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Service bulletins for the 2013 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.

368 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
B6130172018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. RAIN/LIGHT SENSOR (RLS): OIL LEAKAGE FROM GEL PAD. ??Oil leaking from the Rain/Light Sensor (RLS). Note: This oil serves as a separation medium between the RLS mounting gel pad and the windscreen. The oil ensures damage free disassembly in case of repair. CAUSE The oil that serves as the separation medium of the Rain/Light Sensor (RLS) gel pad and the windscreen leaks out. Expose the Rain/Light Sensor (RLS) and properly clean the area of all oily residue. Note: The separating oil usually leaks only once from the pad at the RLS. Due to the small oil quantity in the gel pad, additional oil leakage is not plausible. Leaking oil does not impair the function of the RLS.
6506132018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. CHAMP2: Integrated Cooling Fan Is Noisy Intermittently. Intermittently, the cooling fan integrated in the CHAMP2 head unit (Radio Professional) is noisy. * More noticeable after the ignition is turned off * The cooling fan runs for approx. 6 minutes (until CHAMP2 enters sleep mode), depending on the ambient temperature Settings of the fan characteristics: the fan keeps running after the ignition is turned off
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
1204142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. MTurbocharger Coolant Pump: Fault Code 20A503. "Drive Faulty" message is displayed in the Check Control. Fault code 20A503 "Turbocharger coolant pump, self diagnosis: Signal implausible" is stored in the DME. Unfavorable DME software application
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
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.
6523142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Central Information Display Intermittently Flashes Off/On. Intermittently, the Central Information Display (CID) flashes off/on. Voltage supply error from the Headunit-high (HU-H) to the Central Information Display (CID) when the display brightness is set to 60% or higher.
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.
6133142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. The Controller Responds Slowly or Not at All. When the customer presses or turns the controller, there is no or a delayed response. This can sporadically occur. Software in the controller
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
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.
8401142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist System Information and Availability. ConnectedDrive features are partially or completely inoperative. Examples of some of these features are listed below: * BMW Assist Inoperative ? SOS call ? Roadside Assistance call * My BMW Remote App * BMW Online - Google local search * Concierge CAUSE The Electronic Subscriber Agreement (ESA) is inactive. * No active contract for ConnectedDrive features Offboard Availabilty (Backend) system issues * The external network was/is inoperative. * No data is sent to the vehicle.
6206132018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 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
6525132018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "ConnectedDrive/BMW ASSIST Features Are Inoperative. ConnectedDrive features are partially or completely inoperative. * No traffic information (RTTI / ARTTI) * BMW ASSIST ""My Info"" service doesn't work. CAUSE The Electronic Subscriber Agreement (ESA) is inactive. * No active contract for ConnectedDrive features Offboard Availability (Backend) system issues * The external network was/is inoperative. * No data is sent to the vehicle."

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