2018 BMW 540I Technical Service Bulletins

286 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2018 BMW 540I. TSBs are notes manufacturers send to dealers about repair procedures for issues seen in the field. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault.

• 10186211Dec 1, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. BMW REMOTE SOFTWARE UPGRADE IS NOT OFFERED FOR INSTALLATION: The customer complaints that the BMW Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) is not possible in their vehicle, though the Remote Software Upgrade menu is available in the vehicle and a download was performed by the vehicle or the BMW Connected App.
• 10184595Nov 1, 2020Back-over prevention (rear camera), Equipment. TOP VIEW CAMERA: The top view image of the vehicle is misaligned when observed in the Control Information Display (CID). When the vehicle is parked in a parking spot with line markings, it is clearly noticed in the CID that the lines are not parallel to the side of the vehicle. This may be noticed on either the driver side, passenger side or both.
• 10184594Nov 1, 2020Back-over prevention (rear camera). SURROUND VIEW - PARKING VIEW IMAGES DISPLAYED INCORRECTLY: After programming and shifting into reverse, there may be various sporadic concerns regarding the rearview camera and the surround view (top view) camera images in the CID (Central Information Display).
• 10184592Nov 1, 2020Vehicle speed control. ACTIVE CRUISE CONTROL - UNEXPECTED DECELERATION: Vehicle slows down (decelerates) unexpectedly while Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go (ACC) function is activated.
• 10184590Nov 1, 2020Equipment, Suspension. SERVICE ACTION - INSTALL GROUND STRAP / SUPPRESSOR BELT: Corrosion developing on the rear suspension contact points can lead to poor radio reception over a certain duration of time.
• 10184588Nov 1, 2020Equipment. HEAD UNIT RESETS WITH FAULT CODE B7F8F9 RESET WATCHDOG: Customer states the following about their vehicle: Active radio or music source is interrupted. The navigation is no longer available. A black screen is shown in the Control Display.
• 10184585Nov 1, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY CONDITION VERIFICATION (20V-601): After additional in-depth research and analysis of the corresponding data for these vehicles, we can safely conclude that the issue identified in Recall Campaign 20V-601 has been satisfied and no further repair is required.
• 10184584Nov 1, 2020Equipment, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full: Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full.There are no faults stored in the system for the washer fluid level switch.
• 10184577Nov 1, 2020Fuel system, Body and structure. FUEL FILLER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN: The fuel filler door (aka flap) will not open. In rare cases, if the vehicle is locked using the remote control key and the fuel filler door is pushed closed simultaneously, the fuel door can enter a locked state that cannot be unlocked.
• 10182924Oct 1, 2020Back-over prevention (rear camera). SERVICE ACTION - REPLACE RIGHT REAR SHORT RANGE RADAR SENSOR (SRR): The functionality of the right rear SRR sensor could be reduced which would display the Driving Assistance Check Control Message.
• 10182923Oct 1, 2020Electrical system. SERVICE ACTION - REPLACE LEFT REAR SHORT RANGE RADAR SENSOR (SRR): The functionality of the left rear SRR sensor could be reduced which would display the Driving Assistance Check Control Message.
• 10182907Oct 1, 2020Steering. GROANING NOISE DURING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT OF THE ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN: A groaning type noise is heard during the height adjustment.
• 10182898Oct 1, 2020Body and structure. FRONT GRILLE UPPER/LOWER ACTIVE AIR FLAPS: LTD WTY EXT TO 15 YEARS/150,000 MILES: Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension This component-specific limited warranty extension applies to defects in materials or workmanship. This coverage is subject to the same vehicle eligibility requirements, limitations, and exclusions that apply to the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks.
• 10182625Oct 1, 2020Electrical system, Equipment. SERVICE ACTION - REPLACE RIGHT REAR SHORT RANGE RADAR SENSOR (SRR): The functionality of the right rear SRR sensor could be reduced which would display the Driving Assistance Check Control Message.
• 10182624Oct 1, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. SERVICE ACTION - REPLACE LEFT REAR SHORT RANGE RADAR SENSOR (SRR): The functionality of the left rear SRR sensor could be reduced which would display the Driving Assistance Check Control Message.
• 10182608Oct 1, 2020Electrical system, Steering. GROANING NOISE DURING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT OF THE ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN: A groaning type noise is heard during the height adjustment.
• 10182605Oct 1, 2020Body and structure. FRONT GRILLE UPPER/LOWER ACTIVE AIR FLAPS: LTD WTY EXT TO 15 YEARS/150,000 MILES: Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension This component-specific limited warranty extension applies to defects in materials or workmanship. This coverage is subject to the same vehicle eligibility requirements, limitations, and exclusions that apply to the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks.
• 10181231Sep 1, 2020Electrical system. BMW TURBOCORD PORTABLE EV 120 V/240 V CHARGER: The BMW-approved accessory TurboCord electric vehicle (EV) charger will not charge the vehicle.
• 10181220Sep 1, 2020Steering. GROANING NOISE DURING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT OF THE ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN: A groaning type noise is heard during the height adjustment.
• 10181219Sep 1, 2020Steering. FAILURE OF THE ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN ADJUSTMENT AT HIGHER CABIN TEMPERATURE: Electric steering column adjustment fails when interior cabin temperatures rise above 122 degrees F (e.g., parked outdoors on hot day). Faulty self-diagnosis of the steering column control unit.
• 10179825Aug 1, 2020Electrical system. REMOTE CONTROL IS NOT DETECTED: Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. Note: Opening, closing and starting via the BMW Digital Key or the Digital Key Card are not affected. Software error in the BDC (Body Domain Controller) module.
• 10179824Aug 1, 2020Electrical system. COMFORT ACCESS AND COMFORT GO NOT POSSIBLE: Vehicle cannot be unlocked/locked or started via Comfort Access. Remote control functionality is restored by pressing any of the key buttons or by removing and reinstalling the remote control key battery.
• 10179821Aug 1, 2020Electrical system. HEAD UNIT RESETS WHEN NAVIGATION IS USED IN CERTAIN LOCATIONS: The head unit resets sporadically causing the CID to turn black and then starts up again after a short time with the message "Start navigation system". This only occurs during navigation guidance when the "3D building" function is used Software in the Head Unit High (HU-H3).
• 10179820Aug 1, 2020Electrical system. INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY SHAKES-SHIFTS TO THE LEFT: The Instrument cluster intermittently flickers, shakes and has shifted to the left. The fault is resolved once the vehicle goes into sleep mode.
• 10179819Aug 1, 2020Electrical system. DELIVERY STOP - HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY: Please do not charge the vehicle high-voltage battery until further notice. There may be a potential issue in the welding process of the HV-modules.
• 10179816Aug 1, 2020Latches, locks and linkages. DOORS WILL NOT COMPLETELY LATCH: One or more doors will not completely latch or will open to the first stage at times. The door lock strikers may be misadjusted.
• 10179811Aug 1, 2020Electrical system. EME GROUND CONNECTION MONITORING FAULTS: Check Control message (CCM ID 794): "Drive. Check as soon as possible" illuminates. Increased ground cable contact resistance at Electrical Machine Electronics (EME) due to corrosion/oxidation.
• 10179748Aug 1, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. NEW ECU VALIDATION NEEDED AFTER REPLACING CERTAIN CONTROL MODULES: With introduction of the new Headunit HU-H3 (MGU Media Graphics Unit), there is a new protection mechanism against tampering.
• 10179013Jul 1, 2020Electrical system. SERVICE ACTION - PROGRAM TELEMATICS MODULE: A software error in the telematics control unit can result in an interruption in communication between the vehicle and the back end (BMW server). Software error in the Advanced Telematics Module (ATM).
• 10179010Jul 1, 2020Electrical system. BMW CONNECTEDDRIVE APPS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE AFTER PROGRAMMING: After programming vehicle with "20-03" software, BMW ConnecedDrive apps are no longer available in the head unit. Software in the Head Unit High (HU-H3).
• 10179009Jul 1, 2020Electrical system. NAVIGATION SYSTEM - REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROADMAP DATA: Do not replace parts and do not program the vehicle. Roads can change by up to 15% every year. To ensure the best navigation experience, we do everything in our power to create the best maps. Your reports help us to detect changes in your area and keep future versions of our maps as accurate as possible. Therefore, a road map error or missing data…
• 10179008Jul 1, 2020Electrical system. SERVICE ACTION - PROGRAM THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER: The Condition Based Service (CBS) data concerning the due date for the brake fluid change may be displayed incorrectly. Software error in the Instrument Cluster (KOMBI).
• 10179007Jul 1, 2020Equipment. INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND ONBOARD COMPUTER INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE: The audio source, radio station, or music track cannot be changed using the MFL. Normal functionality may possibly return after a sleep cycle or a battery reset. This affects vehicles with: Integration level S18A-18-11-5xx Live Cockpit Professional (option code 6U3) including the instrument cluster High 4.1. While the Kombi is not working properly…
• 10179003Jul 1, 2020Electrical system, Equipment. VEHICLE DOES NOT START BATTERY TOTALLY DISCHARGED: The customer's vehicle does not start due to a totally discharged battery.
• 10178998Jul 1, 2020Electrical system. ACTIVE AIR FLAP FAULT DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR: Potential causes include: Faulty upper air flap actuator (G01, G02, G12, G30, G32) Faulty lower air flap assembly (G01, G02, G12, G30, G32) Software error in the DME affecting the upper flap (G01, G02 only).
• 10178996Jul 1, 2020Brakes, Wheels. TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied, noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle must be moving.
• 10178994Jul 1, 2020Engine cooling, Engine. COOLANT LEAK FROM LOW TEMPERATURE COOLING CIRCUIT (N63R): Coolant leaking from the engine compartment. Traces of coolant leaking from the expansion tank of the low temperature cooling system. Aluminum corrosion in the charge air intercoolers, or in the radiator for the low temperature cooling is causing an unfavorable chemical reaction to the coolant.
• 10177628Jun 1, 2020Electrical system. VEHICLE DOES NOT START BATTERY TOTALLY DISCHARGED: The customer's vehicle does not start due to a totally discharged battery.
• 10177627Jun 1, 2020Electrical system. ACTIVE AIR FLAP FAULT DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR: A check control message or MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) may be illuminated, with faults stored related to the upper and/or lower active air flap(s).
• 10177622Jun 1, 2020Engine cooling. COOLANT LEVEL CHECK AND TOP-OFF AT SECOND OIL SERVICE: A new, additional coolant level check task is now linked to the second engine oil service (Service Counter 2 only). The scope of maintenance work will display in ISPA Next that applies to the high-temperature circuit. This new coolant check only pertains to the above listed models with gasoline engines.
• 10176380May 1, 2020Electrical system. SURROUND VIEW WRONG VEHICLE DISPLAYED AFTER PROGRAMMING: After programming the wrong vehicle model is displayed in the Central Information Display (CID) when the Surround View is activated.
• 10176379May 1, 2020Electrical system, Equipment. TRUNK LOCK SWITCH INSIDE THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT IS MISSING: The trunk lock switch ("hotel"/valet switch) is missing in the glove compartment. This switch decouples the trunklid from the central locking system so that the trunklid cannot be opened. Incorrectly built production vehicles.
• 10176377May 1, 2020Electrical system. CCM DISPLAYED "INCREASED BATTERY DRAIN" CAUSED BY CONTROLLER: A yellow CCM (Check Control Message) ID 415 is displayed- "Increased battery drain! // Battery. Electrostatic discharge at standstill / start engine. Energy management" The results of the Energy Diagnosis test plan identifies the Controller as the root cause of the CCM. The Controller delays the vehicle going to sleep by up to 6 minutes. In some cases…
• 10176374May 1, 2020Engine, Equipment, Engine cooling. PASSENGER SIDE UPPER ACTIVE AIR FLAP STUCK OPEN/CLOSED: Upon visual inspection the passenger side upper active air flaps are either stuck open or closed and they will not move. There are no faults stored for the active air flaps.
• 10176373May 1, 2020Electrical system. ACTIVE AIR FLAP FAULT DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR: A check control message or MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) may be illuminated with faults stored related to the upper and/or lower active air flap(s). Potential causes include: Faulty upper air flap actuator (G01 G02 G12 G30 G32) Faulty lower air flap assembly (G01 G02 G12 G30 G32) Software error in the DME affecting the upper flap (G01 G02 only)
• 10176367May 1, 2020Lane departure, Wheels. JERKING OR SHUDDERING FROM THE DRIVELINE (XDRIVE TRANSFER CASE ATX13-X): There is a jerking or shuddering during either or both of the following: Cornering or accelerating from low speeds Driving with low to medium loads There are no warning lights or Check Control messages. CAUSE Unevenly worn or incorrect fitment tires are installed on the vehicle or the factory-filled transfer case oil does not meet BMW…
• 10176363May 1, 2020Engine cooling. TANK VENTILATION AND MIXTURE CONTROL FAULTS STORED IN THE DME: The Engine Malfunction Warning is illuminated and one or more of the following faults are stored in the DME.
• 10176360May 1, 2020Engine. B58C AND B58M ENGINES ENGINE OIL FILTER INSERT IS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE - REMOVAL: On rare occasions during an engine oil service the BMW Original (Genuine) engine oil filter insert is either difficult to remove or breaks apart in the oil filter housing. The engine oil filter is broken. The paper is torn and the lower plastic section is stuck in the engine oil filter housing.
• 10176356May 1, 2020Steering, Air bags, Electrical system. FRONT GRILLE UPPER/LOWER ACTIVE AIR FLAPS - LTD WTY EXT TO 15 YEARS/150000: A check engine light or check control message is present for the active air flaps behind the kidney grilles. The potential component-related causes of these faults are a: 1. Mechanical issue with the linkage of the upper or lower active air flap; and/or an 2. Internal short circuit of the adjustment motor.
• 10176355May 1, 2020Equipment. FRONT GRILLE UPPER/LOWER AIR FLAPS - LTD WTY EXT TO 10 YRS/120000 MILES: Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension For the eligible vehicles BMW of North America LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Radiator Grille Upper and Lower Active Air Flaps to: 10 years/120000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.

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