2018 BMW X3 Technical Service Bulletins

389 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2018 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.

• 10170588Dec 1, 2019Electrical system. INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REMAINS DARK AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE: Instrument cluster remains dark after starting the vehicle. After a restart normal functionality is restored. Software error in the KOMBI (Instrument Cluster).
• 10170587Dec 1, 2019Electrical system. COMPASS NO LONGER VISIBLE IN THE KOMBI AFTER PROGRAMMING: Integration level updated. Customer noticed that their compass display was deleted from the Instrument Cluster (KOMBI) after recent programming. It still appears in the CID widget display. Software error in the KOMBI.
• 10170572Dec 1, 2019Electrical system. ENGINE DOES NOT START BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES: Engine designation correction Parts availability Warranty. The engine will not start at temperatures below freezing. The starter does not turn and engage.
• 10170569Dec 1, 2019Exterior lighting, Engine cooling. MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP IS ILLUMINATED WITH A CRANKSHAFT ADAPTION FAULT: When diagnosing an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and/or a different issue the following faults may also be stored in the Digital Motor Electronics (DME).
• 10170559Dec 1, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. FRONT GRILLE UPPER/LOWER ACTIVE AIR FLAPS: LTD WTY EXT TO 15 YEARS/150000 MILES. A check engine light or check control message is present and one or more of the following faults may be stored for the active air flaps behind the kidney grilles.
• 10169474Nov 1, 2019Equipment. NO AUDIO IS AVAILABLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 SECONDS AFTER HEAD UNIT START UP: After programming vehicle no audio is available for approximately 30 seconds after head unit start-up. Fault code B7F490 "Control unit reset" is present in the RAM (Receiver Audio Module).
• 10169472Nov 1, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. ENGINE SPEED DEPENDENT NOISE DURING AUDIO PLAYBACK: Integration level updated. There is an engine speed-dependent noise heard through the speakers during audio playback. Software error in the Receiver Audio Module (RAM) control unit.
• 10169469Nov 1, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND ONBOARD COMPUTER INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE: Instrument Cluster (KOMBSP18) functions are intermittently inoperative including: On-board Computer (BC) button on turn signal stalk (BC button shown at left) Radio displays Menu button Turn signal displays Arrows on multifunction steering wheel MFL thumbwheel control.
• 10169468Nov 1, 2019Equipment, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full : The low washer fluid warning is illuminated even though the washer fluid reservoir is full. There are no faults stored in the system for the washer fluid level switch. A non-approved washer fluid was used that is silicone-based. Silicone-based fluids are not compatible with the contactless capacitive level sensor. Fluids that contain…
• 10168013Oct 1, 2019Steering. LDW (LANE DEPARTURE WARNING): STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION NOT STRONG. LDW steering wheel vibration is perceived as being not strong enough, even with the strongest setting selected via the iDrive menu. Software in the vibration actuator and /or steering wheel component.
• 10168011Oct 1, 2019Brakes. ACTIVE PARK DISTANCE CONTROL (PDC): UNDESIRED BRAKING. This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 1) replaces SI B66 17 19 dated August 2019. What's New: Procedure - changed ISTA version. The vehicle applies the brakes on its own when reversing onto an inclined roadway or driveway. This applies only to the situation where the Active PDC option is activated via the iDrive.
• 10168006Oct 1, 2019Transmission and drivetrain. SERVICE ACTION: REPLACE THE GEAR SELECTOR SWITCH (GWS). The functional lighting and/or locator lighting on the shifter selector lever (aka gear selector switch GWS) may flicker over time, or intermittently not illuminate. The GWS may not have been produced to specifications.
• 10166390Sep 1, 2019Electrical system. HEAD UNIT NBT EVO (HU-H2) PROGRAMMING ABORT: The CID screen may light up blue. When this occurs A battery reset is not successful in restoring head unit operation Software error in the Bootloader file (BTLD) of the head unit.
• 10166388Sep 1, 2019Electrical system. JUNCTION BOX REAR FAULT STORED IN BODY DOMAIN CONTROLLER: Fault code 804075 "JBR_LIN: relay 30F1-status contradiction" is stored in the Body Domain Controller (BDC). The fault entry has no effect is not noticeable in the customer perception nor in function impairments. Software error in the Junction Box Rear (JBR_LIN).
• 10166385Sep 1, 2019Electrical system. DELIVERY STOP: REPLACE THE GEAR SELECTOR SWITCH: The functional lighting and/or locator lighting on the Shifter selector lever (GWS) may flicker over time or intermittently not illuminate. The GEAR SELECTOR SWITCH may not have been produced to specifications.
• 10166383Sep 1, 2019Equipment, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Body and structure. SUNROOF WATER LEAK DIAGNOSIS: This bulletin outlines multiple known areas of possible water entry for the vehicles listed above. It serves only as a diagnostic resource in troubleshooting water leak complaints from the roof area.
• 10166373Sep 1, 2019Seat belts. FALSE WARNINGS THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED WITHOUT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLED: Acoustic and visual warnings indicate that the front passenger seat is occupied and the safety belt is not fastened when the seat is actually unoccupied.
• 10166371Sep 1, 2019Electrical system. DRIVERS ASSISTANCE SYSTEM: CHECK CONTROL MESSAGE IS DISPLAYED. The Driver Assistance System limited warning message is displayed.
• 10166231Sep 1, 2019Equipment. ACTIVE AIR FLAP FAULT DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR: This correction is to be used for all situations where the following fault codes are stored: 138402 279B00 138220 13820D 13820E.
• 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.
• 10165284Aug 1, 2019Equipment. ACTIVE AIR FLAP FAULT DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR. This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 2) replaces SI B51 21 19 dated August 2019. A check control message or MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) may be illuminated with faults stored related to the upper and/or lower active air flap(s).
• 10165279Aug 1, 2019Engine. DME FC 21A02D - COMBUSTION CONTROL: VALVE LIFT AT IDLE This Service Information Bulletin (Revision #2) replaces SI B12 13 18 dated May 2018. Correction software level updated Procedure text changes made due to an ISTA/D test plan name change Adjusted text in the Warranty section for use with AIR and the ISTA/D test plan name change. The vehicle will run rough or hesitate when accelerating from a stationary position.
• 10165268Aug 1, 2019Back-over prevention (rear camera), Brakes. ACTIVE PARK DISTANCE CONTROL (PDC): UNDESIRED BRAKING. The vehicle applies the brakes on its own when reversing onto an inclined roadway or driveway. This applies only to the situation where the Active PDC option is activated via the iDrive. Software of the ultrasonic sensors and PDC control unit.
• 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.
• 10165261Aug 1, 2019Equipment. Delivery stop: gear selector switch.
• 10165245Aug 1, 2019Brakes. ACTIVE PARK DISTANCE CONTROL (PDC): UNDESIRED BRAKING. The vehicle applies the brakes on its own when reversing onto an inclined roadway or driveway. This applies only to the situation where the Active PDC option is activated via the iDrive. Software of the ultrasonic sensors and PDC control unit.
• 10163057Jun 1, 2019Electrical system. COMFORT ACCESS AND COMFORT GO NOT POSSIBLE. Vehicle cannot be opened/locked or started via Comfort Access. Electrostatic charge puts the remote control key into a deep sleep.
• 10163056Jun 1, 2019Electrical system. HEAD UNIT NBT EVO (HU-H2) PROGRAMMING ABORT. During programming several aborts can occur in the head unit NBT EVO (HU-H2).
• 10163051Jun 1, 2019Electrical system. DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER MISSING FROM THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AFTER PROGRAMMING. The digital speed display from the left side of the gauges is missing in the Instrument Cluster (KOMBI) after ISTA 4.14.1x programming.
• 10163037Jun 1, 2019Electrical system. Various check control messages for driver assistance systems.
• 10163027Jun 1, 2019Engine cooling, Engine. ENGINE VIBRATIONS OR NOISE This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B11 01 19 dated February 2019.
• 10161581May 1, 2019Electrical system, Equipment. BLUETOOTH CONNECTION IS LOST DURING A PHONE CALL. During an active call the call audio autonomously switches from the vehicle hands-free system to the phone.
• 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.
• 10161571May 1, 2019Exterior lighting, Equipment. The tail light mounting brackets may be cracked or broken. During assembly oil may have contaminated the plastic housing of the rear tail lamps causing damage to the mounting points of the tail light assembly.
• 10161569May 1, 2019Electrical system, Equipment. Service Information May 2019 Instruments B62 05 19 Technical Service COMPASS NO LONGER VISIBLE IN THE KOMBI AFTER PROGRAMMING. Customer noticed that their compass display was deleted from the Instrument Cluster (KOMBI) after recent programming. It still appears in the CID widget display. Software error in the KOMBI
• 10161563May 1, 2019Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Electrical system. VARIOUS CHECK CONTROL MESSAGES FOR DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS. The following messages are displayed in the Check Control (CC) display: Continued driving possible. Driving stabilization. Driving stabilization restricted driving stabilization. Drive with caution to the nearest authorized BMW Service workshop and/or Collision warning/you can continue driving. Collision warning fully or partially failed. No warning is…
• 10161556May 1, 2019Electrical system, Engine cooling. DELIVERY STOP: PROGRAM CONTROL UNITS (DME). A Delivery Stop has been issued (effective May 16 2019) on certain Model Year 2016-2020 BMW vehicles that have been produced between June 19 2015 and April 17 2019. A software error within the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) may cause a miscalculation of an onboard diagnostic (OBD) function. All vehicles will need a software update (no parts required).
• 10161554May 1, 2019Electrical system, Engine cooling. ERRONEOUS ELECTRIC FAN FUNCTION FAULT STORED IN THE DME. The following faults may be erroneously stored in the Digital Motor Electronics (DME): And: There is no customer-facing vehicle symptom(s) or related check control message displayed. A software error may cause these faults to be erroneously stored in the Digital Motor Electronics (DME).
• 10161546May 1, 2019Electrical system, Engine cooling. FAULT 118002 - MIXTURE TOO RICH SETS DURING WINTER WITH COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) light is on with the following fault stored in the Digital Motor Electronics (DME). In the situation being described the fault is primarily stored during the cold winter months along with the use of winter fuel.
• 10160354Apr 1, 2019Electrical system, Equipment. HEADS UP DISPLAY SPORADICALLY INOPERATIVE. Fault memory entry "B7F6E4 HUD: Fault in display backlighting "is stored in the instrument cluster. Intermittently the Head-Up Display (HUD) may deactivate.
• 10160350Apr 1, 2019Equipment, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). The Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 23 15 dated April 2016.
• 10160348Apr 1, 2019Electrical system, Engine, Equipment. VEHICLE DOES NOT START BATTERY TOTALLY DISCHARGED This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B61 04 19 dated March 2019.
• 10160333Apr 1, 2019Fuel system, Equipment, Engine, Electrical system. SERVICE ACTION: CHECK THE TANK VENT VALVE LINE. In certain conditions the engine wiring harness may come in contact with the tank vent value line. Due to vibrations and oscillations the corrugated tubing of the engine wiring harness could wear through the tank vent valve line. Unfavorable clearance between the engine wiring harness and tank vent valve line.
• 10160289Apr 1, 2019Exterior lighting, Equipment. DELIVERY STOP: REWORK TAIL LIGHTS. The tail light mounting brackets may be cracked or broken. During assembly oil may have contaminated the plastic housing of the rear tail lamps causing damage to the mounting points of the tail light assembly.
• 10160271Apr 1, 2019Electrical system. HEADS UP DISPLAY SPORADICALLY INOPERATIVE. Fault memory entry "B7F6E4 HUD: Fault in display backlighting "is stored in the instrument cluster. Intermittently the Head-Up Display (HUD) may deactivate.
• 10160267Apr 1, 2019Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). The Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 23 15 dated April 2016.
• 10160265Apr 1, 2019Electrical system. VEHICLE DOES NOT START BATTERY TOTALLY DISCHARGED This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B61 04 19 dated March 2019.
• 10160250Apr 1, 2019Engine. SERVICE ACTION: CHECK THE TANK VENT VALVE LINE. In certain conditions the engine wiring harness may come in contact with the tank vent value line. Due to vibrations and oscillations the corrugated tubing of the engine wiring harness could wear through the tank vent valve line. Unfavorable clearance between the engine wiring harness and tank vent valve line.
• 10160220Apr 1, 2019Exterior lighting. DELIVERY STOP: REWORK TAIL LIGHTS. The tail light mounting brackets may be cracked or broken. During assembly oil may have contaminated the plastic housing of the rear tail lamps causing damage to the mounting points of the tail light assembly.

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