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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By component
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By topic
| B110113 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N63 AND N63T ENGINE: ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION, ENGINE OIL TOP-UPS AND REFILL CAPACITY. Customers with one of the vehicles above may complain that the engine's oil consumption is "too high," resulting in engine oil top-ups and workshop visits to address the issue before the vehicle displays an engine oil service as being "due." When the vehicle's engine oil drops to the minimum level, a message will display in the vehicle advising the driver to "add 1 quart of engine oil." After topping up and continued operation, the "add engine oil" message may display again before an engine oil service is required and performed. CAUSE Engines that are fitted with a turbocharger, as part of their normal operation, will consume engine oil at a higher rate than a naturally aspirated engine (non-turbocharged engine). In this case, a "turbocharged" engine could require topping up of the engine oil more frequently. |
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| B012918 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. N63 ENGINE VEHICLES: CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT FOR ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION/BATTERY DRAIN OVERVIEW CLASS VEHICLES (MODELS) Certain of the following US-specification BMW vehicles sold or leased in the United States and Puerto Rico are included. |
| B012318 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. N63 ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION/BATTERY DRAIN CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT SETTLEMENT: FUTURE ENGINE OIL SERVICE BENEFIT CLASS VEHICLES (MODELS) Certain models of the following US specification BMW vehicles sold or leased in the United States and Puerto Rico are included. |
| B012218 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. N63 ENGINE CLASS ACTION SETTELEMENT: BATTERY SERVICE BENEFIT. |
| B011718 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. For the above-referenced vehicles with passenger?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific? customer support program applies only if there is a defect in materials or workmanship of the Takata passenger?s side airbag module in a listed vehicle. |
| B011618 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; AIR BAGS. For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific? customer support program applies only if there is a defect in materials or workmanship of the Takata driver?s side airbag module in a listed vehicle. |
| 515210 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Various Faults Concerning the Automatic Tailgate Operation. Complaints of sporadic or permanent faults may exist with the automatic tailgate function. One or more of the following fault codes have been stored: A2AB, A2B1, A2B2, A2B3, A2B4, A2B5, A2B6, A2B7, A2B8, A2B9, A2BA, A2BC, A2BE, and A6E2. CAUSE The following four main faults are currently known: 1. The lower tailgate does not close completely. 2. The tailgate wiring harness near the hinge area is damaged. 3. Fault in the left or right side electric spindle drive 4. Fault in the tailgate lock. 5. The tailgate lock and tailgate lift drive connectors may have corrosion or discoloration. If any is seen, the part must be replaced. |
| 513608 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY. "Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the memory position preset by the customer. Pressing the seat memory button typically will return the mirror to the stored position. Poor electrical contacts of the mirror drive in the mirror housing INFORMATION The problem has been integrated into ISTA diagnostics. Complete the diagnosis test plan using the latest ISTA version. The test plan can be accessed via the following path: ""Information Search / Function Structure / Body / Mirror / Exterior mirrors / Driver's or passenger side / Electrochromic Mirror,"" and then press ""Start Search."" Select the test plan ""B5116_ECSPPL2.""" |
| 350113 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Incorrect Accelerator Pedal Module. During vehicle production, certain X5 and X6 models may have been produced with an accelerator pedal module that does not have the stainless steel trim. |
| 120512 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. STEERING. N63: Drop in Engine Speed While Turning at Low Speeds. The engine speed may drop significantly below normal idling speed if the steering wheel is turned sharply at lower road speeds. Unfavorable DME software |
| 8403014 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. iPhone: Connection Failures with iOS 7. There are various connectivity failures with the iPhone using iOS 7. Some examples are listed below: z Call disconnection z Contact List incomplete z General connection failures Apple software iOS 7 and its variants |
| 660814 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. BACK OVER PREVENTION. Side View Camera Does Not Display Picture. The side view camera does not display a picture: z After engaging reverse gear z Activating the side view camera via the switch on the center console near the gear shift CAUSE z Water (moisture) entering the cable assembly, causing corrosion on the pins in the connector(s) at the camera(s) z Poor cable connection to the camera(s) |
| 130714 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. DDE Fault Codes 4882 and 4B82 for EGR Air Mass Plausibility. The Service Engine Soon light is illuminated with one or both of the following fault codes stored in the DDE: 4B82 - Exhaust-gas recirculation-rate control, control deviation 4862 - Air system, air to EGR mass flow, plausibility CAUSE Air mass monitoring of the EGR valve is outside allowable limits. |
| 130614 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Service Action: Replace the Oxygen Sensor. The oxygen sensor deteriorates prematurely. |
| 120912 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. STEERING. Intermittently, the engine idle speed may fluctuate up and down or cut off under any of the following circumstances, without any relevant faults stored in the DME memory: * While driving off throttle (coasting) and braking at speeds below approx. 10 mph * While idling, low-speed maneuvering such as parking, or if the steering is turned to the full-lock position Unfavorable DME software |
| 110113 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. MService Action: Replace the Coolant Pump. Coolant is leaking from the coolant pump. CAUSE The coolant pump may develop cracks in the plastic housing. These cracks may result in a coolant leak. |
| 180712 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM. Incorrect Exhaust Tips Installed. The M Performance option calls for chrome black exhaust tips. Certain E70 and E71 vehicles with the M Performance option were incorrectly built with chrome exhaust tips. |
| 130712 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. N63 and S63 Engine: High-pressure Fuel Injector Replacement Procedures. The customer complains that one of the following scenarios has been encountered while operating the vehicle: * During a cold start in the morning, the engine runs very roughly and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. * During a hot start, the engine runs very roughly and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. * While driving or idling, the engine will misfire and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. * Various misfire faults are stored in DME fault memory. CAUSE An internal failure of the high-pressure fuel injector can lead to incorrect operation. |
| 111112 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE. ?SI B11 11 12 January 2013 EngineTechnical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B11 11 12 dated November 2012. 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. BMW centers must ensure recalls are completed after having been notified by BMW of North America, LLC (BMWNA) that a safety-related defect or noncompliance exists in any motor vehicle or item of replacement equipment in the center's possession at the time of notification. In BMW NA's case, this notification would typically be made by the issuance of a recall notification in the form of a Service Information bulletin (SIB) or transmission of a Dealer Communication System (DCS) recall message. Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, as amended, if a recall campaign is announced by BMW NA, centers must ensure that all recalls on new vehicles and new items of replacement equipment are completed BEFORE delivery to the consumer. This means that centers may not legally deliver new motor vehicles or new items of replacement equipment to consumers with an open recall. The Safety Act also prohibits centers from selling or leasing the motor vehicle or item of replacement equipment, unless and until the open recall has been completed BEFORE delivery. This also pertains to vehicles in the Certified Pre-Owned program, and to items of replacement equipment. Finally, BMW centers should not sell or use parts that have been recalled by BMW NA. Please follow the specific instructions provided by BMW NA on the return or disposition of the parts. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Recall Campaign 12V-550:: Replace Hex Bolt with Internal Thread for Deflection Pulley. One of the alternator attaching bolts may fail. Subsequently the vehicle may lose power steering assist while driving. If power steering assistance is lost, the vehicle will remain control |
| 111414 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE. Engine Damage Due to Debris in Oil Passages. After performing extensive engine repairs (e.g., cylinder head removal), the engine begins to knock and may lose power. Debris has entered the engine oiling passages during cleaning of the engine block and cylinder head mating surfaces during engine repair. |
| 070314 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Analysis of FASTA data and repeat repair visit reports indicates that there are many fault codes that are stored in the above vehicles, but they are not diagnosed to identify their root cause. Fault codes that are not diagnosed to find their root cause can lead to a repeat repair visit to the workshop by the customer. 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) during the current workshop visit. This will help lead to a reduction in workshop repeat repair visits and higher customer satisfaction. |
| 011314 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. BMW Customer-Focused Satisfaction (CFS) Program. Based on customer feedback, BMW has determined that during the first three years of service, some vehicles may require specific additional service work. BMW of North America, LLC ("BMW NA") is pleased to announce the Customer-Focused Satisfaction (CFS) Program. This new program's procedure will be available for your center to address these customers' concerns, starting with claim repair dates on or after September 1, 2014. As part of our pledge to deliver the ultimate BMW driving experience, for the above-referenced BMW vehicles, we developed this program to increase our customers' satisfaction by helping to prevent unexpected repair visits. |
| 610314 | 2018-11-13. 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 15F, 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: z 213901 - Power management: Reduction or shutdown of individual electrical consumer z 8040BD - Reset or deactivation of Terminal 30F z 8040B9 - De-activation of terminal 30B: Top start capability limit reached z 8020E8 - Reset or deactivation of terminal 30F z 800E89 - FRM: start capability limit reached with lights active during stationary mode z 93076B - Deactivation of terminal 30B: upper start capability limit reached z 93076A - Deactivation of terminal 15: upper start capability limit reached, but deactivation preventer active z 93076C - Deactivation of terminal 30B: upper start capability limit reached, but deactivation preventer or legal loads active z 930769 - Deactivation of terminal 15: upper start capability limit reached Note: When the outside temperatures drop below 46F, the charging system is switch to full charge. CAUSE z The check control message (ID 229) is caused by a heavily discharged battery. z 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). z 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. z 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. z 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 |
| 360211 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Functional Changes. INFORMATION There has been a disruption in the production and supply chain of certain electronic components. These events have influenced global manufacturing facilities, including the automotive sector. In order to fulfill customer demand and maintain production schedules, BMW has made a change to the Tire Pressure Monitor System of certain vehicles. https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/16234.2.B360211.... 6/8/2014 Page 2 of 2 Although the basic system operation and function remain the same, changes have been made to the vehicle's display elements when a low tire pressure condition occurs. The following points apply to vehicles produced during the period listed above: * The Tire Pressure Monitor System continues to meet all federal requirements. * When a low tire pressure condition is detected, a general system warning is issued. The warning will be displayed in the instrument cluster (KOMBI) and/or Control Display, depending on the vehicle's equipment level (refer to the attachment). * When a driver is alerted to a low pressure condition, all four tires should be inspected for damage and proper inflation. The system components, wheel electronics and central antennae/module are fully compatible with current replacement parts. This functional change represents a running production change and is not a defect in materials or workmanship. Any further changes to the system function or components will be communicated in a future bulletin. It is imperative that all service personnel be familiar with these changes. WARRANTY INFORMATION Not applicable. |
| 130712 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. N63 and S63 Engine: High-pressure Fuel Injector Replacement Procedures. The customer complains that one of the following scenarios has been encountered while operating the vehicle: * During a cold start in the morning, the engine runs very roughly and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. * During a hot start, the engine runs very roughly and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. While driving or idling, the engine will misfire and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. * Various misfire faults are stored in DME fault memory. CAUSE An internal failure of the high-pressure fuel injector can lead to incorrect operation. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.