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Service bulletins for the 2012 BMW X5

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.

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

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Only bulletins with component: Transmission and driveline are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
B1102082020-05-18. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. If the ignition is cycled the engine then usually performs normally.
1217122019-07-10. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. N52T / N55 with 8HP45: Delay in Engine Response. A customer may complain of a delay in engine response after decelerating at low road speeds and then reaccelerating. This can occur when the transmission remains in a high gear due to a delay in the transmission downshifting. This situation can be more noticeable while driving on roads with slight turns or with an increasing gradient. Unfavorable EGS and DME software
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.
B0115152018-12-10. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT. "Front Propeller (Drive) Shaft: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles. INFORMATION For the above-referenced vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (""BMW NA"") is extending the limited warranty for the: ? Front propeller (drive) shaft to 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date This bulletin is notice of a ""limited warranty extension."" This is NOT a notice of a Recall or Service Action. There is no immediate repair required unless the BMW vehicle is currently experiencing problem with this component. Customer Notification Letter - VIN and Component-specific Warranty Extension Even though this is NOT a Recall, BMW NA will be sending VIN-specific ""customer notification letters,"" in a ""phased"" release, beginning on or after August 24, 2015. A sample letter is attached. ELIGIBLE BMW VEHICLES To assist you in identifying the eligible vehicles, the DCSnet Warranty Vehicle Inquiry has been updated with the ""Vehicle Comment"" shown below: BMW NA has extended the limited warranty for the front propeller (drive) shaft on this vehicle to 10 years/120,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date, subject to the applicable vehicle and coverage eligibility requirements, exclusions and limitations that apply to the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks. Please see SI B01 15 15. Note: Always check the DCSnet Warranty Vehicle Inquiry ""Vehicle Comments"" and the ""Repair History (Claims)"" sections first, before performing any repairs. "
B1109162018-12-10. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:BELL HOUSING; POWER TRAIN. N63, N63TU, S63 and S63TU Engines: Oil Leak from the Rear of the Engine and Transmission Bell Housing. Customer complains that engine oil is leaking from the center of the vehicle. When verified, the engine oil residue can be seen leaking from between the engine and the transmission bell housing.
3101122018-12-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Clicking Noise from Front Axle. Clicking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds (e.g., parking lot maneuvers). CAUSE Movement between the contact surfaces of the wheel bearing and swivel bearing (knuckle)
1217132018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. N55: Engine Difficult to Start at Cold Ambient Temperatures. The complaint may include any of the following symptoms: * The engine stalls immediately after a cold start before driving away * The engine may run roughly or misfire after a cold start * The engine does not start cold or may take several attempts * To assist starting when cold, the accelerator may need to be depressed slightly and the idle speed raised for a few seconds so the engine does not stall This can occur most frequently at outside ambient temperatures between -15°C and + 15°C. It is possible that the Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is on with misfire fault(s) stored, but it is equally possible that there will be no faults stored in the DME. Unfavorable DME software Cold start or idling problems may arise due to poor fuel quality. The use of summer fuel during cold outside temperatures may also lead to such problems.
2401132018-12-03. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. Oil Leak from Transfer Case. Oil is leaking from the transmission area, or oil seepage is noticed from the transmission/transfer case area during a service. CAUSE The leak can be misdiagnosed as a transmission fluid leak from either the mechatronics sleeve or transmission oil pan. The leak is actually coming from the transfer case (input or output shaft seal).
1216112018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. N55 Engine Failsafe - FC 120308 Boost Pressure Control, Plausibility: Pressure Too Low Stored in DME Fault Memory. INFORMATION The customer complains the SES is illuminated and the engine has reduced power (engine failsafe mode).
1217122018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. A customer may complain of a delay in engine response after decelerating at low road speeds and then reaccelerating. This can occur when the transmission remains in a high gear due to a delay in the transmission downshifting. This situation can be more noticeable while driving on roads with slight turns or with an increasing gradient. Unfavorable EGS and DME software
2702122018-11-26. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "The warning lamps for DSC, ABS and brake warning are illuminated. There may also be a warning in the control display for ""Chassis Control System failure."" One or more of the following fault codes are stored: DSC: * D36D44 - Signal error longitudinal torque distribution (LMV) * 48097D - Transfer Case clutch position open F01, F02, F07, F10, F12 and F13 LMV: * 440108 - Control Unit internal error * 44010F - Control Unit internal error E70, E71 and E84 LMV: * 5219 - Control Unit: EEPROM Writing-reading-error * 522D - Control Unit: internal Error CAUSE Software calibration error in the LMV"
2403132018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. N52T/N55 with 8HP45: Delay in Engine Response. When slowing down to lower suburban road speeds and then accelerating, a delay in engine response may be experienced. This situation may be more noticeable when driving in a bend in the road or on roads with a rising gradient. Unfavorable EGS and DME software calibration
2601142018-11-13. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:UNIVERSAL JOINT; POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT. Service Action: Inspect Front Driveshaft. The universal joints in the front driveshaft may wear out prematurely.
2403132018-11-13. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. A customer may complain of a delay in engine response after decelerating at low road speeds and then reaccelerating. This can occur when the transmission remains in a high gear due to a delay in the transmission downshifting. This situation can be more noticeable while driving on roads with slight turns or with an increasing gradient. Unfavorable EGS and DME software
1217122018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. N52T / N55 with 8HP45: Delay in Engine Response. A customer may complain of a delay in engine response after decelerating at low road speeds and then reaccelerating. This can occur when the transmission remains in a high gear due to a delay in the transmission downshifting. This situation can be more noticeable while driving on roads with slight turns or with an increasing gradient. Unfavorable EGS and DME software
2601142018-11-13. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT. Service Action: Inspect Front Driveshaft. The universal joints in the front driveshaft may wear out prematurely.
6117142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN. "Intelligent Battery Sensor Diagnosis Hints. The vehicle enters the workshop with one or more of the following complaints: * Check Control Message related to battery discharge * No-start condition * Consumer power reduction (reduced blower speed, heated seats operation, etc.) * The following fault codes may be stored in the DME a. 2E8B - Intelligent battery sensor, signal b. 2E8C - Intelligent battery sensor, function c. 2E8D - Intelligent battery sensor, signal transmission d. 2E8E - Intelligent battery sensor, communication CAUSE A faulty battery or IBS sensor (not both) The power management system and IBS in the vehicle cannot determine if the battery needs to be replaced. This is normal operation for all E-Series vehicles because they do not have the Advanced IBS sensor that the F-Series vehicles do. An external battery tester (Midtronics EXP-1000) must be used to determine if the battery needs to be replaced. Energy Diagnosis will not prompt for a battery replacement unless the battery is ""aged."" When energy diagnosis identifies the battery as ""aged,"" it means the amount of energy discharge over the course of the life of the battery has reached its maximum (worn out). In most cases, energy diagnosis states that the battery is OK. This is typically an indication of the current State of Charge (SoC), not the State of Health (SoH). The SoC is defined as the current amount of energy left in the battery (displayed as a percentage). The SoH is defined as an evaluation of the condition of the battery over a period of time (displayed as a percentage). For more information about batteries, refer to Training Manual ST051, ""07 Battery Basics."""
B2601142018-11-13. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT. Driveshaft Technical Service. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B26 01 14 dated August 2014. PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES BEFORE CUSTOMER DELIVERY OR THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Service Action: Inspect Front Driveshaft. The universal joints in the front driveshaft may wear out prematurely.
B2704152018-11-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE; WHEELS. Shudder from the Driveline on Vehicles with xDrive. There is a shudder or vibration from the driveline when taking off from a stop, or when accelerating at highway speeds. CAUSE Possible multiple root causes related to the engine, wheels & tires, suspension components or internal wear on the clutch plates of the xDrive transfer case.
B2702162018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC); POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE); SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. "REPAIRING TRANSFER CASE ACTUATOR (VTG SERVO-MOTOR). The Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Brakes and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warnings are on and there may also be a ""Drivetrain Malfunction"" warning on in the Control Display. There is also an audible clicking noise coming from the transfer case actuator when cycling the ignition. The following fault codes may be stored: (DSC) 5F3A - Clutch gearbox-ECU: clutch is open - rear-wheel drive! (VTG) 5463 - Break mechanics (VTG) 5462 - Error actuator or increased power requirements for clutch (VTG) 5461 - Error actuator control Internal wear to the plastic gears of the transfer case actuator."
B3101122018-11-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY. CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT AXLE This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 31 01 12 dated June 2015. Clicking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds (e.g., parking lot maneuvers). CAUSE Movement between the contact surfaces of the wheel bearing and swivel bearing (knuckle)
B3101122018-07-16. Service bulletin. STEERING; POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY. CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONT AXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATIONARY OR PARKING: Cracking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds (e.g., parking lot maneuvers) or when turning the steering wheel while stationary.
B1109162018-04-23. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. N63, N63TU, S63 and S63TU Engines: Oil Leak from the Rear: Customer complains that engine oil is leaking from the center of the vehicle. When verified, the engine oil residue can be seen leaking from between the engine and the transmission bell housing.

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