2011 BMW X3Service bulletins
2011 BMW X3 Technical Service Bulletins
360 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2011 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.
- 10146660Apr 1, 2017Electrical system. The underlying 2G technology for the GSM (Global System Mobile communication) COMBOX will no longer be supported by the cellular network providers after December 31, 2016. This COMBOX and the BMW Assist services that use its functionality will therefore no longer function after that date.
- 10146659Apr 1, 2017Electrical system. SERVICE ACTION: GSM COMBOX DEACTIVATION / DISCONTINUATION WITH 4 YEAR ASSIST SERVICE. What's New: ? Model: Option code removed to prevent confusion about affected vehicles ? Situation: Information added about Bluetooth functionality that is not affect by this Service Action ? Correction: Information added about lease returns, loaner, CPO and used vehicles that are not eligible for the 3 customer options ?…
- 10146658Apr 1, 2017Equipment. "?Telematics Device Spares Replacement Part Activation via DCSnet for BMW Assist What's New: ? Model: All models added along with 6AC option code ? Situation: All information added ? Information: Deleted CDMA related information and added activation of Wi-Fi control unit ? Procedure: Added "Note" regarding ConnectedDrive support hotline information . A replacement telematics control unit must only be activated for…
- 10146653Apr 1, 2017Electrical system. TIME DISPLAY (CLOCK) ERROR IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. The clock on the basic instrument cluster (KOMBI) gradually loses time even after being reset. Power supply fluctuations cause the time to reset.
- 10146633Apr 1, 2017Engine cooling. SERVICE ACTION: REPLACE ACTIVATED CHARCOAL FILTER AND NVLD SENSOR HOLDER. What's New: ? Description of the problem and the procedure is clarified. The activated charcoal canister and NVLD sensor holder are damaged. Transportation damage.
- 10146632Apr 1, 2017Fuel system. ?N20, N26, N55, N63TU, S63TU and S55 Engines: Bosch Injector ETK Part Number Error What's New: ? Identifying the injector type using the ISTA test plan ? Determining the injector part number using the new the parts table. The current version of the ETK incorporates multiple part number errors for the Bosch type injectors. Ordering the injectors by VIN number or manual identification in ETK may result in an…
- 10146604Mar 1, 2017Equipment. ?SATELLITE RADIO DETERIORATION IN RECEPTION QUALITY DUE TO NEW CELLULAR FREQUENCIES . INFORMATION Inform the customer that the introduction of these expanded frequencies by the wireless mobile providers may be influencing reception quality. BMW is currently working with the wireless mobile providers in order to improve the quality of reception and help alleviate the issues that are caused by the wireless mobile…
- 10146603Mar 1, 2017Electrical system. ?NBT HEAD UNIT ABORTS IMPORT OF CD Whats New: ? G12 (7 Series) removed ? I01 (i3) removed ? Warranty Section updated for removal of G12 and I01 . While importing a CD to the internal music collection of an NBT head unit the process aborts. You will see 'import error' on the radio display when this occurs. NBT Head Unit software
- 10146574Mar 1, 2017Electrical system. SERVICE ACTION: REPLACE ACTIVATED CHARCOAL FILTER AND NVLD SENSOR HOLDER What's New: ? Procedure, parts and warranty added. The activated charcoal canister and or NVLD sensor holder may be damaged. Transportation damage.
- 10146573Mar 1, 2017Engine cooling. N20, N26, N55, N63TU, S63TU and S55 Engines: Bosch Injector ETK Part Number Error What's New: ? Procedure change: indentifying injector type using an ISTA test plan. . The current version of the ETK incorporates multiple part number errors for the Bosch type injectors. Ordering the injectors by VIN number or manual identification in ETK may result in an incorrect part number.
- 10136361Mar 1, 2017Equipment. HEADUNIT NAVIGATION MAPS (HU-H HU-H2 HU-B): The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (7/2012+).
- 10146544Feb 1, 2017Body and structure. ?RATTLE/ POPPING FROM REAR HATCH AREA . There are two related but separate issues (only one may be present at a time) during driving, especially on uneven surfaces: A. Clicking noises or squeaking noises from the area of the rear hatch. Or B. A popping sound coming from the area of the rear hatch. Bump stop height: A. Situation A - settling of the bump stops over time allows vibration, rattle of the hatch. B.
- 10146535Feb 1, 2017Engine cooling, Engine. "? NO REGENERATION OF THE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B18 03 10 dated November 2010. . The Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. The following fault codes may be stored in the DDE: N47T/N57T engine 245700 - Particle filter system: particulate filter highly loaded (Exhaust backpressure high) 245800 - particle filter system - filter is heavily contaminated.
- 10146534Feb 1, 2017Engine, Engine cooling. "? DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) CLEANING . The following performance issues may be noticed by the customer: CC-Message ""Drive faulty"" Engine jerking or a lack of power over the whole engine speed range Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated The following fault codes may be stored in the DDE: N47T/N57T engine Main Faults: 245700 - Particle filter system: particulate filter highly loaded (Exhaust…
- 10146533Feb 1, 2017Fuel system. ?DELIVERY STOP: ACTIVATED CHARCOAL FILTER. A Delivery Stop has been issued on the BMW X3 and X4 produced from February 3, 2017 ? February 7, 2017 involving the activated charcoal filter and holding bracket. The filter and the bracket must be inspected for cracks and replaced if necessary. Approximately 333 vehicles affected by this stop are in dealer inventory. Vehicles which are affected will show the campaign as…
- 10146526Feb 1, 2017Engine. ?N20 AND N26 ENGINE: HIGH PITCHED WHINING NOISE FROM LOWER ENGINE AREA . Whining noise from the lower engine area near the engine oil pump that increases frequency when increasing the engine RPM. Wear on the engine oil pump chain drive sprockets.
- 10150979Jan 1, 2017Equipment. ?VERTICAL LINES IN HEAD-UP DISPLAY. Run diagnostics and if display is found to be damaged, replace Head-Up display.
- 10146794Dec 1, 2016Equipment. SI B65 09 15 November 2016 Audio, Navigation, Monitors, Alarms,SRS Technical Service NBT Head Unit High (HU-H) Resets Intermittently or Permanently. The Head Unit-High (HU-H) resets intermittently or permanently. 1. The display is inoperative and there is no audio output 2. Automatic system start-up after a couple of seconds Fault Code E1C440 set No Fault Codes set Software error in the Head Unit High (HU-H)
- 10146966Nov 1, 2016Equipment, Electrical system. "USB DEVICE IS NOT DETECTED BY CHAMP2 HEAD UNIT. Media connected to the USB connector is not recognized by the audio system. Playback of files from the media is not possible. Message displayed on the audio system display: ""Title cannot be reproduced"" ""Is being read"" (but never plays back any audio) CAUSE Media with data files stored in more than 32 directories or 32 subdirectories within a directory. Media with…
- 10146964Nov 1, 2016Equipment. "NBT-EVO Head Unit Cannot Be Swapped Between Vehicles for Testing This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B65 13 16 dated July 2016.. If an NBT-EVO head unit is swapped into a different vehicle it will enter a locked mode once it recognizes a different VIN. This will set a fault in the Head Unit (NBT-EVO), Fault Code ""B7F87A: Burgler Actively Registered / Component Protection Active"" This will require…
- 10146962Nov 1, 2016Exterior lighting. "HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES HAVE VISIBLE INTERNAL MOISTURE/CONDENSATION. Water on the inside (A) or misting (B) of both headlight lenses that is visible from outside. Water inside the headlights can be caused by two situations: Water/moisture ingress into the headlight housing. Thermal conditions that result in the formation of condensation.
- 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).
- 10146906Oct 1, 2016Lane departure, Brakes, Engine. KAFAS CAMERA-BASED ASSISTANCE SYSTEM LIMITS. INFORMATION The situations described above may all be caused by known limitations of the system such as: Dirty windshield Incomplete calibration process Unsuccessful calibration Restricted visibility- weather conditions or parked vehicles Missing lamps on target vehicle Non-standard vehicle exterior surfaces Insufficient ambient lighting Abrupt motion of target vehicle.
- 10146904Oct 1, 2016Equipment, Electrical system. USB CABLE: BATTERY DISCHARGE/AUDIO FAILURE/RADIO RECEPTION. No sound from the radio, telephone, gong signal and or PDC. Poor radio reception and failure of the telematics systems. Possible Check Control system message: o Battery discharge when engine off. o Caution, no acoustic warning signals. Non BMW approved (third-party supplier) USB cable plugged into the USB port.
- 10146903Oct 1, 2016Equipment. "NBT NAVIGATION DOES NOT ROUTE ON TOLL ROADS. NBT Navigation does not provide routes that include certain toll roads. CAUSE Roads that have toll lanes ""without a cash option"" where not utilized for routing in NBT map data versions: NEXT 2015-1 NEXT 2015-2 NEXT 2016-1 As an enhancement, the NEXT 2017-1 map release now provides information about toll lanes ""without cash option"". UPDATE Install new map data."
- 10146902Oct 1, 2016Electrical system, Equipment. ?AUDIO VOLUME NOT RESTORED AFTER MSA STOP, ENTRY HEAD UNIT. Volume of audio system (when set to near maximum) is reduced when Auto Start-Stop (MSA) stop occurs and is not restored upon automatic engine restart. This is normal system behavior - serves to protect the head unit, battery drain and avoidance of incremental leaps in the loudness. The loudness is reduced to 2/3 of maximum and is not restored.
- 10146901Oct 1, 2016Electrical system, Equipment. CID Split Screen Always Changes Back to Compass Display. This Service Information bulletin Replaces SI B65 20 16 dated June 2016. After starting the vehicle, the Control Display (CID) right side (split screen) display does not stay on the last selection made by the driver. Within 30 seconds of starting the right side of the display changes by itself to the compass view. Software error (Head Unit NBT-EVO ID5) was…
- 10146892Oct 1, 2016Brakes. CBS BRAKE PAD CALCULATION AND CORRECTION. When a vehicle comes into the workshop for any repair or maintenance job, the bundling calculator recommends a brake maintenance checkup. No brake warning light is illuminated.
- 10146842Sep 1, 2016Electrical system. The Instrument Cluster Displays Various Check Control Messages This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 21 15 dated August 2016. The instrument cluster displays various check control messages. Signal invalid The wiring harness below the micro filter housing (right front area of the bulkhead) is damaged from washer fluid leaking into the harness.
- 10146837Sep 1, 2016Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WASHER FLUID LEAKS FROM THE HEADLIGHT WASHER JETS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 14 16 dated August 2016.. Washer fluid leaks from the headlight cleaning washer jets. Calcification buildup causes washer fluid to leak out of the headlight cleaning washer jets.
- 10147042Aug 1, 2016Equipment. BMW ONLINE NON-FUNCTIONAL: CHECK ICC-ID IN ACCOUNT. BMW Online/BMW ConnectedDrive not functional. Vehicle and service cockpit have different ICC-ID's.
- 10147041Aug 1, 2016Equipment. BMW ONLINE NON-FUNCTIONAL: CHECK ICC-ID IN ACCOUNT. The ConnectedDrive Services are non-functional after a hardware exchange of the telematics control unit. This is not indicated by CC-message. ConnectedDrive Services not synchronized by Telematics Control Unit.
- 10147039Aug 1, 2016Electrical system. INFORMATION ON THE OPERATION OF THE SMART OPENER. INFORMATION ON THE OPERATION OF THE SMART OPENER MODEL F07 (5 Series Gran Turismo) F10 (5 Series) F12 (6 Series Convertible) F13 (6 Series Coupe) F15 (X5) F16 (X6) F22 (2 Series Coupe) F23 ( 2 Series Convertible) F25 (X3) F26 (X4) F30 (3 Series Sedan) F31 (3 Series Wagon) F32 (4 Series Coupe) F33 (4 Series Convertible) F34 (3 Series Gran Turismo) F36 (4 Series Gran…
- 10147031Aug 1, 2016Electrical system, Equipment. The Instrument Cluster Displays Various Check Control Messages This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 21 15 dated March 2016.. The instrument cluster displays various check control messages. This includes messages for the PDC (Park Distance Control), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) and windshield washer system. There can be many different fault codes stored in the vehicle. Signal invalid.
- 10147028Aug 1, 2016Equipment, Exterior lighting. WASHER FLUID LEAKS FROM THE HEADLIGHT WASHER JETS. Washer fluid leaks from the headlight cleaning washer jets. Calcification buildup causes washer fluid to leak out of the headlight cleaning washer jets.
- 10147022Aug 1, 2016Body and structure. TAILGATE UNINTENTIONALLY OPENS. Trunk/tailgate may open when vehicle is locked. Trunk/tailgate may open while the vehicle is in motion. Usually after stopping, such as a traffic light etc. Vehicle key trunk/tailgate button may accidentally be pressed, thus opening the tailgate.
- 10147017Aug 1, 2016Engine, Equipment. "Delivery Stop: Remove Engine Oil Label. Affected vehicles in dealer inventory must not be retailed or delivered until the label is removed. Vehicles at ports of entry will be remedied prior to dealer delivery. On affected vehicles, there is an incorrect label regarding the appropriate engine oil. Affected vehicles can be identified with a ""Vehicle Comment"" in the DCS Warranty Vehicle Inquiry or ISPA Light.
- 10147550Jul 1, 2016Electrical system. Various Electrical Faults Caused by Shorted K-CAN2 This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 18 14 dated July 2014. One or more of the following situations can occur when the K-CAN2 wiring in the vehicles is shorted. There is no communication with any K-CAN2 control modules during an ISTA vehicle test.
- 10151375Jun 1, 2016Equipment. HeadUp Display does not Show Full Street Names. INFORMATION Design of the HUD has limited display area. (It can only show a certain number of text characters). NOTE: Parts replacement or programming the vehicle will not recitify the situation!
- 10151354Jun 1, 2016Equipment. Delivery Stop to replace cylinder head F25 (X3).
- 10151335May 1, 2016Equipment. Bluetooth Connection Failures. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple iPhones Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure examples are: Call disconnection - Call is transferred back to the handset. In some instances the call is then transferred back to the vehicle. Contact List incomplete General connection failures Apple iOS software (issue started with iOS 8.3 continues…
- 10151333May 1, 2016Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Equipment. """Collision Warning Failed"" or ""Pedestrian Warning Failed"" CCM Display. While driving, a Check Control Message (CCM) is displayed advising of the following: Front collision warning failed Pedestrian detection failed The following fault code is stored in the KAFAS (Camera-based Driver Assistance System): 0X800AC4 - Camera calibration failed The KAFAS camera is not properly mounted and secured to the mounting…
- 10151331May 1, 2016Equipment. Integrated Navigation Voice Not Loud Enough. Integrated Navigation voice guidance is not loud enough to be heard over loud music. Software error in the CHAMP2 Head Unit.
- 10151315May 1, 2016Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Passenger Side Mirror Dimming Feature Operational Change. INFORMATION The automatically dimming exterior mirror function on the passenger's side has been deleted from the Option Code 430 as noted above. The automatic dimming function will continue to be operational on the driver's side mirror and rear view mirror.
- 10151300May 1, 2016Engine, Equipment. N51, N52, N52K and N52T Engines: Various Eccentric Shaft Sensor Faults stored in the DME - Diagnostic Hints This Service Information bulletin and attachment supersedes SI B11 06 16 dated April 2016..
- 10151274Apr 1, 2016Electrical system. SOS Malfunction Is Displayed In Kombi Sporadically. After engine start-up, a CCM (Check Control Message) for SOS malfunction is displayed in the Kombi and in the CID (Central Information Display).
- 10151273Apr 1, 2016Body and structure. Comfort Access Sporadically Malfunctions. Any or all doors, including rear tailgate, cannot be opened from the outside door handle via CA (Comfort Access). Faults in CA for aerial short(s). Faults for door handle(s). Rapid opening and close (system overheating). No faults in the system and malfunction is sporadic or in a certain area; the situation is caused by interference to the signal.
- 10151253Apr 1, 2016Engine cooling. N20 - The Service Engine Soon Light is On with DME Fault 118602 Stored. The Service Engine Soon light is on (MIL) with only the following oxygen sensor fault stored. 118602 - Oxygen sensor before catalytic converter, fine mixture control: exhaust gas after catalytic converter too lean CAUSE An actual engine related problem and/or DME software diagnostic
- 10151249Apr 1, 2016Engine cooling. N20 and N26 engine: Smoke from Exhaust when Starting a Cold Engine. When starting a cold engine, blue smoke can be seen emitting from the exhaust tailpipe for approximately 10-20 seconds. No turbo charger boost faults are stored and no drivability issues can be detected. CAUSE When the vehicle is parked overnight the engine oil pressure will equalize and may leak past the turbo charger exhaust side turbine seal.
- 10151247Apr 1, 2016Engine cooling. N51, N52, N52K and N52T Engines: Various Eccentric Shaft Sensor Faults stored in the DME - Diagnostic Hints. The customer may complain about one of the following: Rough engine running Engine cannot be started (crank no start) Check Engine Light illuminated One or more of the following faults may be stored in the DME: 2A37 - Valvetronic, eccentric shaft sensor plausibility 2A47 - Valvetronic, eccentric shaft, signal…
← All problems reported for the 2011 BMW X3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.