2012 BMW X3 Technical Service Bulletins

349 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2012 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, 2023Body and structure, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry
• 10238090May 1, 2023Electrical system. After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.
• 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.
• 10230717Dec 1, 2022Fuel system. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Fuel Injectors to 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
• 10227568Oct 1, 2022Seats, Lane departure, Back-over prevention (rear camera), Air bags, Other or…. According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction" is stored. The fault may or may not currently be present. Or 2. ACSM fault code "930A1C - Front passenger seat occupancy detection transmitting fault(moisture)" is stored. The fault may or may not…
• 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, 2022Body and structure, Equipment. 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, 2022Electrical 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 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, 2022Air bags, Electrical system. 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.
• 10215746May 1, 2022Engine cooling, Equipment. Component specific limited warranty extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor(s) to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle original in-service date.
• 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…
• 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.
• 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.
• 10199287May 1, 2021Fuel system, Engine cooling. CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Oliver, et al v. BMW NA, et al
• 10198894May 1, 2021Fuel system, Engine cooling. CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Oliver, et al v. BMW NA, et al
• 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…
• 10179003Jul 1, 2020Electrical system, Equipment. VEHICLE DOES NOT START BATTERY TOTALLY DISCHARGED: The customer's vehicle does not start due to a totally discharged battery.
• 10178996Jul 1, 2020Wheels, Brakes. TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied, noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle must be moving.
• 10177628Jun 1, 2020Electrical system. VEHICLE DOES NOT START BATTERY TOTALLY DISCHARGED: The customer's vehicle does not start due to a totally discharged battery.
• 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!
• 10174024Apr 1, 2020Electrical system. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAYS VARIOUS CHECK CONTROL MESSAGES INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAYS VARIOUS CHECK CONTROL MESSAGES: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 7) replaces SI B61 21 15 dated October 2018. The instrument cluster displays various check control messages.
• 10174015Apr 1, 2020Brakes, Air bags. TAILGATE UNINTENTIONALLY OPENS: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 4) replaces SI B51 30 16 dated March 2018. 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 be accidentally pressed thus opening the tailgate.
• 10174009Apr 1, 2020Transmission and drivetrain, Wheels, Back-over prevention (rear camera), Brakes. TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 3) replaces SI B34 05 17 dated September 2017. Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle must be moving. See attached video V34 01 20 Note: For a similar noise heard when parking with the brakes applied refer to SIB 31 01 12.
• 10172490Feb 1, 2020Engine cooling. Fault Code 1D2008 Stored in DME: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 5) replaces SI B12 33 14 dated February 2016. The Service Engine Soon light is on. There may also be a complaint of low heat output with lower outside temperatures. CAUSE During the engine warm-up the engine coolant does not reach operating temperature within the DME's allowable time limits.
• 10169471Nov 1, 2019Engine cooling, Electrical system. SERVICE ACTION: OPTIMIZING THE WATER DRAIN. The water drain in the engine compartment's passenger side cowl near the firewall may be inadequate during exceptionally high water volumes. Water can accumulate and not drain out quickly enough.
• 10166384Sep 1, 2019Equipment, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). RATTLE NOISE FROM SUNROOF AREA: There is a rattle noise present from the area of the sunroof most commonly when driving over rough road surfaces.
• 10166232Sep 1, 2019Body and structure. RATTLE/POPPING FROM TAILGATE AREA: There are two related but separate complaints (only one may be present at a time) during driving especially on uneven surfaces. Clicking noises or squeaking noises from the area of the tailgate. Or a popping sound coming from the area of the tailgate.
• 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.
• 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.
• 10162434Jul 12, 2019Equipment. Service Action: CIC - Install Navigation Road Map Database 2013. Before delivering affected vehicles to the customer, the Car Information Computer (CIC) road map database 2013 must be installed onto the CIC internal Hard Disc Drive (HDD).
• 10162423Jul 10, 2019Electrical system, Brakes. "Service Action: Programming Update for Condition Based Service (CBS) Data. Due to a software error, the remaining distance to a brake service may be incorrectly displayed in the instrument cluster and/or control display. When the calculated distance for a brake service falls below 1243 miles, the range may be improperly displayed. VEHICLES AFFECTED: This Service Action involves certain X3 vehicles which were…
• 10162399Jul 10, 2019Engine, Equipment, Fuel system. N20 Engine: Ticking Noise from High-pressure Fuel Pump. The customer complains of a high-frequency ticking noise from the engine compartment. The noise can be heard inside and outside the vehicle. Mechanical vibrations inside the high-pressure fuel pump.
• 10162396Jul 9, 2019Transmission and drivetrain, Engine cooling. N52T / N55 with 8HP45: Delay in Engine Response. A customer may complain of a delay in engine response after decelerating at low road speeds and then reaccelerating. This can occur when the transmission remains in a high gear due to a delay in the transmission downshifting. This situation can be more noticeable while driving on roads with slight turns or with an increasing gradient. Unfavorable EGS and DME software
• 10162395Jul 9, 2019Equipment, Engine cooling. N55 Engine: Various Faults Stored in DME Related to VANOS and Camshaft Position. A rattling noise can be heard from the engine compartment; the engine has a loss of power; and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. One or more of the following faults may be stored.
• 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.
• 10163029Jun 1, 2019Engine. N55 ENGINE: FC 28A0 OR 101F01 THROTTLE VALVE OPENING ANGLE. The engine malfunction warning is illuminated and one of the following fault codes are stored in the DME shortly after programming the vehicle or with a customer complaint.
• 10163027Jun 1, 2019Engine cooling, Engine. ENGINE VIBRATIONS OR NOISE This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B11 01 19 dated February 2019.
• 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.

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