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Service bulletins for the 2011 BMW X3

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.

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

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Only bulletins with component: Electrical system are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
B6516152018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Navigation CIC vehicle positioning temporarily incorrect. The Navigation system may temporarily display the vehicle in the wrong location. This mainly occurs on short sections of road and the vehicle position may take 2 or more minutes to be shown correctly. Invalid calculation in the CIC head unit.
B6207152018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. Instrument Cluster display is partially blank. The Instrument Cluster (Kombi) lower display may be intermittently blank. The Board Computer, Ambient Temperature and Check Control Messages will not display. Instrument Cluster software error.
1204152018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE. SUBJECT DME Internal and Valvetronic Faults Set at Cold Ambient Temperatures. The Service Engine Soon light (MIL) can be illuminated with the erroneous internal and Valvetronic faults stored in the DME. The MIL will only come on if the fault has been detected on two (or more) consecutive drive cycles. The following fault codes may be stored in the DME: E Seriesz 36AE - DME, internal fault, Valvetronic: Current implausible One or more of the following secondary faults may also be stored: z 2DE2 - Valvetronic, actuation, voltage phase: Line disconnection z 2DE3 - Valvetronic, actuation, volt phase: Line disconnection z 2DE4 - Valvetronic, actuation, volt phase: Line disconnection F Seriesz 1F0905 - DME, internal fault, Valvetronic: Current implausible One or more of the following secondary faults may also be stored: z 135B10 - Valvetronic, actuation, voltage phase: Line disconnection z 135B11 - Valvetronic, actuation, volt phase: Line disconnection z 135B12 - Valvetronic, actuation, volt phase: Line disconnection Engine performance and driving characteristics are not affected. DME software diagnostic sensitivity.
B6118142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Various Electrical Faults Caused by Shorted K-CAN2 This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 18 14 dated July 2014. One or more of the following situations can occur when the K-CAN2 wiring in the vehicles is shorted. There is no communication with any K-CAN2 control modules during an ISTA vehicle test. The following control modules are on the K-CAN2: ZGM - Central Gateway Module FRM - Footwell Module CAS - Car Access System Headunit - Radio/Navigation ComBox/TCB - Telematic Control Module FZD - Roof Function Center Module JBE - Junction Box Electronics The transmission will not engage a gear when with the engine running. The vehicle sporadically does not start. In rare cases, the vehicle may stop running while driving. When the K-CAN2 is shorted, the vehicle will store many line and communication faults for the KCAN2, including the following: JBE - C9140D No message, receiver JBE, transmitter CAS JBE - C90468 K-CAN2; Communication fault ZGM - CD0468 K-CAN2: Communication fault ZGM - CD1400 Message incorrect, receiver ZGM, transmitter JBE CAS -D9045F K-CAN2: Line fault CAS - D90468 K-CAN2: Communication fault FZD - DE8468 K-CAN2: Communication fault TCB - E14468 K-CAN2: Communication fault TCB - E1445F K-CAN2: Line fault NBT - E1C468 K-CAN2: Communication fault FRM - E5845F K-CAN2: Line fault FRM - E58468 K-CAN2: Communication fault The wiring harness gets pinched between the instrument panel and the locating tab on the passenger side of the instrument panel. Connector X18*2b not fully connected (located above rear distribution box in trunk) K-CAN2 High - GE/RT (Yellow/Red) K-CAN2 Low - GE/BR (Yellow/Brown).
B6312142018-11-05. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL; EXTERIOR LIGHTING; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS. Check Control Message with Rear Light Failure. Intermittently, a Check Control Message (CCM) is displayed for one or more rear light failures: ? Rear light ? Brake light ? Rear indicator One or more fault codes are registered in the Footwell Module (FRM) for one or more circuits with the fault not currently present: ? 800F46 - Indicator rear left defective ? 800F47 - Indicator rear right defective ? 800F56 - Brake light left defective ? 800F57 - Brake light right defective ? 800F80 - BFD left defective ? 800F81 - BFD right defective ? 802812 - Brake light / direction indicator, left: light faulty or open circuit ? 802813 - Brake light / direction indicator, right: light faulty or open circuit ? 800F7A - Reversing light left defective ? 800F7B - Reversing light right defective CAUSE Bad connection at the rear light in the tailgate and/or rear light in the side panel
B6103142018-11-05. 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 occur. 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 down certain electrical consumers.
6103142018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN. 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. 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 shutting down certain electrical consumers.
B6618162018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. INFORMATION ON THE OPERATION OF THE SMART OPENER. INFORMATION ON THE OPERATION OF THE SMART OPENER MODEL F07 (5 Series Gran Turismo) F10 (5 Series) F12 (6 Series Convertible) F13 (6 Series Coupe) F15 (X5) F16 (X6) F22 (2 Series Coupe) F23 ( 2 Series Convertible) F25 (X3) F26 (X4) F30 (3 Series Sedan) F31 (3 Series Wagon) F32 (4 Series Coupe) F33 (4 Series Convertible) F34 (3 Series Gran Turismo) F36 (4 Series Gran Coupe) F48 (X1) F80 (M3 Sedan) F82 (M4 Coupe) F83 (M4 Convertible) F85 (X5 M) F86 (X6 M) G12 (7 Series) I01 (i3 Series) Vehicles with option code SA-0322 (Comfort Access) without M-Sport trim INFORMATION The smart opener (Contactless tailgate) operates as described below: Ignition key must be within 3 feet behind the vehicle, clear from any interference like a smartphone The customer must be at least an arms-length behind the vehicle Kick your foot forwards & backwards under the vehicle in one quick movement The taillights flash confirming that the trunk will open The trunk then successfully opens For more information an instructional video can be viewed which demonstrates the operation. Thanks to BMW of Tenafly for providing the video. tinyurl.com/Autotrunk1 https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/358...9/3/2016 Page 2 of 2 WARRANTY INFORMATION Not applicable. [ Copyright (c)2016 BMW of North America, Inc. ] https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/358...9/3/2016
B6121152018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. The Instrument Cluster Displays Various Check Control Messages This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 21 15 dated March 2016.. The instrument cluster displays various check control messages. This includes messages for the PDC (Park Distance Control), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) and windshield washer system. There can be many different fault codes stored in the vehicle. Signal invalid. The wiring harness below the micro filter housing (right front area of the bulkhead) is damaged from washer fluid leaking into the harness.
B6526162018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "USB DEVICE IS NOT DETECTED BY CHAMP2 HEAD UNIT. Media connected to the USB connector is not recognized by the audio system. Playback of files from the media is not possible. Message displayed on the audio system display: ""Title cannot be reproduced"" ""Is being read"" (but never plays back any audio) CAUSE Media with data files stored in more than 32 directories or 32 subdirectories within a directory. Media with a large number of files. Media exceeds total storage capacity of 32 GB."
B0903152018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL. "Cruise Control does not Operate after Programming with ISTA/P 3.56.x. After programming the vehicle with ISTA/P 3.56.x (integration level F025-15-07-50x), cruise control cannot be activated. If the customer tries to activate cruise control, a Check Control message ""System cannot be activated"" is displayed. CAUSE This is caused by a software error in ISTA/P 3.56.x and is planned to be resolved with ISTA/P 3.56.2."
B6525162018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. USB CABLE: BATTERY DISCHARGE/AUDIO FAILURE/RADIO RECEPTION. No sound from the radio, telephone, gong signal and or PDC. Poor radio reception and failure of the telematics systems. Possible Check Control system message: o Battery discharge when engine off. o Caution, no acoustic warning signals. Non BMW approved (third-party supplier) USB cable plugged into the USB port.
B6523162018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. ?AUDIO VOLUME NOT RESTORED AFTER MSA STOP, ENTRY HEAD UNIT. Volume of audio system (when set to near maximum) is reduced when Auto Start-Stop (MSA) stop occurs and is not restored upon automatic engine restart. This is normal system behavior - serves to protect the head unit, battery drain and avoidance of incremental leaps in the loudness. The loudness is reduced to 2/3 of maximum and is not restored. Note: Air conditioning output is also reduced upon MSA stop and is not restored for similar reasons.
B6520162018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. CID Split Screen Always Changes Back to Compass Display. This Service Information bulletin Replaces SI B65 20 16 dated June 2016. After starting the vehicle, the Control Display (CID) right side (split screen) display does not stay on the last selection made by the driver. Within 30 seconds of starting the right side of the display changes by itself to the compass view. Software error (Head Unit NBT-EVO ID5) was introduced with ISTA/P V3.58.0 (16-03-502 I Level).
B6121152018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. The Instrument Cluster Displays Various Check Control Messages This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 21 15 dated August 2016. The instrument cluster displays various check control messages. Signal invalid The wiring harness below the micro filter housing (right front area of the bulkhead) is damaged from washer fluid leaking into the harness.
B0703142018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015.. Fault codes stored in vehicles being serviced are not being diagnosed, leading to repeat repair visits (source- Analysis of FASTA data and repeat repair visit reports). INFORMATION 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) to find their root cause during the current workshop visit. This will help lead to a reduction in workshop repeat repair visits and higher customer satisfaction.
B6210172018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ERRONEOUS SERVICE INCLUSIVE CBS DISPLAY. After pre-delivery check or after instrument cluster exchange, BMW Service Inclusive is displayed although the vehicle does not feature the optional Service Inclusive coverage. Instrument Cluster display error
B8408162018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. The underlying 2G technology for the GSM (Global System Mobile communication) COMBOX will no longer be supported by the cellular network providers after December 31, 2016. This COMBOX and the BMW Assist services that use its functionality will therefore no longer function after that date. The BMW Assist functionalities that are affected includes the following: SOS/E-Call including Automatic crash notification Concierge Service Remote Service Teleservices The vehicle's exisiting Bluetooth(r) wireless functionality is NOT affected.
B8403162018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SERVICE ACTION: GSM COMBOX DEACTIVATION / DISCONTINUATION WITH 4 YEAR ASSIST SERVICE. What's New: ? Model: Option code removed to prevent confusion about affected vehicles ? Situation: Information added about Bluetooth functionality that is not affect by this Service Action ? Correction: Information added about lease returns, loaner, CPO and used vehicles that are not eligible for the 3 customer options ? Information: Removed scenario regarding new/unsold Z4s & X1s ? Procedure: Added info about COMBOX retrofit that it does not affect Bluetooth functionality ? Warranty: Added info that the correct flat rate labor operation that corresponds to the option the customer selected is claimed and removed information about Z4s & X1s . The underlying 2G technology for the GSM (Global System Mobile communication) COMBOX will no longer be supported by the cellular network providers after December 31, 2016. This COMBOX and the BMW Assist services that use its functionality will therefore no longer function after that date. The BMW Assist functionalities that are affected includes the following: SOS/E-Call including Automatic crash notification Concierge Service Remote Service Teleservices The vehicle's exisiting Bluetooth(r) wireless functionality is NOT affected.
B6201172018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TIME DISPLAY (CLOCK) ERROR IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. The clock on the basic instrument cluster (KOMBI) gradually loses time even after being reset. Power supply fluctuations cause the time to reset.
B6506162018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ?NBT HEAD UNIT ABORTS IMPORT OF CD Whats New: ? G12 (7 Series) removed ? I01 (i3) removed ? Warranty Section updated for removal of G12 and I01 . While importing a CD to the internal music collection of an NBT head unit the process aborts. You will see 'import error' on the radio display when this occurs. NBT Head Unit software
B1601172018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SERVICE ACTION: REPLACE ACTIVATED CHARCOAL FILTER AND NVLD SENSOR HOLDER What's New: ? Procedure, parts and warranty added. The activated charcoal canister and or NVLD sensor holder may be damaged. Transportation damage.
B6121152018-10-09. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAYS VARIOUS CHECK CONTROL MESSAGES: The instrument cluster displays various check control messages.
B8408182018-08-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. HEAD UNIT HIGH 2 RESET WHILE BLUETOOTH IS CONNECTED: The following event may cause an unexpected reset of the Head Unit High 2 (NBT EVO) when:
B8406162018-08-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. BMW ONLINE NON-FUNCTIONAL: CHECK ICC-ID IN ACCOUNT: BMW Online/BMW ConnectedDrive not functional.

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