a sleep mode cycle (ignition off for approx. 16 minutes). Software error in the instrument cluster introduced with software I-level 12-03-500 or higher (ISTA/P 2.46.1 or higher)

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