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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: Engine are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
B1233142018-12-10. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 12 33 14 dated December 2015. SUBJECT 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.
B1116152018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER. February 2016 Engine Technical Service This Service Information Bulletin supersedes SI B11 16 15 dated September 2015 SUBJECT 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. CAUSE When the vehicle is parked overnight the engine oil pressure will equalize and may leak past the turbo charger exhaust side turbine seal.
1206132018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. The Service Engine Soon Lamp On with Post Oxygen Sensor Faults Stored. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is on and the following faults are stored in the DME fault code memory. BN2000 (E-Series) vehicles: * 2D22: Oxygen sensor downstream of catalytic converter, electric: open circuit BN2020 (F-Series) vehicles: * 12AB04: Oxygen sensor downstream of catalytic converter, electric: open circuit * 12AC04: Oxygen sensor downstream of catalytic converter 2, electric: open circuit These faults may occur sporadically after a long MSA engine stop. Unfavorable DME software diagnostics (fault is erroneous) This software error affects vehicles produced from 3/2013 to 6/2013, as well as older vehicles which have been programmed during service work to a current integration level of Xxxx-13-03-5xx.
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
1216112018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. N55 Engine Failsafe - FC 120308 Boost Pressure Control, Plausibility: Pressure Too Low Stored in DME Fault Memory. INFORMATION The customer complains the SES is illuminated and the engine has reduced power (engine failsafe mode).
1217122018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. 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
1215132018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N20 and N26 Engine: Various VANOS System Faults Stored in DME. The Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated; Engine Malfunction warning is illuminated; and the vehicle has reduced power output. Various faults related to VANOS operation are stored in the DME. While performing the test plan, the results may appear to be inconclusive because the fault will not clear from DME Fault Memory. The ISTA/D diagnostic test plan does incorporate a VANOS bleed function, but it does not advise the technician to bleed the VANOS system after a VANOS or engine oil supply component replacement. CAUSE This is due to an error in the current level of ISTA/D. The error will be corrected with ISTA/D 2.41.0.
1204122018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N55: Idle Fluctuates Briefly After a Cold Engine Start. Under certain engine cold starts, the engine idle may fluctuate during the first 10-20 seconds of operation before becoming stable. No faults will be stored in this situation, which will usually only occur at specific engine temperatures, making it difficult to reproduce in the workshop. Unfavorable DME software calibration
2403132018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. N52T/N55 with 8HP45: Delay in Engine Response. When slowing down to lower suburban road speeds and then accelerating, a delay in engine response may be experienced. This situation may be more noticeable when driving in a bend in the road or on roads with a rising gradient. Unfavorable EGS and DME software calibration
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.
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.
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.
1120142018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV). Delivery Stop: Crankcase Failure. A Delivery Stop has been issued on certain 2015 model year vehicles with N20/N26 engines produced from September 4, 2014 through October 21, 2014. These vehicles may have a crankcase failure. Approximately 145 vehicles are affected.
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."
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.
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
1235142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N20, N26 Service Engine Soon Light On: Fault Code 1B9702 is Stored. The Service Engine Soon light (MIL) is on with only the following fault stored in the DME: ? 1B9702: Engine switch-off time, timer, instrument panel timer DME, Comparison: Value of instrument panel timer too low while engine is running This fault will not cause any engine running or drivability problems. Unfavorable instrument cluster and DME software
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.
0104142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. External Engine Oil Leaks and Repairs. During the vehicle's operational life, normal engine oil seepage or sweating, in addition to accumulated road dust, dirt and grime in the engine compartment can cause the appearance of a more severe oil leak. This is further exaggerated by residual oil that remains on the engine assembly after maintenance services are performed, e.g., oil filter changes, "engine oil top-offs," etc. If this visual appearance of accumulated oil on the engine assembly as an "active leak" is misinterpreted, unnecessary gasket repairs/replacements will result. Specifically, our analysis of the claim-related data for vehicles equipped with the engines noted in this bulletin is showing an above-average number of engine gasket repair/replacement claim submissions. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide your workshop with information and a procedure that will help in identifying engine oils leaks that do and do not require a repair.
B1233142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE; 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.
1215132018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE. ?N20 and N26 Engine: Various VANOS System Faults Stored in DME. The Service Engine Soon lamp and Engine Malfunction warning are illuminated, and the vehicle has reduced power output. This situation can occur as a customer complaint, or after performing repairs to the engine valve train assembly. One or more of the following faults is stored in the DME. F10, F25, F30, F31 and F34: 131401 VANOS, exhaust, starting from cold: Non-adjustable 131501 VANOS, intake, starting from cold: Non-adjustable 131808 VANOS, exhaust, starting from cold: Position not reached 131908 VANOS, intake, starting from cold: Position not reached 130104 VANOS, intake, control fault, camshaft jammed 130304 VANOS, exhaust, control fault, camshaft jammed 130308 VANOS, exhaust, control fault, position not reached 130108 VANOS, intake, control fault, position not reached E84 and E89: 2D54 VANOS, exhaust, starting from cold: Non-adjustable 2D55 VANOS, intake, starting from cold: Non-adjustable 2D56 VANOS, exhaust, starting from cold: Position not reached 2D57 VANOS, intake, starting from cold: Position not reached 2D60 VANOS, exhaust, control fault, camshaft jammed 2D5A VANOS, intake, control fault, camshaft jammed 2D5B VANOS, intake, control fault, position not reached 2D61 VANOS, exhaust, control fault, position not reached If one of the applicable faults listed above is not stored in the DME fault memory then continue troubleshooting with the applicable test plan for the fault(s) stored. CAUSE This is due to a diagnostic programming error in the DME.
B1233142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE; 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.

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