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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.

By type

By component

Bulletins, newest first
6305132018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "FRM3 Will Not Communicate with ISTA. When diagnosing the vehicle with ISTA, the FRM3 (Footwell Module) is shown as not responding in the vehicle test. The customer may report one or more of the following malfunctions: 1. Light operation * CCM (Check Control Message) ""Display failure"" * Lighting INOP * Turn signal lights INOP * Break lights INOP * License plate light INOP * Courtesy lights INOP * Instrument cluster w/o light 2. Windows * One or both front windows INOP 3. LIN components https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/15625.1.B630513... 8/29/2013 Page 2 of 2 * CCM ""no blind spot detection"" if equipped * Power mirrors INOP * Seat adjustment INOP 4. Hardware inputs * Door locks INOP * Gear shifts automatically to P * Gear shift lever cannot be moved out of P 5. Electrical steering column adjustment * ELSV (Electric Steering Column Adjustment) INOP CAUSE Various causes include the following: * Blown fuse * Faulty wiring * Faulty component"
3407132018-12-03. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES. Brake Fluid Maintenance Service: 36-Month Interval. The CBS displays the first brake fluid service as a 36-month interval from the date of production instead of the appropriate 24-month interval.
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.
6518132018-12-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Touchpad Integrated in the iDrive Controller Is Intermittently Inoperative. Intermittently the Touchpad integrated in the iDrive controller is inoperative. * No entries can be made using the Touchpad * Fault code is stored in the touch-box control unit Software error in the touch-box control unit (TBX)
6307132018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Daytime Running Light Does Not Switch ON. The DRL (Daytime Running Light) is off and cannot be switched on after importing the personal profile from another vehicle. The CID (Central Information Display) display shows that it is active. CAUSE Software error when importing the personal profile from a vehicle which has a different head unit
6122132018-12-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. """Increased battery discharge!"" CC Message upon Startup. CAUSE A software error in the Intelligent Battery Sensor causes an incorrect State of Charge (SoC) to be stored in the DME. The power management system then interprets this as a heavily discharged battery and informs the customer via a CC message. In reality, the battery does not have a problem."
5117132018-12-03. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE. Bolt for Tailgate Strut Holder Corroded. The customer may notice traces of corrosion on the bolt securing the tailgate strut. CAUSE Corrosion protection coating of the bolt was below BMW specifications.
3403132018-12-03. 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. Note: E9x vehicles with xDrive are not affected by this bulletin. Software calculation in the brake pad wear model
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
6601132018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PDC: Complete Failure of Front and/or Rear Sensors. When reverse gear is selected or the PDC button is pressed, neither the front and/or rear PDC sensors work. One or more of the following fault codes are stored: * 0x803200 - Voltage supply for ultrasonic sensors * 0x80320A - Rear outer left ultrasonic sensor * 0x803210 - Rear centre left ultrasonic sensor * 0x803216 - Rear centre right ultrasonic sensor * 0x80321C - Rear outer right ultrasonic sensor * 0x80322E - Front outer left ultrasonic sensor * 0x803234 - Front centre left ultrasonic sensor * 0x80323A - Front centre right ultrasonic sensor * 0x803240 - Front outer right ultrasonic sensor CAUSE Short circuit in the wiring harness for the PDC ultrasonic sensors
6510092018-12-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT. The vehicle position is missing or incorrect on the navigation map. The navigation system integrated in the Car Information Computer (CIC) is not calibrated correctly.
6509132018-12-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. "CHAMP2: Stored Radio Stations Deleted After Ignition Off. After ignition off, the stored radio stations (AM/FM and Satellite) are no longer available in: * Menu ""PRESETS"" * Functional bookmarks (buttons on the head unit) Error in the CHAMP2 head unit"
6402132018-12-03. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE; EQUIPMENT. Water Leaks from Center Console. Water leaks from the console into the left and right footwell. CAUSE Condensation is leaking from the HVAC housing water drain connection (not fitted correctly).
6303132018-12-03. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS; STRUCTURE. Stress Cracks in Headlight Lens Cover. CAUSE Premature failure in the front headlight lens cover material, caused by damaged hood bump stops or old design hood sealing.
6113122018-12-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ?100A Fuse in Rear Power Distribution Box Failed, Causing Electrical System Failure. Various functions of the electrical system fail. In rare cases, the vehicle cranks but may not start. The 100-amp fuse (F502) in the rear power distribution box (Z3), mounted on the battery, has failed.
6106132018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "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: * 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"""
6102112018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Advanced Onboard Battery Diagnostics. INFORMATION 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 (State of 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.
5107132018-12-03. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE; EQUIPMENT. Water Leaks into Cargo Area. Water leaks into the cargo area and corrodes/damages electrical components. Note: In most cases, the customer is not aware of any water in the lower compartments of the cargo area, but complains of an electrical malfunction or failure, as a result of water intrusion. CAUSE ??Body seam sealer application inadequate ??The rear sunroof drains are dislodged.
2401132018-12-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Oil Leak from Transfer Case. Oil is leaking from the transmission area, or oil seepage is noticed from the transmission/transfer case area during a service. CAUSE The leak can be misdiagnosed as a transmission fluid leak from either the mechatronics sleeve or transmission oil pan. The leak is actually coming from the transfer case (input or output shaft seal).
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).
6303132018-12-03. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. Stress Cracks in Headlight Lens Cover. CAUSE Premature failure in the front headlight lens cover material, caused by damaged hood bump stops or old design hood sealing.
6206132018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. 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
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
B8406162018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ?BMW ONLINE NON-FUNCTIONAL: CHECK ICC-ID IN ACCOUNT. BMW Online/BMW ConnectedDrive not functional. Vehicle and service cockpit have different ICC-ID's (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier).

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