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.

• 10148096Jun 1, 2014Tires. RDC: Incorrect Tire Position Displayed with Air Pressure Drop. When there is a low tire pressure warning, in some cases the position of the affected tire may be incorrectly displayed in the instrument cluster and CD (Control Display). Software error in the RDC (tire pressure control) module in conjunction with wheel electronics part number 4 078 787 or 4 079 152.
• 10056099Jun 1, 2014Electrical system, Other or unknown. Bmw: when using iphone, various connectivity failures occur, such as disconnection of call, list of contacts incomplete, due to the variants and software used. Model 2008-2014.
• 10148333May 1, 2014Electrical system, Engine. Condition Based Service Due Date Is Reset to 01/2000. The Condition Based Service (CBS) due date is reset to 01/2000 and cannot be updated for: * Oil Service * Check Vehicle Note: No fault code is stored Software error in the Instrument Cluster.
• 10148318May 1, 2014Tires, Equipment. Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Functional Changes. INFORMATION There has been a disruption in the production and supply chain of certain electronic components. These events have influenced global manufacturing facilities, including the automotive sector. In order to fulfill customer demand and maintain production schedules, BMW has made a change to the Tire Pressure Monitor System of certain vehicles.
• 10148316May 1, 2014Brakes. Incorrect Remaining Service Life from CBS Data for Brake pads. The yellow "Service Due" warning message lights up in the instrument cluster, even though the brake pad thickness is more than 4.2mm (above the thickness at which the pad sensor intervenes). The calculated remaining service life for the brake pads (front and/or rear axle) from the CBS data does not match the actual brake pad thickness. Note: E9x…
• 10148276Apr 1, 2014Equipment. Traffic Information Is Inoperative. The traffic information is intermittently or permanently inoperative. * Traffic flow is not displayed on the navigation map. * The traffic list is empty. 1. The Offboard Availability (backend) system is unavailable and is not sending traffic information. 2. The traffic information feature is not activated correctly.
• 10148273Apr 1, 2014Equipment, Electrical system. 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.
• 10148259Apr 1, 2014Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain, Engine. 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
• 10148256Apr 1, 2014Transmission and drivetrain, Engine. 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
• 10148252Apr 1, 2014Transmission and drivetrain. "Transmission Intermittently Goes into ""P"" or ""N"" After MSA Engine Start. After an MSA engine start, the transmission intermittently goes into the Park (P) or Neutral (N) position without any customer influence. This problem can be sporadic, difficult to reproduce, and no relevant faults are stored. Unfavorable DME/EGS software"
• 10052077Apr 1, 2014Transmission and drivetrain. Bmw: due to unfavorable dme/egs software, the transmission can sporadically go into park or neutral. This occurs after an msa engine start. Also included model m6 model year 2012. *js updated 2/11/14. *pe updated 08/05/2014
• 10049299Apr 1, 2014Electrical system, Engine. Bmw: without relevant faults stored in dme memory, when at low speed maneuvering and idling, or steering turned to full lock position, or driving off throttle (coasting) and braking at 10mph, vehicle would idle speed may fluctuate up and down or cut off. Models 2012 e70, 71, 82, 88, 90, 92, 93, f07, 10, 12, 13, 25. *pe updated 05/13/2013 *js updated 08/7/2014
• 10148010Mar 1, 2014Equipment, Electrical system. ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist System Information and Availability. ConnectedDrive features are partially or completely inoperative. Examples of some of these features are listed below: * BMW Assist Inoperative ? SOS call ? Roadside Assistance call * My BMW Remote App * BMW Online - Google local search * Concierge CAUSE The Electronic Subscriber Agreement (ESA) is inactive.
• 10148009Mar 1, 2014Wheels, Steering, Suspension, Lane departure. Steering Wheel Vibration Level Is Unacceptable. The vibration level produced by the steering wheel vibration actuator is too strong or too weak. This is only noticed when Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is triggered. CAUSE Vibration actuator in the steering wheel
• 10147923Mar 1, 2014Electrical system. """Increased battery discharge!"" CC Message upon Startup. CAUSE A software error in the Intelligent Battery Sensor causes an incorrect State of Charge (SoC) to be stored in the DME. The power management system then interprets this as a heavily discharged battery and informs the customer via a CC message. In reality, the battery does not have a problem."
• 10147984Feb 1, 2014Equipment. iPhone Charging Status Constantly Switches On and Off. INFORMATION Do not replace any other parts! Advise the customer that he/she must use one of the following: * The original Apple iPhone/iPOD USB cable that came with the device * A BMW supplied iPhone/iPOD USB adapter cable PARTS INFORMATION
• 10147982Feb 1, 2014Equipment. Headunit-High: Navigation Road Map Installation After Replacement. When replacing the HU-H, the road map database version that was in the defective HU-H must be installed in the new HU-H.
• 10147981Feb 1, 2014Air bags. "Airbag Warning Light: ACSM FC 930A60 Seat Occupancy Detection. According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be on when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. ACSM fault code ""930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction"" is stored. The fault may or may not currently be present. CAUSE The front passenger seat occupancy mat consists of a seat occupancy mat with a…
• 10147976Feb 1, 2014Electrical system. The Condition Based Service (CBS) due date is reset to 01/2000 and cannot be updated for: * Oil Service * Check Vehicle Note: No fault code is stored Software error in the Instrument Cluster
• 10147970Feb 1, 2014Brakes, Wheels. "Wheel Speed Sensor Failure. The Check Control Message displays: ""Driving stabilization, continue driving at a moderate speed. Avoid abrupt braking as far as possible."" Drive to the nearest BMW Service Center. Also ""TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) failed"" may be displayed.
• 10147954Jan 1, 2014Equipment. Enabling Code FSC/SWT - Enabling the Navigation System Map at QC1. The navigation system is inoperative unless the map is enabled during the QC1 Pre-Delivery Check. INFORMATION New vehicles come equipped with a navigation road map that must be enabled via an enable code (FSC). This process is part of the QC1 Pre-Delivery Check performed with the ISID (ISTA Diagnosis). IMPORTANT: There is no programming involved!
• 10147953Jan 1, 2014Electrical system. "ConnectedDrive/BMW ASSIST Features Are Inoperative. ConnectedDrive features are partially or completely inoperative. * No traffic information (RTTI / ARTTI) * BMW ASSIST ""My Info"" service doesn't work. CAUSE The Electronic Subscriber Agreement (ESA) is inactive. * No active contract for ConnectedDrive features Offboard Availability (Backend) system issues * The external network was/is inoperative. * No data is…
• 10147952Jan 1, 2014Electrical system. Headunit-High: INITIAL Enabling Code Is Not Accepted Via I-Drive. INFORMATION Do not replace any parts. NOTE: First time activation of the navigation system should always be performed during the Quality Certification 1 (QC1) Pre-Delivery Check, with the vehicle connected to the diagnosis system ISTA. Refer to SI B65 30 09. Connect the vehicle to the diagnosis system ISTA and activate the navigation system. The code…
• 10147945Jan 1, 2014Exterior lighting. Delay in Automatic Driving Light Switching On/Off. When driving out of a tunnel or exiting underground parking, the automatic driving light remains switched on for two minutes, even in daylight. The automatic driving light switching on/off can be shorter or longer when it starts to get dark. CAUSE The software for the switch-on threshold is lowered to protect the xenon light source.
• 10147706Jan 1, 2014Engine. ?N20 and N26 Engine: Various VANOS System Faults Stored in DME. The Service Engine Soon lamp and Engine Malfunction warning are illuminated, and the vehicle has reduced power output. This situation can occur as a customer complaint, or after performing repairs to the engine valve train assembly. One or more of the following faults is stored in the DME.
• 10150181Nov 1, 2013Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. """Increased battery discharge!"" CC Message upon Startup. CAUSE A software error in the Intelligent Battery Sensor causes an incorrect State of Charge (SoC) to be stored in the DME. The power management system then interprets this as a heavily discharged battery and informs the customer via a CC message. In reality, the battery does not have a problem."
• 10150172Nov 1, 2013Body and structure. Bolt for Tailgate Strut Holder Corroded. The customer may notice traces of corrosion on the bolt securing the tailgate strut. CAUSE Corrosion protection coating of the bolt was below BMW specifications.
• 10150167Nov 1, 2013Brakes. Incorrect Remaining Service Life from CBS Data for Brake pads. The calculated remaining service life for the brake pads (front and/or rear axle) from the CBS data does not match the actual brake pad thickness. The customer notices implausible remaining distances (too high or too low) on the front and/or the rear axle brake system. Note: E9x vehicles with xDrive are not affected by this bulletin. Software…
• 10150161Nov 1, 2013Engine, Transmission and drivetrain. N55: Engine Difficult to Start at Cold Ambient Temperatures. The complaint may include any of the following symptoms: * The engine stalls immediately after a cold start before driving away * The engine may run roughly or misfire after a cold start * The engine does not start cold or may take several attempts * To assist starting when cold, the accelerator may need to be depressed slightly and the idle speed raised…
• 10150159Nov 1, 2013Engine, Transmission and drivetrain. MN16 Engine: FC 2D9B Knock Sensor, Signal Is Stored in the DME. Certain areas of the US experience extremely cold climate conditions during the winter months, which can cause the Service Engine Soon lamp to illuminate while the engine temperature is increasing to full operating temperature. The following fault may be stored in the DME: ??FC 2D9B Knock Sensor, Signal CAUSE Unfavorable DME knock sensor diagnostic at…
• 10150261Oct 1, 2013Steering. Noise from Steering Column Switch Cluster when Turning. A scraping noise is heard from the SZL (Steering Column Switch Cluster) area. This occurs when turning the wheel from 30 to 60 degrees. CAUSE The unlocking pin in the SZL makes contact with the steering wheel.
• 10150256Oct 1, 2013Fuel system. N55 Engine: Erroneous Service Engine Soon Lamp Illuminated with Mixture Faults Stored in the DME. INFORMATION An error has been identified in the current version of ETK regarding N55 fuel injector replacement part numbers and production dates. Installing the incorrect injector part number can lead to an erroneous Service Engine Soon lamp illumination and various mixture faults stored in the DME.
• 10152347Sep 1, 2013Fuel system. N55 Engine: Erroneous Service Engine Soon Lamp Illuminated with Mixture Faults Stored in the DME. INFORMATION An error has been identified in the current version of ETK regarding N55 fuel injector replacement part numbers and production dates. Installing the incorrect injector part number can lead to an erroneous Service Engine Soon lamp illumination and various mixture faults stored in the DME.
• 10152345Sep 1, 2013Engine cooling. N20 and N26 Engine: Various VANOS System Faults Stored in DME. The Service Engine Soon lamp and Engine Malfunction warning are illuminated, and the vehicle has reduced power output. Various faults related to VANOS operation are stored in the DME. While performing the test plan, the results may appear to be inconclusive because the fault will not clear from DME fault memory. CAUSE This is due to a programming error…
• 10150234Aug 1, 2013Electrical system. SPORT Mode Is Incorrectly Deactivated or Added After Programming. After programming the vehicle with ISTA/P 2.47.0 or higher: * Vehicles with the Dynamic Driving Switch: The SPORT configuration menu is no longer available in the control display. * Vehicles without the Dynamic Driving Switch: The SPORT configuration menu is available in the control display but does not function. There is no button next to the gear…
• 10150231Aug 1, 2013Electrical system. "FRM3 Will Not Communicate with ISTA. When diagnosing the vehicle with ISTA, the FRM3 (Footwell Module) is shown as not responding in the vehicle test. The customer may report one or more of the following malfunctions: 1. Light operation * CCM (Check Control Message) ""Display failure"" * Lighting INOP * Turn signal lights INOP * Break lights INOP * License plate light INOP * Courtesy lights INOP * Instrument…
• 10150221Aug 1, 2013Brakes. Brake Fluid Maintenance Service: 36-Month Interval. The CBS displays the first brake fluid service as a 36-month interval from the date of production instead of the appropriate 24-month interval.
• 10150217Aug 1, 2013Engine cooling. The Service Engine Soon Lamp On with Post Oxygen Sensor Faults Stored. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is on and the following faults are stored in the DME fault code memory.
• 10150037Jul 1, 2013Brakes. Brake Fluid Maintenance Service: 36-Month Interval. The coding in these vehicles has the CBS displaying the first brake fluid service as a 36-month interval from the date of production, instead of the appropriate 24-month interval.
• 10150034Jul 1, 2013Engine. N20 and N26 Engine: Various VANOS System Faults Stored in DME. The Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated; Engine Malfunction warning is illuminated; and the vehicle has reduced power output. Various faults related to VANOS operation are stored in the DME. While performing the test plan, the results may appear to be inconclusive because the fault will not clear from DME Fault Memory.
• 10150032Jul 1, 2013Engine. N55: Idle Fluctuates Briefly After a Cold Engine Start. Under certain engine cold starts, the engine idle may fluctuate during the first 10-20 seconds of operation before becoming stable. No faults will be stored in this situation, which will usually only occur at specific engine temperatures, making it difficult to reproduce in the workshop. Unfavorable DME software calibration
• 10150077Jun 1, 2013Exterior lighting. Stress Cracks in Headlight Lens Cover. CAUSE Premature failure in the front headlight lens cover material, caused by damaged hood bump stops or old design hood sealing.
• 10150076Jun 1, 2013Electrical system. Condition Based Service Due Date Is Reset to 01/2000. The Condition Based Service (CBS) due date is reset to 01/2000 and cannot be updated for: * Oil Service * Check Vehicle Note: No fault code is stored Software error in the Instrument Cluster
• 10150068Jun 1, 2013Engine, Transmission and drivetrain. 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
• 10149618May 1, 2013Equipment. iPhone Charging Status Constantly Switches On and Off. Do not replace any other parts! Advise the customer that he/she must use one of the following: * The original Apple iPhone/iPOD USB cable that came with the device * A BMW supplied iPhone/iPOD USB adapter cable PARTS INFORMATION Part Number
• 10149608May 1, 2013Electrical system. "Service Action: Program Control Units (CAS). After programming/coding the vehicle with ISTA/P 2.48.1 or earlier, the Car Access System (CAS) was incorrectly coded. This causes the anti-theft alarm system panic button on the remote control to not function. In order to determine whether a specific vehicle has had this Service Action completed or is affected by this Service Action, first check the B-pillar label for…
• 10149604May 1, 2013Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). "?Rear Washer Pump Continues to Operate with Key Off. The rear washer pump continues to run after the vehicle is locked or unlocked with the key off. In some cases, turning the ignition on stops the pump from running. CAUSE The JBE (Junction Box Electronics) module fails as a result of voltage spikes caused by the door locks.
• 10149601May 1, 2013Seats. Rattle Noise from Rear Seat Backrest. A rattle noise can be heard from the rear seat area when the vehicle is driven. CAUSE The left and right rear seat backrest locks have insufficient lubrication.
• 10149597May 1, 2013Air bags. DSC Warning Light is On. The warning lamps for DSC, ABS and brake warning are illuminated. There may also be a warning in the control display for 'Chassis Control System failure' One or more of the following fault codes are stored: F25, F30 DSC * D36D44 - Signal error longitudinal torque distribution (LMV) * 48097D - Transfer Case clutch position open F01, F02, F07, F10, F12 and F13 LMV: * 440108 - Control Unit…
• 10149596May 1, 2013Brakes. Incorrect Remaining Service Life from CBS Data for Brake Pads. The calculated remaining service life for the brake pads (front and/or rear axle) from the CBS data does not match the actual brake pad thickness. The customer notices implausible remaining distances (too high or too low) on the front and/or the rear axle brake system. Software calculation of the brake pad wear model

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