WenmarOpen by Wenmar Pro

Service bulletins for the 2013 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.

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

By type

By component

By trouble code

Bulletins, newest first
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
5115112018-11-26. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES. Headlight Washer Nozzle Cover Sticks Out.
6520122018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. RAD2plus: Radio Causes Battery Drain. The vehicle's battery state of charge is very low after the vehicle was parked for a longer period of time (e.g., overnight). The RAD2+ radio doesn't allow the vehicle to enter full sleep mode, and causes a current draw from the battery with ignition off.
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.
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.
3602112018-11-13. Service bulletin. TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Functional Changes. INFORMATION There has been a disruption in the production and supply chain of certain electronic components. These events have influenced global manufacturing facilities, including the automotive sector. In order to fulfill customer demand and maintain production schedules, BMW has made a change to the Tire Pressure Monitor System of certain vehicles. https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/16234.2.B360211.... 6/8/2014 Page 2 of 2 Although the basic system operation and function remain the same, changes have been made to the vehicle's display elements when a low tire pressure condition occurs. The following points apply to vehicles produced during the period listed above: * The Tire Pressure Monitor System continues to meet all federal requirements. * When a low tire pressure condition is detected, a general system warning is issued. The warning will be displayed in the instrument cluster (KOMBI) and/or Control Display, depending on the vehicle's equipment level (refer to the attachment). * When a driver is alerted to a low pressure condition, all four tires should be inspected for damage and proper inflation. The system components, wheel electronics and central antennae/module are fully compatible with current replacement parts. This functional change represents a running production change and is not a defect in materials or workmanship. Any further changes to the system function or components will be communicated in a future bulletin. It is imperative that all service personnel be familiar with these changes. 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
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.
6103142018-11-13. 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 15°F, 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 46°F, 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 shut
8403142018-11-13. 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: * Call disconnection * Contact List incomplete * General connection failures CAUSE Apple software iOS 7 and its variants.
6117142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN. "Intelligent Battery Sensor Diagnosis Hints. The vehicle enters the workshop with one or more of the following complaints: * Check Control Message related to battery discharge * No-start condition * Consumer power reduction (reduced blower speed, heated seats operation, etc.) * The following fault codes may be stored in the DME a. 2E8B - Intelligent battery sensor, signal b. 2E8C - Intelligent battery sensor, function c. 2E8D - Intelligent battery sensor, signal transmission d. 2E8E - Intelligent battery sensor, communication CAUSE A faulty battery or IBS sensor (not both) The power management system and IBS in the vehicle cannot determine if the battery needs to be replaced. This is normal operation for all E-Series vehicles because they do not have the Advanced IBS sensor that the F-Series vehicles do. An external battery tester (Midtronics EXP-1000) must be used to determine if the battery needs to be replaced. Energy Diagnosis will not prompt for a battery replacement unless the battery is ""aged."" When energy diagnosis identifies the battery as ""aged,"" it means the amount of energy discharge over the course of the life of the battery has reached its maximum (worn out). In most cases, energy diagnosis states that the battery is OK. This is typically an indication of the current State of Charge (SoC), not the State of Health (SoH). The SoC is defined as the current amount of energy left in the battery (displayed as a percentage). The SoH is defined as an evaluation of the condition of the battery over a period of time (displayed as a percentage). For more information about batteries, refer to Training Manual ST051, ""07 Battery Basics."""
8401142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist System Information and Availability. ConnectedDrive features are partially or completely inoperative. Examples of some of these features are listed below: * BMW Assist Inoperative ? SOS call ? Roadside Assistance call * My BMW Remote App * BMW Online - Google local search * Concierge CAUSE The Electronic Subscriber Agreement (ESA) is inactive. * No active contract for ConnectedDrive features Offboard Availabilty (Backend) system issues * The external network was/is inoperative. * No data is sent to the vehicle.
6503142018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. RAD2+ Radio: Background Noise with Audio Turned Off. Background noise (buzzing, crackling, static) can be heard: * At low audio volume * When the radio is turned off * When the ignition is turned off NOTE: Background noise stops when the radio enters sleep mode. IMPORTANT: Background noise is more noticeable on vehicles produced before 09/2009 in case a RAD2+ replacement radio was installed previously. RAD2+ radio concept, manufactured from July 2009 to February 2014
6525132018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "ConnectedDrive/BMW ASSIST Features Are Inoperative. ConnectedDrive features are partially or completely inoperative. * No traffic information (RTTI / ARTTI) * BMW ASSIST ""My Info"" service doesn't work. CAUSE The Electronic Subscriber Agreement (ESA) is inactive. * No active contract for ConnectedDrive features Offboard Availability (Backend) system issues * The external network was/is inoperative. * No data is sent to the vehicle."
6304142018-11-13. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Delay in Automatic Driving Light Switching On/Off. When driving out of a tunnel or exiting underground parking, the automatic driving light remains switched on for two minutes, even in daylight. The automatic driving light switching on/off can be shorter or longer when it starts to get dark. CAUSE The software for the switch-on threshold is lowered to protect the xenon light source.
6129062018-11-13. Service bulletin. STEERING. ELV Does Not Release. Cause 1: The steering column is held against the steering lock because of torque from the steering gear. In such cases, a yellow check control warning (CC ID# 187) is shown in the instrument cluster, but no faults are stored. Cause 2: Communication fault in the CAS (Car Access System) and ELV system network and/or battery low. The problem may cause the ELV warning to be displayed in yellow or red.
2404132018-11-13. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. GM6 - 6L45R: Diagnostic Procedure for Shudder or Vibration Issues. A shudder or vibration can be felt under light acceleration or when driving at constant suburban speeds. This can be most noticeable in the 1700 - 2200 engine rpm range while in 3rd through 6th gears. No faults are stored in the EGS module. CAUSE Changes in the frictional properties of the automatic transmission fluid over time can lead to momentary slipping of the torque convertor lock-up clutch.
B0906152018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. New programming feature: Exclusion of Infotainment Control Units from Programming. Programming with ISTA/P 3.57.4, or a more recent update, displays a new Pop-Up window providing options for systems programming.

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