WenmarOpen by Wenmar Pro

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

Bulletins, newest first
B8402142018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ?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.
3407132018-12-03. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES. Brake Fluid Maintenance Service: 36-Month Interval. The coding in these vehicles has the CBS displaying the first brake fluid service as a 36-month interval from the date of production, instead of the appropriate 24-month interval.
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
8406132018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. iPhone Charging Status Constantly Switches On and Off. Do not replace any other parts! Advise the customer that he/she must use one of the following: * The original Apple iPhone/iPOD USB cable that came with the device * A BMW supplied iPhone/iPOD USB adapter cable PARTS INFORMATION Part Number
6138122018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "Service Action: Program Control Units (CAS). After programming/coding the vehicle with ISTA/P 2.48.1 or earlier, the Car Access System (CAS) was incorrectly coded. This causes the anti-theft alarm system panic button on the remote control to not function. In order to determine whether a specific vehicle has had this Service Action completed or is affected by this Service Action, first check the B-pillar label for code number 637. If code number 637 has been punched out, the campaign has already been performed. If code number 637 has not been punched out, it will be necessary to utilize the ""Service Menu"" of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or the Key Reader. Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the corrective action or take no further action. Important Note: A campaign can be reserved in ISPA Light as ""Pending"" prior to submission of a claim. If you find this campaign reserved, please verify the reason before attempting to perform this repair."
6106132018-11-26. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER. "?Rear Washer Pump Continues to Operate with Key Off. The rear washer pump continues to run after the vehicle is locked or unlocked with the key off. In some cases, turning the ignition on stops the pump from running. CAUSE The JBE (Junction Box Electronics) module fails as a result of voltage spikes caused by the door locks. One or more of the following faults may be stored: 4.Replace the JBE per ISTA Repair Instruction 61 35 107, ""Removing and installing or replacing junction box * JBE - ""8020A8 Window washer pump, rear: short circuit to ground"" * IHKA - ""E71452 CAS interface (status, central locking system, 0x2FC): Signal invalid"" * KOMBI - ""E12C1A Interface CAS (central locking and lid status, 0x2FC): Signal invalid"""
5203132018-11-26. Service bulletin. SEATS. Rattle Noise from Rear Seat Backrest. A rattle noise can be heard from the rear seat area when the vehicle is driven. CAUSE The left and right rear seat backrest locks have insufficient lubrication.
3406122018-11-26. Service bulletin. AIR BAGS. DSC Warning Light is On. The warning lamps for DSC, ABS and brake warning are illuminated. There may also be a warning in the control display for 'Chassis Control System failure' One or more of the following fault codes are stored: F25, F30 DSC * D36D44 - Signal error longitudinal torque distribution (LMV) * 48097D - Transfer Case clutch position open F01, F02, F07, F10, F12 and F13 LMV: * 440108 - Control Unit internal error * 44010F - Control Unit internal error E70, E71 and E84 LMV: * 5219 - Control Unit: EEPROM Writing-reading-error * 522D - Control Unit: internal Error CAUSE Software calibration error in the LMV
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
2702122018-11-26. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "The warning lamps for DSC, ABS and brake warning are illuminated. There may also be a warning in the control display for ""Chassis Control System failure."" One or more of the following fault codes are stored: DSC: * D36D44 - Signal error longitudinal torque distribution (LMV) * 48097D - Transfer Case clutch position open F01, F02, F07, F10, F12 and F13 LMV: * 440108 - Control Unit internal error * 44010F - Control Unit internal error E70, E71 and E84 LMV: * 5219 - Control Unit: EEPROM Writing-reading-error * 522D - Control Unit: internal Error CAUSE Software calibration error in the LMV"
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
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.
B5408182018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY. SUNROOF REPAIR KIT COMPONENTS. Based on feedback from technicians, it can be difficult to identify the individual components included with sunroof repair kits. In some cases complete sunroofs are replaced, when a sunroof repair kit could have been used. This bulletin covers the contents of the sunroof repair kits in order to help you identify the correct repair for the vehicle you are working on.
8401132018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. MTelephone: 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. 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
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.
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

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