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.
By type
By component
By trouble code
| B840514 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. One or both of the situations listed below may be encountered: ? Android device connection stability (dropped calls) ? Third-Party App Metadata: The album art and song title do not update when streaming audio from Pandora or Spotify, etc. New KISU (Customer Initiated Software Update) software is available on the TIS website. This software improves the Bluetooth functionality in our vehicles, and it helps to keep us up-to-date with technology innovation. |
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| B110515 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE. "N20 and N55 Engine: Engine Oil Filter Application for Plastic Oil Filter Housing. The current version of EPC does not provide all available options for the engine oil filters used in the N20 and N55 engines produced with a ""plastic"" oil filter housing. The illustration below will help identify the proper engine oil filter application until the EPC is corrected." |
| B110315 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N20 and N26 Engine: Oil Leaks from Cylinder Head Cover. There is an engine oil leakage under the vehicle, or the vehicle smells of engine oil. The cylinder head cover gasket is leaking engine oil due to loose retaining bolt(s). |
| 651009 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B65 10 09 dated March 2013. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT CIC head unit: Vehicle Position Is Missing or Incorrect on Navigation Map. The vehicle position is missing or incorrect on the navigation map. The navigation system integrated in the Car Information Computer (CIC) is not calibrated correctly. |
| 650509 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B65 05 09 dated July 2009. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT CIC Headunit: Navigation System Road Map Usage. INFORMATION The Car Information Computer (CIC) began replacing the Car Communication Computer (CCC) on vehicles with option 609 in September of 2008. This change affected the navigation system road map data support process and the warranty spare parts processes for the CIC. For the US market, all vehicles come pre-loaded from the factory with the latest navigation system road map database version that was available at the time of vehicle production. Therefore, no physical copy of the navigation system road map data media DVD set or USB stick is placed in these vehicles at the Vehicle Distribution Center (VDC). NOTE: Additionally, all replacement CIC parts come with a pre-loaded version of the current available navigation system road map database installed. A set of DVD copies of the navigation system road map database, CIC NAVI Road Map North America PREMIUM, is shipped to all BMW centers through the automatic tool shipment program with each release of a navigation system road map database. IMPORTANT: Additional copies or earlier NAV road map database versions cannot be ordered individually! Therefore, please take special care to archive the CIC NAV road map DVD sets! The NAV road map data on the DVD set can also be installed into the Network Attached Storage (NAS). From there, it can then be installed onto the CIC in the vehicle, using the Integrated Service Technical Application for Programming (ISTA/P). For installation of the navigation system road map data media DVD set onto the Network Attached Storage (NAS), please contact your ISPI Next Administrator. In addition to this procedure, it is also possible to download the NAV road map data on the DVD set directly to the hard disc drive (HDD) integrated in the CIC by inserting the DVDs one by one into the CIC internal DVD drive. It will take approxim |
| 123814 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM; ENGINE. SUBJECT N20, N26, and N55 Engines with Injector Electrical Faults. Any of the following symptoms could occur simultaneously with injector electrical faults stored in the DME: z After the engine is turned off for a short time, it can no longer be started; however, the starter motor turns. z The engine starts but immediately cuts off. z The engine runs erratically or lacks power. z The Service Engine Soon light (MIL) may be on with several poetential faults stored. The DME has malfunctioned due to an internal fault. |
| 120415 | 2018-11-13. 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. |
| B111615 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM. ?N20 and N26 engine: Smoke from Exhaust when Starting a Cold Engine. When starting a cold engine, blue smoke can be seen emitting from the exhaust tailpipe for approximately 10-20 seconds. No turbo charger boost faults are stored and no drivability issues can be detected. Engine oil leakage into the induction system and/or the turbo charger assembly. |
| B840215 | 2018-11-05. 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. |
| B511615 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. "Affected vehicles in dealer inventory must not be retailed or delivered until the label is removed. Vehicles at ports of entry will be remedied prior to dealer delivery. On affected vehicles, there is an incorrect label regarding the appropriate engine oil. Affected vehicles can be identified with a ""Vehicle Comment"" in the DCS Warranty Vehicle Inquiry or ISPA Light. Remove the engine oil label (located in the front or rear of the hood)." |
| B360215 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. TIRES:VALVE; WHEELS. Valve Stem Replacement with Wheel Electronics. INFORMATION The valve stems are single-use only, and must be replaced every time the wheel electronics are replaced. If you loosen the nut (1), you must replace the valve stem. Failure to replace the valve stem will lead to a pressure leak. The proper repair procedure can be found in REP 3611533. Not applicable. [ Copyright (c)2015 BMW of North America, Inc. ] Page 1 of 3 Page 1 of 1 https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/232...6/4/2015 https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/232...6/4/2015 Page 1 of 3 https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/232...6/4/2015 |
| 650215 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE; EQUIPMENT. SiDrive Controller Trim Peeling. The chrome ring on the iDrive controller is peeling. Poor chrome material adhesion |
| B511615 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS; ENGINE. "Delivery Stop: Remove Engine Oil Label. Affected vehicles in dealer inventory must not be retailed or delivered until the label is removed. Vehicles at ports of entry will be remedied prior to dealer delivery. On affected vehicles, there is an incorrect label regarding the appropriate engine oil. Affected vehicles can be identified with a ""Vehicle Comment"" in the DCS Warranty Vehicle Inquiry or ISPA Light. https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/248...9/3/2016 Page 2 of 2" |
| B121516 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL. "VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN 16E-A04: DME - OBD. The DME software calibration for exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) on board diagnosis (OBD) may not function correctly. This would not cause problems with the vehicle emissions, but could cause it not to pass the OBD readiness Inspection/Maintenance test in certain states. ModelTarget Integration levelE89 (Z4)E89X-16-03-502 or higherAFFECTED VEHICLES This Emissions Recall Campaign affects E89 vehicles with the N54 and N54T engines produced February 25, 2009 to August 1, 2011. First check if a Recall Completion Label, SD 92-435 for this campaign is already attached to the underside of the hood on the right (passenger) rear close to the windshield. If the label is present, the Campaign has already been performed and no further action is necessary. Affected vehicles which require this Recall Campaign to be completed will show it as ""Open"" when checked either in AIR, the ""Service Menu"" of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or with the Key Reader." |
| B012016 | 2018-11-05. 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. |
| B111315 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. The plastic oil filter housing may fail and lead to an internal and/or external engine oil or coolant leak. |
| B111012 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE. N20 Engine: Repeated Juddering or Surging While Accelerating. The vehicle judders or surges repeatedly while accelerating in hot ambient temperatures between 3,000 RPM and 5,000 RPM. The Service Engine Soon lamp is not illuminated, and no fault codes are stored in the vehicle memory related to this complaint. CAUSE The EPDW (electropneumatic pressure convertor) for the turbocharger wastegate valve is binding internally. |
| B652516 | 2018-11-05. 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. |
| B111116 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. "N20 ENGINE OIL FEED LINE TO THE TURBOCHARGER: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES. When starting a cold engine, a ""plume of blue smoke"" can be seen emitting from the exhaust tailpipe for approximately 10-20 seconds. There is no engine malfunction light illuminated (no"" turbocharger boost faults are stored) and no drivability issues are detected. When the vehicle is parked overnight the engine oil pressure will equalize, this may cause engine oil to leak past the turbocharger ""exhaust side"" turbine seal." |
| B121516 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE. "VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN 16E-A04: DME - OBD. The DME software calibration for exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) on board diagnosis (OBD) may not function correctly. This would not cause problems with the vehicle emissions, but could cause it not to pass the OBD readiness Inspection/Maintenance test in certain states. ModelTarget Integration levelE89 (Z4)E89X-16-03-502 or higherAFFECTED VEHICLES This Emissions Recall Campaign affects E89 vehicles with the N54 and N54T engines produced February 25, 2009 to August 1, 2011. First check if a Recall Completion Label, SD 92-435 for this campaign is already attached to the underside of the hood on the right (passenger) rear close to the windshield. If the label is present, the Campaign has already been performed and no further action is necessary. Affected vehicles which require this Recall Campaign to be completed will show it as ""Open"" when checked either in AIR, the ""Service Menu"" of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or with the Key Reader." |
| B240215 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN. 8HP: TRANSMISSION FLUID LOSS FROM COOLER LINES CONNECTIONS. There is a transmission fluid leak in the area around the oil cooler lines (on the transmission side). CAUSE Damaged O-rings due to unfavorable cooling line connection tolerances |
| 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. |
| B840816 | 2018-11-05. 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. |
| B840316 | 2018-11-05. 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. |
| 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)." |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.