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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
B6211182019-02-25. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. BLACK SPOT IN THE CENTRAL INFORMATION. This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B62 11 18 dated January 2019. Whats New: â?¢ Warranty section - Programming information added. A small black spot remains on the Central Information Displays (CID) illuminated screen which does not go away after a key cycle or sleep mode.
B5208182019-02-25. Service bulletin. SEATS. FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SPORADIC MOVEMENT. Occasional stopping of seat adjustability movement in the driver and front passenger seats when occupied.
B5125182019-01-07. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE. RATTLE NOISE FROM LOWER A-PILLAR. A rattle noise is present from the lower area of the A-Pillar. Due to a manufacturing error, the bolt securing the front door brake/stop to the A-Pillar may have loosened over time.
B6601152018-12-17. Service bulletin. BACK OVER PREVENTION. Surround View Camera Last User Mode Operation Change. After programming with ISTA/P 2.53.5 or a more recent version, the rear camera view is displayed when the reverse gear is selected. The vehicle does not remember the last user mode (surround/top camera view). INFORMATION An operational concept change for the surround/top camera view was introduced with ISTA/P 2.53.5 (I-level Fxx-14-07-505). When the reverse gear is selected, the default view will be the rear camera. The surround/top camera view has been removed from the last user mode function. This is to meet the upcoming (new) federal regulations regarding rear view cameras. Note: The surround/top camera view is available, but the driver must manually switch the camera view using the iDrive controller.
B1604152018-12-17. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Service Action: Program Control Units (SCR). The Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) control module can make an error when calculating the DEF line pressure. This could cause the Service Engine Soon light (MIL) to come on with a pressure plausibility fault stored in the SCR module.
B1303152018-12-17. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. "N20 and N26 Engines: ETK Injector Part Number Error. INFORMATION The current version of ETK has an error on screen 13_1417: ""High -pressure pump/Tubing."" When selecting the high-pressure pump, the screen states ""only in conjunction with injector."" Disregard this statement and only replace the high-pressure pump. If injectors need to be replaced, enter the VIN of the vehicle into the ETK and select the part numbers found on screen 13_1416: ""High-pressure rail/injector/mounting."" Always enter the VIN for the vehicle into ETK when searching for parts. When the ETK is corrected, this SIB will be updated. WARRANTY INFORMATION Not applicable. [ Copyright (c)2015 BMW of North America, Inc. ] https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/224...5/4/2015"
B1221142018-12-17. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 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.
B5129152018-12-10. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT. Delivery Stop: Rear Side Window. Delivery Stop has been issued on vehicles produced from August 13, 2015 through August 14, 2015. These vehicles may have had the rear side window adhesive incorrectly applied. Affected vehicles in dealer inventory must not be retailed or delivered until this issue is corrected. Vehicles at ports of entry will be repaired prior to dealer delivery. This bulletin will be updated with instructions and warranty information when it becomes available. Please contact your field representatives if you have any questions. The affected vehicles can be identified with a ?Vehicle Comment? in DCS Warranty Vehicle Inquiry or ISPA Light with the description: ? Defect Code 0051760300, Delivery Stop, Rear Side Window, see SI B51 29 15.
B5121152018-12-10. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH. Tailgate intermittently cannot be opened or closed. One or more of the following situations can occur, if the tailgate striker is not adjusted properly: ? The tailgate does not lock ? The tailgate does not remain locked ? The tailgate does not close ? The tailgate does not remain closed ? The tailgate does not open CAUSE The tailgate lock striker is not adjusted correctly.
B2703152018-12-10. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Vibration or Shudder from Driveline when Accelerating from a Stop. Chassis stabilization warning is displayed. Vehicle may exhibit a shudder or vibration when taking off from a stop. One or more of the following fault codes may be stored: LMV ? 440101 - Transfer box (VTG): End of transmission service life reached ? 440105 - Transfer box (VTG ) Calibration Faulty ? 440115 - Transfer box (VTG): Calibration angle deviation outside tolerance? 44011B - Set torque outside of the torque characteristic curve EGS ? 420611 - DSC interface (wheel speed): non-permitted deviation of wheel speed (actual speed of wheel RL/FL/RR/FR, 0x254) from output speed and turbine speed DSC ? 48097D - Transfer box: Fault, clutch position known, only rear-wheel drive These symptoms or faults would be stored on a vehicle with low mileage (< 12,500 miles). CAUSE A front or rear differential with the incorrect gear ratio was installed in the car. The front and rear differentials need to be geared exactly the same for the xDrive to function properly.
B1606152018-12-10. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK. Deformation of the Fuel Tank. The vehicle loses power while driving. There may also be a complaint of difficulty refilling the tank. CAUSE There is inadequate venting of the fuel tank. This results in a lack of pressure compensation (vacuum) in the fuel tank as the level drops which causes the tank to collapse.
B1113152018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE. The plastic oil filter housing may fail and lead to an internal and/or external engine oil or coolant leak.
B6210162018-12-10. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. HeadUp Display does not Show Full Street Names. INFORMATION Design of the HUD has limited display area. (It can only show a certain number of text characters). NOTE: Parts replacement or programming the vehicle will not recitify the situation!
B1113162018-12-10. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Delivery Stop to replace cylinder head F25 (X3).
B1107162018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE; ENGINE. Diesel Engine: Intake Manifold Damaged. 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
B8403142018-12-10. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; EQUIPMENT. 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 Apple iOS software (issue started with iOS 8.3 continues with iOS 9.x and its variants) Samsung S6 and S6 Edge device firmware.
B6609162018-12-10. Service bulletin. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL; EQUIPMENT; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL. """Collision Warning Failed"" or ""Pedestrian Warning Failed"" CCM Display. While driving, a Check Control Message (CCM) is displayed advising of the following: Front collision warning failed Pedestrian detection failed The following fault code is stored in the KAFAS (Camera-based Driver Assistance System): 0X800AC4 - Camera calibration failed The KAFAS camera is not properly mounted and secured to the mounting bracket on the windshield; And/ or: The mounting bracket glued to the windshield is not installed correctly. The pictures below show both incorrect and correct installation. This picture shows the KAFAS camera installed in the bracket. Notice the spacing highlighted by the ""green lines"""
B6512162018-12-10. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). Integrated Navigation Voice Not Loud Enough. Integrated Navigation voice guidance is not loud enough to be heard over loud music. Software error in the CHAMP2 Head Unit.
B6208162018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM; ENGINE. Incomplete AdBlue Check Control Message (CCM) on the Central Information Display. An incorrectly displayed AdBlue (Diesel Exhaust Fluid refill range) CCM is shown on the Central Information Display. Improper instrument cluster software
B5112162018-12-10. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR; VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES; VISIBILITY. Passenger Side Mirror Dimming Feature Operational Change. INFORMATION The automatically dimming exterior mirror function on the passenger's side has been deleted from the Option Code 430 as noted above. The automatic dimming function will continue to be operational on the driver's side mirror and rear view mirror.
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).
B6608162018-12-10. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE; STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR. Comfort Access Sporadically Malfunctions. Any or all doors, including rear tailgate, cannot be opened from the outside door handle via CA (Comfort Access). Faults in CA for aerial short(s). Faults for door handle(s). Rapid opening and close (system overheating). No faults in the system and malfunction is sporadic or in a certain area; the situation is caused by interference to the signal.
B1209162018-12-10. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR. 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
B1116152018-12-10. Service bulletin. 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. CAUSE When the vehicle is parked overnight the engine oil pressure will equalize and may leak past the turbo charger exhaust side turbine seal.
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"""

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