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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.

By type

By component

By trouble code

Bulletins, newest first
3406122018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. DSC Warning Light is On. The warning lamps for DSC, ABS and brake warning are illuminated. There may also be a warning in the control display for 'Chassis Control System failure' One or more of the following fault codes are stored: DSC ??D36D44 - Signal error longitudinal torque distribution (LMV) ??48097D - Transfer Case clutch position open CAUSE Software calibration error in the LMV
3206122018-12-03. Service bulletin. STEERING. Vehicle Drifts to the Right when Traveling Straight Ahead. The customer complains the vehicle drifts to the right when traveling straight ahead, on an even road surface, without braking. This procedure does not apply for a steering wheel that is not centered when driving straight ahead. 1. Tires 2. Tolerance in the coil springs of the front axle
2702122018-12-03. Service bulletin. LANE DEPARTURE; AIR BAGS. "DSC Warning Light Is On. The warning lamps for DSC, ABS and brake warning are illuminated. There may also be a warning in the control display for ""Chassis Control System failure."" One or more of the following fault codes are stored: DSC: ??D36D44 - Signal error longitudinal torque distribution (LMV) ??48097D - Transfer Case clutch position open CAUSE Software calibration error in the LMV"
1221122018-12-03. Service bulletin. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. "N51, N52K and N52T: Idle Fluctuation During Engine Warm-up Phase. After a cold engine start, the idle speed may be unstable or start fluctuating up and down slightly while the vehicle is stopped. On vehicles with automatic transmissions, roughness or shuddering may be felt during this warm-up period when diving away slowly in ""D"" or in ""R"" without depressing the accelerator pedal. No relevant errors are stored in the DME fault code memory, and these symptoms are no longer present once the engine is at operating temperature (> 90C). Unfavorable DME software"
6515122018-12-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. "Service Action: CIC - Install Navigation Road Map Database 2013. Before delivering affected vehicles to the customer, the Car Information Computer (CIC) road map database 2013 must be installed onto the CIC internal Hard Disc Drive (HDD). Note: The INITIAL enabling code ""FSC CIC map, N. America 2013 INITIAL"" is necessary to start the installation process and to activate the road map database."
6114132018-12-03. Service bulletin. STEERING. Noise from Steering Column Switch Cluster when Turning. A scraping noise is heard from the SZL (Steering Column Switch Cluster) area. This occurs when turning the wheel from 30 to 60 degrees. CAUSE The unlocking pin in the SZL makes contact with the steering wheel.
1304132018-12-03. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. N55 Engine: Erroneous Service Engine Soon Lamp Illuminated with Mixture Faults Stored in the DME. INFORMATION An error has been identified in the current version of ETK regarding N55 fuel injector replacement part numbers and production dates. Installing the incorrect injector part number can lead to an erroneous Service Engine Soon lamp illumination and various mixture faults stored in the DME. Correct part numbers and applicable production dates: P/N 13 64 7 639 994 is for all vehicles produced from 7/2013 P/N 13 64 7 597 870 is for all vehicles produced from 1/2011 to 7/2013 P/N 13 53 7 568 607 is for all vehicles produced to 1/2011 It is good practice to verify that the part number being removed from the engine matches the new injector part number, until further notice. When the ETK data is corrected, a notification will be distributed.
6514132018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SPORT Mode Is Incorrectly Deactivated or Added After Programming. After programming the vehicle with ISTA/P 2.47.0 or higher: * Vehicles with the Dynamic Driving Switch: The SPORT configuration menu is no longer available in the control display. * Vehicles without the Dynamic Driving Switch: The SPORT configuration menu is available in the control display but does not function. There is no button next to the gear shifter. Software error in the head unit caused by ISTA/P versions from 2.47.0 to 2.49.x
6305132018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "FRM3 Will Not Communicate with ISTA. When diagnosing the vehicle with ISTA, the FRM3 (Footwell Module) is shown as not responding in the vehicle test. The customer may report one or more of the following malfunctions: 1. Light operation * CCM (Check Control Message) ""Display failure"" * Lighting INOP * Turn signal lights INOP * Break lights INOP * License plate light INOP * Courtesy lights INOP * Instrument cluster w/o light 2. Windows * One or both front windows INOP 3. LIN components https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/15625.1.B630513... 8/29/2013 Page 2 of 2 * CCM ""no blind spot detection"" if equipped * Power mirrors INOP * Seat adjustment INOP 4. Hardware inputs * Door locks INOP * Gear shifts automatically to P * Gear shift lever cannot be moved out of P 5. Electrical steering column adjustment * ELSV (Electric Steering Column Adjustment) INOP CAUSE Various causes include the following: * Blown fuse * Faulty wiring * Faulty component"
3407132018-12-03. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES. Brake Fluid Maintenance Service: 36-Month Interval. The CBS displays the first brake fluid service as a 36-month interval from the date of production instead of the appropriate 24-month interval.
1214122018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. N51, N52K, N52T and N55 Engine: Various Faults Stored in DME Related to VANOS and Camshaft Position. A rattling noise can be heard from the engine compartment; the engine exhibits a loss of power; and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. One, or more of the following faults may be stored. E70, E71, E82, E88, E90, E92 and E93: 2A7C - VANOS, inlet, cold start 2A82 - VANOS, intake, variable cam control test 2A7A - VANOS, exhaust, cold start 2A87 - VANOS, intake: control fault, camshaft sticking 2D5A - VANOS, intake: control fault, camshaft sticking 2D5B - VANOS, intake: control fault, position not reached 2D54 - VANOS, exhaust, cold start: not controllable 2D55 - VANOS, intake, cold start: not controllable 2D60 - VANOS, exhaust: control fault, camshaft sticking 2D61 - VANOS, exhaust: control fault, position not reached 2D9F - Camshaft input sensor: signal implausible 2DA1 - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal implausible 300C - Camshaft input sensor: signal high 300D - Camshaft input sensor: signal low 300E - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal high 300F - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal low F07, F10, F12, F13 and F25: 130104 - VANOS, intake: control fault, camshaft sticking 130108 - VANOS, intake: control fault, position not reached 130304 - VANOS, exhaust: control fault, camshaft sticking 130308 - VANOS, exhaust: control fault, position not reached 130E11 - Camshaft input sensor: signal implausible 130F11 - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal implausible 164020 - Camshaft input sensor: signal high 164021 - Camshaft input sensor: signal low 164030 - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal high 164031 - Camshaft exhaust sensor: signal low CAUSE One, or both (intake and/or exhaust) of the VANOS gear assemblies have failed; the attaching bolts may have also loosened and/or broken.
6122132018-12-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. """Increased battery discharge!"" CC Message upon Startup. CAUSE A software error in the Intelligent Battery Sensor causes an incorrect State of Charge (SoC) to be stored in the DME. The power management system then interprets this as a heavily discharged battery and informs the customer via a CC message. In reality, the battery does not have a problem."
5117132018-12-03. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE. Bolt for Tailgate Strut Holder Corroded. The customer may notice traces of corrosion on the bolt securing the tailgate strut. CAUSE Corrosion protection coating of the bolt was below BMW specifications.
3403132018-12-03. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. Incorrect Remaining Service Life from CBS Data for Brake pads. 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. The customer notices implausible remaining distances (too high or too low) on the front and/or the rear axle brake system. Note: E9x vehicles with xDrive are not affected by this bulletin. Software calculation in the brake pad wear model
1217132018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. N55: Engine Difficult to Start at Cold Ambient Temperatures. The complaint may include any of the following symptoms: * The engine stalls immediately after a cold start before driving away * The engine may run roughly or misfire after a cold start * The engine does not start cold or may take several attempts * To assist starting when cold, the accelerator may need to be depressed slightly and the idle speed raised for a few seconds so the engine does not stall This can occur most frequently at outside ambient temperatures between -15°C and + 15°C. It is possible that the Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is on with misfire fault(s) stored, but it is equally possible that there will be no faults stored in the DME. Unfavorable DME software Cold start or idling problems may arise due to poor fuel quality. The use of summer fuel during cold outside temperatures may also lead to such problems.
1201132018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. MN16 Engine: FC 2D9B Knock Sensor, Signal Is Stored in the DME. Certain areas of the US experience extremely cold climate conditions during the winter months, which can cause the Service Engine Soon lamp to illuminate while the engine temperature is increasing to full operating temperature. The following fault may be stored in the DME: ??FC 2D9B Knock Sensor, Signal CAUSE Unfavorable DME knock sensor diagnostic at outside ambient temperatures below -5° C
6601132018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PDC: Complete Failure of Front and/or Rear Sensors. When reverse gear is selected or the PDC button is pressed, neither the front and/or rear PDC sensors work. One or more of the following fault codes are stored: * 0x803200 - Voltage supply for ultrasonic sensors * 0x80320A - Rear outer left ultrasonic sensor * 0x803210 - Rear centre left ultrasonic sensor * 0x803216 - Rear centre right ultrasonic sensor * 0x80321C - Rear outer right ultrasonic sensor * 0x80322E - Front outer left ultrasonic sensor * 0x803234 - Front centre left ultrasonic sensor * 0x80323A - Front centre right ultrasonic sensor * 0x803240 - Front outer right ultrasonic sensor CAUSE Short circuit in the wiring harness for the PDC ultrasonic sensors
6510092018-12-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT. The vehicle position is missing or incorrect on the navigation map. The navigation system integrated in the Car Information Computer (CIC) is not calibrated correctly.
6509132018-12-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. "CHAMP2: Stored Radio Stations Deleted After Ignition Off. After ignition off, the stored radio stations (AM/FM and Satellite) are no longer available in: * Menu ""PRESETS"" * Functional bookmarks (buttons on the head unit) Error in the CHAMP2 head unit"
6402132018-12-03. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE; EQUIPMENT. Water Leaks from Center Console. Water leaks from the console into the left and right footwell. CAUSE Condensation is leaking from the HVAC housing water drain connection (not fitted correctly).
6303132018-12-03. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS; STRUCTURE. Stress Cracks in Headlight Lens Cover. CAUSE Premature failure in the front headlight lens cover material, caused by damaged hood bump stops or old design hood sealing.
6113122018-12-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ?100A Fuse in Rear Power Distribution Box Failed, Causing Electrical System Failure. Various functions of the electrical system fail. In rare cases, the vehicle cranks but may not start. The 100-amp fuse (F502) in the rear power distribution box (Z3), mounted on the battery, has failed.
6102112018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Advanced Onboard Battery Diagnostics. INFORMATION Starting with the introduction of the F10 (5 Series), an advanced intelligent battery sensor has been used. This now makes it possible for the vehicle to monitor the condition of the battery in order to determine if the battery needs to be recharged or replaced, along with the remaining capacity of the battery. The analysis and testing of the battery's SoC (State of Charge) and SoH (State of Health) is now performed using ISTA (Integrated Service Technical Application) diagnosis. A separate test using a battery tester is no longer needed.
5107132018-12-03. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE; EQUIPMENT. Water Leaks into Cargo Area. Water leaks into the cargo area and corrodes/damages electrical components. Note: In most cases, the customer is not aware of any water in the lower compartments of the cargo area, but complains of an electrical malfunction or failure, as a result of water intrusion. CAUSE ??Body seam sealer application inadequate ??The rear sunroof drains are dislodged.
2401132018-12-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Oil Leak from Transfer Case. Oil is leaking from the transmission area, or oil seepage is noticed from the transmission/transfer case area during a service. CAUSE The leak can be misdiagnosed as a transmission fluid leak from either the mechatronics sleeve or transmission oil pan. The leak is actually coming from the transfer case (input or output shaft seal).

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