2013 BMW X3Service bulletins
2013 BMW X3 Technical Service Bulletins
368 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2013 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.
- 10053485Jan 1, 2014Engine cooling. Bmw: service engine and engine malfunction light illuminates. Vehicle may have reduced power output. Fault code may not clear from dme fault memory. *kb updated on 11/8/2013. *kb updated 2/21/2014 *js updated 3/11/14.
- 10150185Nov 1, 2013Electrical system, Equipment. Touchpad Integrated in the iDrive Controller Is Intermittently Inoperative. Intermittently the Touchpad integrated in the iDrive controller is inoperative. * No entries can be made using the Touchpad * Fault code is stored in the touch-box control unit Software error in the touch-box control unit (TBX)
- 10150183Nov 1, 2013Exterior lighting, Electrical system. Daytime Running Light Does Not Switch ON. The DRL (Daytime Running Light) is off and cannot be switched on after importing the personal profile from another vehicle. The CID (Central Information Display) display shows that it is active. CAUSE Software error when importing the personal profile from a vehicle which has a different head unit
- 10150181Nov 1, 2013Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. """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, 2013Transmission and drivetrain, Engine. 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, 2013Transmission and drivetrain, Engine. 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
- 10149593May 1, 2013Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. "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: 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 internal error * 44010F…
- 10149592May 1, 2013Engine, Transmission and drivetrain. N52T/N55 with 8HP45: Delay in Engine Response. When slowing down to lower suburban road speeds and then accelerating, a delay in engine response may be experienced. This situation may be more noticeable when driving in a bend in the road or on roads with a rising gradient. Unfavorable EGS and DME software calibration
- 10052360May 1, 2013Engine. Bmw: some vehicle engines may experience a delay in response to acceleration, after slowing down, due to an unfavorable software calibration. Models f10, 25, 07, e70, 71. No model years listed.
- 10052358May 1, 2013Engine, Electrical system. Bmw: on some vehicles, the alternator would malfunction, due to sporadically charging or not charge at all, intermittently, when engine's at operating temperature. Models f10, f25. No model years listed.
- 10149494Apr 1, 2013Equipment. MTelephone: Phonebook Does Not Transfer to the Vehicle. The telephone book does not transfer to the vehicle after the pairing process is completed. CAUSE Software error in the head unit
- 10149489Apr 1, 2013Electrical system. CHAMP2: Integrated Cooling Fan Is Noisy Intermittently. Intermittently, the cooling fan integrated in the CHAMP2 head unit (Radio Professional) is noisy. * More noticeable after the ignition is turned off * The cooling fan runs for approx. 6 minutes (until CHAMP2 enters sleep mode), depending on the ambient temperature Settings of the fan characteristics: the fan keeps running after the ignition is turned off
- 10149338Apr 1, 2013Steering. Intermittently, the engine idle speed may fluctuate up and down or cut off under any of the following circumstances, without any relevant faults stored in the DME memory: * While driving off throttle (coasting) and braking at speeds below approx. 10 mph * While idling, low-speed maneuvering such as parking, or if the steering is turned to the full-lock position Unfavorable DME software
- 10149336Apr 1, 2013Transmission and drivetrain. "Transmission Intermittently Goes into ""P"" or ""N"" after MSA Engine Start. The transmission can intermittently go into the Park (P) or Neutral (N) position after an MSA engine start without any customer influence. This problem is very sporadic, difficult to reproduce, and no relevant faults are stored. Unfavorable DME/EGS software"
- 10052618Apr 1, 2013Engine. Bmw: when transmission is in high gear, due to delay in downshifting, the engine has a delay response after decelerating at low speeds and then reaccelerating. Models f25 (x3), f10 (5 series), f07 (5 gt), e70 (x5), e71 (x6). No model years listed. *pe updated 08/05/2014
- 10150134Mar 1, 2013Electrical system. PDC: Complete Failure of Front and/or Rear Sensors. When reverse gear is selected or the PDC button is pressed, neither the front and/or rear PDC sensors work.
- 10150130Mar 1, 2013Equipment. The vehicle position is missing or incorrect on the navigation map. The navigation system integrated in the Car Information Computer (CIC) is not calibrated correctly.
- 10150129Mar 1, 2013Electrical system, Equipment. "CHAMP2: Stored Radio Stations Deleted After Ignition Off. After ignition off, the stored radio stations (AM/FM and Satellite) are no longer available in: * Menu ""PRESETS"" * Functional bookmarks (buttons on the head unit) Error in the CHAMP2 head unit"
- 10150126Mar 1, 2013Body and structure, Equipment. Water Leaks from Center Console. Water leaks from the console into the left and right footwell. CAUSE Condensation is leaking from the HVAC housing water drain connection (not fitted correctly).
- 10150122Mar 1, 2013Body and structure, Exterior 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.
- 10150121Mar 1, 2013Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. ?100A Fuse in Rear Power Distribution Box Failed, Causing Electrical System Failure. Various functions of the electrical system fail. In rare cases, the vehicle cranks but may not start. The 100-amp fuse (F502) in the rear power distribution box (Z3), mounted on the battery, has failed.
- 10150118Mar 1, 2013Electrical system. "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.
- 10150114Mar 1, 2013Electrical system. Advanced Onboard Battery Diagnostics. INFORMATION Starting with the introduction of the F10 (5 Series), an advanced intelligent battery sensor has been used. This now makes it possible for the vehicle to monitor the condition of the battery in order to determine if the battery needs to be recharged or replaced, along with the remaining capacity of the battery.
- 10150110Mar 1, 2013Body and structure, Equipment. Water Leaks into Cargo Area. Water leaks into the cargo area and corrodes/damages electrical components. Note: In most cases, the customer is not aware of any water in the lower compartments of the cargo area, but complains of an electrical malfunction or failure, as a result of water intrusion. CAUSE ??Body seam sealer application inadequate ??The rear sunroof drains are dislodged.
- 10150106Mar 1, 2013Transmission and drivetrain. Oil Leak from Transfer Case. Oil is leaking from the transmission area, or oil seepage is noticed from the transmission/transfer case area during a service. CAUSE The leak can be misdiagnosed as a transmission fluid leak from either the mechatronics sleeve or transmission oil pan. The leak is actually coming from the transfer case (input or output shaft seal).
- 10150096Mar 1, 2013Transmission and drivetrain, Engine. N55 Engine Failsafe - FC 120308 Boost Pressure Control, Plausibility: Pressure Too Low Stored in DME Fault Memory. INFORMATION The customer complains the SES is illuminated and the engine has reduced power (engine failsafe mode).
- 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.
- 10051999Mar 1, 2013Electrical system. Bmw: due to wiring harness short circuit, the front and/or rear pdc sensors fails to work when reverse gear is selected or button (pdc) is pressed. Model 2011-2013 f25.
← All problems reported for the 2013 BMW X3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.