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Service bulletins for the 2012 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.

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

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Bulletins, newest first
B1105152018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE. "N20 and N55 Engine: Engine Oil Filter Application for Plastic Oil Filter Housing. The current version of EPC does not provide all available options for the engine oil filters used in the N20 and N55 engines produced with a ""plastic"" oil filter housing. The illustration below will help identify the proper engine oil filter application until the EPC is corrected."
B1103152018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N20 and N26 Engine: Oil Leaks from Cylinder Head Cover. There is an engine oil leakage under the vehicle, or the vehicle smells of engine oil. The cylinder head cover gasket is leaking engine oil due to loose retaining bolt(s).
8401152018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT. "MSUBJECT iPhone and iOS 8.x Information. INFORMATION With the release of iOS 8.0, please be aware of the important functional change noted below: Scenario: z The customer leaves the vehicle and turns the phone off. z He or she turns the phone back on. z The customer then enters the vehicle, but does not unlock the phone prior to turning the vehicle on. https://www.minitis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/20701.1.M840115....3/2/2015 Page 2 of 2 Result: z The phone reconnects to the Bluetooth system (normal). z However, the contact list is not transferred (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, he or she must unlock the phone at least once (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 website: www.miniusa.com/bluetooth NOTE: This SI will be updated as new information is received. "
6524132018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B65 24 13 dated January 2014. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Headunit-High: INITIAL Enabling Code Is Not Accepted Via I-Drive. INFORMATION Do not replace parts and do not program the vehicle for this issue. First-time activation of the navigation system should always be performed during the Quality Certification 1 (QC1) Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI), with the vehicle connected to the ISTA diagnosis system. Refer to SI B65 22 14. WARRANTY INFORMATION Not applicable since the first time activation of the navigation system is part of the QC1 process and cannot be claimed separately. [ Copyright (c)2015 BMW of North America, Inc. ] https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/20588.1.B652413....3/2/2015
6513122018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B65 13 12 dated September 2012. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Headunit High: Navigation System Road Map Usage. INFORMATION The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609. This change will affect the navigation system road map data support process and the warranty spare parts processes for the HU-H. For the US market, all vehicles will come pre-loaded from the factory with the latest navigation system road map database version that was available at the time of vehicle production. Therefore, there will be no physical copy of the navigation system road map data media DVD set or USB stick placed in these vehicles at the Vehicle Distribution Center (VDC). NOTE: Additionally, all replacement HU-H parts come with a pre-loaded version of the current available navigation system road map database installed. A set of DVD copies of the navigation system road map database, HU-H NAVI Road Map North America NEXT, is shipped to all BMW centers through the automatic tool shipment program with each release of a navigation system road map database. IMPORTANT: Additional copies or earlier NAV road map database versions cannot be ordered individually! Therefore, please take special care to archive the HU-H NAV road map DVD sets! The NAV road map data on the DVD set can also be installed into the Network Attached Storage (NAS). From there it then can be installed onto the HU-H in the vehicle, using the Integrated Service Technical Application for Programming (ISTA/P). For installation of the navigation system road map data media DVD set onto the Network Attached Storage (NAS), please contact your ISPI NEXT Administrator. In addition to this procedure, it is also possible to download the NAV road map data on the DVD set directly to the hard disc drive (HDD) integrated in the HU-H by inserting the DVDs one by one into the HU-H internal DVD
6510092018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B65 10 09 dated March 2013. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT CIC head unit: Vehicle Position Is Missing or Incorrect on Navigation Map. 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.
6505092018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B65 05 09 dated July 2009. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT CIC Headunit: Navigation System Road Map Usage. INFORMATION The Car Information Computer (CIC) began replacing the Car Communication Computer (CCC) on vehicles with option 609 in September of 2008. This change affected the navigation system road map data support process and the warranty spare parts processes for the CIC. For the US market, all vehicles come pre-loaded from the factory with the latest navigation system road map database version that was available at the time of vehicle production. Therefore, no physical copy of the navigation system road map data media DVD set or USB stick is placed in these vehicles at the Vehicle Distribution Center (VDC). NOTE: Additionally, all replacement CIC parts come with a pre-loaded version of the current available navigation system road map database installed. A set of DVD copies of the navigation system road map database, CIC NAVI Road Map North America PREMIUM, is shipped to all BMW centers through the automatic tool shipment program with each release of a navigation system road map database. IMPORTANT: Additional copies or earlier NAV road map database versions cannot be ordered individually! Therefore, please take special care to archive the CIC NAV road map DVD sets! The NAV road map data on the DVD set can also be installed into the Network Attached Storage (NAS). From there, it can then be installed onto the CIC in the vehicle, using the Integrated Service Technical Application for Programming (ISTA/P). For installation of the navigation system road map data media DVD set onto the Network Attached Storage (NAS), please contact your ISPI Next Administrator. In addition to this procedure, it is also possible to download the NAV road map data on the DVD set directly to the hard disc drive (HDD) integrated in the CIC by inserting the DVDs one by one into the CIC internal DVD drive. It will take approxim
1238142018-11-13. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM; ENGINE. SUBJECT N20, N26, and N55 Engines with Injector Electrical Faults. Any of the following symptoms could occur simultaneously with injector electrical faults stored in the DME: z After the engine is turned off for a short time, it can no longer be started; however, the starter motor turns. z The engine starts but immediately cuts off. z The engine runs erratically or lacks power. z The Service Engine Soon light (MIL) may be on with several poetential faults stored. The DME has malfunctioned due to an internal fault.
1209152018-11-13. Service bulletin. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL. "SUBJECT N55: Slight Surging at Constant Speeds when Accelerating Very Lightly. The vehicle shudders or surges slightly while driving at constant speeds and applying the accelerator very lightly. This symptom is most easily reproduced under light loads when the current fuel consumption is approximately 3448 miles per gallon. The current fuel consumption can selected and monitored in the instrument cluster while driving (the ""fuel consumption, current"" option is set to active in the settings menu). No relevant fault will be stored in the DME memory. DME software; the fuel injection rate under these conditions is too close to the minimum calculated threshold."
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.
1201152018-11-13. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. SUBJECT N20 and N26 Differential Pressure Sensor Fault 195002 Stored in DME. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) light is on with the following differential pressure sensor fault stored: z 195002 - Differential pressure sensor, tank vent valve, electrical: Short circuit to ground During engine operation, vibration and movement of the sensor can damage the pin contacts of the harness connector, or cause a break in the wiring.
1102152018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV). SUBJECT Deleting DME Adaptations After Crankshaft Sensor-related Repairs. The erroneous misfire faults are stored, and the Service Engine Soon light (MIL) illuminates The ISTA Service Function to delete the DME adaptations fails to clear the crankshaft incremental wheel adaptation, depending on the current DME software version. This adaptation must be cleared whenever the following repairs are made: 1. Replacement of the crankshaft position sensor 2. Replacement of the incremental sensor wheel on the crankshaft 3. Replacement of the crankshaft 4. Replacement of the crankcase (block) with pistons 5. Replacement of the engine assembly Due to slight tolerance differences with the new replacement hardware and the original learned crankshaft position, values could cause cylinder balance calculation errors by the DME. DME software (the incremental wheel adaptation cannot be cleared)
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).
B6119152018-11-05. Service bulletin. STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR; STEERING:COLUMN; STEERING. Grating or Scraping Noise When Turning Steering Wheel. There is a grating or scraping noise when the steering wheel is turned. The noise comes from the steering column switch cluster (SZL), coil spring or steering wheel. CAUSE When the steering wheel is turned, the connection between the steering wheel and the steering column switch cluster causes torsional stress, which creates a noise in the coil spring cassette.
B5129152018-11-05. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT. "This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B51 29 15 dated August 2015.. Both rear side ""fixed"" windows need to be replaced due to incorrect glue application, this may cause a water leak. AFFECTED VEHICLES This Service Action involves F25 (X3) and F26 (X4) produced from July 13, 2015 to July 14, 2015. Vehicles which require this Service Action to be completed will show it as ""Open"" when checked either in the ""Service Menu"" of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or with the Key Reader."
B2704152018-11-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE; WHEELS. Shudder from the Driveline on Vehicles with xDrive. There is a shudder or vibration from the driveline when taking off from a stop, or when accelerating at highway speeds. CAUSE Possible multiple root causes related to the engine, wheels & tires, suspension components or internal wear on the clutch plates of the xDrive transfer case.
B1116152018-11-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM. ?N20 and N26 engine: Smoke from Exhaust when Starting a Cold Engine. When starting a cold engine, blue smoke can be seen emitting from the exhaust tailpipe for approximately 10-20 seconds. No turbo charger boost faults are stored and no drivability issues can be detected. Engine oil leakage into the induction system and/or the turbo charger assembly.
B6510152018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). NAV Road Map Installation Using USB Stick. INFORMATION The Navigation road map can be installed onto the head unit in the vehicle using a USB stick connected to the USB connector in the center console in the vehicle. ? 32GB USB stick is necessary ? Desired NAV road map version can be retrieved from the HDD-Update console PROCEDURE 1. Copy the desired NAV road map from the HDD-Update console onto a 32GB USB stick. Refer to Attachment. 3. When prompted, enter the 20-digit enabling code. 4. Start the NAV road map installation and follow the on-screen instructions. WARRANTY INFORMATION Not applicable. ATTACHMENTS View PDF attachment B651015_Attachment.
B5116152018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. "Affected vehicles in dealer inventory must not be retailed or delivered until the label is removed. Vehicles at ports of entry will be remedied prior to dealer delivery. On affected vehicles, there is an incorrect label regarding the appropriate engine oil. Affected vehicles can be identified with a ""Vehicle Comment"" in the DCS Warranty Vehicle Inquiry or ISPA Light. Remove the engine oil label (located in the front or rear of the hood)."
B6509152018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; EQUIPMENT. HU-H: Headunit Resets Intermittently or Permanently. The HU-H (Headunit-High) resets intermittently or permanently. ? The display is inoperative and there is no audio output ? Automatic system start-up after a couple of seconds CAUSE Software error in the HU-H
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.
B3602152018-11-05. Service bulletin. TIRES:VALVE; WHEELS. Valve Stem Replacement with Wheel Electronics. INFORMATION The valve stems are single-use only, and must be replaced every time the wheel electronics are replaced. If you loosen the nut (1), you must replace the valve stem. Failure to replace the valve stem will lead to a pressure leak. The proper repair procedure can be found in REP 3611533. Not applicable. [ Copyright (c)2015 BMW of North America, Inc. ] Page 1 of 3 Page 1 of 1 https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/232...6/4/2015 https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/232...6/4/2015 Page 1 of 3 https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/232...6/4/2015
6504142018-11-05. Service bulletin. AIR BAGS. "Airbag Warning Light: ACSM FC 930A60 or 930A1C Seat Occupancy Detection. According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be on when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code ""930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction"" is stored. The fault may or may not currently be present. Or 2. ACSM fault code ""930A1C - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction"" is stored. The fault may or may not currently be present. CAUSE The front passenger seat occupancy mat consists of a seat occupancy mat with a capacitive sensor system. This means a front passenger is detected by measuring the resistance of the human body. The fault is set when moisture is detected on the mat itself."
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.

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