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Service bulletins for the 2016 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.

243 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

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Only bulletins with component: Electrical system are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
B1221142018-11-05. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. 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: ? 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.
B6312142018-11-05. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL; EXTERIOR LIGHTING; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS. Check Control Message with Rear Light Failure. Intermittently, a Check Control Message (CCM) is displayed for one or more rear light failures: ? Rear light ? Brake light ? 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: ? 800F46 - Indicator rear left defective ? 800F47 - Indicator rear right defective ? 800F56 - Brake light left defective ? 800F57 - Brake light right defective ? 800F80 - BFD left defective ? 800F81 - BFD right defective ? 802812 - Brake light / direction indicator, left: light faulty or open circuit ? 802813 - Brake light / direction indicator, right: light faulty or open circuit ? 800F7A - Reversing light left defective ? 800F7B - Reversing light right defective CAUSE Bad connection at the rear light in the tailgate and/or rear light in the side panel
B6103142018-11-05. 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 15°F, 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 occur. 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 down certain electrical consumers.
B1221142018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ?SI B12 21 14May 2015 Engine Electrical SystemsTechnical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B12 21 14 dated April 2015. 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: ? 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.
6103142018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN. Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge During Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days with an outside ambient temperature of less than 15°F, 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. When the outside temperatures drop below 46°F, 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 down certain electrical consumers.
1602152018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SUBJECT Service Action: Program Control Units (SCR). An error in the calculation of the DEF line pressure by the SCR module software could occur at temperatures below 32°F/0°C. This could cause the Service Engine Soon light (MIL) to come on with a pressure plausibility fault stored in the SCR module.
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.
B6618162018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. INFORMATION ON THE OPERATION OF THE SMART OPENER. INFORMATION ON THE OPERATION OF THE SMART OPENER MODEL F07 (5 Series Gran Turismo) F10 (5 Series) F12 (6 Series Convertible) F13 (6 Series Coupe) F15 (X5) F16 (X6) F22 (2 Series Coupe) F23 ( 2 Series Convertible) F25 (X3) F26 (X4) F30 (3 Series Sedan) F31 (3 Series Wagon) F32 (4 Series Coupe) F33 (4 Series Convertible) F34 (3 Series Gran Turismo) F36 (4 Series Gran Coupe) F48 (X1) F80 (M3 Sedan) F82 (M4 Coupe) F83 (M4 Convertible) F85 (X5 M) F86 (X6 M) G12 (7 Series) I01 (i3 Series) Vehicles with option code SA-0322 (Comfort Access) without M-Sport trim INFORMATION The smart opener (Contactless tailgate) operates as described below: Ignition key must be within 3 feet behind the vehicle, clear from any interference like a smartphone The customer must be at least an arms-length behind the vehicle Kick your foot forwards & backwards under the vehicle in one quick movement The taillights flash confirming that the trunk will open The trunk then successfully opens For more information an instructional video can be viewed which demonstrates the operation. Thanks to BMW of Tenafly for providing the video. tinyurl.com/Autotrunk1 https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/358...9/3/2016 Page 2 of 2 WARRANTY INFORMATION Not applicable. [ Copyright (c)2016 BMW of North America, Inc. ] https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/358...9/3/2016
B6121152018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. The Instrument Cluster Displays Various Check Control Messages This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 21 15 dated March 2016.. The instrument cluster displays various check control messages. This includes messages for the PDC (Park Distance Control), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) and windshield washer system. There can be many different fault codes stored in the vehicle. Signal invalid. The wiring harness below the micro filter housing (right front area of the bulkhead) is damaged from washer fluid leaking into the harness.
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.
B6526162018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "USB DEVICE IS NOT DETECTED BY CHAMP2 HEAD UNIT. Media connected to the USB connector is not recognized by the audio system. Playback of files from the media is not possible. Message displayed on the audio system display: ""Title cannot be reproduced"" ""Is being read"" (but never plays back any audio) CAUSE Media with data files stored in more than 32 directories or 32 subdirectories within a directory. Media with a large number of files. Media exceeds total storage capacity of 32 GB."
B6525162018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. USB CABLE: BATTERY DISCHARGE/AUDIO FAILURE/RADIO RECEPTION. No sound from the radio, telephone, gong signal and or PDC. Poor radio reception and failure of the telematics systems. Possible Check Control system message: o Battery discharge when engine off. o Caution, no acoustic warning signals. Non BMW approved (third-party supplier) USB cable plugged into the USB port.
B6523162018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. ?AUDIO VOLUME NOT RESTORED AFTER MSA STOP, ENTRY HEAD UNIT. Volume of audio system (when set to near maximum) is reduced when Auto Start-Stop (MSA) stop occurs and is not restored upon automatic engine restart. This is normal system behavior - serves to protect the head unit, battery drain and avoidance of incremental leaps in the loudness. The loudness is reduced to 2/3 of maximum and is not restored. Note: Air conditioning output is also reduced upon MSA stop and is not restored for similar reasons.
B6520162018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. CID Split Screen Always Changes Back to Compass Display. This Service Information bulletin Replaces SI B65 20 16 dated June 2016. After starting the vehicle, the Control Display (CID) right side (split screen) display does not stay on the last selection made by the driver. Within 30 seconds of starting the right side of the display changes by itself to the compass view. Software error (Head Unit NBT-EVO ID5) was introduced with ISTA/P V3.58.0 (16-03-502 I Level).
B6121152018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. The Instrument Cluster Displays Various Check Control Messages This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 21 15 dated August 2016. The instrument cluster displays various check control messages. Signal invalid The wiring harness below the micro filter housing (right front area of the bulkhead) is damaged from washer fluid leaking into the harness.
B0703142018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015.. Fault codes stored in vehicles being serviced are not being diagnosed, leading to repeat repair visits (source- Analysis of FASTA data and repeat repair visit reports). INFORMATION Where diagnosis (vehicle or short test) with ISTA has already started, it is important to diagnose the fault code(s) listed below (when they are stored in the vehicle) to find their root cause during the current workshop visit. This will help lead to a reduction in workshop repeat repair visits and higher customer satisfaction.
B6210172018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ERRONEOUS SERVICE INCLUSIVE CBS DISPLAY. After pre-delivery check or after instrument cluster exchange, BMW Service Inclusive is displayed although the vehicle does not feature the optional Service Inclusive coverage. Instrument Cluster display error
B8408162018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. The underlying 2G technology for the GSM (Global System Mobile communication) COMBOX will no longer be supported by the cellular network providers after December 31, 2016. This COMBOX and the BMW Assist services that use its functionality will therefore no longer function after that date. The BMW Assist functionalities that are affected includes the following: SOS/E-Call including Automatic crash notification Concierge Service Remote Service Teleservices The vehicle's exisiting Bluetooth(r) wireless functionality is NOT affected.
B8403162018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SERVICE ACTION: GSM COMBOX DEACTIVATION / DISCONTINUATION WITH 4 YEAR ASSIST SERVICE. What's New: ? Model: Option code removed to prevent confusion about affected vehicles ? Situation: Information added about Bluetooth functionality that is not affect by this Service Action ? Correction: Information added about lease returns, loaner, CPO and used vehicles that are not eligible for the 3 customer options ? Information: Removed scenario regarding new/unsold Z4s & X1s ? Procedure: Added info about COMBOX retrofit that it does not affect Bluetooth functionality ? Warranty: Added info that the correct flat rate labor operation that corresponds to the option the customer selected is claimed and removed information about Z4s & X1s . The underlying 2G technology for the GSM (Global System Mobile communication) COMBOX will no longer be supported by the cellular network providers after December 31, 2016. This COMBOX and the BMW Assist services that use its functionality will therefore no longer function after that date. The BMW Assist functionalities that are affected includes the following: SOS/E-Call including Automatic crash notification Concierge Service Remote Service Teleservices The vehicle's exisiting Bluetooth(r) wireless functionality is NOT affected.
B6201172018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TIME DISPLAY (CLOCK) ERROR IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. The clock on the basic instrument cluster (KOMBI) gradually loses time even after being reset. Power supply fluctuations cause the time to reset.
B6506162018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ?NBT HEAD UNIT ABORTS IMPORT OF CD Whats New: ? G12 (7 Series) removed ? I01 (i3) removed ? Warranty Section updated for removal of G12 and I01 . While importing a CD to the internal music collection of an NBT head unit the process aborts. You will see 'import error' on the radio display when this occurs. NBT Head Unit software
B6202172018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ?Instrument Cluster Failure at Low Ambient Temperature. Sporadically, at low temperatures, the instrument cluster (KOMBI) is not operating (display remains black). KOMBI software.
B1601172018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SERVICE ACTION: REPLACE ACTIVATED CHARCOAL FILTER AND NVLD SENSOR HOLDER What's New: ? Procedure, parts and warranty added. The activated charcoal canister and or NVLD sensor holder may be damaged. Transportation damage.
B6202172018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ?SeriesOptionDescription F22, F23, F30, F31, F32, F33, F34, F36, F25, F26, F48, 05AR Traffic Jam AssistantX. Sporadically, at low temperatures, the instrument cluster (KOMBI) is not operating (display remains black). KOMBI software.
B6121152018-10-09. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAYS VARIOUS CHECK CONTROL MESSAGES: The instrument cluster displays various check control messages.

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