Service bulletins for the 2013 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.
145 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
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Only bulletins with component: Engine are shown. Show all
| 120212 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE. INFORMATION This section only applies to vehicles that require cleaning the intake valve and intake ports. Refer to the applicable Service Information bulletin or ETK if carbon cleaning was not the root cause for the complaint. Reuse the strut brace bolts. Part Number Carbon Blaster Walnut Shells: Replacement media, 20/30 SAE or 0.45-0.80 mm walnut shells can be sourced locally or through one of the following distributors: MARCO(r) Corporate - (800) 252-7848, ext. 284 - marcousa.com/index.cfm Trinity Tool Company - (800) 587-4626 - www.trinco.com McMASTER-CARR(r) - www.mcmaster.com Refer to EPC for applicable gaskets and bolts. |
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| 112014 | 2018-11-26. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV). Delivery Stop: Crankcase Failure. A Delivery Stop has been issued on certain 2015 model year vehicles with N20/N26 engines produced from September 4, 2014 through October 21, 2014. These vehicles may have a crankcase failure. Approximately 145 vehicles are affected. |
| 120514 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY; ENGINE. N20/N26: Engine Fails to Run on Repeated Cold Start. The engine turns over but does not start on a repeat cold-starting attempt. For example, on the first cold start the engine may start normally, but if shut off right away, the engine may then fail to start and remain running on the next repeated attempts. Unfavorable DME software in combination with the NGK SILZKBR8B8S spark plug |
| 120114 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN. "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. 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 Recall Campaign to reprogram the cont |
| 010414 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. External Engine Oil Leaks and Repairs. During the vehicle's operational life, normal engine oil seepage or sweating, in addition to accumulated road dust, dirt and grime in the engine compartment can cause the appearance of a more severe oil leak. This is further exaggerated by residual oil that remains on the engine assembly after maintenance services are performed, e.g., oil filter changes, "engine oil top-offs," etc. If this visual appearance of accumulated oil on the engine assembly as an "active leak" is misinterpreted, unnecessary gasket repairs/replacements will result. Specifically, our analysis of the claim-related data for vehicles equipped with the engines noted in this bulletin is showing an above-average number of engine gasket repair/replacement claim submissions. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide your workshop with information and a procedure that will help in identifying engine oils leaks that do and do not require a repair. |
| 640913 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM; VISIBILITY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Service Action: Program IHKA Control Unit. The control panel for the air conditioning (IHKA) may fail intermittently. CAUSE IHKA software error |
| 160313 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY; ENGINE. N52K, N54 and N20 Engine - Noise from Fuel Tank. The customer complains of a noise from the underside rear portion of the vehicle. When diagnosed the noise is coming from the fuel tank. CAUSE A manufacturing defect inside the electric fuel delivery unit (in-tank fuel pump) pressure limiting valve will result in a noise while driving. This defect will not lead to fuel pump failure or loss of power. |
| 122413 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. "?SI B12 24 13 March 2014 Engine Electrical SystemsTechnical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B12 24 13 dated January 2014. 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"" confirmin |
| 122413 | 2018-11-13. 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 |
| 121513 | 2018-11-13. Service bulletin. ENGINE. ?N20 and N26 Engine: Various VANOS System Faults Stored in DME. The Service Engine Soon lamp and Engine Malfunction warning are illuminated, and the vehicle has reduced power output. This situation can occur as a customer complaint, or after performing repairs to the engine valve train assembly. One or more of the following faults is stored in the DME. F10, F25, F30, F31 and F34: 131401 VANOS, exhaust, starting from cold: Non-adjustable 131501 VANOS, intake, starting from cold: Non-adjustable 131808 VANOS, exhaust, starting from cold: Position not reached 131908 VANOS, intake, starting from cold: Position not reached 130104 VANOS, intake, control fault, camshaft jammed 130304 VANOS, exhaust, control fault, camshaft jammed 130308 VANOS, exhaust, control fault, position not reached 130108 VANOS, intake, control fault, position not reached E84 and E89: 2D54 VANOS, exhaust, starting from cold: Non-adjustable 2D55 VANOS, intake, starting from cold: Non-adjustable 2D56 VANOS, exhaust, starting from cold: Position not reached 2D57 VANOS, intake, starting from cold: Position not reached 2D60 VANOS, exhaust, control fault, camshaft jammed 2D5A VANOS, intake, control fault, camshaft jammed 2D5B VANOS, intake, control fault, position not reached 2D61 VANOS, exhaust, control fault, position not reached If one of the applicable faults listed above is not stored in the DME fault memory then continue troubleshooting with the applicable test plan for the fault(s) stored. CAUSE This is due to a diagnostic programming error in the DME. |
| 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). |
| 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. |
| 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." |
| 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. |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| B110317 | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE. ?N20 AND N26 ENGINE: HIGH PITCHED WHINING NOISE FROM LOWER ENGINE AREA . Whining noise from the lower engine area near the engine oil pump that increases frequency when increasing the engine RPM. Wear on the engine oil pump chain drive sprockets. |
| B010116 | 2018-05-14. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. N20 Engine Coolant Thermostat: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.