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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
8401132018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Telephone: Phonebook Does Not Transfer to the Vehicle. The telephone book does not transfer to the vehicle after the pairing process is completed. CAUSE Software error in the head unit.
6506132018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. CHAMP2: Integrated Cooling Fan Is Noisy Intermittently. INFORMATION Do not replace parts and do not perform a repair attempt! Explain to the customer that this only happens at high ambient temperatures, which keep the fan running after the ignition is turned off. The fan stops running when the head unit enters sleep mode (after approx. 6 minutes). This Service Information will be updated as soon as a solution is available. A software solution is expected to be available with ISTA/P 2.49.0 in March 2013.
6102112018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Advanced Onboard Battery Diagnostics. 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 (Stateof 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.
5131112018-11-26. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY. Wind Whistle Noise from the Exterior Rearview Mirror. A whistling wind noise can be heard from either the left or right exterior rearview mirror, especially when traveling at highway speeds. CAUSE An excessive gap exists between the mirror base and acoustic triangular sealing gasket.
1112122018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N20 Engine: Engine Oil Filter Application. INFORMATION The current version of EPC does not provide all available options for the engine oil filters that are used in the N20 engine. The illustrations below will help identify the proper engine oil filter application until the EPC is corrected. Vehicles produced prior to 6/2012 will be equipped with a black plastic oil filter housing (1). In this case, engine oil filter kit P/N 11 42 7 634 291 should be used. Vehicles produced as of 6/2012 and later will be equipped with a silver aluminum oil filter housing (1). In this case, engine oil filter kit P/N 11 42 7 640 862 should be used.
84030142018-11-26. 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: z Call disconnection z Contact List incomplete z General connection failures Apple software iOS 7 and its variants
6311142018-11-26. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING. LED Low Beam Flashes Briefly After Ignition Switched ON. 1. The low beam flashes briefly after the ignition is switched ON. This situation can be duplicated every time the vehicle is started. 2. One of the faults below is stored and currently present: 0xDA1411 - Signal (status of exterior light operation, 0x1AE) invalid, transmitter FRM / FEM / BDC 0xD9D411 - Signal (status of exterior light operation, 0x1AE) invalid, transmitter FRM / FEM / BDC Faulty LED main light module (LHM2)
6309142018-11-26. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING. LED Headlight Malfunction. 1. The LED headlight on one side malfunctions. 2. One headlight flickers on and off while driving (problem is sporadic). 3. The Check Control message indicates the parking light or driving light is defective. One or more of the following faults can be stored: 805980 Low-beam headlight defective 805981 High-beam headlight defective 8044BB Right-hand LED main light module (LHM2) implausible low-beam headlight function status 8044BA Left-hand LED main light module (LHM2) implausible low-beam headlight function status CAUSE The situation above is caused by a poor connection at the LED headlight connector or LED main light module.
1305142018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE. . INFORMATION To properly diagnose the customer's complaint, the applicable test plan for the misfire faults stored in the DME must be performed to avoid repeat repairs. If a misfire fault is not stored in the DME memory and an engine related drivability complaint is received, follow the path below to manually start the misfire test plan (AT1214_TVD4_MISFIRE_20): 1. Perform a vehicle test. 2. Select "Function Structure." 3. Select "01 Engine." 4. Select "Engine electronics MEVD." 5. Select "Misfire detection." 6. Follow the steps in the test plan and select "Basic check (start)" first. Do not select "Additional check" at this time. 7. If the result of the "Basic check" indentifies a fuel system component failure, replace the identified component. If the result of the "Basic check" test plan was inconclusive, go to step 7. After the component replacement, perform the "Basic check" portion of the test plan again to verify if the diagnosis was correct and the vehicle condition has been rectified.
1209122018-11-26. Service bulletin. STEERING. Intermittently, the engine idle speed may fluctuate up and down or cut off under any of the following circumstances, without any relevant faults stored in the DME memory: * While driving off throttle (coasting) and braking at speeds below approx. 10 mph * While idling, low-speed maneuvering such as parking, or if the steering is turned to the full-lock position Unfavorable DME software
1201132018-11-26. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. "Transmission Intermittently Goes into ""P"" or ""N"" after MSA Engine Start. The transmission can intermittently go into the Park (P) or Neutral (N) position after an MSA engine start without any customer influence. This problem is very sporadic, difficult to reproduce, and no relevant faults are stored. Unfavorable DME/EGS software"
6210122018-11-26. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. Head-Up Display Is Too Dark. The Head-up Display (HUD) is too dark. Rain/light/solar/condensation sensor (RLSB) hardware error
6203132018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. Basic Instrument Cluster: Display Is Intermittently Inoperative. The display in the basic instrument cluster is intermittently inoperative. The following fault codes are stored in the instrument cluster: * B7F6B4 "Instrument cluster: Error in the display unit when switching off (NO SIGNAL)" and/or * B7F6AA "Display switch-off error when starting up" Software error in the instrument cluster
3402132018-11-26. 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. Software calculation of the brake pad wear model
1110122018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE. ?N20 Engine: Repeated Juddering or Surging While Accelerating. The vehicle judders or surges repeatedly while accelerating in hot ambient temperatures between 3,000 RPM and 5,000 RPM. The Service Engine Soon lamp is not illuminated, and no fault codes are stored in the vehicle memory related to this complaint. CAUSE The EPDW (electropneumatic pressure convertor) for the turbocharger wastegate valve is binding internally.
1214122018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE. SI B12 14 12 October 2014 Engine Electrical Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B12 14 12 dated February 2014. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT 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 loses power; and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. One or more of the following faults may be stored: E70, E71, E82, E88, E90, E91, 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 may have faulty assembly bolts. One or more of the four assembly bolts have loosened or broke
0113142018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. 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.
0110142018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Engine Camshaft (VANOS) Adjustment Units: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years Without Mileage Limitation. INFORMATION BMW of North America, LLC ("BMW NA") is extending the limited warranty for the Camshaft (VANOS) Adjustment Units on certain model BMW vehicles equipped with the non-turbocharged 6-cylinder engine to: 10 years without mileage limitation, as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date. This "component-specific" limited warranty extension applies to defects in materials and workmanship and is subject to the applicable New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty's exclusions and limitations, in addition to the vehicle and coverage eligibility requirements. This bulletin is notice of a "limited warranty extension." This is NOT a notice of a Recall or Service Action. There is no immediate repair required unless the BMW vehicle is currently experiencing this problem.
B6216162018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. WARRANTY INFORMATION Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks or the BMW Certified Pre-Owned Program. If you are using a Main labor code for another repair, use the Plus code labor operation 00 00 556 instead. Refer to KSD2 for the corresponding flat rate unit (FRU) allowances. Work time labor operation code 61 00 006 is not considered a Main labor operation; however, it does require an individual punch time and an explanation on the repair order and in the claim comments Vehicle Programming and Coding When ISTA/P automatically reprograms and codes all the vehicle's control modules that currently do not have the latest software, and if control module failures occur during this programming procedure: ? Please claim this consequential control module-related repair work under the defect code listed in this bulletin with the applicable KSD2/AIR labor operations. Other Repairs Control module failures that occurred prior to this programming procedure and/or additional work is performed as a result of performing the ISTA diagnostics and related test plans: ? When covered under an applicable limited warranty, claim the control module-related and/or other repair work using the applicable defect code and labor operations in KSD2/AIR.
B4103162018-11-26. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR. EDGE CORROSION IN THE INNER DOOR JAMB AREA. Corrosion on inner door panels at the following holes and cavity openings: ? Door brake (1). ? Door wiring harness pass-thru (2).
B1601172018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM. "VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN 17E-A02 - REPLACE ACTIVATED CHARCOAL FILTER AND NVLD SENSOR HOLDER This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B16 01 17 dated March 2017 What's New: ? Bulletin type was changed from a Service Action to an Emissions Recall. The activated charcoal canister and or NVLD sensor holder may be damaged. AFFECTED VEHICLES This Emissions Recall Campaign affects F25 and F26 vehicles produced from February 2017 to March 2017 First check if a Recall Completion Label, SD 92-435 for this campaign is already attached to the underside of the hood on the right (passenger) rear close to the windshield. If the label is present, the Campaign has already been performed and no further action is necessary. Affected vehicles which require this Recall Campaign to be completed will show it as ""Open"" when checked either in AIR, the ""Service Menu"" of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or with the Key Reader. LABEL INSTRUCTIONS For California centers only: It is required by the California Code of Regulations that an executed orange ""Vehicle Emission Recall - Proof of Correction"" certificate (SD92-084, see illustration) be provided to each customer (for vehicles registered in the state of California), once the Recall on his or her vehicle has been completed. The activated charcoal canister and NVLD sensor holder are damaged Transportation damage."
6520132018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Vehicle inTransport Mode Cannot Be Unlocked with Remote Control. When the vehicle is in transport mode, intermittently it cannot be unlocked via the remote control key. CAUSE When the vehicle is in transport mode, to reduce power consumption, the software is designed to disable the outside antenna receiver from waking up the vehicle.
6403142018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B64 03 14 dated October 2014. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT A/C Operation: Reduced or No Airflow After Long Drive. The customer complains of reduced air-conditioning air flow when driving for a long period, usually greater than 30 minutes. This time varies based on outside temperature and humidity. The A/C low-pressure lines and evaporator are starting to freeze up.
6312142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE; EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Check Control Message with Rear Light Failure. Intermittently, a Check Control Message (CCM) is displayed for one or more rear light failures: z Rear light z Brake light z 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: z 800F46 - Indicator rear left defective z 800F56 - Brake light left defective z 800F57 - Brake light right defective z 800F81 - Adaptive brake light, right, faulty z 802812 - Brake light / direction indicator, left: light faulty or open circuit z 802813 - Brake light / direction indicator, right: light faulty or open circuit CAUSE Bad connection at the rear light in the tailgate and/or rear light in the side panel
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 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: z 213901 - Power management: Reduction or shutdown of individual electrical consumer z 8040BD - Reset or deactivation of Terminal 30F z 8040B9 - De-activation of terminal 30B: Top start capability limit reached z 8020E8 - Reset or deactivation of terminal 30F z 800E89 - FRM: start capability limit reached with lights active during stationary mode z 93076B - Deactivation of terminal 30B: upper start capability limit reached z 93076A - Deactivation of terminal 15: upper start capability limit reached, but deactivation preventer active z 93076C - Deactivation of terminal 30B: upper start capability limit reached, but deactivation preventer or legal loads active z 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 z The check control message (ID 229) is caused by a heavily discharged battery. z 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). z 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. z 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. z 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

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