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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
B8407152018-12-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SOS Malfunction Is Displayed In Kombi Sporadically. After engine start-up, a CCM (Check Control Message) for SOS malfunction is displayed in the Kombi and in the CID (Central Information Display). One or more of the fault codes below may be stored in the TCB or Combox control unit: 0xB7F32B - GSM Antenna: Open Circuit 0xB7F31F - GSM Antenna: Short to ground 0xB7F31E - GSM Antenna: Open Circuit A signal error is identified during the aerial self-test performed by the TCB (Telematic Control Box or the Combox).
B6513162018-12-10. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "NBT-EVO Head Unit Cannot Be Swapped Between Vehicles for Testing. If an NBT-EVO head unit is swapped into a different vehicle it will enter a locked mode once it recognizes a different VIN. This will require REPLACEMENT of the head unit to restore operation. To prevent easy re-use of stolen Head units additional features are introduced with 11/15 ISTA/P software to bring NBT-EVO to a higher security level. In NBT-EVO the mechanism is called ""Trusted VIN"""
B6507162018-12-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. NBT and Entry Head Unit Software Update for Improved Satellite Radio Reception. Poor Satellite Radio reception CAUSE After this software update there is a slight improvement in Satellite Radio reception for these vehicles when receiving their signal from XM Satellites. This is due to the changeover from Sirius Satellite broadcasting to XM Satellite broadcasting in 2016 (See SI B65 19 15).
B6506162018-12-10. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. NBT Head Unit Aborts Import of CD. 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
B6121152018-12-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. The Instrument Cluster Displays Various Check Control Messages. 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.
B8403142018-12-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. SI B84 03 14 February 2016 Communication Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B84 03 14 dated October 2014. SUBJECT Bluetooth Connection Failures. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple iPhones Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure examples are: Call disconnection - Call is transferred back to the handset. In some instances the call is then transferred back to the vehicle. Contact List incomplete General connection failures CAUSE Apple iOS software (issue started with iOS 8.3 continues with iOS 9.x and its variants) Samsung S6 and S6 Edge device firmware CORRECTOPM None available at this time. We are currently working with the device manufacturer on a solution.
B6502162018-12-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. SUBJECT Audio System Speaker Testing. For audio system speaker testing there is a NED (Non Electrical Diagnosis) Test Plan available. CAUSE We previously recommended use of the Audio Test CD (ATC) from BMW. This CD has been discontinued.
B6103142018-12-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. February 2016 General Electrical Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 03 14 dated May 2015. SUBJECT Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge during Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days (an outside ambient temperature below 15F), customers may notice a check control message related to the battery displayed on the instrument cluster and the control information display. 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).
B6214152018-12-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Instrument Cluster Multifunction Display Intermittently Blank . Some information displays in the Instrument Cluster (KOMBI) may intermittently go blank. This may include the tachometer and speedometer displays. There is a software error in the KOMBI.
B6203162018-12-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ?Clock gains or loses time. The time displayed in the KOMBI (instrument cluster) may gain or lose a few minutes each week. Internal KOMBI calculation error.
B6121152018-12-10. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER; ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. 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 vehice. 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.
B6101162018-12-10. Service bulletin. STEERING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY/WIPER. The Windshield Wipers Come On Erroneously. The windshield wipers come on by themselves without activating the switch. This can happen at vehicle start or while driving. Communication error between the SZL (Steering Column Switch Center) and the JBBF (Junction Box Co Driver).
B6121152018-12-10. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAYS VARIOUS CHECK CONTROL MESSAGES. The instrument cluster displays various check control messages. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAYS VARIOUS CHECK CONTROL MESSAGES. 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. The wiring harness below the micro filter housing (right front area of the bulkhead) is damaged from washer fluid leaking into the harness.
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).
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.
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.
B6212152018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. Instrument Cluster Outside Temperature Display Implausible. INFORMATION This service information bulletin provides technical, diagnostic and/or repair-related information. Eligible and Covered Work/Repairs To submit a claim for the repair of a verified defect in materials or workmanship, please following the established and applicable warranty policy and procedures together with the using corresponding defect code and labor operations provided in the KSD2.
B6509152018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. HU-H: Headunit Resets Intermittently or Permanently. The HU-H (Headunit-High) resets intermittently or permanently. ? The display is inoperative and there is no audio output ? Automatic system start-up after a couple of seconds CAUSE Software error in the HU-H
B6210152018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. "Instrument Cluster display inoperative FC B7F689. The Instrument Cluster (Kombi) is intermittently inoperative with fault code B7F689 ""display backlighting and graphics PCB switched off"" stored. Kombi software."
B6207152018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "Instrument Cluster display is partially blank. 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. Vehicle Programming and Encoding If a control module was working properly and it fails to program correctly or requires initialization, please claim this additional work with the applicable KSD2 labor operations under the defect code listed above. The diagnosis and repair of vehicles ""arriving"" with failed control modules or stored faults which will cause them to fail during programming cannot be claimed under the defect code listed in this bulletin. Other Repairs If other eligible and covered work is performed ""prior"" to programming and coding the vehicle, claim this work with the applicable defect code and labor operations listed in KSD2. "
B6207152018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. Instrument Cluster display is partially blank. The Instrument Cluster (Kombi) lower display may be intermittently blank. The Board Computer, Ambient Temperature and Check Control Messages will not display. 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.
B6118142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Various Electrical Faults Caused by Shorted K-CAN2 This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 18 14 dated July 2014. One or more of the following situations can occur when the K-CAN2 wiring in the vehicles is shorted. There is no communication with any K-CAN2 control modules during an ISTA vehicle test. The following control modules are on the K-CAN2: ZGM - Central Gateway Module FRM - Footwell Module CAS - Car Access System Headunit - Radio/Navigation ComBox/TCB - Telematic Control Module FZD - Roof Function Center Module JBE - Junction Box Electronics The transmission will not engage a gear when with the engine running. The vehicle sporadically does not start. In rare cases, the vehicle may stop running while driving. When the K-CAN2 is shorted, the vehicle will store many line and communication faults for the KCAN2, including the following: JBE - C9140D No message, receiver JBE, transmitter CAS JBE - C90468 K-CAN2; Communication fault ZGM - CD0468 K-CAN2: Communication fault ZGM - CD1400 Message incorrect, receiver ZGM, transmitter JBE CAS -D9045F K-CAN2: Line fault CAS - D90468 K-CAN2: Communication fault FZD - DE8468 K-CAN2: Communication fault TCB - E14468 K-CAN2: Communication fault TCB - E1445F K-CAN2: Line fault NBT - E1C468 K-CAN2: Communication fault FRM - E5845F K-CAN2: Line fault FRM - E58468 K-CAN2: Communication fault The wiring harness gets pinched between the instrument panel and the locating tab on the passenger side of the instrument panel. Connector X18*2b not fully connected (located above rear distribution box in trunk) K-CAN2 High - GE/RT (Yellow/Red) K-CAN2 Low - GE/BR (Yellow/Brown).
B8403152018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. "HU-B: Bluetooth Connection Fails Sporadically. The Bluetooth system works intermittently. One or more of the following scenarios may occur: Bluetooth pairing is not possible - display shows ""Please wait"" Unable to select the check box to activate Bluetooth Device does not reconnect to the vehicle after a key cycle Audio interference noise is heard listening to iPod etc. When trying to access the user manual, the display shows ""Please wait"" Incorrect software installed in the HU-B (Headunit Basic)."
B6408152018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER; EQUIPMENT. "The AUC (Automatic Recirculation Sensor) is installed pointing upwards instead of downwards. The AUC becomes contaminated. AFFECTED VEHICLES This Service Action involves F25 (X3) and F26 (X4) vehicles produced from July 31, 2015 to August 25, 2015. ONLY 41 vehicles are involved. Vehicles which require this Service Action to be completed will show it as ""Open"" when checked either in the ""Service Menu"" of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or with the Key Reader."

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