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.

• 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…
• 10151200Mar 1, 2016Electrical system, Equipment. "NBT-EVO Head Unit Cannot Be Swapped Between Vehicles for Testing. 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 require REPLACEMENT of the head unit to restore operation. To prevent easy re-use of stolen Head units additional features are introduced with 11/15 ISTA/P software to bring NBT-EVO to a higher security level. In…
• 10151197Mar 1, 2016Electrical system, Equipment. NBT and Entry Head Unit Software Update for Improved Satellite Radio Reception. Poor Satellite Radio reception CAUSE After this software update there is a slight improvement in Satellite Radio reception for these vehicles when receiving their signal from XM Satellites. This is due to the changeover from Sirius Satellite broadcasting to XM Satellite broadcasting in 2016 (See SI B65 19 15).
• 10151196Mar 1, 2016Electrical system, Equipment. NBT Head Unit Aborts Import of CD. 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
• 10151190Mar 1, 2016Equipment. "Air Conditioning Refrigerant R1234yf Introduction. Highlights of R-1234yf Meets SAE J2888_201301 ""This SAE Standard covers fittings, couplers, and hoses intended for connecting service hoses from mobile air- conditioning Systems to service equipment such as charging, recovery and recycling equipment"" New tools and equipment are required. To service vehicles equipped with R-1234yf refer to SI B04 02 16. Air…
• 10151187Mar 1, 2016Electrical system. The Instrument Cluster Displays Various Check Control Messages. 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.
• 10151119Feb 1, 2016Electrical system, Equipment. SI B84 03 14 February 2016 Communication Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B84 03 14 dated October 2014. SUBJECT 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…
• 10151118Feb 1, 2016Electrical system, Back-over prevention (rear camera). SUBJECT TRSVC Control Unit Cannot Be Programmed. During ISTA/P session, ISTA/P requests that the TRSVC (Top Rear Side View Camera) control unit be replaced because ISTA/P cannot program it. Software error in the TRSVC control unit
• 10151115Feb 1, 2016Equipment, Electrical system. 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.
• 10151108Feb 1, 2016Electrical system. February 2016 General Electrical Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 03 14 dated May 2015. SUBJECT Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge during Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days (an outside ambient temperature below 15F), customers may notice a check control message related to the battery displayed on the instrument cluster and the control information…
• 10151079Feb 1, 2016Equipment, Fuel system. SI B13 03 15 February 2016 Fuel Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B13 03 15 dated March 2015 and replaces SI B13 04 13 dated March 2014. SUBJECT N20, N26, N55, N63TU, S63TU and S55 Engines: Bosch Injector ETK Part Number Error. The current version of the ETK incorporates multiple part number errors for the Bosch type injectors. Ordering the injectors by VIN number or manual…
• 10151077Feb 1, 2016Engine cooling, Equipment, Transmission and drivetrain. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 12 33 14 dated December 2015. SUBJECT Fault Code 1D2008 Stored in DME. The Service Engine Soon light is on. Fault Code 1D2008: Map thermostat: jammed open is stored in the DME. 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…
• 10151072Feb 1, 2016Engine cooling. February 2016 Engine Technical Service This Service Information Bulletin supersedes SI B11 16 15 dated September 2015 SUBJECT 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.
• 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.
• 10151018Jan 1, 2016Electrical system. ?Clock gains or loses time. The time displayed in the KOMBI (instrument cluster) may gain or lose a few minutes each week. Internal KOMBI calculation error.
• 10151014Jan 1, 2016Electrical system, Electronic stability control, Visibility (wipers, defrost…. 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 vehice. 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.
• 10150905Jan 1, 2016Fuel system, Equipment. SI B16 15 14 January 2016 Fuel Supply Systems Technical Service.This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B16 15 14 dated December 2014, designates changes to this revision. SUBJECT NVLD Tank Leakage FC 190302 Fuel Tank Ventilation and Purge Air System Micro Leak . The engine malfunction warning is illuminated and the following fault code is stored in the DME memory: FC 190302 Fuel tank ventilation and purge…
• 10147884Dec 1, 2015Electrical system. Instrument Cluster Outside Temperature Display Implausible. INFORMATION This service information bulletin provides technical, diagnostic and/or repair-related information. Eligible and Covered Work/Repairs To submit a claim for the repair of a verified defect in materials or workmanship, please following the established and applicable warranty policy and procedures together with the using corresponding defect code…
• 10147863Dec 1, 2015Engine, Engine cooling. Fault Code 1D2008 Stored in DME. The Service Engine Soon light is on. Fault Code 1D2008: Map thermostat: jammed open is stored in the DME. 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. This is caused by either a faulty thermostat inside the transmission…
• 10147833Nov 1, 2015Equipment, Electrical system. HU-H: Headunit Resets Intermittently or Permanently. The HU-H (Headunit-High) resets intermittently or permanently. ? The display is inoperative and there is no audio output ? Automatic system start-up after a couple of seconds CAUSE Software error in the HU-H
• 10147831Nov 1, 2015Electrical system. "Instrument Cluster display inoperative FC B7F689. The Instrument Cluster (Kombi) is intermittently inoperative with fault code B7F689 ""display backlighting and graphics PCB switched off"" stored. Kombi software."
• 10147830Nov 1, 2015Electrical system. "Instrument Cluster display is partially blank. INFORMATION Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks or the BMW Certified Pre-Owned Program. If you are using a Main labor code for another repair, use the Plus code labor operation 00 00 556 instead. Refer to KSD2 for the corresponding flat rate unit (FRU) allowances.
• 10147783Oct 1, 2015Equipment, Electrical system. Navigation CIC vehicle positioning temporarily incorrect. The Navigation system may temporarily display the vehicle in the wrong location. This mainly occurs on short sections of road and the vehicle position may take 2 or more minutes to be shown correctly. Invalid calculation in the CIC head unit.
• 10147779Oct 1, 2015Electrical system. Instrument Cluster display is partially blank. The Instrument Cluster (Kombi) lower display may be intermittently blank. The Board Computer, Ambient Temperature and Check Control Messages will not display. Instrument Cluster software error.
• 10147778Oct 1, 2015Vehicle speed control. "Active Cruise Control will not engage. AFFECTED VEHICLES This Service Action involves F25 (X3) produced from December 9, 2010 to July 31, 2012. Vehicles which require this Service Action to be completed will show it as ""Open"" when checked either in the ""Service Menu"" of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or with the Key Reader."
• 10147257Sep 1, 2015Steering. Grating or Scraping Noise When Turning Steering Wheel. There is a grating or scraping noise when the steering wheel is turned. The noise comes from the steering column switch cluster (SZL), coil spring or steering wheel. CAUSE When the steering wheel is turned, the connection between the steering wheel and the steering column switch cluster causes torsional stress, which creates a noise in the coil spring cassette.
• 10147253Sep 1, 2015Body and structure. "This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B51 29 15 dated August 2015.. Both rear side ""fixed"" windows need to be replaced due to incorrect glue application, this may cause a water leak. AFFECTED VEHICLES This Service Action involves F25 (X3) and F26 (X4) produced from July 13, 2015 to July 14, 2015.
• 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.
• 10147235Sep 1, 2015Engine cooling, Engine. ?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. Engine oil leakage into the induction system and/or the turbo charger assembly.
• 10151414Aug 1, 2015Body and structure. Delivery Stop: Rear Side Window. Delivery Stop has been issued on vehicles produced from August 13, 2015 through August 14, 2015. These vehicles may have had the rear side window adhesive incorrectly applied. Affected vehicles in dealer inventory must not be retailed or delivered until this issue is corrected. Vehicles at ports of entry will be repaired prior to dealer delivery. This bulletin will be updated with…
• 10151404Aug 1, 2015Transmission and drivetrain. Vibration or Shudder from Driveline when Accelerating from a Stop. Chassis stabilization warning is displayed. Vehicle may exhibit a shudder or vibration when taking off from a stop. One or more of the following fault codes may be stored: LMV ? 440101 - Transfer box (VTG): End of transmission service life reached ? 440105 - Transfer box (VTG ) Calibration Faulty ? 440115 - Transfer box (VTG): Calibration angle…
• 10151399Aug 1, 2015Engine. The plastic oil filter housing may fail and lead to an internal and/or external engine oil or coolant leak.
• 10147211Jul 1, 2015Equipment. NAV Road Map Installation Using USB Stick. INFORMATION The Navigation road map can be installed onto the head unit in the vehicle using a USB stick connected to the USB connector in the center console in the vehicle. ? 32GB USB stick is necessary ? Desired NAV road map version can be retrieved from the HDD-Update console PROCEDURE 1. Copy the desired NAV road map from the HDD-Update console onto a 32GB USB stick…
• 10147202Jul 1, 2015Equipment. "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. Remove the engine oil label (located in the…
• 10146945Jul 1, 2015Engine cooling, Equipment. The plastic oil filter housing may fail and lead to an internal and/or external engine oil or coolant leak.
• 10146944Jul 1, 2015Engine. N20 Engine: Repeated Juddering or Surging While Accelerating. The vehicle judders or surges repeatedly while accelerating in hot ambient temperatures between 3,000 RPM and 5,000 RPM. The Service Engine Soon lamp is not illuminated, and no fault codes are stored in the vehicle memory related to this complaint. CAUSE The EPDW (electropneumatic pressure convertor) for the turbocharger wastegate valve is binding…
• 10146941Jul 1, 2015Electrical system, Vehicle speed control. "Cruise Control does not Operate after Programming with ISTA/P 3.56.x. After programming the vehicle with ISTA/P 3.56.x (integration level F025-15-07-50x), cruise control cannot be activated. If the customer tries to activate cruise control, a Check Control message ""System cannot be activated"" is displayed. CAUSE This is caused by a software error in ISTA/P 3.56.x and is planned to be resolved with ISTA/P 3.56.2."
• 10058986Jul 1, 2015Equipment. The plastic oil filter might fail which will cause a leakage to the internal and /or external engine oil or coolant
• 10147154May 1, 2015Equipment. HU-H: Headunit Resets Intermittently or Permanently. The HU-H (Headunit-High) resets intermittently or permanently. ? The display is inoperative and there is no audio output ? Automatic system start-up after a couple of seconds CAUSE Software error in the HU-H
• 10147149May 1, 2015Exterior lighting, Electrical system. Check Control Message with Rear Light Failure. Intermittently, a Check Control Message (CCM) is displayed for one or more rear light failures: ? Rear light ? Brake light ? Rear indicator One or more fault codes are registered in the Footwell Module (FRM) for one or more circuits with the fault not currently present: ? 800F46 - Indicator rear left defective ? 800F47 - Indicator rear right defective ? 800F56 - Brake…
• 10147143May 1, 2015Electrical 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. Various power management faults can occur. The check control message (ID…
• 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.
• 10152317Apr 1, 2015Back-over prevention (rear camera). Surround View Camera Last User Mode Operation Change. After programming with ISTA/P 2.53.5 or a more recent version, the rear camera view is displayed when the reverse gear is selected. The vehicle does not remember the last user mode (surround/top camera view). INFORMATION An operational concept change for the surround/top camera view was introduced with ISTA/P 2.53.5 (I-level Fxx-14-07-505). When the reverse gear…
• 10152306Apr 1, 2015Fuel system. "N20 and N26 Engines: ETK Injector Part Number Error. INFORMATION The current version of ETK has an error on screen 13_1417: ""High -pressure pump/Tubing."" When selecting the high-pressure pump, the screen states ""only in conjunction with injector."" Disregard this statement and only replace the high-pressure pump.
• 10147690Mar 1, 2015Equipment. One or both of the situations listed below may be encountered: ? Android device connection stability (dropped calls) ? Third-Party App Metadata: The album art and song title do not update when streaming audio from Pandora or Spotify, etc. New KISU (Customer Initiated Software Update) software is available on the TIS website. This software improves the Bluetooth functionality in our vehicles, and it helps to keep us…
• 10147667Mar 1, 2015Engine cooling, Engine. Fault Code 1D2008 Stored in DME. The Service Engine Soon light is on. Fault Code 1D2008: Map thermostat: jammed open is stored in the DME. 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. This is caused by either a faulty thermostat inside the transmission…
• 10147653Mar 1, 2015Engine. "N20 and N55 Engine: Engine Oil Filter Application for Plastic Oil Filter Housing. The current version of EPC does not provide all available options for the engine oil filters used in the N20 and N55 engines produced with a ""plastic"" oil filter housing. The illustration below will help identify the proper engine oil filter application until the EPC is corrected."
• 10147652Mar 1, 2015Engine. N20 and N26 Engine: Oil Leaks from Cylinder Head Cover. There is an engine oil leakage under the vehicle, or the vehicle smells of engine oil. The cylinder head cover gasket is leaking engine oil due to loose retaining bolt(s).

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