Service bulletins for the 2016 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.
364 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
By type
By component
By trouble code
| B612816 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. DELIVERY STOP: CHECK THE CHARGING PROCESS OF THE HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY. |
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| B612416 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "SME FAULT CODE 21F21F. The fault code (FC) ""21F21F - High-voltage system: Monitoring of insulation resistance deactivated due to fault of the safety box"" is stored in the battery management electronics (SME). The fault does not set any CCM's, is not perceivable to the customer and has no effect on the complete vehicle operation. Safety box malfunction" |
| B240616 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. "FC 44E4D1 stored in Transmission Control Unit, either: 1. When no other fault codes stored. ? Customer has seen no performance issues. OR 2. When any of the following fault codes are stored. 44D141 - transmission monitoring: Clutch A and D implausible 44D0E1 - transmission monitoring: Clutch B implausible 44D191 - transmission monitoring: Clutch C and D implausible 44D151 - transmission monitoring: Clutch A and E implausible 44D0D1 - transmission monitoring: Clutch A implausible 44CFB1 - transmission monitoring: Clutch A, D and E implausible 44CFD1 - transmission monitoring: Fault pattern - gear monitoring implausible And possibly: ? Customer reports harsh shifting ? Check Control message ""Drivetrain malfunction"" Various" |
| B122716 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "DIAGNOSING NON FUNCTIONING ""eDRIVE"". The customer complains that the vehicle will not go into ""eDrive"", and in some cases ""eDrive"" is greyed-out in the control display (CID) and is not selectable. Also, there are no pertinent electric drivetrain fault codes that assist with diagnosis. Possible 12 volt battery or Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) failure." |
| B650414 | 2018-11-05. 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." |
| B611915 | 2018-11-05. 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. |
| B511614 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH. "Door Opens to First Stage While Driving. The door opens to the first stage and the ""Door Open"" indicator (pictogram) will indicate the door affected. This can affect any door. Automatic soft-close drive (Bowden cable lock). Soft-Close Automatic drive (SCA) locking levers are slow to respond to lock request." |
| B520716 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. SEATS. LOSS OF SEAT ADJUSTMENT CONTROL. Front seat electric adjustment controls do not function. Electrostatic discharge damage the seat module. |
| B840214 | 2018-11-05. 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. |
| B640217 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. NOISE FROM A/C ON POWER-UP AND VENT SELECTION. When selecting a desired outlet vent combination and on power-up (resetting of previous vent selection) of the A/C air distribution system, a disturbing noise is heard (see video - tinyurl.com/y89pdvva). Contact between directional flaps and distributor housing |
| B612817 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. "SME FAULT CODE 21F04B. One or several of the following check control messages (CCM) may be displayed: ""Engine fault! Power loss"" (CCM-ID: 29) ""Powertrain malfunction!"" (CCM-ID: 633) ""Hybrid system malfunctioning!"" (CCM-ID: 585) Note: The fault code 21F04B stated below may also be entered without any of the above mentioned CC messages being displayed A timing problem between the SME and the cell supervision circuit (CSC)." |
| B840311 | 2018-11-05. 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)." |
| B650717 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. "LIST OF AVAILABLE FM RADIO STATIONS TEMPORARILY NOT AVAILABLE. INFORMATION As of 11/2015, all Entry-NAV/Media head units supplied in new vehicles were upgraded for improved noise characteristics and quality. As a part of this upgrade, the hardware updating the sender lists was changed from an "update after every diversity reception interruption or maximum of four minutes" configuration to "regular interval updates (every four minutes) without regard to diversity reception status" configuration. This may cause a delay of up to four minutes for updates to the sender list when leaving areas of poor reception. The last received transmitter, before the entrance into underground car parking or a tunnel, is still received and will show station identification. This fixed interval update does not apply to Traffic Message Channel updates which remain active. This new equipment operation pattern may be noticed by the customer after replacement of their Head unit. All replacement Head units delivered since 01/2016 have the upgraded design. An immediate solution would be for the customer to select one of their stored favorite stations via the menu or favorites buttons. PARTS INFORMATION Parts exchange or a software update are not effective or approved for this situation. WARRANTY INFORMATION Not applicable." |
| B613014 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "?BMW Maintenance Program: 12-Volt Battery Replacement Measure What's new: ? "Models" updated: Model Year 2017 vehicles added ? "Models" updated: Model Year G12 (7 Series) excluded from program ? "Procedure" updated: N63R engine added to 2016 Model Year G12 (7 Series) ? Attachment updated with G12 (7 Series) production date range for 2016 Model Year. INFORMATION This bulletin outlines a customer satisfaction measure that has been designed exclusively for the BMW vehicles listed above. It involves the replacement of the 12-volt battery as a preventive maintenance measure. This 12-volt battery replacement measure is: Effective for repairs dated on or after January 1, 2015. Applicable to vehicles that are still covered by the BMW Maintenance Program. This program is valid for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The calculation is based on the current date of repair. It is "applicable" when the 12volt battery was not replaced within the last 12 months. You can then perform the battery replacement as outlined below. Please check the warranty claim history for the specific vehicle in the DCSnet Warranty Vehicle Inquiry to confirm the battery was not already replaced within the previous 12 months." |
| B611817 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "SME FAULT CODE 21F02A. Upon starting the vehicle, the following CC message is displayed to the customer: "Powertrain malfunction!" (CCM-ID: 633) In addition, one or several of the following CC message(s) may be displayed: "Charging not possible" (CCM-ID: 804), "Hybrid system malfunctioning!" (CCM-ID: 585), "Drive. No restart" (CCM-ID: 586) or "Engine fault! Power loss" (CCM-ID: 29). Possible hardware defect of the safety box." |
| B611217 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "HV CHARGING INTERMITTENTLY NOT POSSIBLE. HV charging is intermittently not possible. When charging problem occurs, a CCM 804 "Charging Not Possible" will be displayed. Affected vehicles may begin to charge if the charger plug is rapidly plugged/unplugged several times. Charging problem may be noticed consistently at same charging location, but not at others. KLE Software." |
| B610817 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SERVICE ACTION: CHECK CHARGING OF THE HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY. High-voltage charging system may not work correctly. Alternative Mobility Solutions (AMS) Reimbursement This BMW Service Action repair qualifies for Alternative Mobility Solution (AMS) expense reimbursement. Please refer to SI B01 29 16 for claim submission details. Intermittent hardware failure of the charging module (KLE). |
| B610417 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. SLIGHT SHUDDERING UNDER ACCELERATION FROM 40-60MPH. When initiating gradual acceleration at between 40mph to 60mph, customer may experience some minor shuddering under acceleration. Some situations that may lead to this experience would be: Gradual depressing of the accelerator pedal Change in load (increase in road grade) Acceleration request by cruise control The following conditions must be present for this situation to occur: "Auto eDrive" driving mode selected Engine speed of approximately 1500 rpm Transmission in Drive, running in 7th or 8th gear, Low State of Charge (SOC) of high voltage battery. No fault codes are stored as a result of this performance issue. Stacking of tolerances in the driveline. |
| B520716 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. LOSS OF SEAT ADJUSTMENT CONTROL. What is new? Procedure section updated with video link as a repair hint. Front seat electric adjustment controls do not function. Electrostatic discharge damage the seat module. |
| B340515 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. SUSPENSION. Ticking Noise from the Front Axle When Cornering What's New: ? Changes to the procedure, parts information and warranty labor operations. The customer may complain of a ticking noise from the front axle when cornering, maneuvering, parking or pulling away from a parking space. The noise can be heard as a metallic ticking from the area of the front wheels. Movement between the inner contact surfaces of the brake disc and drive flange of the wheel bearing hub. |
| B130315 | 2018-11-05. 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. |
| B650617 | 2018-11-05. 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 |
| B650616 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ?NBT HEAD UNIT ABORTS IMPORT OF CD Whats New: ? G12 (7 Series) removed ? I01 (i3) removed ? Warranty Section updated for removal of G12 and I01 . While importing a CD to the internal music collection of an NBT head unit the process aborts. You will see 'import error' on the radio display when this occurs. NBT Head Unit software |
| B510517 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY. THUMP AT END OF REAR WINDOW TRAVEL . When opening, a loud thump is heard as the rear window reaches the bottom of its movement. Window guide. |
| B130315 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. N20, N26, N55, N63TU, S63TU and S55 Engines: Bosch Injector ETK Part Number Error What's New: ? Procedure change: indentifying injector type using an ISTA test plan. . 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. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.