2012 BMW 550IService bulletins
2012 BMW 550I Technical Service Bulletins
388 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2012 BMW 550I. 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.
- 10147985Feb 1, 2014Electrical system. My BMW Remote iPhone App No Longer Controls Headlight or Horn. After programming the vehicle with ISTA/P 2.49.x or higher, the headlight and the horn can no longer be controlled using the My BMW Remote App from an iPhone. I-Level F001-13-03-501 or F010-13-03-501 and higher Note: The lock and unlock function via the App works as designed. CAUSE A software error in the central gateway (ZGW) control unit
- 10147984Feb 1, 2014Equipment. iPhone Charging Status Constantly Switches On and Off. INFORMATION Do not replace any other parts! Advise the customer that he/she must use one of the following: * The original Apple iPhone/iPOD USB cable that came with the device * A BMW supplied iPhone/iPOD USB adapter cable PARTS INFORMATION
- 10147982Feb 1, 2014Equipment. Headunit-High: Navigation Road Map Installation After Replacement. When replacing the HU-H, the road map database version that was in the defective HU-H must be installed in the new HU-H.
- 10147981Feb 1, 2014Air bags. "Airbag Warning Light: ACSM FC 930A60 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. ACSM fault code ""930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction"" is stored. The fault may or may not currently be present. CAUSE The front passenger seat occupancy mat consists of a seat occupancy mat with a…
- 10147976Feb 1, 2014Electrical system. The Condition Based Service (CBS) due date is reset to 01/2000 and cannot be updated for: * Oil Service * Check Vehicle Note: No fault code is stored Software error in the Instrument Cluster
- 10147955Jan 1, 2014Electrical system. My BMW Remote iPhone App No Longer Controls Headlight or Horn. After programming the vehicle with ISTA/P 2.49.x or higher, the headlight and the horn can no longer be controlled using the My BMW Remote App from an iPhone. I-Level F001-13-03-501 or F010-13-03-501 and higher Note: The lock and unlock function via the App works as designed. CAUSE A software error in the central gateway (ZGW) control unit
- 10147954Jan 1, 2014Equipment. Enabling Code FSC/SWT - Enabling the Navigation System Map at QC1. The navigation system is inoperative unless the map is enabled during the QC1 Pre-Delivery Check. INFORMATION New vehicles come equipped with a navigation road map that must be enabled via an enable code (FSC). This process is part of the QC1 Pre-Delivery Check performed with the ISID (ISTA Diagnosis). IMPORTANT: There is no programming involved!
- 10147953Jan 1, 2014Electrical 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…
- 10147952Jan 1, 2014Electrical system. Headunit-High: INITIAL Enabling Code Is Not Accepted Via I-Drive. INFORMATION Do not replace any parts. NOTE: First time activation of the navigation system should always be performed during the Quality Certification 1 (QC1) Pre-Delivery Check, with the vehicle connected to the diagnosis system ISTA. Refer to SI B65 30 09. Connect the vehicle to the diagnosis system ISTA and activate the navigation system. The code…
- 10147945Jan 1, 2014Exterior lighting. Delay in Automatic Driving Light Switching On/Off. When driving out of a tunnel or exiting underground parking, the automatic driving light remains switched on for two minutes, even in daylight. The automatic driving light switching on/off can be shorter or longer when it starts to get dark. CAUSE The software for the switch-on threshold is lowered to protect the xenon light source.
- 10147706Jan 1, 2014Engine. ?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.
- 10150181Nov 1, 2013Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. """Increased battery discharge!"" CC Message upon Startup. CAUSE A software error in the Intelligent Battery Sensor causes an incorrect State of Charge (SoC) to be stored in the DME. The power management system then interprets this as a heavily discharged battery and informs the customer via a CC message. In reality, the battery does not have a problem."
- 10150171Nov 1, 2013Equipment. Bang & Olufsen Sound System: Loudspeaker Cover Rattles. The top center loudspeaker cover rattles when driving on rough roads. CAUSE Poor loudspeaker cover fitment to the speaker assembly
- 10150166Nov 1, 2013Brakes. Incorrect Remaining Service Life from CBS Data for Brake Pads. The calculated remaining service life for the brake pads (front and/or rear axle) from the CBS data does not match the actual brake pad thickness. The customer notices implausible remaining distances (too high or too low) on the front and/or the rear axle brake system. Software calculation of the brake pad wear model.
- 10150163Nov 1, 2013Electrical system, Engine. ?Service Action: Program Control Units (Oil Level Sensor). Due to a signal error from the oil level sensor, the vehicle could display an erroneous message indicating that an oil service is due after only a short distance has been traveled.
- 10150162Nov 1, 2013Electrical system, Engine. N63: Service Engine Soon Lamp (MIL) Is On with Fault 1D2008 Stored. Under certain low-load driving conditions at low outside ambient temperatures, the following fault may be stored in the DME with the Service Engine Soon lamp (MIL) on: Fault 1D2008 - Map thermostat, mechanical: jammed open. However, the thermostat is found to be operating correctly with sufficient heat output from the climate control system, and…
- 10150161Nov 1, 2013Transmission and drivetrain, Engine. N55: Engine Difficult to Start at Cold Ambient Temperatures. The complaint may include any of the following symptoms: * The engine stalls immediately after a cold start before driving away * The engine may run roughly or misfire after a cold start * The engine does not start cold or may take several attempts * To assist starting when cold, the accelerator may need to be depressed slightly and the idle speed raised…
- 10150266Oct 1, 2013Seats. Installation of a new CIS (capacitive sensing passenger occupancy mat) will not enable with ISTA/P. Wrong coding in the spare part from the supplier
- 10150263Oct 1, 2013Equipment. "IHKA Operating Panel Buttons Are Peeling. INFORMATION As noted in ETK: In case of surface damage to buttons, use the button cap repair kit. Use and claim the part number for the ""Repair kit for button caps"" when performing this repair. Replace ALL the buttons with those included in the kit.
- 10150257Oct 1, 2013Fuel system. N63 and S63 Engine: High-pressure Fuel Injector Replacement Procedures. The customer complains that one of the following scenarios has been encountered while operating the vehicle: * During a cold start in the morning, the engine runs very roughly and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. * During a hot start, the engine runs very roughly and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. ??While driving or…
- 10150256Oct 1, 2013Fuel system. N55 Engine: Erroneous Service Engine Soon Lamp Illuminated with Mixture Faults Stored in the DME. INFORMATION An error has been identified in the current version of ETK regarding N55 fuel injector replacement part numbers and production dates. Installing the incorrect injector part number can lead to an erroneous Service Engine Soon lamp illumination and various mixture faults stored in the DME.
- 10150253Oct 1, 2013Engine cooling. N63T Engine: New Test Plan to Check Engine Oil Level with ISTA/D 3.39.21. INFORMATION With the release of ISTA/D 3.39.21, a new test plan is available for checking the engine oil level in some vehicles with the N63T engine. The test plan will help identify the actual oil level, and advise the amount that will need to be added to correctly fill the engine when topping up.
- 10152356Sep 1, 2013Electrical system. """Message"" Option Is Missing After Programming. Messages can be sent to the vehicle and are received as indicated by the envelope icon displayed in the CID. However, the menu option ""Message,"" used to retrieve or access messages, is no longer available in the iDrive menu. CAUSE Software error with ISTA/P 2.49.2 to 2.49.4 I-Level F001-13-03-503 to F001-13-03-505"
- 10152347Sep 1, 2013Fuel system. N55 Engine: Erroneous Service Engine Soon Lamp Illuminated with Mixture Faults Stored in the DME. INFORMATION An error has been identified in the current version of ETK regarding N55 fuel injector replacement part numbers and production dates. Installing the incorrect injector part number can lead to an erroneous Service Engine Soon lamp illumination and various mixture faults stored in the DME.
- 10152345Sep 1, 2013Engine cooling. 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. Various faults related to VANOS operation are stored in the DME. While performing the test plan, the results may appear to be inconclusive because the fault will not clear from DME fault memory. CAUSE This is due to a programming error…
- 10152343Sep 1, 2013Engine cooling. "The customer complains that the ""low engine oil"" message is displayed too frequently. CAUSE The cause is related to, but not limited to, one or more of the following components and systems shown below: * Turbocharger * Crankcase ventilation * Engine gasket leaks * Internal engine tolerances and sealing * Improper filling or topping up Use the troubleshooting procedure below to help identify the cause."
- 10150235Aug 1, 2013Equipment. HU-H: SDARS Radio Stations Cannot Be Stored in PRESET Menu. The SIRIUS/XM satellite radio (SDARS) stations cannot be stored in the PRESET menu. * No fault code related to this issue is stored in the HU-H. * AM/FM radio stations are not affected; they can be stored correctly. Software error in the SDARS control unit integrated in the Headunit-High (HU-H)
- 10150233Aug 1, 2013Equipment. ? Bang & Olufsen Sound System: Loudspeaker Illumination. One or more of the following situations may occur concerning the illumination of the Bang & Olufsen sound system loudspeakers: * Illumination is insufficient (not bright enough) * Illumination is not available on all loudspeakers * Brightness cannot be adjusted Loudspeaker illumination settings are dependent on the model: * Different brightness…
- 10150232Aug 1, 2013Electrical system. Fault Code for Ionizer Short to Ground Is Stored in the IHKA. INFORMATION Not applicable.
- 10150231Aug 1, 2013Electrical system. "FRM3 Will Not Communicate with ISTA. When diagnosing the vehicle with ISTA, the FRM3 (Footwell Module) is shown as not responding in the vehicle test. The customer may report one or more of the following malfunctions: 1. Light operation * CCM (Check Control Message) ""Display failure"" * Lighting INOP * Turn signal lights INOP * Break lights INOP * License plate light INOP * Courtesy lights INOP * Instrument…
- 10150219Aug 1, 2013Suspension. Clicking Noise from Front Axle. Clicking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds (e.g., parking lot maneuvers). CAUSE Movement between the contact surfaces of the wheel bearing and swivel bearing (knuckle)
- 10150034Jul 1, 2013Engine. N20 and N26 Engine: Various VANOS System Faults Stored in DME. The Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated; Engine Malfunction warning is illuminated; and the vehicle has reduced power output. Various faults related to VANOS operation are stored in the DME. While performing the test plan, the results may appear to be inconclusive because the fault will not clear from DME Fault Memory.
- 10150076Jun 1, 2013Electrical system. Condition Based Service Due Date Is Reset to 01/2000. The Condition Based Service (CBS) due date is reset to 01/2000 and cannot be updated for: * Oil Service * Check Vehicle Note: No fault code is stored Software error in the Instrument Cluster
- 10150070Jun 1, 2013Steering. Squeaking Noises when Steering Wheel Is Turned. There are squeaking noises from the steering spindle when the steering wheel is turned. The steering spindle sleeve's plastic bearing is insufficiently lubricated or not lubricated at all.
- 10150069Jun 1, 2013Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. Knocking Noise from Driveline During Low-speed Turning. A cracking or knocking noise is heard from the driveline on sharp turns at low driving speeds (<15 mph). CAUSE Software calibration error in the transfer case control unit (Longitudinal Torque Module or LMV)
- 10052612Jun 1, 2013Electrical system, Engine. Bmw: engine, due to ambient temperatures and engine is cold, fails to turn over on first attempt, but and will turn over at second or third attempts. Model 2010-2012 f10.
- 10149618May 1, 2013Equipment. iPhone Charging Status Constantly Switches On and Off. Do not replace any other parts! Advise the customer that he/she must use one of the following: * The original Apple iPhone/iPOD USB cable that came with the device * A BMW supplied iPhone/iPOD USB adapter cable PARTS INFORMATION Part Number
- 10149617May 1, 2013Electrical system. TCB: Emergency Call Is Erroneously Triggered. An emergency call is erroneously made with no input from the driver. The following fault codes are stored in the TCB: * 0xB7F325 - Emergency call loud speaker: break in circuit * 0xB7F319 - Emergency call button: short circuit * 0xB7F326 - Emergency call loud speaker: short circuit to earth * 0xB7F33E - Automatic emergency call triggered frequently CAUSE TCB control…
- 10149614May 1, 2013Electrical system. Parking Assistant Inoperative After Programming. The parking assistant system does not function correctly. One or more of the following scenarios may occur: * Unable to activate the parking assistant via the iDrive * When activated, the vehicle does not locate a parking spot * Does not assist with parking the vehicle CAUSE Software error in ISTA/P 2.49.0 programming data
- 10149610May 1, 2013Equipment. Rattling/Grinding Noises from Center Console. When the heating and air conditioning system is first turned on, a grinding noise may be heard from the right side of the front center console. CAUSE The bushing of the blending flap for the rear seat outlet lacks sufficient grease.
- 10149608May 1, 2013Electrical system. "Service Action: Program Control Units (CAS). After programming/coding the vehicle with ISTA/P 2.48.1 or earlier, the Car Access System (CAS) was incorrectly coded. This causes the anti-theft alarm system panic button on the remote control to not function. In order to determine whether a specific vehicle has had this Service Action completed or is affected by this Service Action, first check the B-pillar label for…
- 10149599May 1, 2013Latches, locks and linkages. "The Door Springs into Pre-Locking Position. When the customer closes the door, it may seem that the door has closed completely. However, it is only in the pre-locking position, not the fully locked position. A check control message indicates that the door is open. 3.Close the front door and pull the outer door handle to the ""trigger point"" when the door first pops open. Measure the distance from the edge of the…
- 10149597May 1, 2013Air bags. DSC Warning Light is On. The warning lamps for DSC, ABS and brake warning are illuminated. There may also be a warning in the control display for 'Chassis Control System failure' One or more of the following fault codes are stored: F25, F30 DSC * D36D44 - Signal error longitudinal torque distribution (LMV) * 48097D - Transfer Case clutch position open F01, F02, F07, F10, F12 and F13 LMV: * 440108 - Control Unit…
- 10149596May 1, 2013Brakes. Incorrect Remaining Service Life from CBS Data for Brake Pads. The calculated remaining service life for the brake pads (front and/or rear axle) from the CBS data does not match the actual brake pad thickness. The customer notices implausible remaining distances (too high or too low) on the front and/or the rear axle brake system. Software calculation of the brake pad wear model
- 10149593May 1, 2013Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. "The warning lamps for DSC, ABS and brake warning are illuminated. There may also be a warning in the control display for ""Chassis Control System failure."" One or more of the following fault codes are stored: DSC: * D36D44 - Signal error longitudinal torque distribution (LMV) * 48097D - Transfer Case clutch position open F01, F02, F07, F10, F12 and F13 LMV: * 440108 - Control Unit internal error * 44010F…
- 10149590May 1, 2013Engine, Fuel system. N63 and S63 Engine: High-pressure Fuel Injector Replacement Procedures. The customer complains that one of the following scenarios has been encountered while operating the vehicle: * During a cold start in the morning, the engine runs very roughly and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. * During a hot start, the engine runs very roughly and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. ??While driving or…
- 10149586May 1, 2013Engine. "N63: Engine Malfunction Warning Due to Vapor Forming in the Fuel System. The Engine Malfunction warning is displayed and the Service Engine Soon (MIL) Lamp is on. This situation may occur when starting the engine at operating temperature after a ""hot-soak"" period. It is more likely to occur during months with cooler ambient temperatures and winter fuel is available. The following fault code is stored in the DME.
- 10149577May 1, 2013Engine. "N63 and N63T Engine: Engine Oil Consumption, Engine Oil Top-ups and Refill Capacity. Customers with one of the vehicles above may complain that the engine's oil consumption is ""too high,"" resulting in engine oil top-ups and workshop visits to address the issue before the vehicle displays an engine oil service as being ""due."" When the vehicle's engine oil drops to the minimum level, a message will display in…
- 10149494Apr 1, 2013Equipment. MTelephone: Phonebook Does Not Transfer to the Vehicle. The telephone book does not transfer to the vehicle after the pairing process is completed. CAUSE Software error in the head unit
- 10149491Apr 1, 2013Equipment, Electrical system. "Headunit-High: CID Is Blank and ""NO SIGNAL"" Is Displayed. Intermittently the Central Information Display (CID) is blank and ""NO SIGNAL"" is displayed on the CID. ??Fault Code B7F8C3 ""no response from CID (HW error: loss of CID communication)"" is stored in the HU-H Hardware error in the Headunit-High"
← All problems reported for the 2012 BMW 550I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.