2004 BMW X3 Technical Service Bulletins

59 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2004 BMW X3. 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.

• 10253326Apr 4, 2024Body and structure. While driving the vehicle on normal roads at10mph and above, a "cracking" sound from the top of the B-pillar(s) is heard.
• 10249437Jan 16, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Electrical system. The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
• 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.
• 10247574Dec 15, 2023Seats. A noise can be heard from underneath the seat while the seat is being moved either forwards or backwards. This can occur to the driver’s and/or the passenger’s front seat.
• 10244239Oct 18, 2023Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Body and structure. This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry
• 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.
• 10225114Sep 1, 2022Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). The front sunroof glass seal has shrunk, creating a gap which can cause wind noise or excess water entry.
• 10224186Aug 1, 2022Equipment, Body and structure. 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: 15 years/150,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date. 1. Air flap control (link) active, upper (G12, G30 and G32) 2. Air flap control (drive), active, upper 3. Air flaps, upper…
• 10224185Aug 1, 2022Equipment. 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 Leak Diagnosis Module with hose assembly (NVLD, shown) to: 15 years/150,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
• 10218420Jul 1, 2022Equipment, Electrical system. 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 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.
• 10218413Jul 1, 2022Suspension. BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective March 28, 2022) on certain Model Year 2022 BMW vehicles that were produced between March 1, 2022 and March 8, 2022 because the torsion struts may not have been installed at the plant. Do not deliver to a customer, a New, Certified Pre-Owned or Used vehicle subject to a Delivery Stop, until the vehicle is repaired. Do not use or sell replacement equipment/parts subject to…
• 10218384Jun 1, 2022Equipment, Electrical system. 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.
• 10218381Jun 1, 2022Electrical system, Air bags. A check control message for the restraint system appears. In the instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following fault codes is stored in the ACSM (air bag control unit): 930949 - Knee airbag, driver: short circuit to negative terminal 93094F - Knee airbag, front passenger: short circuit to negative terminal.
• 10182619Oct 1, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: 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.
• 10175267Apr 1, 2020Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. If the ignition is cycled the engine then usually performs normally.
• 10160287Apr 1, 2019Air bags. TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
• 10160244Apr 1, 2019Air bags. TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
• 10153726Jan 1, 2019Air bags. Takata class action settlement. Customer support program. Front driver side airbag modules.
• 10149557Oct 1, 2018Air bags, Electrical system. For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific? customer support program applies only if there is a defect in materials or workmanship of the Takata driver?s side airbag module in a listed vehicle.
• 10145306Jun 1, 2018Equipment. NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:
• 10143564May 1, 2018Equipment. NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:
• 10154816Feb 1, 2018Air bags. In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page. This page will allow IRFs to check their customers VINs for open Takata recalls; and get rewarded for helping us with completing repairs.
• 10142910Jan 1, 2018Seats. Front passenger seat occupancy (oc3) mat for srs: limited warranty extension to 15 years/unlimited miles
• 10146779Nov 1, 2016Electrical system. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015.. Fault codes stored in vehicles being serviced are not being diagnosed, leading to repeat repair visits (source- Analysis of FASTA data and repeat repair visit reports).
• 10147008Aug 1, 2016Brakes, Electronic stability control, Transmission and drivetrain. "REPAIRING TRANSFER CASE ACTUATOR (VTG SERVO-MOTOR). The Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Brakes and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warnings are on and there may also be a ""Drivetrain Malfunction"" warning on in the Control Display. There is also an audible clicking noise coming from the transfer case actuator when cycling the ignition. The following fault codes may be stored: (DSC) 5F3A - Clutch gearbox-ECU: clutch is…
• 10151115Feb 1, 2016Electrical system, Equipment. SUBJECT Audio System Speaker Testing. For audio system speaker testing there is a NED (Non Electrical Diagnosis) Test Plan available. CAUSE We previously recommended use of the Audio Test CD (ATC) from BMW. This CD has been discontinued.
• 10151068Feb 1, 2016Equipment, Steering, Electrical system, Engine. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Fault codes stored in vehicles being serviced are not being diagnosed, leading to repeat repair visits (source- Analysis of FASTA data and repeat repair visit reports).
• 10151023Jan 1, 2016Equipment. Whistling Noise Coming from the Center Vent - A/C is Off . A very high pitched whistling or beeping noise is heard coming from the center vents. The flow of refrigerant through the expansion valve at certain temperature differentials.
• 10147758Oct 1, 2015Equipment. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated May 2015. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Fault codes stored in vehicles being serviced are not being diagnosed, leading to repeat repair visits (source- Analysis of FASTA data and repeat repair visit reports).
• 10147241Sep 1, 2015Wheels, Transmission and drivetrain. Shudder from the Driveline on Vehicles with xDrive. There is a shudder or vibration from the driveline when taking off from a stop, or when accelerating at highway speeds. CAUSE Possible multiple root causes related to the engine, wheels & tires, suspension components or internal wear on the clutch plates of the xDrive transfer case.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 10057566Oct 1, 2014Exterior lighting. Bmw: some vehicles, with 552 option, are experiencing a malfunction of led headlight on one where it flickers on an doff during driving and the control check message is indicating defective driving light or parking light.
• 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.
• 10056324Jul 1, 2014Electrical system. Bmw: in some vehicles, when the k can2 wiring is shorted, no communication with any control modules (box electronics, telematic control module,car access system, radio/navigation, central gateway model or footwell module) during vehicle testing, no engagement of transmission gears, fail to start, when driving, will stop running. Model f25 (x3).
• 10148273Apr 1, 2014Electrical system, Equipment. 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.
• 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…
• 10150160Nov 1, 2013Equipment. State Inspection and Emission (I/M) Test Fails Due To an Invalid VIN Number. The customer of an affected vehicle may fail to pass an I/M test due to a non-compliant 17digit vehicle identification number (VIN) stored in the DME (Digital Motor Electronic). The VIN read out and displayed on the state test printout does not match the actual VIN of the vehicle.
• 10150039Jul 1, 2013Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Equipment. "?Panoramic Sunroof Repair Instructions. INFORMATION Sunroof Repair Instructions: The panoramic sunroof contains several ""mechanism sets"" which can be repaired and/or replaced independently in the event of a mechanical failure. When performing such a repair to any of these sets, the TIS/ISTA Repair Instructions (REP) should always be consulted. Due to the complex nature of these repairs, a set of complementary…
• 10149603May 1, 2013Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). "Panoramic Sunroof Repair Instructions. INFORMATION Sunroof Repair Instructions: The panoramic sunroof contains several ""mechanism sets"" which can be repaired and/or replaced independently in the event of a mechanical failure. When performing such a repair to any of these sets, the TIS/ISTA Repair Instructions (REP) should always be consulted. Due to the complex nature of these repairs, a set of complementary…
• 10052012Mar 1, 2013Electrical system. Bmw: battery has an increased demand due to developemental process of the electrical system. This is causing the batter to need to undergo an energy diagnosis.
• 10051899Jan 1, 2013Electrical system. Instrument cluster display is intermittently inoperative. Bmw f25, and f30 models.
• 10051459Dec 1, 2012Transmission and drivetrain. Bmw: dsc warning light is on. The warning lamps for dsc, abs and brake warning illuminated. There may also be a warning in the control display for chassis control system failure.
• 10044679Aug 1, 2011Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Bmw: see document search button for owner letter. Information regarding the defect in the rear window defroster that fails to operate properly. No model years listed.
• 10029605Aug 1, 2011Air bags. Bmw service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. The airbag warning lamp (awl) is illuminated, together with the passenger airbag status lamp (pol). The problem may be intermittent. Microcracks in the oc3 seat mat. *pe updated 9/30/11.
• 10040852Jul 1, 2011Engine cooling. Bmw: the service engine soon light is on. There are trouble codes stored for the crankshaft sensor. No driveability issues.
• 10028370Nov 1, 2010Engine cooling, Electrical system. Bmw: check engine lamp illuminated and/or vehicle overheats. Models e83, e85, e86, e70, e90, e91, e92, e93, e60 and e61. *pe updated 5/24/11.
• 10037025Aug 1, 2010Exterior lighting. Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.

← All problems reported for the 2004 BMW X3