Service bulletins for the 2015 BMW ActiveHybrid 3
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.
423 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
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Only bulletins with component: Electrical system are shown. Show all
| B000616 | 2018-12-10. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ?June 2016 Maintenance and General Hints: technical Service Plugin Hybrids, (PHEV) MPGe Fuel Economy Rating. |
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| B122618 | 2018-12-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY; ENGINE. ? ?SERVICE ACTION: REPLACE THE STARTER MOTOR F30/G12 PHEV. Due to high impact energy when engaging, the circlip for the starter motor pinion positioning may break which may cause the pinion to move in the direction of the starter jaw, causing a a damage of the starter motor. Also, a consequential damage to the flywheel (torsional vibration damper) and automatic transmission may occurr. |
| B122716 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. DIAGNOSING NON FUNCTIONING eDRIVE. * Vehicle will not go into "eDrive" * No pertinent electric drivetrain fault codes to assist with diagnosis * "eDrive" may be greyed-out in the Central Information Display (CID) and is not selectable * MSA deactivation * 12 volt battery failure * Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) failure. |
| B120918 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. NOISE FROM ENGINE WHEN STARTING. Noise when starting the engine. Engine making a rattling/grinding noise near the 12 volt starter motor. The following fault has been stored in the DME fault memory: * 21A511 - Start system, pinion starter motor: Timeout The following faults are also possible: * 21A504 - EGS, separation clutch: jammed open * 21A50A - Start system, pinion starter: Timeout successively occurred multiple times * 21A510 - Start system, EME: Timeout Consequential damage to flywheel (Torsional vibration damper) and automatic transmission may have also occurred. The starter motor is broken. It may be indicated by: |
| B641118 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM. STATIONARY CLIMATE CONTROL NOT WORKING AFTER HIGH VOLTAGE CHARGING. After the high voltage (HV) charging procedure, the stationary climate control (aka preconditioning) does not work. This is part of the normal design. There is no fault or defect. |
| 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. |
| 8403014 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. iPhone: Connection Failures with iOS 7. There are various connectivity failures with the iPhone using iOS 7. Some examples are listed below: z Call disconnection z Contact List incomplete z General connection failures Apple software iOS 7 and its variants |
| 651313 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. 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. z Fault Code B7F8C3 "no response from CID (HW error: loss of CID communication)" is stored in the HU-H Note: If Fault Code E1C440 "Headunit Reset" is also stored in the HU-H, this Service Information is not effective! Follow relevant test plan using ISTA diagnosis. Software error in the HU-H |
| 631014 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Adaptive Headlight Malfunction. A headlight malfunction CC message is displayed for one or more of the following lights: -Daytime driving light -Turn indicator -Dipped headlight -Main beam The following fault codes in the FRM are stored: -800FC8 LIN bus, headlight driver module (TMS), left: communication fault -E58522 No message (status, exterior lights, front electronics 1, left, 0x1E0), receiver FRM, transmitter TMSL Software error in TMS 3 (headlight driver module AHL); a software I-level lower than 14-07-503 will cause the above situation to occur. |
| 620414 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Service Action: Replace Instrument Cluster. The display in the instrument cluster is inoperative. |
| 612614 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Horn(s) Fail to Work. While trying to activate the horn, one or both horns fail to work. One or more of the following fault codes can be stored in the FEM: "8044A3 - Wiring, horn short circuit to earth" "8044A4 - Wiring, horn short circuit to positive" "8044A5 - Wiring, horn relay is defective or short circuit to positive" Water has entered the horn and caused it to fail internally (shorted out). |
| 122814 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Service Action: Program Control Units (Fuel Pressure Sensor). Due to a software error, the plausibility check between the tank shut-off valve (TAV) and the internal pressure sensor does not work correctly. |
| B612617 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. Charging of the high voltage battery is interrupted and will not complete. A change in the job structure in ISTA causes the BDC to open the 30B relay unexpectedly. |
| B612417 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "?STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS DO NOT FUNCTION RELIABLY. ? Sporadic or continuous malfunction of multifunction steering wheel buttons ? CC Message ""Cruise control without function"" displayed ? Sporadic or continuous malfunction of shift paddles Frictional corrosion on connector line (wiring harness) between switch cluster and steering wheel" |
| 660914 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK. Unlocking Trunk with Remote Unlocks All Doors. After programming the vehicle with ISTA/P 2.47.1, unlocking the trunk with the remote changes to unlocking all the doors. An application error occurred after programming the vehicle to the Personal Profile Setting (PIA) in the Front Electronic Module (FEM). |
| 610314 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge During Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days with an outside ambient temperature of less than 15F, customers may notice a check control message related to the battery that is displayed on the instrument cluster and the control information display. Under these conditions, the vehicle starts. Various power management faults can be stored: z 213901 - Power management: Reduction or shutdown of individual electrical consumer z 8040BD - Reset or deactivation of Terminal 30F z 8040B9 - De-activation of terminal 30B: Top start capability limit reached z 8020E8 - Reset or deactivation of terminal 30F z 800E89 - FRM: start capability limit reached with lights active during stationary mode z 93076B - Deactivation of terminal 30B: upper start capability limit reached z 93076A - Deactivation of terminal 15: upper start capability limit reached, but deactivation preventer active z 93076C - Deactivation of terminal 30B: upper start capability limit reached, but deactivation preventer or legal loads active z 930769 - Deactivation of terminal 15: upper start capability limit reached Note: When the outside temperatures drop below 46F, the charging system is switch to full charge. CAUSE z The check control message (ID 229) is caused by a heavily discharged battery. z The check control message is triggered when the current state of charge (SoC) of the battery approaches the minimum SoC that is required to start the vehicle (start capability limit). z In low outside ambient temperatures, the start capability limit of the vehicle is higher. Therefore it takes more energy from the battery to start a cold engine. z Without the early warning of the check control message, the current state of charge would drop below the start capability limit and the vehicle would not start. z The vehicle's intelligent power management system actively takes measures to increase the charge of the battery, such as increasing idle speed and reducing or shutting |
| 620214 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Head-Up Display Inoperative. The Head-up Display is inoperative. Fault code 0xB7F6E3 - HUD: Communication error (HUD does not answer) is stored in the Instrument Cluster (KOMB25). A software error in the instrument cluster prevents the Head-up Display from activating. |
| 612014 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY. Vehicle Only Starts when Remote Key Held Against Column. The vehicle does not start using the Comfort Start feature. The vehicle does start once the remote key is held next to the steering column emergency start area (key symbol at the right side of the column between the white marks). The antenna (aerial) in the passenger compartment near the front of the center console has shorted wiring. |
| 620613 | 2018-11-13. 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. |
| 610314 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge During Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days with an outside ambient temperature of less than 15F, customers may notice a check control message related to the battery that is displayed on the instrument cluster and the control information display. Under these conditions, the vehicle starts. Various power management faults can be stored: * 213901 - Power management: Reduction or shutdown of individual electrical consumer * 8040BD - Reset or deactivation of Terminal 30F * 8040B9 - De-activation of terminal 30B: Top start capability limit reached * 8020E8 - Reset or deactivation of terminal 30F * 800E89 - FRM: start capability limit reached with lights active during stationary mode * 93076B - Deactivation of terminal 30B: upper start capability limit reached * 93076A - Deactivation of terminal 15: upper start capability limit reached, but deactivation preventer active * 93076C - Deactivation of terminal 30B: upper start capability limit reached, but deactivation preventer or legal loads active * 930769 - Deactivation of terminal 15: upper start capability limit reached Note: When the outside temperatures drop below 46F, the charging system is switch to full charge. CAUSE * The check control message (ID 229) is caused by a heavily discharged battery. * The check control message is triggered when the current state of charge (SoC) of the battery approaches the minimum SoC that is required to start the vehicle (start capability limit). * In low outside ambient temperatures, the start capability limit of the vehicle is higher. Therefore it takes more energy from the battery to start a cold engine. * Without the early warning of the check control message, the current state of charge would drop below the start capability limit and the vehicle would not start. * The vehicle's intelligent power management system actively takes measures to increase the charge of the battery, such as increasing idle speed and reducing or shutting |
| 120214 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL. Service Action: Program Control Units (Fuel Shut-off Valve). Due to a software error, it is possible that a Check Engine light (MIL) may not be illuminated after a fault is detected at the fuel shut-off valve (TAV). This is an emissions-relevant fault. |
| 840514 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Service Action: Bluetooth Software (KISU Data) Update. This Service Action is being released to improve customer satisfaction as we strive to be number 1 in the JD Power Initial Quality Survey (IQS). This new KISU software improves the Bluetooth functionality in our vehicles, and it helps keep us up-to-date with technology innovation. Please implement the Bluetooth Software Update Service Action. This Service Action will be in effect until March 2015. Thank you for your continuous support. Improved KISU data (Customer Initiated Software Update) is now available for installation in these vehicles via the USB port. Improved functionality for COMBOX: z Detailed view of the text messages z Android device connection stability (linked contacts causing BT disconnection) Improved functionality for HU-H: z Reconnection strategy z 3rd Party App Metadata - Album art and song title Note: This Service Action is to be completed only at the dealer. You (dealers) will be receiving vehicles from the VDCs that will require this service action to be completed prior to customer delivery. |
| 840412 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 5, 5S, 5C, 4S, 4, and 3GS with iOS 8.x Information. INFORMATION There is one major difference in functionality since iOS 8.0 was released. Scenario: z The customer leaves the vehicle and turns his or her phone off. z He or she turns the phone back on. z He or she enters the vehicle, but does not unlock the phone and start driving. Result: z The phone reconnects to the Bluetooth system (normal). z However, it does not transfer the contact list (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 they must unlock the phone (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: z www.bmwusa.com/bluetooth website NOTE: This SI will be updated as new information is received. |
| 652314 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Central Information Display Intermittently Flashes Off/On. Intermittently, the Central Information Display (CID) flashes off/on. Voltage supply error from the Headunit-high (HU-H) to the Central Information Display (CID) when the display brightness is set to 60% or higher. |
| 652214 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). Automated Activation of Navigation System During PDI/QC1. INFORMATION Important: The INITIAL NAV enabling code no longer needs to be pre-ordered through the Parts department! When the vehicle is connected to the diagnostic system ISTA to perform PDI/QC1, the step to activate the navigation system (part of Delete Transport Mode) will automatically request the INITIAL NAV enabling code (VIN-specific) without pre-ordering the enabling code. This enabling code will be automatically delivered through ISTA and it then activates the navigation system. Note: This VIN-specific NAV enabling code is then also automatically stored in the Repair Kit in the Aftersales Assistance Portal (ASAP). The automated INITIAL NAV enabling code request and activation of the navigation system will take no longer than 1 minute. After finishing "Delete Transport Mode," the navigation system in the vehicle will be active without entering the 20-digit INITIAL NAV enabling code manually or in ISTA. If the navigation system is not active and asking for the enabling code, turn off the ignition and wait for the head unit to enter sleep mode (approx. 3 minutes). After that, turn on the ignition again. The head unit will start up and the navigation system is activated. If the INITIAL NAV enabling code for first-time activation of the navigation system is not requested or delivered automatically, it still can be ordered manually through the Parts department and activated in the vehicle through the iDrive controller, by entering the 20-digit enabling code manually. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.