Service bulletins for the 2020 BMW M850i
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.
172 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
By type
By component
| B330120 | 2020-10-19. Service bulletin. SUSPENSION. REAR AXLE SHUDDER AT SLOW SPEEDS: There is a shudder or jerking feeling coming from the rear of the vehicle at low speeds and low engine loads while turning Incorrect actuating pressure in the M-differential clutch plates. |
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| B320420 | 2020-10-19. Service bulletin. STEERING. GROANING NOISE DURING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT OF THE ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN: A groaning type noise is heard during the height adjustment. |
| B320320 | 2020-10-19. Service bulletin. STEERING. FAILURE OF THE ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN ADJUSTMENT AT HIGHER CABIN TEMPERATURE: Electric steering column adjustment fails when interior cabin temperatures rise above 122 degrees F (e.g., parked outdoors on hot day). Faulty self-diagnosis of the steering column control unit. |
| B662419 | 2020-09-14. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. REMOTE CONTROL IS NOT DETECTED: Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. Note: Opening, closing and starting via the BMW Digital Key or the Digital Key Card are not affected. Software error in the BDC (Body Domain Controller) module. |
| B661919 | 2020-09-14. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. COMFORT ACCESS AND COMFORT GO NOT POSSIBLE: Vehicle cannot be unlocked/locked or started via Comfort Access. Remote control functionality is restored by pressing any of the key buttons or by removing and reinstalling the remote control key battery. |
| B661519 | 2020-09-14. Service bulletin. LANE DEPARTURE. LANE DEPARTURE WARNING - STEERING INTERVENTION TOO STRONG: The steering intervention for Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is too strong (severe), which can create an uncomfortable feeling for the driver. Background: Steering intervention helps keep the vehicle in the lane if the system detects that a lane marking has been crossed. The steering intervention can be noticed on the steering wheel and can be manually overridden at any time. Software error in the KAFAS (camera-based driver assistance system) control unit. |
| B651520 | 2020-09-14. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. HEAD UNIT RESETS WHEN NAVIGATION IS USED IN CERTAIN LOCATIONS: The head unit resets sporadically causing the CID to turn black and then starts up again after a short time with the message "Start navigation system". This only occurs during navigation guidance when the "3D building" function is used Software in the Head Unit High (HU-H3). |
| B511219 | 2020-09-14. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. KIDNEY GRILL ACTIVE AIR FLAP FAULTS: A check control message or MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) may be illuminated, with one or more of the following faults stored: 138207- Active cooling damper control (AKKS), top: blockage at warm ambient temperature 21B043- Active cooling damper control (AKKS), top: blockage at all ambient temperatures 138222- Active cooling damper control (AKKS), above: positional deviation error detected at warm ambient temperature 138209- Active cooling damper control (AKKS), top: Control deviation at all ambient temperatures 13822B- Active cooling damper control (AKKS), top: Control deviation at all ambient temperatures 21B042- Active cooling damper control (AKKS), below: blockage at all ambient temperatures 138206- Active cooling damper control (AKKS), bottom, blockage at warm ambient temperature 138225-Active air-flap control, bottom: top limit position not detected 138224-Active air-flap control, bottom: bottom limit position not detected Multiple potential issues may be the cause, including: 1. Faulty active air flap(s) (Upper and/or lower) 2. Software error in the DME 3. Debris or blockages from outside influence (non-warranty) 4. Information error memory that does not require a repair 5. For G20 only- Detached lower active air flaps |
| B090220 | 2020-09-14. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. REMOTE SOFTWARE UPGRADE: For BMW, Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) is the next consequent step with regard to digitalization and customer satisfaction. With the introduction of RSU, customers now can update the vehicle software by themselves. |
| B090218 | 2020-09-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. NEW ECU VALIDATION NEEDED AFTER REPLACING CERTAIN CONTROL MODULES: With introduction of the new Headunit HU-H3 (MGU Media Graphics Unit), there is a new protection mechanism against tampering. If one or more of the following components needs to be replaced, the secure connection between them must be re-established: MGU TCB Telematic Communication Box (ATM-02) RSE Rear Seat Entertainment and/or KOMBISP18 instrument cluster Prior to re-establishing this connection, an electronic certificate must be created in the BMW backend for importing into the Vehicle. After the replacement of one of the mentioned Modules, the Control Module needs a valid certificate for it to communicate with the other Modules. |
| B651220 | 2020-08-31. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. BMW CONNECTEDDRIVE APPS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE AFTER PROGRAMMING: After programming vehicle with "20-03" software, BMW ConnecedDrive apps are no longer available in the head unit. Software in the Head Unit High (HU-H3). |
| B650709 | 2020-08-31. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. NAVIGATION SYSTEM - REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROADMAP DATA: Do not replace parts and do not program the vehicle. Roads can change by up to 15% every year. To ensure the best navigation experience, we do everything in our power to create the best maps. Your reports help us to detect changes in your area and keep future versions of our maps as accurate as possible. Therefore, a road map error or missing data must be reported directly to the map supplier. |
| B620119 | 2020-08-31. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND ONBOARD COMPUTER INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE: The audio source, radio station, or music track cannot be changed using the MFL. Normal functionality may possibly return after a sleep cycle or a battery reset. This affects vehicles with: Integration level S18A-18-11-5xx Live Cockpit Professional (option code 6U3) including the instrument cluster High 4.1. While the Kombi is not working properly the rest of the system is working properly. The customer can still use the Central Information Display (CID) for items such as entertainment settings, Driver Experience settings, etc, utilizing the I drive controller. The telephone functions are not affected. Unfavorable software at system start-up. |
| B340517 | 2020-08-31. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC; WHEELS. TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied, noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle must be moving. |
| B170420 | 2020-07-27. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. COOLANT LEVEL CHECK AND TOP-OFF AT SECOND OIL SERVICE: A new, additional coolant level check task is now linked to the second engine oil service (Service Counter 2 only). The scope of maintenance work will display in ISPA Next that applies to the high-temperature circuit. This new coolant check only pertains to the above listed models with gasoline engines. During the normal operation of the vehicle, there is a certain amount of coolant absorption by the various components/gaskets/seals contained within the coolant systems. Over time, the coolant absorption can cause the coolant level to fall below the maximum fill level in the reservoir. In some cases, the level may even fall low enough to cause the high-temperature circuit low coolant level warning light to illuminate, along with displaying the corresponding Check Control message. |
| B661120 | 2020-06-15. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. REVERSING ASSISTANT LIMITATIONS: The Reversing Assistant function is not operating to customer expectations. Some possible customer concerns are: Vehicle does not avoid objects in its path tires or wheels contact the curb reversing Assistant only works for a short distance. |
| B660920 | 2020-06-15. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SURROUND VIEW WRONG VEHICLE DISPLAYED AFTER PROGRAMMING: After programming the wrong vehicle model is displayed in the Central Information Display (CID) when the Surround View is activated. |
| B270220 | 2020-06-15. Service bulletin. LANE DEPARTURE; WHEELS. JERKING OR SHUDDERING FROM THE DRIVELINE (XDRIVE TRANSFER CASE ATX13-X): There is a jerking or shuddering during either or both of the following: Cornering or accelerating from low speeds Driving with low to medium loads There are no warning lights or Check Control messages. CAUSE Unevenly worn or incorrect fitment tires are installed on the vehicle or the factory-filled transfer case oil does not meet BMW specifications. |
| B110120 | 2020-06-15. Service bulletin. ENGINE. B58C AND B58M ENGINES ENGINE OIL FILTER INSERT IS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE - REMOVAL: On rare occasions during an engine oil service the BMW Original (Genuine) engine oil filter insert is either difficult to remove or breaks apart in the oil filter housing. The engine oil filter is broken. The paper is torn and the lower plastic section is stuck in the engine oil filter housing. |
| B840220 | 2020-05-18. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. REMOTE 3D VIEW NOT AVAILABLE: Remote 3D View cannot be launched In the BMW ConnectedDrive App. Software error in the Advanced Telematics Module 2 (ATM2). |
| B840120 | 2020-05-18. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. BMW CONNECTEDDRIVE SERVICES ARE NOT AVAILABLE: The BMW ConnectedDrive services are not available for an extended period. This may include: Calls in the BMW Assistance app (Concierge Service) Vehicle data and status in the BMW ConnectedDrive app Remote services Remote 3D View Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) Weather News Software error in Advanced Telematics Module 2 (ATM2). |
| B661418 | 2020-05-18. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. CHECK CONTROL MESSAGE CROSSING TRAFFIC WARNING WHILEPARKING: The check control message (CCM) "Crossing traffic warning. It is possible to continue driving" can appear when parking. This can occur when the vehicle is parked too close to adjacent solid walls such as a single car garage or an underground parking space. The wall can be on either side of the vehicle regardless if the vehicle is pulled in forwards or backed in. If the customer switches the vehicle off and starts it again immediately the same CCM may occur again. |
| B661020 | 2020-05-18. Service bulletin. LANE DEPARTURE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA; BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. KAFAS04 (CAMERA-BASED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS) LIMITATIONS: Various functions of the KAFAS (without radar installed) are not operating up to customer expectations. |
| B660720 | 2020-05-18. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SERVICE ACTION - REPLACE LEFT REAR SHORT RANGE RADAR SENSOR (SRR): The functionality of the left rear SRR sensor could be reduced which would display the Driving Assistance Check Control Message. |
| B611420 | 2020-05-18. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. DEACTIVATION OF THE INTERIOR MOVEMENT DETECTOR/TILT ALARM SENSOR IS NOT POSSIBLE: Customer complains that the interior movement detector and the tilt alarm sensor system cannot be deactivated by pressing the lock button on the remote control / BMW display key twice. The second button press on the radio remote control / BMW display key is not detected. Customer may have to press the button 3 times to deactivate the interior movement detector and tilt alarm sensor. CAUSE Software error in the control unit of the roof function center (FZD). |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.