2012 BMW M3 Technical Service Bulletins

111 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2012 BMW M3. 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.

• 10147209Jul 1, 2015Equipment. Air Conditioning Cooling is Insufficient or Inoperative. The air conditioner system refrigerant level is low or empty. CAUSE The evaporator is leaking refrigerant.
• 10147724Jun 1, 2015Equipment. iDrive Controller Trim Peeling. The chrome ring on the iDrive controller is peeling. Poor chrome material adhesion.
• 10147136May 1, 2015Tires, 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.
• 10147123May 1, 2015Electrical system. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Analysis of FASTA data and repeat repair visit reports indicates that there are many fault codes that are stored in the above vehicles, but they are not diagnosed to identify their root cause. Fault codes that are not diagnosed to find their root cause can lead to a repeat repair visit to the workshop by the customer.
• 10152314Apr 1, 2015Electrical system. Door Open Message Displayed, Even Though Door Is Closed. The customer complains that while driving, a CCM (check control message) indicates the doors are open, even though they are closed. Also, sometimes the gong will sound and the interior lights will go on and off. Unspecified FRM door lock status due to voltage variations
• 10147090Feb 1, 2015Equipment, Body and structure. SiDrive Controller Trim Peeling. The chrome ring on the iDrive controller is peeling. Poor chrome material adhesion
• 10147067Feb 1, 2015Electrical system. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated February 2015. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Analysis of FASTA data and repeat repair visit reports indicates that there are many fault codes that are stored in the above vehicles, but they are not diagnosed to identify their root cause.
• 10147624Jan 1, 2015Equipment. 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.
• 10147623Jan 1, 2015Equipment. 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…
• 10147595Jan 1, 2015Electrical 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.
• 10148194Dec 1, 2014Equipment, Electrical system. 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…
• 10148179Dec 1, 2014Brakes. Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles. INFORMATION 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form. These surface hairline cracks are usually spread over the entire brake disc friction area, and have no negative…
• 10149382Oct 1, 2014Electrical system. iPhone: Connection Failures with iOS 7. There are various connectivity failures with the iPhone using iOS 7. Some examples are listed below: z Call disconnection z Contact List incomplete z General connection failures Apple software iOS 7 and its variants
• 10149361Oct 1, 2014Transmission and drivetrain. DCT Transmission: Oil Leakage Diagnosis. INFORMATION Incorrect diagnosis of DCT (Double-clutch Transmission) oil leaks may lead to unnecessary part replacements and repeat customer repair visits. When diagnosing complaints related to DCT fluid leaks, please use the attached diagnostic procedure. WARRANTY INFORMATION Not applicable. ATTACHMENTS View PDF attachment B280114_DCT_Oil_Leak_Diagnosis. [ Copyright (c)2014…
• 10149349Oct 1, 2014Fuel system. N51 Engine: Service Engine Soon Lamp Illuminated - Loss of Power and Various Faults Stored in the DME. The customer complains that the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. The vehicle has lost power; the engine cranks but will not start; and various faults are stored in the DME for engine misfire and/or mixture adaptations. CAUSE The vehicle has lost fuel system delivery pressure due to a loose or split fuel…
• 10149279Oct 1, 2014Equipment. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Analysis of FASTA data and repeat repair visit reports indicates that there are many fault codes that are stored in the above vehicles, but they are not diagnosed to identify their root cause. Fault codes that are not diagnosed to find their root cause can lead to a repeat repair visit to the workshop by the customer.
• 10148034Sep 1, 2014Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. "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…
• 10148135Jul 1, 2014Electrical system. 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…
• 10148120Jul 1, 2014Electrical 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.
• 10148101Jun 1, 2014Electrical 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.
• 10148328May 1, 2014Equipment, Body and structure. Cleaning Excess Butyl from RHT Roof Shells. Butyl adhesive is used to secure the seals of the retractable hardtop (RHT) to the steel roof shell panels. Particularly at high ambient temperatures, if excess butyl is present, it may start to seep out from between the seal and the roof shell. This butyl may be black or gray in color. Excess butyl applied to the roof shell during assembly
• 10148320May 1, 2014Tires. Third Generation Tire Pressure Monitor System (RDC). INFORMATION As of September 2009 production, a new generation Tire Pressure Monitor System has been introduced for all 3 Series models. Although the basic operation of the system is similar to the previous version, there are several key differences between the two systems.
• 10148318May 1, 2014Tires, Equipment. Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Functional Changes. INFORMATION There has been a disruption in the production and supply chain of certain electronic components. These events have influenced global manufacturing facilities, including the automotive sector. In order to fulfill customer demand and maintain production schedules, BMW has made a change to the Tire Pressure Monitor System of certain vehicles.
• 10148316May 1, 2014Brakes. Incorrect Remaining Service Life from CBS Data for Brake pads. The yellow "Service Due" warning message lights up in the instrument cluster, even though the brake pad thickness is more than 4.2mm (above the thickness at which the pad sensor intervenes). 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. Note: E9x…
• 10148276Apr 1, 2014Equipment. Traffic Information Is Inoperative. The traffic information is intermittently or permanently inoperative. * Traffic flow is not displayed on the navigation map. * The traffic list is empty. 1. The Offboard Availability (backend) system is unavailable and is not sending traffic information. 2. The traffic information feature is not activated correctly.
• 10148275Apr 1, 2014Exterior lighting, Equipment. "One or Both Xenon Headlights Aiming Downwards. CAUSE Both sides are aiming downwards: * The most likely cause is a faulty or disconnected rear height sensor. In very extreme cases due to poor road conditions, both headlight assemblies could have the vertical aim ball socket adjuster disconnected, as noted below.
• 10148273Apr 1, 2014Equipment, Electrical system. Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge During Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days with an outside ambient temperature of less than 15F, 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.
• 10148010Mar 1, 2014Equipment, Electrical system. 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.
• 10148008Mar 1, 2014Equipment. RAD2+ Radio: Background Noise with Audio Turned Off. Background noise (buzzing, crackling, static) can be heard: * At low audio volume * When the radio is turned off * When the ignition is turned off NOTE: Background noise stops when the radio enters sleep mode. IMPORTANT: Background noise is more noticeable on vehicles produced before 09/2009 in case a RAD2+ replacement radio was installed previously. RAD2+ radio…
• 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…
• 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.
• 10147941Jan 1, 2014Steering. ELV Does Not Release. Cause 1: The steering column is held against the steering lock because of torque from the steering gear. In such cases, a yellow check control warning (CC ID# 187) is shown in the instrument cluster, but no faults are stored. Cause 2: Communication fault in the CAS (Car Access System) and ELV system network and/or battery low. The problem may cause the ELV warning to be displayed in yellow or…
• 10147937Jan 1, 2014Body and structure. Erroneous Trunk Lid Open Check Control Message. The trunk open check control message may appear, even though the trunk lid or tailgate is fully closed and latched. CAUSE Incorrect adjustment of the trunk latch striker
• 10147930Jan 1, 2014Transmission and drivetrain. GM6 - 6L45R: Diagnostic Procedure for Shudder or Vibration Issues. A shudder or vibration can be felt under light acceleration or when driving at constant suburban speeds. This can be most noticeable in the 1700 - 2200 engine rpm range while in 3rd through 6th gears. No faults are stored in the EGS module. CAUSE Changes in the frictional properties of the automatic transmission fluid over time can lead to momentary…
• 10150173Nov 1, 2013Body and structure, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Electrical system. "Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the memory position preset by the customer. Pressing the seat memory button typically will return the mirror to the stored position. Poor electrical contacts of the mirror drive in the mirror housing INFORMATION The problem has been integrated…
• 10150167Nov 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. Note: E9x vehicles with xDrive are not affected by this bulletin. Software…
• 10150161Nov 1, 2013Engine, Transmission and drivetrain. 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…
• 10150265Oct 1, 2013Equipment. Intermittently Stored FM Radio Stations Default to FM 87.7. Intermittently, the stored FM radio stations default to FM 87.7 after vehicle start-up. CAUSE 1. Low battery voltage or voltage drop at the head unit 2. Radio station preset contains FM 87.7 3. Remote key memory not set correctly or the setting is lost
• 10150264Oct 1, 2013Seats. "The replacement OC3 seat mat (front passenger seat occupancy) will not enable when following ISTA Repair Instruction REP 65 77 604, ""Replacing sensor mat (OC3 mat) for passenger seat occupancy detector."" 1. When the new mat is installed in the vehicle, too much pre-load pressure will prevent the mat from being enabled. ISTA/P WILL NOT enable the new part, and will cause permanent damage to it. 2. The new part…
• 10150224Aug 1, 2013Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). "Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the memory position preset by the customer. Pressing the seat memory button typically will return the mirror to the stored position. Poor electrical contacts of the mirror drive in the mirror housing INFORMATION The problem has been integrated…
• 10150221Aug 1, 2013Brakes. Brake Fluid Maintenance Service: 36-Month Interval. The CBS displays the first brake fluid service as a 36-month interval from the date of production instead of the appropriate 24-month interval.
• 10150037Jul 1, 2013Brakes. Brake Fluid Maintenance Service: 36-Month Interval. The coding in these vehicles has the CBS displaying the first brake fluid service as a 36-month interval from the date of production, instead of the appropriate 24-month interval.
• 10150065Jun 1, 2013Engine, Equipment. "BMW NA has agreed to extend the emissions warranties of the turbocharger's wastegate to: ??8 years or 82,000 miles, whichever occurs first, as determined from the vehicle's original in-service date select the ""Vehicle Comment"" button to display the extended coverage information. The terms of the original New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty and applicable emissions warranty still apply.
• 10149616May 1, 2013Seat belts. "Safety Belt Extender ""Handover"" Fails to Deliver the Belt to the Customer. The customer states that the seat belt extender ""handover"" on the front driver's or passenger side failed to deliver the belt. One or more of the following situations may apply: * The safety belt extender extends but the belt slips off. * The ""hand"" on the extender fails. * The safety belt is twisted. * The extender will not operate…
• 10149613May 1, 2013Equipment. In all audio modes (radio, CD, AUX-In, etc.), the audio output is distorted. It is more noticeable with high bass and high audio volume settings. There may also be an intermittent interference noise coming from the loudspeakers at low audio volume or when the radio is turned off. Audio settings in the RAD2+ (radio professional)
• 10149589May 1, 2013Fuel system, Engine. "N54 Engine: Diagnosis of Cold Start Rough Running with Misfire Faults. The customer may complain that during the cold start in the morning, the engine runs very roughly and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. Various misfire fault codes (e.g., 29CC, 29D2, 29D1, 29D0, 29C0, 29CF) may be stored in the DME control module. The engine rough running complaint can be reproduced on a cold start in the workshop.
• 10149344Apr 1, 2013Exterior lighting. Headlight Washer Nozzle Cover Sticks Out.
• 10150133Mar 1, 2013Equipment, Electrical system. In all audio modes (radio, CD, AUX-In, etc.), the audio output is distorted. It is more noticeable with high bass and high audio volume settings. There may also be an intermittent interference noise coming from the loudspeakers at low audio volume or when the radio is turned off. Audio settings in the RAD2+ (radio professional)
• 10150131Mar 1, 2013Air bags. "Enabling and Replacing New OC3 Seat Mat. The replacement OC3 seat mat (front passenger seat occupancy) will not enable when following ISTA Repair Instruction REP 65 77 604, ""Replacing sensor mat (OC3 mat) for passenger seat occupancy detector."" When the new mat is installed in the vehicle, too much pre-load pressure will prevent the mat from being enabled. ISTA/P WILL NOT enable the new part, and will cause…
• 10150130Mar 1, 2013Equipment. 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.

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