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Service bulletins for the 2012 BMW Z4

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.

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

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Only bulletins with component: Electrical system are shown. Show all

Bulletins, newest first
8404122018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 5, 5S, 5C, 4S, 4, and 3GS with iOS 8.x Information. INFORMATION There is one major difference in functionality since iOS 8.0 was released. Scenario: z The customer leaves the vehicle and turns his or her phone off. z He or she turns the phone back on. z He or she enters the vehicle, but does not unlock the phone and start driving. Result: z The phone reconnects to the Bluetooth system (normal). z However, it does not transfer the contact list (not normal). z The contact list in the iDrive will be empty. z The call list in the Kombi will display only phone numbers, but no names. z The hands-free system works for accepting calls and conversing on calls started on the phone. Solution: z Prior to the customer entering the vehicle they must unlock the phone (passkey) With the release of Apple's new iPhone 6, 6 Plus and iOS 8.x software, there have been many questions regarding the new phone and software. The information in the attachment to this Service Information will help answer these questions. A printed copy can be given to the customer if needed. The attachment provides information on the differences between the new iPhone 6, 6 Plus and the previous versions, along with Apple software improvements in the following areas: 1. Visual comparison 2. Connectivity 3. Functionality Refer to the PDF file in the "Attachment" section of this bulletin for complete details. Information on the iPhone 6 is also available via the following: z www.bmwusa.com/bluetooth website NOTE: This SI will be updated as new information is received.
6522142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). Automated Activation of Navigation System During PDI/QC1. INFORMATION Important: The INITIAL NAV enabling code no longer needs to be pre-ordered through the Parts department! When the vehicle is connected to the diagnostic system ISTA to perform PDI/QC1, the step to activate the navigation system (part of Delete Transport Mode) will automatically request the INITIAL NAV enabling code (VIN-specific) without pre-ordering the enabling code. This enabling code will be automatically delivered through ISTA and it then activates the navigation system. Note: This VIN-specific NAV enabling code is then also automatically stored in the Repair Kit in the Aftersales Assistance Portal (ASAP). The automated INITIAL NAV enabling code request and activation of the navigation system will take no longer than 1 minute. After finishing "Delete Transport Mode," the navigation system in the vehicle will be active without entering the 20-digit INITIAL NAV enabling code manually or in ISTA. If the navigation system is not active and asking for the enabling code, turn off the ignition and wait for the head unit to enter sleep mode (approx. 3 minutes). After that, turn on the ignition again. The head unit will start up and the navigation system is activated. If the INITIAL NAV enabling code for first-time activation of the navigation system is not requested or delivered automatically, it still can be ordered manually through the Parts department and activated in the vehicle through the iDrive controller, by entering the 20-digit enabling code manually.
8402142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. 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.
6103142018-11-13. 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 15°F, 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: * 213901 - Power management: Reduction or shutdown of individual electrical consumer * 8040BD - Reset or deactivation of Terminal 30F * 8040B9 - De-activation of terminal 30B: Top start capability limit reached * 8020E8 - Reset or deactivation of terminal 30F * 800E89 - FRM: start capability limit reached with lights active during stationary mode * 93076B - Deactivation of terminal 30B: upper start capability limit reached * 93076A - Deactivation of terminal 15: upper start capability limit reached, but deactivation preventer active * 93076C - Deactivation of terminal 30B: upper start capability limit reached, but deactivation preventer or legal loads active * 930769 - Deactivation of terminal 15: upper start capability limit reached Note: When the outside temperatures drop below 46°F, the charging system is switch to full charge. CAUSE * The check control message (ID 229) is caused by a heavily discharged battery. * 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). * 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. * 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. * 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 shut
8403142018-11-13. 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: * Call disconnection * Contact List incomplete * General connection failures CAUSE Apple software iOS 7 and its variants.
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."""
8401142018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist System Information and Availability. ConnectedDrive features are partially or completely inoperative. Examples of some of these features are listed below: * BMW Assist Inoperative ? SOS call ? Roadside Assistance call * My BMW Remote App * BMW Online - Google local search * Concierge CAUSE The Electronic Subscriber Agreement (ESA) is inactive. * No active contract for ConnectedDrive features Offboard Availabilty (Backend) system issues * The external network was/is inoperative. * No data is sent to the vehicle.
6525132018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "ConnectedDrive/BMW ASSIST Features Are Inoperative. ConnectedDrive features are partially or completely inoperative. * No traffic information (RTTI / ARTTI) * BMW ASSIST ""My Info"" service doesn't work. CAUSE The Electronic Subscriber Agreement (ESA) is inactive. * No active contract for ConnectedDrive features Offboard Availability (Backend) system issues * The external network was/is inoperative. * No data is sent to the vehicle."
1224132018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE. "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 Voluntary Emissions Recall Campaign 13E-A03: Program Control Units (OBD). Due to an error in the DME (Digital Motor Electronics) software, the required oxygen sensor onboard diagnostics (OBD) is not functioning. As a result, the ""Readiness bit"" confirming a successful completion of the oxygen sensor diagnostics will not be set. In order to remedy the situation, BMW is conducting a Voluntary Emissions
1204152018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE. SUBJECT DME Internal and Valvetronic Faults Set at Cold Ambient Temperatures. The Service Engine Soon light (MIL) can be illuminated with the erroneous internal and Valvetronic faults stored in the DME. The MIL will only come on if the fault has been detected on two (or more) consecutive drive cycles. The following fault codes may be stored in the DME: E Seriesz 36AE - DME, internal fault, Valvetronic: Current implausible One or more of the following secondary faults may also be stored: z 2DE2 - Valvetronic, actuation, voltage phase: Line disconnection z 2DE3 - Valvetronic, actuation, volt phase: Line disconnection z 2DE4 - Valvetronic, actuation, volt phase: Line disconnection F Seriesz 1F0905 - DME, internal fault, Valvetronic: Current implausible One or more of the following secondary faults may also be stored: z 135B10 - Valvetronic, actuation, voltage phase: Line disconnection z 135B11 - Valvetronic, actuation, volt phase: Line disconnection z 135B12 - Valvetronic, actuation, volt phase: Line disconnection Engine performance and driving characteristics are not affected. DME software diagnostic sensitivity.
B8402152018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT. Cannot Update Bluetooth Software (KISU Data). The vehicle does not accept the KISU (Customer Initiated Software Update) software update.
B0120162018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT. FOOTWELL MODULE: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 8 YEARS/125,000 MILES. When performing ISTA/D diagnosis and/or a programming procedure (software update) on an affected vehicle, the Footwell Module (FRM) could fail. There is a compatibility issue with certain combinations of vehicle software (Plant Integration ILevel) and the Footwell Module hardware installed in the vehicle.
B6525162018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. USB CABLE: BATTERY DISCHARGE/AUDIO FAILURE/RADIO RECEPTION. No sound from the radio, telephone, gong signal and or PDC. Poor radio reception and failure of the telematics systems. Possible Check Control system message: o Battery discharge when engine off. o Caution, no acoustic warning signals. Non BMW approved (third-party supplier) USB cable plugged into the USB port.
B8408162018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. The underlying 2G technology for the GSM (Global System Mobile communication) COMBOX will no longer be supported by the cellular network providers after December 31, 2016. This COMBOX and the BMW Assist services that use its functionality will therefore no longer function after that date. The BMW Assist functionalities that are affected includes the following: SOS/E-Call including Automatic crash notification Concierge Service Remote Service Teleservices The vehicle's exisiting Bluetooth(r) wireless functionality is NOT affected.
B8403162018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SERVICE ACTION: GSM COMBOX DEACTIVATION / DISCONTINUATION WITH 4 YEAR ASSIST SERVICE. What's New: ? Model: Option code removed to prevent confusion about affected vehicles ? Situation: Information added about Bluetooth functionality that is not affect by this Service Action ? Correction: Information added about lease returns, loaner, CPO and used vehicles that are not eligible for the 3 customer options ? Information: Removed scenario regarding new/unsold Z4s & X1s ? Procedure: Added info about COMBOX retrofit that it does not affect Bluetooth functionality ? Warranty: Added info that the correct flat rate labor operation that corresponds to the option the customer selected is claimed and removed information about Z4s & X1s . The underlying 2G technology for the GSM (Global System Mobile communication) COMBOX will no longer be supported by the cellular network providers after December 31, 2016. This COMBOX and the BMW Assist services that use its functionality will therefore no longer function after that date. The BMW Assist functionalities that are affected includes the following: SOS/E-Call including Automatic crash notification Concierge Service Remote Service Teleservices The vehicle's exisiting Bluetooth(r) wireless functionality is NOT affected.
B8402142018-05-14. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist System Diagnosis Information
SIB-84-03-142014-09-03. Service bulletin. COMMUNICATION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. BMW: WHEN USING IPHONE, VARIOUS CONNECTIVITY FAILURES OCCUR, SUCH AS DISCONNECTION OF CALL, LIST OF CONTACTS INCOMPLETE, DUE TO THE VARIANTS AND SOFTWARE USED. MODEL 2008-2014.
SIB-61-13-052013-05-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. BMW: BATTERY HAS AN INCREASED DEMAND DUE TO DEVELOPEMENTAL PROCESS OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS IS CAUSING THE BATTER TO NEED TO UNDERGO AN ENERGY DIAGNOSIS. *KB
SIB-12-18-122013-01-18. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE. BMW: IF BSD COMMUNICATION IS DISRUPTED, OIL LEVEL SENSOR DATA IS NO LONGER RECEIVED BY DME. BSD COMMUNICATION FAULT(S), AFTER REPAIRS ARE SHORTLY SET, REQUIRES REMOVAL OF IGNITION HARNESS FROM CYLINDER HEAD COVER. ALL MODELS. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE

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