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Service bulletins for the 2013 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.

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

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Only bulletins with component: Engine are shown. Show all

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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.
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
1217132018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. N55: Engine Difficult to Start at Cold Ambient Temperatures. The complaint may include any of the following symptoms: * The engine stalls immediately after a cold start before driving away * The engine may run roughly or misfire after a cold start * The engine does not start cold or may take several attempts * To assist starting when cold, the accelerator may need to be depressed slightly and the idle speed raised for a few seconds so the engine does not stall This can occur most frequently at outside ambient temperatures between -15°C and + 15°C. It is possible that the Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is on with misfire fault(s) stored, but it is equally possible that there will be no faults stored in the DME. Unfavorable DME software Cold start or idling problems may arise due to poor fuel quality. The use of summer fuel during cold outside temperatures may also lead to such problems.
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).
1214132018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES BEFORE CUSTOMER DELIVERY OR THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS. BMW centers must ensure recalls are completed after having been notified by BMW of North America, LLC (BMWNA) that a safety-related defect or noncompliance exists in any motor vehicle or item of replacement equipment in the center's possession at the time of notification. In BMW NA's case, this notification would typically be made by the issuance of a recall notification in the form of a Service Information bulletin (SIB) or transmission of a Dealer Communication System (DCS) recall message. Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, as amended, if a recall campaign is announced by BMW NA, centers must ensure that all recalls on new vehicles and new items of replacement equipment are completed BEFORE delivery to the consumer. This means that centers may not legally deliver new motor vehicles or new items of replacement equipment to consumers with an open recall. The Safety Act also prohibits centers from selling or leasing the motor vehicle or item of replacement equipment, unless and until the open recall has been completed BEFORE delivery. This also pertains to vehicles in the Certified Pre-Owned program, and to items of replacement equipment. Finally, BMW centers should not sell or use parts that have been recalled by BMW NA. Please follow the specific instructions provided by BMW NA on the return or disposition of the parts. SUBJECT Voluntary Emissions Recall Campaign 13E-A01: Program Control Units (Tank Ventilation). Due an error in the DME (Digital Motor Electronics) software, the fuel tank ventilation system may not sufficiently purge the active carbon canister of accumulated fuel vapor under certain engine operating conditions. As a result, this may lead to a fuel smell around the vehicle, especially in areas with high ambient temperatures. In order to remedy the s
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.
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.
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.
1205132018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE. Service Engine Soon Light Flashes with Throttle Adaptation Faults Stored. The EML light flashes with a check control message for reduced power output and/or the Service Engine Soon lamp (MIL) flashes. During the throttle valve adaptation (teach-in limit run), faults may occur due to signal voltage oscillations. This could lead to a termination of the teach-in routine or an incorrect value taught in at the lower limit. The following faults can be stored in the DME memory: E82, E84, E88, E89, E92, and E93 BN2000 vehicles * 28D0: throttle valve, adaptation: Initial adaptation, lower limit not taught in * 28D4: throttle valve, adaptation: Subsequent teach-in, lower limit not taught in * 28C4: throttle valve, adaptation: Emergency air position not adapted * 28A0: throttle valve angle - Intake manifold absolute comparison: pressure too high ??3166: Tank-ventilation system: fault F01, F02, F06, F07, F10, F12, F13, F30, F31, and ALPINA B7 BN2020 vehicles: * 101408: throttle valve, adaptation: Initial adaptation, lower limit not taught in * 107AE0: throttle valve, adaptation: Subsequent teach-in, lower limit not taught in * 101402: throttle valve, adaptation: Emergency air position not adapted * 101F01: throttle valve angle - Intake manifold absolute comparison: pressure too high ??190F08: Tank-ventilation system: fault Sensitivity of the throttle valve sensor (only affects parts installed during this production period)
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.
1112122018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N20 Engine: Engine Oil Filter Application. INFORMATION The current version of EPC does not provide all available options for the engine oil filters that are used in the N20 engine. The illustrations below will help identify the proper engine oil filter application until the EPC is corrected. Vehicles produced prior to 6/2012 will be equipped with a black plastic oil filter housing (1). In this case, engine oil filter kit P/N 11 42 7 634 291 should be used. Vehicles produced as of 6/2012 and later will be equipped with a silver aluminum oil filter housing (1). In this case, engine oil filter kit P/N 11 42 7 640 862 should be used.
3204142018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Engine: Fault Code 4823FC. Page 1 of 2 October 2014 Technical Service When starting the engine, the yellow EPS warning lamp may briefly light up. The power assist may also be reduced during this process. A brief undervoltage occurs in the EPS when starting the engine. The EPS recognizes this brief undervoltage and stores a fault code.
1305142018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE. . INFORMATION To properly diagnose the customer's complaint, the applicable test plan for the misfire faults stored in the DME must be performed to avoid repeat repairs. If a misfire fault is not stored in the DME memory and an engine related drivability complaint is received, follow the path below to manually start the misfire test plan (AT1214_TVD4_MISFIRE_20): 1. Perform a vehicle test. 2. Select "Function Structure." 3. Select "01 Engine." 4. Select "Engine electronics MEVD." 5. Select "Misfire detection." 6. Follow the steps in the test plan and select "Basic check (start)" first. Do not select "Additional check" at this time. 7. If the result of the "Basic check" indentifies a fuel system component failure, replace the identified component. If the result of the "Basic check" test plan was inconclusive, go to step 7. After the component replacement, perform the "Basic check" portion of the test plan again to verify if the diagnosis was correct and the vehicle condition has been rectified.
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.
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.
B1101172018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N63T AND S63T ENGINE: VALVE SEAL REPLACEMENT. This SI provides a new tool and a new procedure for the N63TU valve seals replacement. Please 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 01 13 - N63 and N63TU Engines: Engine Oil Consumption, Engine Oil Top-ups and Refill Capacity SI B11 03 13 - Engine Oil Consumption (all models) SI B11 04 13 - N63TU Engine: Engine Oil Consumption 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
1104132018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. N63TU Engine: Engine Oil Consumption. 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: z Turbocharger z Crankcase ventilation z Engine gasket leaks z Internal engine tolerances and sealing z Improper filling or topping up Use the troubleshooting procedure below to help identify the cause.
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.
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.

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