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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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Bulletins, newest first
B6513162018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT. "NBT-EVO Head Unit Cannot Be Swapped Between Vehicles for Testing This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B65 13 16 dated July 2016.. 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 set a fault in the Head Unit (NBT-EVO), Fault Code ""B7F87A: Burgler Actively Registered / Component Protection Active"" 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"""
B6305162018-11-05. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES. "HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES HAVE VISIBLE INTERNAL MOISTURE/CONDENSATION. Water on the inside (A) or misting (B) of both headlight lenses that is visible from outside. Water inside the headlights can be caused by two situations: Water/moisture ingress into the headlight housing. Thermal conditions that result in the formation of condensation. Note: An important indication that the moisture issue is caused by ""condensation"" rather than a ""water leak"" into the headlight housing, there will be misting/condensation in ""both headlights."""
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.
B6621162018-11-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE; LANE DEPARTURE: SENSING SYSTEM: OTHER; SERVICE BRAKES. KAFAS CAMERA-BASED ASSISTANCE SYSTEM LIMITS. INFORMATION The situations described above may all be caused by known limitations of the system such as: Dirty windshield Incomplete calibration process Unsuccessful calibration Restricted visibility- weather conditions or parked vehicles Missing lamps on target vehicle Non-standard vehicle exterior surfaces Insufficient ambient lighting Abrupt motion of target vehicle.
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.
B6524162018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). "NBT NAVIGATION DOES NOT ROUTE ON TOLL ROADS. NBT Navigation does not provide routes that include certain toll roads. CAUSE Roads that have toll lanes ""without a cash option"" where not utilized for routing in NBT map data versions: NEXT 2015-1 NEXT 2015-2 NEXT 2016-1 As an enhancement, the NEXT 2017-1 map release now provides information about toll lanes ""without cash option"". UPDATE Install new map data."
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).
B3405162018-11-05. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES. CBS BRAKE PAD CALCULATION AND CORRECTION. When a vehicle comes into the workshop for any repair or maintenance job, the bundling calculator recommends a brake maintenance checkup. No brake warning light is illuminated. CBS shows 3,107 miles or slightly higher for the next brake service displayed via Key Reader, or vehicle's Control Display (in Vehicle Info/Status/Service required/Brake pads) CAUSE CBS calculates the remaining brake pad wear based on brake pressure, speed, vehicle specific parameters (i.e. NAO pads), brake temperature as well as cumulative brake application time. Due to variation of these parameters and outside environmental influences, this calculation can deviate from the real brake pad wear. Starting from the above-mentioned production dates of the vehicles indicated, the CBS brake pad wear calculation has been changed, and is now based only on the brake pad wear sensor. Important Note: To avoid a too-slow wear prediction, the CBS brake model will estimate the need for repairs, in some cases, rather early. Calculation will level at 3,107 miles and stay at this value until the CBS brake pad wear sensor is triggered. https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/36...11/8/2016 Page 2 of 2 After the sensor is triggered, the CBS mileage will count down indicating to the customer that the brake repairs will be due.
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.
B6114162018-11-05. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY. WASHER FLUID LEAKS FROM THE HEADLIGHT WASHER JETS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 14 16 dated August 2016.. Washer fluid leaks from the headlight cleaning washer jets. Calcification buildup causes washer fluid to leak out of the headlight cleaning washer jets.
B1218162018-11-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE. CHECK CONTROL MESSAGE: NO OIL PRESSURE. Check Control message: Oil pressure warning. Stop carefully is displayed. There are no related faults to oil pressure stored in the DDE. Unfavorable DDE software application When operating during automatic engine start-stop function stop, it may be the case that the oil pressure is incorrectly determined to be too low, which triggers a CC message.
B6509152018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. SI B65 09 15 November 2016 Audio, Navigation, Monitors, Alarms,SRS Technical Service NBT Head Unit High (HU-H) Resets Intermittently or Permanently. The Head Unit-High (HU-H) resets intermittently or permanently. 1. The display is inoperative and there is no audio output 2. Automatic system start-up after a couple of seconds Fault Code E1C440 set No Fault Codes set Software error in the Head Unit High (HU-H)
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.
B6504142018-11-05. Service bulletin. AIR BAGS. "AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT: ACSM FC 930A60 OR 930A1C SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTION. According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be on when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code ""930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction"" is stored. The fault may or may not currently be present. Or 2. ACSM fault code ""930A1C - Front passenger seat occupancy detection transmitting fault (moisture)"" is stored. The fault may or may not currently be present. The front passenger seat occupancy mat consists of a seat occupancy mat with a capacitive sensor system. This means a front passenger is detected by measuring the resistance of the human body. The fault is set when moisture is detected on the mat itself."
B6119152018-11-05. Service bulletin. STEERING. Grating or Scraping Noise When Turning Steering Wheel. There is a grating or scraping noise when the steering wheel is turned. The noise comes from the steering column switch cluster (SZL), coil spring or steering wheel. When the steering wheel is turned, the connection between the steering wheel and the steering column switch cluster causes torsional stress, which creates a noise in the coil spring cassette.
B8402142018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist System Diagnosis Information This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B84 02 14 dated July 2014 What's New: Model - Removed models which no longer support BMW Assist functionality and added new models. Procedure - Add step requesting print out of ConnectedDrive Service Cockpit page Information - Add SI for ConnectedDrive Service Cockpit; updated the hyperlinks and email address for CD support team; deleted scenario for old CDMA unit which are no longer supported. 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.
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.
B8403112018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. "?Telematics Device Spares Replacement Part Activation via DCSnet for BMW Assist What's New: ? Model: All models added along with 6AC option code ? Situation: All information added ? Information: Deleted CDMA related information and added activation of Wi-Fi control unit ? Procedure: Added "Note" regarding ConnectedDrive support hotline information . A replacement telematics control unit must only be activated for vehicles with an active BMW Assist subscription. Note: 2G CDMA and 2G GSM telematics control units cannot be activated because they are no longer supported and the supporting network(s) have been decommissioned. INFORMATION The following changes have taken place: All Telematics control unit replacements must be activated by Part managers via the DCSnet application. New steps included in the procedure for activating Telematics control unit replacements for vehicles equipped with Wi-Fi Hotspot (6WD)."
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.
B1601172018-11-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. SERVICE ACTION: REPLACE ACTIVATED CHARCOAL FILTER AND NVLD SENSOR HOLDER. What's New: ? Description of the problem and the procedure is clarified. The activated charcoal canister and NVLD sensor holder are damaged. Transportation damage.
B1303152018-11-05. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. ?N20, N26, N55, N63TU, S63TU and S55 Engines: Bosch Injector ETK Part Number Error What's New: ? Identifying the injector type using the ISTA test plan ? Determining the injector part number using the new the parts table. The current version of the ETK incorporates multiple part number errors for the Bosch type injectors. Ordering the injectors by VIN number or manual identification in ETK may result in an incorrect part number.
B6506172018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. ?SATELLITE RADIO DETERIORATION IN RECEPTION QUALITY DUE TO NEW CELLULAR FREQUENCIES . INFORMATION Inform the customer that the introduction of these expanded frequencies by the wireless mobile providers may be influencing reception quality. BMW is currently working with the wireless mobile providers in order to improve the quality of reception and help alleviate the issues that are caused by the wireless mobile expanded frequencies. Once we have more information about this situation this service information bulletin will be updated. Currently Satellite Radio is provided by SiriusXM for BMW customers via geosynchronous (GEO) satellites located roughly above the equator. This means that the satellite signal to some parts of the United States can come in at an angle as low as 32 degrees to the horizon. Due to this angle, buildings, hills, trees, highway sound blocking walls or other obstacles might block the satellite signal coming from reaching the vehicle receiver antenna and might cause audio cut outs, unless the wireless provider has installed terrestrial repeaters. Reception quality decreases the further north you travel, as the angle of the incoming signal gets smaller. Also adverse weather conditions might affect reception. At this time, in the event of a customer complaint or inquiry on interference noise: Do not replace any parts Do not program or carry out other work on the vehicle Explain to customer about the new Wireless Communications Service (WCS) signals When investigating Satellite Radio cutouts or a temporary loss of reception: Please compare to a similarly equipped vehicle. Keep in mind the roofline of the vehicle, size of the antenna (sharkfin) and location of the antenna on the vehicle will all affect the strength of the reception. Do not compare a Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) with a high roofline mounted antenna to a different vehicle such as a coupe or convertible with a much lower mounting point of the antenna. Replace no parts Do not prog

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