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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
5133142018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS; STRUCTURE:BODY. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B51 33 14 dated October 2014. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT New "Gas Door Operation" Instruction Label. Initial quality reports show the customers are not certain how to open and close the fuel filler flap.
7102142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. Service Action: Replace Emission Label. Certain 2015 model year vehicles with N47T and N57T diesel engines were produced with an "emissions" label which contains incorrect information pertaining to the 2015 model year. Affected vehicles in dealer inventory must not be retailed or delivered until this issue is corrected. Vehicles at VDCs will be repaired prior to dealer delivery.
6206132018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. Condition Based Service Due Date Is Reset to 01/2000. The Condition Based Service (CBS) due date is reset to 01/2000 and cannot be updated for: * Oil Service * Check Vehicle Note: No fault code is stored Software error in the Instrument Cluster.
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.
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
2403132018-11-13. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. A customer may complain of a delay in engine response after decelerating at low road speeds and then reaccelerating. This can occur when the transmission remains in a high gear due to a delay in the transmission downshifting. This situation can be more noticeable while driving on roads with slight turns or with an increasing gradient. Unfavorable EGS and DME software
1217122018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. N52T / N55 with 8HP45: Delay in Engine Response. A customer may complain of a delay in engine response after decelerating at low road speeds and then reaccelerating. This can occur when the transmission remains in a high gear due to a delay in the transmission downshifting. This situation can be more noticeable while driving on roads with slight turns or with an increasing gradient. Unfavorable EGS and DME software
1201132018-11-13. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. "Transmission Intermittently Goes into ""P"" or ""N"" After MSA Engine Start. After an MSA engine start, the transmission intermittently goes into the Park (P) or Neutral (N) position without any customer influence. This problem can be sporadic, difficult to reproduce, and no relevant faults are stored. Unfavorable DME/EGS software"
1305142018-11-13. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS. N20 and N26 Injector Replacement. INFORMATION When a defective high-pressure fuel injector is identified with an index "02" designation, as shown in the illustration below, all 4 injectors must be replaced at the same time. This bulletin only applies to index "02" injectors. Index "01" and index "03" or higher are not affected. No immediate repair is required unless the BMW vehicle is currently experiencing this problem.
0113142018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. BMW Customer-Focused Satisfaction (CFS) Program. Based on customer feedback, BMW has determined that during the first three years of service, some vehicles may require specific additional service work. BMW of North America, LLC ("BMW NA") is pleased to announce the Customer-Focused Satisfaction (CFS) Program. This new program's procedure will be available for your center to address these customers' concerns, starting with claim repair dates on or after September 1, 2014. As part of our pledge to deliver the ultimate BMW driving experience, for the above-referenced BMW vehicles, we developed this program to increase our customers' satisfaction by helping to prevent unexpected repair visits.
8405142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Service Action: Bluetooth Software (KISU Data) Update. This Service Action is being released to improve customer satisfaction as we strive to be number 1 in the JD Power Initial Quality Survey (IQS). This new KISU software improves the Bluetooth functionality in our vehicles, and it helps keep us up-to-date with technology innovation. Please implement the Bluetooth Software Update Service Action. This Service Action will be in effect until March 2015. Thank you for your continuous support. Improved KISU data (Customer Initiated Software Update) is now available for installation in these vehicles via the USB port. Improved functionality for COMBOX: z Detailed view of the text messages z Android device connection stability (linked contacts causing BT disconnection) Improved functionality for HU-H: z Reconnection strategy z 3rd Party App Metadata - Album art and song title Note: This Service Action is to be completed only at the dealer. You (dealers) will be receiving vehicles from the VDCs that will require this service action to be completed prior to customer delivery.
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.
6522142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). Automated Activation of Navigation System During PDI/QC1. INFORMATION Important: The INITIAL NAV enabling code no longer needs to be pre-ordered through the Parts department! When the vehicle is connected to the diagnostic system ISTA to perform PDI/QC1, the step to activate the navigation system (part of Delete Transport Mode) will automatically request the INITIAL NAV enabling code (VIN-specific) without pre-ordering the enabling code. This enabling code will be automatically delivered through ISTA and it then activates the navigation system. Note: This VIN-specific NAV enabling code is then also automatically stored in the Repair Kit in the Aftersales Assistance Portal (ASAP). The automated INITIAL NAV enabling code request and activation of the navigation system will take no longer than 1 minute. After finishing "Delete Transport Mode," the navigation system in the vehicle will be active without entering the 20-digit INITIAL NAV enabling code manually or in ISTA. If the navigation system is not active and asking for the enabling code, turn off the ignition and wait for the head unit to enter sleep mode (approx. 3 minutes). After that, turn on the ignition again. The head unit will start up and the navigation system is activated. If the INITIAL NAV enabling code for first-time activation of the navigation system is not requested or delivered automatically, it still can be ordered manually through the Parts department and activated in the vehicle through the iDrive controller, by entering the 20-digit enabling code manually.
1615142018-11-13. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. NVLD Tank Leakage FC 190302 Fuel Tank Ventilation and Purge Air System Micro Leak. The engine malfunction warning is illuminated and the following fault code is stored in the DME memory: z FC 190302 Fuel tank ventilation and purge air system micro leak leakage greater than 0_5 mm CAUSE Contamination of the NVLD pressure switch electrical contacts
1234142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. N52T DME Fault CD9304: Diagnostic Hints for Bit-Serial Data Interface Communication. If there is a problem with communication on the Bit-serial data interface bus (BSD), the obvious symptoms are related to the oil service CBS functions. The DME must receive constant communication from the oil level sensor. Whenever this communication is disturbed, a fault is set and the following symptoms can be present: ? The remaining distance forecast to the next oil service is too short and not plausible in conjunction with the service history. ? The CBS engine oil service cannot be reset either in the Kombi or with the ISTA test plan. ? The engine oil level measurement is inactive and will not complete. The fault CD9304: Bit-serial data interface, signal: communication is stored in the DME. In addition, power management faults for undervoltage or overvoltage, as described in SI B12 12 13, could be stored as well. A faulty ignition coil may have damaged the DME; however, there is no DME fault code stored for te defective ignition coil.
1233142018-11-13. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Fault Code 1D2008 Stored in DME. The Service Engine Soon light is on. Fault Code 1D2008: Map thermostat: jammed open is stored in the DME. There may also be a complaint of low heat output with lower outside temperatures. CAUSE During the engine warm-up, the engine coolant does not reach operating temperature within the DME's allowable time limits. This is caused by either a faulty thermostat inside the transmission oil heat exchanger or a faulty engine characteristic map thermostat.
1230142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Engine Intermittently Will Not Start at Very Low Outside Temperatures. The engine will not start at times at very low outside temperatures (-4°F/-20°C and colder); however, the battery state of charge is correct and the starter turns the engine over properly. This starting difficulty is most likely to occur after shutting the engine off briefly for 5 or 10 minutes, such as when refueling. The following faults are most likely stored in the DME: N20 engine: ? 1B5202 - Terminal 15N_1: No voltage? 1B5302 - Terminal 15N_2: No voltage ? 1B5402 - Terminal 15N_3: No voltage N52T engine: ? 1B5102 - Terminal 15N_3: line from CAS, electric: short circuit to earth ? 1B5501 - Terminal 15N: No voltage ? 1F0601 - Terminal 15N from CAS, switching delay: Switches too lateN55 engine: ? 1B5202 - Terminal 15N_1: No voltage? 1B5302 - Terminal 15N_2: No voltage ? 1B5402 - Terminal 15N_3: No voltage In addition, other engine electronic power supply-related faults could be stored for components such as VANOS solenoids, camshaft sensors, engine oil pressure sensor, engine oil pressure control valve, engine oil level sensor, etc. At very low outside temperatures, low levels of moisture present inside the power distribution module (PDM) can freeze the internal micro-relay contacts.
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.
6521132018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; SEATS. When Unlocking with Comfort Access the Outside Door Mirrors Are in the Wrong Position. The vehicle is locked with one remote key and then enters sleep mode. The vehicle is then unlocked using one of the outside door handles with the second remote key. The outside door mirrors do not move to the correct position. The seats do move into the correct position. CAUSE Software error in driver's seat module
6502142018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Headunit High Is Constantly Resetting. After connecting a mobile device via Bluetooth, the Headunit High (HU-H) constantly resets. This is because the mobile device paired/connected to the vehicle contains one or more emails with 30 or more recipients. Note: In this situation, a reset is when the HU-H shuts down and then turns back on. CAUSE Software error in the HU-H.
6118142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Various Electrical Faults Caused by Shorted K-CAN2. 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 K-CAN2, 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. K-CAN2 High - GE/RT (Yellow/Red) K-CAN2 Low - GE/BR (Yellow/Brown).
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.

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