2016 BMW M3 Technical Service Bulletins

190 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2016 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.

• 11013041Jan 14, 2025Brakes. A turbine-like noise can be heard from the rear axle while deceleration during the first 300 miles of operation when braking from low speed.
• 10249027Jan 11, 2024Electrical system. The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.
• 10249016Jan 9, 2024Suspension. With the vehicle is on a lift and the front struts are in the extended position, there may be a cracking and orclicking type noise when turning the steering wheel left/right. See attached video V31 01 24. The sound can reoccur when the vehicle is lowered, and the wheels are once again under load. The noise might also be heard for a short time while driving.
• 10249018Jan 8, 2024Steering. At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially misaligned. This can be felt (jerking)/ heard via an acoustic acknowledgement (clunk) as seen at the 11 second mark of the video. See attached video V36 01 21.
• 10244237Oct 13, 2023Brakes. Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material-
• 10238090May 1, 2023Electrical system. After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.
• 10238081May 1, 2023Body and structure. Upon opening and closing the tailgate, a creaking/groaning sound can be heard from tailgate actuator.
• 10235205Mar 1, 2023Electrical system, Equipment. The 3G network in the US has been shut down. This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via the Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function. For this purpose, the SIM card must perform an IMS registration in the mobile communication network. Due to a production error, the telematics control units were delivered without an IMS configuration.
• 10235202Mar 1, 2023Electrical system, Exterior lighting. Exterior rear lights do not work.
• 10233158Feb 1, 2023Brakes. A turbine-like noise can be heard from the rear axle while deceleration during the first 300 miles of operation when braking from low speed.
• 10225126Sep 1, 2022Equipment. 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.
• 10214990May 1, 2022Electrical system. The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America EVO. The Headunit High 4 (HU-H4, also called MGU21) superseded the MGU starting with…
• 10212779Apr 1, 2022Equipment. Component and Issue Specific Limited Emission Warranty Extension. This component-specific limited emission warranty extension applies to defects in materials or workmanship.
• 10211809Mar 1, 2022Steering, Lane departure, Equipment. The steering intervention for Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is too strong (severe), which can create an uncomfortable feeling for the driver. Background: Steering intervention helps keep the vehicle in the lane if the system detects that a lane marking has been crossed. The steering intervention can be noticed on the steering wheel and can be manually overridden at any time.
• 10214259Feb 1, 2022Steering. Cracking noises heard from the area of the front axle when rotating the steering while stationary or at low speed.
• 10205068Nov 1, 2021Equipment. Customer may complain of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time, usually longer than 30 minutes.
• 10204660Sep 1, 2021Equipment. The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America EVO.
• 10203340Sep 1, 2021Steering. Groaning, scraping, or squeaking noise coming from the steering wheel area in the interior of the vehicle,when turning the steering wheel.
• 10203338Sep 1, 2021Latches, locks and linkages. The trunk lid/hatch does not open fully when unlatched with remote or hands-free operation.
• 10203336Sep 1, 2021Brakes. Inform the customer during a consultation that the M Compound (standard equipment) and M Carbon Ceramic (optional) brakes are high-performance brake systems which are designed for sporty, dynamic driving styles. As a side effect of the highest possible brake performance, customers are likely to hear noises due to the extremely resilient materials. In the same conversation, inform the customer that his/her braking…
• 10203335Sep 1, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. A turbine-like noise can be heard from the rear axle while deceleration during the first 300 miles of operationwhen braking from low speed.
• 10200249Jun 1, 2021Equipment, Electrical system, Other or unknown. The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022. The decision to phase out 3G network technology was made at the discretion of the respective cellular carriers and lies beyond the control of BMW. Due to the phase-out, BMW Assist and ConnectedDrive services will no longer be…
• 10200489May 1, 2021Equipment. TELEMATICS UNIT RETROFIT TO 4G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022.
• 10200487May 1, 2021Equipment. TELEMATICS UNIT DEACTIVATION DUE TO 3G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY DISCONTINUATION: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022.
• 10194298Apr 1, 2021Equipment, Brakes. Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 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.
• 10194296Apr 1, 2021Steering, Brakes. Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 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.
• 10186889Dec 1, 2020Equipment. ?A/C COOLING INTERMITTENT REDUCTION OF AIR FLOW: Customer may complain of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time, usually longer than 30 minutes. The evaporator starts to freeze up.
• 10186227Dec 1, 2020Electrical system, Equipment. ?A/C COOLING INTERMITTENT REDUCTION OF AIR FLOW: Customer may complain of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time, usually longer than 30 minutes. The evaporator starts to freeze up.
• 10184584Nov 1, 2020Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Equipment. 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.
• 10184575Nov 1, 2020Suspension, Wheels, Equipment. TICKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT AXLE WHEN CORNERING: The customer may complain of a metallic ticking noise from the front axle, when cornering, maneuvering, parking or pulling away from a parking space.
• 10179812Aug 1, 2020Suspension. CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONTAXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATION: Cracking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds (e.g., parking lot maneuvers) or when turning the steering wheel while stationary.
• 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…
• 10174320Apr 1, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. CONNECTEDDRIVE/BMW ASSIST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 7) replaces SI B84 02 14 dated May 2019. 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. Will assist you both…
• 10174032Apr 1, 2020Equipment. AUTOMATED ACTIVATION OF NAVIGATION SYSTEM DURING PDI/QC1: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 2) replaces SI B65 22 14 dated October 2015. The INITIAL NAV enabling code no longer needs to be pre-ordered through the Parts department!
• 10171504Jan 1, 2020Electrical system, Equipment. SOS MALFUNCTION DISPLAYED This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 1) replaces SI B84 04 16 dated September 2016. One or all the following may be experienced in the vehicle: An SOS malfunction is seen in the Kombi (aka instrument cluster) When pressing the E-Call/SOS button in the overhead console nothing happens Fault code B7F33C (internal ECU error) is stored in the Telematics control unit (ATM/TCB2) There are…
• 10171414Jan 1, 2020Air bags. SIDE PANEL REAR LIGHT HOUSINGS: LTD WTY EXT TO 10 YEARS WITHOUT MILEAGE LIMIT: The rear light housing(s) can loosen/detach at the mounting tabs this can cause a clacking sound in the rear of the vehicle while driving. The plastic mounting tabs for the rear tail light assembly housing(s) may become too brittle and crack to the point where the hold down nut(s) can no longer keep the housing(s) in place.
• 10170577Dec 1, 2019Brakes. HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMER DISCUSSIONS REGARDING MOTORSPORT VEHICLE BRAKES: Note for customer deleted: If the noise does not disappear despite the attempts to regenerate the brake a repair is required.
• 10169475Nov 1, 2019Equipment. NBT EVO CHANGES BETWEEN SELECTIONS BY ITSELF WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT- GHOST BEHAVIOR: The Central Information Display (CID) changes between selections ("ghost behavior") and sounds an audio tone without the CID Screen being touched. The audio tone is the same one that sounds when you touch the CID with your finger to make a 'touch' selection.
• 10169468Nov 1, 2019Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Equipment. Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full : The low washer fluid warning is illuminated even though the washer fluid reservoir is full. There are no faults stored in the system for the washer fluid level switch. A non-approved washer fluid was used that is silicone-based. Silicone-based fluids are not compatible with the contactless capacitive level sensor. Fluids that contain…
• 10169460Nov 1, 2019Equipment, Brakes. HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMER DISCUSSIONS REGARDING MOTORSPORT VEHICLE BRAKES: INFORMATION Inform the customer during a consultation that the M Compound (standard equipment) and M Carbon Ceramic (optional) brakes are high-performance brake systems which are designed for sporty dynamic driving styles. As a side effect of the highest possible brake performance customers are likely to hear noises due to the…
• 10166229Sep 1, 2019Suspension. Front Suspension Ride Height Has Dropped: The front suspension ride height has dropped on one or both sides due to overload. This is caused by driving over obstacles (e.g. potholes) or an impact severe enough for the front spring strut damper to slip through the clamp of the steering knuckle.
• 10165288Aug 1, 2019Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Body and structure. GROANING NOISE WHEN OPENING/CLOSING FRONT WINDOWS. A groaning noise can be heard from the front door(s) when opening or closing the power windows.
• 10165266Aug 1, 2019Equipment. SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS FOR CONNECTEDDRIVE. Security patches for non-safety critical vulnerabilities in BMW head units Entry Nav Entry Media NBT and NBT EVO.
• 10165263Aug 1, 2019Equipment. A/C COOLING: INTERMITTENT REDUCTION OF AIR FLOW This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 9) supersedes SI B64 06 13 dated June 2017. Customer may complain of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time usually longer than 30 minutes. The evaporator starts to freeze up due to the position of the evaporator temperature sensor.
• 10163995Jul 1, 2019Engine cooling, Equipment. DIAGNOSTIC HINT: CATALYTIC CONVERTER INSPECTION AFTER LOSS OF CRANKSHAFT SIGNAL. In certain situations when the crankshaft position signal is lost while driving the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and an engine malfunction check control message (CCM #29) may be displayed. The engine may run roughly or with reduced power.
• 10163049Jun 1, 2019Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Service Information June 2019 General Electrical Systems B61 08 19 Technical Service WINDSHIELD WIPERS SWITCH ON BY THEMSELVES. The windshield wipers switch on by themselves and can no longer be switched off despite activation of the switch. An internal software error in the SZL (steering column switch cluster).
• 10161581May 1, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. BLUETOOTH CONNECTION IS LOST DURING A PHONE CALL. During an active call the call audio autonomously switches from the vehicle hands-free system to the phone.
• 10161579May 1, 2019Equipment. Telematics control unit activation via dcsnet for bmw assist.
• 10161578May 1, 2019Equipment. INFORMATION New information provided by this revision is preceded by this symbol. This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B84 02 14 dated September 2018.
• 10161571May 1, 2019Equipment, Exterior lighting. The tail light mounting brackets may be cracked or broken. During assembly oil may have contaminated the plastic housing of the rear tail lamps causing damage to the mounting points of the tail light assembly.

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