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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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Bulletins, newest first
6310092018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS. INFORMATION Note: Failures that result from the installation of non-approved accessories and/or non-original parts are not covered. Procedure A with Reprogramming and Encoding the Vehicle Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty or the BMW Certified Pre-Owned Program. Labor operation code 00 00 006 is a Main labor operation. If you are using a Main labor code for another repair, use the Plus code labor operation 00 00 556 instead. If a control module fails to program correctly or initializations are required, the additional work must be claimed with separate labor operations under the applicable defect code listed above; refer to KSD2. And, if necessary, also: Procedure A without Reprogramming and Encoding the Vehicle (Vehicle is already at the Correct I-Level) Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty.
6108132018-12-03. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY. Front or Rear Windshield Wipers Fail to Operate. INFORMATION The following troubleshooting hints are based on known areas that can cause the situations described above to occur. 1. Front windshield wiper failure: perform the following checks only when the front windshield wiper fails to operate. If the rear wipers fail to operate, proceed to section 2. * Check Fuse F44 (30 A) and replace as necessary. * Check connector X333 at the front wiper motor to makes sure it is plugged in correctly, and no corrosion exists at the connection. Repair as needed.
6105132018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. The vehicle does not start. CAUSE Software error in the CAS (Car Access System).
6105122018-12-03. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Battery Discharged Because of Unfavorable Driving Profile. In certain situations, the battery may become discharged when the vehicle is driven frequently on short trips (less than 3 miles per trip), or when the telephone or entertainment system is used for up to 30 minutes while the vehicle is stationary. CAUSE The vehicle charging system, in extreme conditions, is not able to properly compensate for the excessive discharging of the battery caused by an unfavorable driving profile.
3202102018-12-03. Service bulletin. SUSPENSION; STEERING. "Squeaking Noises from Steering Wheel While Turning. There is a squeaking noise from the steering column when the steering wheel is turned. The rubber boot on the steering column is not positioned correctly or lacks sufficient grease for the plastic bearing. INFORMATION The problem has been integrated into ISTA diagnostics. Follow the diagnosis test plan, using the latest ISTA version. In ""Information Search,"" select the ""Function Structure"" tab. Select ""Chassis and Suspension / Steering / Steering interference noise,"" and then press ""Start Search."" Select test plan ""AM3201_00222 - Steering noises."" The BMW Group has integrated NED (Non-electric Diagnosis) into diagnosis for the purpose of finding the cause of mechanical, acoustic and visual problems. Refer to bulletin B07 03 10 for more details."
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).
1307122018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE; 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.
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).
3203132018-12-03. Service bulletin. STEERING; SUSPENSION. Steering Column Automatic Adjustment Is Inoperative. The steering column automatic adjustment, when leaving and entering the vehicle, is inoperative. The steering column manual adjustment works properly. CAUSE CAS (Car Access System) error: Electric steering column adjustment is not initialized. No faults codes are stored in the system.
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
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.
5413092018-12-03. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY. "?Panoramic Sunroof Repair Instructions. INFORMATION Sunroof Repair Instructions: The panoramic sunroof contains several ""mechanism sets"" which can be repaired and/or replaced independently in the event of a mechanical failure. When performing such a repair to any of these sets, the TIS/ISTA Repair Instructions (REP) should always be consulted. Due to the complex nature of these repairs, a set of complementary instructions with additional detail, explanation, and photos has been developed. The attached Repair Instructions should always be used in conjunction with the TIS/ISTA REP. "
3407132018-12-03. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES. Brake Fluid Maintenance Service: 36-Month Interval. The coding in these vehicles has the CBS displaying the first brake fluid service as a 36-month interval from the date of production, instead of the appropriate 24-month interval.
1204122018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N55: Idle Fluctuates Briefly After a Cold Engine Start. Under certain engine cold starts, the engine idle may fluctuate during the first 10-20 seconds of operation before becoming stable. No faults will be stored in this situation, which will usually only occur at specific engine temperatures, making it difficult to reproduce in the workshop. Unfavorable DME software calibration
B1111172018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE. ?ENGINE LEAK DIAGNOSIS ON TURBOCHARGED V8 ENGINES. When diagnosing an engine oil leak or a coolant leak on turbocharged V8 engines it is necessary to use a borescope to identify if the source of the leak is from under the turbochargers. Engine oil or coolant leaking from the bell housing area or the front timing chain cover area may be caused by the turbocharger itself, a turbocharger oil/coolant feed line or turbocharger oil/coolant return line. Do not remove the transmission and do not dissemble the engine before performing this inspection. If necessary, use engine oil leakage detection dye.
B1108152018-12-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N63 and S63 Engine: Valve Seal Replacement. Refer to the following applicable SIBs before replacing the valve seals. * B11 07 11 - Turbocharger Failure: Oil Supply and Return Line Blockage and Proper Repair * B11 07 12 - N63 Engine: Oil Consumption and/or Rough Running Complaints * B11 01 13 - N63 Engine: Engine Oil Consumption, Engine Oil Top-ups and Refill Capacity * B11 03 13 - Engine Oil Consumption (all models) If the valve seals are leaking, one of the following will help determine if the seals should be replaced. * Smoke from the tailpipe when starting or aggressively accelerating and decelerating the engine in addition to excessive engine oil consumption * Spark plugs fouled with engine oil and excessive engine oil consumption * Excessive engine oil consumption All Vehicles: On vehicles, where an excessive oil consumption between services is the only complaint, a complete oil consumption test as described in SI B11 03 13, must be performed first before replacing the valve seals. On vehicles exhibiting reproducible smoking from the tailpipe when hot, additional engine diagnostic steps (e.g. engine compression test, leak-down tests; inspection of the crankcase ventilation lines and turbo intake/outlet tubes for excessive oil accumulation) should be performed and documented prior to replacement of the valve seals, in order to eliminate other possible causes. Refer to the SIBs listed above for important diagnostic tips. Do not remove the intake manifolds to clean the intake valve carbon.
5413092018-11-26. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY. "Panoramic Sunroof Repair Instructions. INFORMATION Sunroof Repair Instructions: The panoramic sunroof contains several ""mechanism sets"" which can be repaired and/or replaced independently in the event of a mechanical failure. When performing such a repair to any of these sets, the TIS/ISTA Repair Instructions (REP) should always be consulted. Due to the complex nature of these repairs, a set of complementary instructions with additional detail, explanation, and photos has been developed. The attached Repair Instructions should always be used in conjunction with the TIS/ISTA REP. Refer to the following repair attachments: Front Glass Mechanism repair E53, E61, E70, E83, E91.pdf Rear Glass Mechanism repair E53, E61, E70, E83, E91.pdf Wind Deflector Mechanism repair E53, E61, E70, E83, E91.pdf Sunshade Mechanism repair E53, E61, E83.pdf Sunshade Mechanism repair E70, E91.pdf All panoramic roofs for the above-listed models are conceptually similar and utilize similar repairs. NOTE: An E83 (X3) sunroof cassette is used for demonstration of the repairs. Some differences may exist between this and other models. The following prerequisite work is required in order to replace the following kits (in addition to removing the cassette from the car and glass from the cassette): Front Glass Mechanism - None. Rear Glass Mechanism - Remove the front glass mechanism. Wind Deflector Mechanism - Remove the front glass mechanism; remove the rear glass mechanism. Sun shades and Shade Mechanism - None Sunroof Mechanical 3D Animation: A 3D animation has been developed in order to clarify how the sunroof mechanism operates, as well as how it is assembled and disassembled. To view this animation, open Interactive Career Pathways (ICP) and select ""Replace Front and Rear Glass Panel Mechanic"" from the Technical Service Information section of the home page. This animation allows you to: * Operate the mechanism and view from any angle; * Add or remove parts and then cycle the sunroof; * S
5203132018-11-26. Service bulletin. SEATS. Rattle Noise from Rear Seat Backrest. A rattle noise can be heard from the rear seat area when the vehicle is driven. CAUSE The left and right rear seat backrest locks have insufficient lubrication.
3406122018-11-26. Service bulletin. AIR BAGS. DSC Warning Light is On. 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: F25, F30 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
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
1307122018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE; 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.
1208132018-11-26. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE. "Service Action: Program Control Units (Auto Hold Response). Based on the accelerator pedal request, the engine's response may not be fulfilled on hills if the ""Auto hold"" function is activated. CAUSE DME software error"
1205122018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE. 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
1101132018-11-26. 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."

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