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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| 121413 | 2018-12-03. 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 |
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| B840616 | 2018-12-03. 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). |
| B840214 | 2018-12-03. 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. |
| 121513 | 2018-12-03. 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. |
| B111117 | 2018-12-03. 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. |
| B110815 | 2018-12-03. 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. |
| 840613 | 2018-11-26. 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 |
| 840513 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TCB: Emergency Call Is Erroneously Triggered. An emergency call is erroneously made with no input from the driver. The following fault codes are stored in the TCB: * 0xB7F325 - Emergency call loud speaker: break in circuit * 0xB7F319 - Emergency call button: short circuit * 0xB7F326 - Emergency call loud speaker: short circuit to earth * 0xB7F33E - Automatic emergency call triggered frequently CAUSE TCB control unit error |
| 660313 | 2018-11-26. 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 |
| 640413 | 2018-11-26. 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. |
| 613812 | 2018-11-26. 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." |
| 510913 | 2018-11-26. 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." |
| 340612 | 2018-11-26. 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 |
| 340213 | 2018-11-26. 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 |
| 270212 | 2018-11-26. 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" |
| 130712 | 2018-11-26. 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. |
| 120513 | 2018-11-26. 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) |
| 110113 | 2018-11-26. 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." |
| B110113 | 2018-11-26. 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. |
| B012918 | 2018-11-26. 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. |
| B012318 | 2018-11-26. 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. |
| B012218 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. N63 ENGINE CLASS ACTION SETTELEMENT: BATTERY SERVICE BENEFIT. |
| B613017 | 2018-11-26. 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. |
| 840113 | 2018-11-26. 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 |
| 651313 | 2018-11-26. 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" |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.