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.
By type
By component
| 120113 | 2018-11-26. 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" |
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| 621012 | 2018-11-26. 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 |
| 620313 | 2018-11-26. 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 |
| 340213 | 2018-11-26. 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 |
| 111012 | 2018-11-26. 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. |
| 112014 | 2018-11-26. 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. |
| 011314 | 2018-11-26. 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. |
| B621616 | 2018-11-26. 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. |
| B410316 | 2018-11-26. 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). |
| B160117 | 2018-11-26. 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." |
| 652013 | 2018-11-13. 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. |
| 640314 | 2018-11-13. 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. |
| 631214 | 2018-11-13. 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 |
| 610314 | 2018-11-13. 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 |
| 513314 | 2018-11-13. 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. |
| 710214 | 2018-11-13. 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. |
| 651614 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Central Information Display Intermittently Dimming or Flashing Off/On. Intermittently the Central Information Display (CID) dims and/or flashes off/on. There are two possible root causes for this issue. Cause 1: 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 Cause 2: Calibration data for dimming the Central Information Display (CID) at high temperatures or bright sunlight is set incorrectly internally in the CID. |
| 620613 | 2018-11-13. 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. |
| 340313 | 2018-11-13. 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 |
| 120414 | 2018-11-13. 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 |
| 650514 | 2018-11-13. 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. |
| 610314 | 2018-11-13. 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 |
| 120113 | 2018-11-13. 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" |
| 130514 | 2018-11-13. 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. |
| 011314 | 2018-11-13. 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. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.