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Service bulletins for the 2009 BMW M3

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.

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

By type

By component

By trouble code

Bulletins, newest first
1304092018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. "N54 Engine: Diagnosis of Cold Start Rough Running with Misfire Faults. The customer may complain that during the cold start in the morning, the engine runs very roughly and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. Various misfire fault codes (e.g., 29CC, 29D2, 29D1, 29D0, 29C0, 29CF) may be stored in the DME control module. The engine rough running complaint can be reproduced on a cold start in the workshop. During the course of diagnosis, the spark plugs, removed from the misfiring cylinders after the problem was reproduced, are found to be soaked (""wet"") with fuel, while the injector tips are covered with a layer of carbon deposit. Possible cause: high-pressure injector failure (leakage or incorrect spraying pattern) due to internal wear or unfavorable stock of tolerances IMPORTANT: For comprehensive N54 drivability diagnostics, always refer to the ""N54 Engine Diagnostic Fault Tree"" file (the current version ""02_14_13"" is found as a PDF attachment to SI B12 55 06)."
B0116182018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; AIR BAGS. For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific? customer support program applies only if there is a defect in materials or workmanship of the Takata driver?s side airbag module in a listed vehicle.
8403132018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; EQUIPMENT. "Roadside Assistance and BMW Online Services Inoperative After Programming. Roadside Assistance and BMW Online services are inoperative after programming the vehicle with ISTA/P 2.48 to 2.49.0. The symptoms are as follows: * BMW Online - No network available when selected * Roadside Assistance - When selected, a message stating ""Service not enabled or contract expired"" is displayed. Also, ""Start service"" is grayed out and cannot be selected. CAUSE Software error in the CIC (Car Information Computer)"
8403132018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. "Roadside Assistance and BMW Online Services Inoperative After Programming. Roadside Assistance and BMW Online services are inoperative after programming the vehicle with ISTA/P 2.48 or higher. The symptoms are as follows: * BMW Online - No network available when selected * Roadside Assistance - When selected, a message stating "Service not enabled or contract expired" is displayed. Also, "Start service" is grayed out and cannot be selected. CAUSE Software error in the CIC (Car Information Computer)"
5136082018-11-26. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY. "Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the memory position preset by the customer. Pressing the seat memory button typically will return the mirror to the stored position. Poor electrical contacts of the mirror drive in the mirror housing INFORMATION The problem has been integrated into ISTA diagnostics. Complete the diagnosis test plan using the latest ISTA version. The test plan can be accessed via the following path: ""Information Search / Function Structure / Body / Mirror / Exterior mirrors / Driver's or passenger side / Electrochromic Mirror,"" and then press ""Start Search."" Select the test plan ""B5116_ECSPPL2."""
84030142018-11-26. 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
2801142018-11-26. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. DCT Transmission: Oil Leakage Diagnosis. INFORMATION Incorrect diagnosis of DCT (Double-clutch Transmission) oil leaks may lead to unnecessary part replacements and repeat customer repair visits. When diagnosing complaints related to DCT fluid leaks, please use the attached diagnostic procedure. WARRANTY INFORMATION Not applicable. ATTACHMENTS View PDF attachment B280114_DCT_Oil_Leak_Diagnosis. [ Copyright (c)2014 BMW of North America, Inc. ] https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/16672.2.B28011... 12/24/2014
1221102018-11-26. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. N51 Engine: Service Engine Soon Lamp Illuminated - Loss of Power and Various Faults Stored in the DME. The customer complains that the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. The vehicle has lost power; the engine cranks but will not start; and various faults are stored in the DME for engine misfire and/or mixture adaptations. CAUSE The vehicle has lost fuel system delivery pressure due to a loose or split fuel line inside the fuel tank. The failure is related to an unfavorable stacking of tolerances between the rubber fuel hose and the plastic regulator nipple or deterioration of the rubber hose construction material.
5115112018-11-26. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES. Headlight Washer Nozzle Cover Sticks Out.
5110112018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT. Anti-trap Is Activated when Raising the Front Side Windows. When closing the front side windows using the convertible top switch or the central power window switch, one or both front side windows come to a stop at the top third travel area, and then reverse direction slightly. When the switch is actuated again, the windows will close normally. CAUSE The front side windows contact the rear side windows, causing the anti-trap feature of the front side windows to trigger.
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.
0703142018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Analysis of FASTA data and repeat repair visit reports indicates that there are many fault codes that are stored in the above vehicles, but they are not diagnosed to identify their root cause. Fault codes that are not diagnosed to find their root cause can lead to a repeat repair visit to the workshop by the customer. Where diagnosis (vehicle or short test) with ISTA has already started, it is important to diagnose the fault code(s) listed below (when they are stored in the vehicle) during the current workshop visit. This will help lead to a reduction in workshop repeat repair visits and higher customer satisfaction.
B6126162018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES. Interrupted supply of power to the vehicle. ? Initial vehicle entry / engine ignition may not function. ? Intermittent power failure during a journey may cause:o Instrument cluster flickering o Engine jerking. Plug-in contact of the positive battery cable, located at the front power distribution box has been damaged. ? Vehicle vibrations and frictional corrosion can cause a high current flow thru the wire. ? The excessive current draw causes damage to the battery positive cable plug contact.
0112142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE); EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL. M57 Diesel Engine Throttle Valve (for EGR): Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles. INFORMATION BMW of North America, LLC ("BMW NA") is extending the limited warranty for the M57 diesel engine's throttle valve (for EGR) on the above-referenced vehicle to: 10 years/120,000 miles, whichever occurs first, as determined from the original in-service date. This bulletin is a notice of a "limited warranty extension." This is not a notice of a Recall or Service Action. There is no immediate repair required unless the BMW vehicle is currently experiencing this problem. Customer Notification Letter - VIN and Component-specific Warranty Extension Even though this is NOT a Recall, BMW NA sent VIN-specific customer notification letters. A sample letter is attached. Eligible BMW Vehicles To assist you in identifying eligible vehicles, the DCSnet Warranty Vehicle Inquiry has been updated with the following "Vehicle Comment," shown below: BMW of North America, LLC has extended this vehicle's M57 diesel engine throttle valve (for EGR) limited warranty to 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever occurs first, as determined from the original in-service date. Please see SI B01 12 14. Note: Always check the DCSnet Warranty Vehicle Inquiry "Vehicle Comments" and the "Repair History (Claims)" sections first before performing any repairs.
6505112018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. Previously assigned radio channels to the satellite radio "Presets" list have been erased and radio channels selected from the list "All channels" menu cannot be stored in the "Presets" list. The problem occurred after the recently implemented Sirius/XM channel lineup change. The data handling between the satellite radio receiver (SDARS-Exbox) and the Car Communication Computer (CCC head unit) has been corrupted.
5409082018-11-13. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT. Cleaning Excess Butyl from RHT Roof Shells. Butyl adhesive is used to secure the seals of the retractable hardtop (RHT) to the steel roof shell panels. Particularly at high ambient temperatures, if excess butyl is present, it may start to seep out from between the seal and the roof shell. This butyl may be black or gray in color. Excess butyl applied to the roof shell during assembly
3603092018-11-13. Service bulletin. TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS. Third Generation Tire Pressure Monitor System (RDC). INFORMATION As of September 2009 production, a new generation Tire Pressure Monitor System has been introduced for all 3 Series models. Although the basic operation of the system is similar to the previous version, there are several key differences between the two systems. The new system consists of five components: One central antennae with an integrated control module (5) mounted in the right rear wheel arch Four wheel electronics (1-4) mounted at the base of each tire valve. Central antennae with integrated control module The control module and central antennae have been combined in a single housing. This new control module has the ability to send requests for information to each of the 4 wheel New style wheel electronics The wheel electronics consist of a plastic housing with integrated circuitry. The following items are contained within the wheel electronics: Pressure sensor Temperature sensor Acceleration sensor Transmitter/receiver unit Self-diagnosis controller Battery The following points should be considered when diagnosing and/or servicing the system: * The system components are not interchangeable or compatible with previous versions. * The type of wheel electronic fitted can only be determined via visual inspection. * The detection of low tire pressure and the subsequent warning is similar to the previous design. * The reset procedure has changed. Special Note for Reset Procedure After initiating a reset, the vehicle must be driven for a period longer than 12 minutes with a vehicle speed which exceeds 19 mph (~30 km/h). WARRANTY INFORMATION Not applicable.
3403132018-11-13. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:PADS; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS. Incorrect Remaining Service Life from CBS Data for Brake pads. The yellow "Service Due" warning message lights up in the instrument cluster, even though the brake pad thickness is more than 4.2mm (above the thickness at which the pad sensor intervenes). 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. Note: E9x vehicles with xDrive are not affected by this bulletin. Software calculation in the brake pad wear model
6505142018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). Traffic Information Is Inoperative. The traffic information is intermittently or permanently inoperative. * Traffic flow is not displayed on the navigation map. * The traffic list is empty. 1. The Offboard Availability (backend) system is unavailable and is not sending traffic information. 2. The traffic information feature is not activated correctly.
6307142018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. "One or Both Xenon Headlights Aiming Downwards. CAUSE Both sides are aiming downwards: * The most likely cause is a faulty or disconnected rear height sensor. In very extreme cases due to poor road conditions, both headlight assemblies could have the vertical aim ball socket adjuster disconnected, as noted below. Only one side is aiming downwards: * The cause could be a ""disconnected"" vertical aim ball socket adjuster, resulting from excessive road vibration or sharp impacts (pot holes) through the suspension to the headlight assembly. Important Note: Follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin first; replacing headlight assemblies for a vertical aim ball socket adjuster issue is an excessive repair."
6103142018-11-13. 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
3101092018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; SUSPENSION:FRONT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Creaking or Groaning Noise During Compression and/or Rebound of Front Axle. A grating or groaning noise is heard when the front axle compresses and/or rebounds. This may be heard particularly over speed bump-type surfaces. The noise normally occurs at lower outside temperatures. The noise may be less prevalent when the vehicle has been driven up to the operating temperature.
8404122018-11-13. 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.
3404142018-11-13. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles. 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.
8402142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. 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.

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