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Service bulletins for the 2015 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.

305 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
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.
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.
1616142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Service Engine Soon Light (MIL) is On with SCR Fault 805220 Stored. The Service Engine Soon light is on with the following fault stored in the Selective Catalyst Reduction module (SCR). z 805220 - Delivery module, system pressure, pressure build-up is too low. This fault is very likely to be stored at temperatures below 32°F / 0°C if the vehicle is programmed using ISTA/P 3.54.1 or 3.54.2. Unfavorable SCR software
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.
1303142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE. Service Engine Soon Lamp (MIL) On with NOx Sensor Faults Stored. The Service Engine Soon lamp (MIL) is on with either of the following nitrogen oxide (NOx) sensor faults stored: * 2B6200 - NOx sensor before DeNOx catalytic converter, plausibility: Sensor self-diagnosis of sensitivity * 2B6300 - NOx sensor After DeNOx catalytic converter, plausibility: Sensor self-diagnosis of sensitivity These stored faults would not cause a problem with engine performance. This NOx self-diagnostic routine is performed only after the engine has been shut off. In some situations, the diagnostic function of both NOx sensors can be too sensitive when sampling the residual exhaust gases, leading to an erroneous fault being set. Unfavorable DDE software diagnostics
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.
B1103152018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N20 and N26 Engine: Oil Leaks from Cylinder Head Cover. There is an engine oil leakage under the vehicle, or the vehicle smells of engine oil. The cylinder head cover gasket is leaking engine oil due to loose retaining bolt(s).
1238142018-11-13. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM; ENGINE. SUBJECT N20, N26, and N55 Engines with Injector Electrical Faults. Any of the following symptoms could occur simultaneously with injector electrical faults stored in the DME: z After the engine is turned off for a short time, it can no longer be started; however, the starter motor turns. z The engine starts but immediately cuts off. z The engine runs erratically or lacks power. z The Service Engine Soon light (MIL) may be on with several poetential faults stored. The DME has malfunctioned due to an internal fault.
1235142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B12 35 14 dated December 2014. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT 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: z 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. Instrument cluster software error.
1204152018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE. SUBJECT DME Internal and Valvetronic Faults Set at Cold Ambient Temperatures. The Service Engine Soon light (MIL) can be illuminated with the erroneous internal and Valvetronic faults stored in the DME. The MIL will only come on if the fault has been detected on two (or more) consecutive drive cycles. The following fault codes may be stored in the DME: E Seriesz 36AE - DME, internal fault, Valvetronic: Current implausible One or more of the following secondary faults may also be stored: z 2DE2 - Valvetronic, actuation, voltage phase: Line disconnection z 2DE3 - Valvetronic, actuation, volt phase: Line disconnection z 2DE4 - Valvetronic, actuation, volt phase: Line disconnection F Seriesz 1F0905 - DME, internal fault, Valvetronic: Current implausible One or more of the following secondary faults may also be stored: z 135B10 - Valvetronic, actuation, voltage phase: Line disconnection z 135B11 - Valvetronic, actuation, volt phase: Line disconnection z 135B12 - Valvetronic, actuation, volt phase: Line disconnection Engine performance and driving characteristics are not affected. DME software diagnostic sensitivity.
1102152018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV). SUBJECT Deleting DME Adaptations After Crankshaft Sensor-related Repairs. The erroneous misfire faults are stored, and the Service Engine Soon light (MIL) illuminates The ISTA Service Function to delete the DME adaptations fails to clear the crankshaft incremental wheel adaptation, depending on the current DME software version. This adaptation must be cleared whenever the following repairs are made: 1. Replacement of the crankshaft position sensor 2. Replacement of the incremental sensor wheel on the crankshaft 3. Replacement of the crankshaft 4. Replacement of the crankcase (block) with pistons 5. Replacement of the engine assembly Due to slight tolerance differences with the new replacement hardware and the original learned crankshaft position, values could cause cylinder balance calculation errors by the DME. DME software (the incremental wheel adaptation cannot be cleared)
B1209162018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. N20 - The Service Engine Soon Light is On with DME Fault 118602 Stored. The Service Engine Soon light is on (MIL) with only the following oxygen sensor fault stored. 118602 - Oxygen sensor before catalytic converter, fine mixture control: exhaust gas after catalytic converter too lean CAUSE An actual engine related problem and/or DME software diagnostic.
B1116152018-11-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM. ?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. Engine oil leakage into the induction system and/or the turbo charger assembly.
1221142018-11-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SI B12 21 14February 2015 Engine Electrical SystemsTechnical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B12 21 14 dated December 2014. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Engine Malfunction Warning Illuminated with FC 193208: Fuel Level Plausibility Stored in DME. The customer states that the engine malfunction warning lamp is illuminated, and while filling the fuel tank, the fuel gauge did not show the proper fill level. After the vehicle is driven a short distance, the fuel gauge will update to full. When diagnosed, the following fault is stored in the DME: z FC 193208 Fuel level, plausibility: deviation between consumption and level change Please proceed to the Procedure section. Vehicles with option 610 (Head-Up Display) are not affected. Please follow the ISTA/D test plan for the applicable faults stored in the DME, including the one listed in this bulletin. CAUSE A software error in the instrument cluster causes the fuel gauge to incorrectly update while refilling. The error occurs when the vehicle is powered up after refilling.
B5116152018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS; ENGINE. "Delivery Stop: Remove Engine Oil Label. Affected vehicles in dealer inventory must not be retailed or delivered until the label is removed. Vehicles at ports of entry will be remedied prior to dealer delivery. On affected vehicles, there is an incorrect label regarding the appropriate engine oil. Affected vehicles can be identified with a ""Vehicle Comment"" in the DCS Warranty Vehicle Inquiry or ISPA Light. https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/248...9/3/2016 Page 2 of 2"
B1302162018-11-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. DDE FAULT CODE 290900 AFTER PROGRAMMING. The engine has a hesitation and the Service Engine Soon lamp is on after programming the vehicle to an Integration level of 16-07-500. The following fault code may be stored: 290900 - Air system, air to EGR exhaust mass flow plausibility Unfavorable DDE software application The fault will be stored if terminal 15 is switched on, and then off, without starting the engine.
B1107162018-11-05. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM. Diesel Engine: Intake Manifold Damaged This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 11 07 16 dated May 2016. The Service Engine Soon light is on. There may also be: Complaints of lack of engine performance An exhaust smell coming from the engine area. The following fault codes may be stored in the DDE: 24CE00 - Hot film air mass meter: Ratio of measured to calculated air mass too high 27F000 - Charge air hose monitoring in idle: Charge air hose fallen down 290900 - Air system, air to EGR air mass flow plausibility: Measured air mass compared to calculated air mass too high 290A00 - Air system, air to EGR air mass flow plausibility: measured air mass compared to calculated air mass too high and high charging pressure control deviation 1. Excessive thermal load from the EGR system on the intake components 2. An excessive or unmetered air leak in the intake/charge air system
B1113152018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. The plastic oil filter housing may fail and lead to an internal and/or external engine oil or coolant leak.

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