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2008 BMW 3-Series Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

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TSB Date Problem Area TSB Text
06/05/15 NHTSA ID: 10057534
TSB ID: SIB-34-04-14

BMW: running noises heard when brakes are applied, with high brake loads; through wheel opening, visible cracks can be seen in brake discs and steering wheel torsional vibrates when applying brakes.
06/05/15 NHTSA ID: 10057527
TSB ID: SIB-16-16-14

BMW: selective catalyst reduction module (scr) has a stored fault, pressure build up is low, causing service engine soon light to illuminate. *
03/05/13 NHTSA ID: 10051359
TSB ID: SIB122512

BMW: vehicle does not start: loose ground z6000 *4b. covered under the terms of the BMW new vehicle/sav limited warranty. *js
10/31/12 NHTSA ID: 10046861
TSB ID: SIB-18-02-12

BMW: see document search button for owner letter. the replacing and/or checking of emissions monitoring components to increase emissions stability, high pressure (hp) egr valve restriction of excessive soot and improved diesel exhaust f
08/27/12 NHTSA ID: 10045283
TSB ID: SIB-12-14-12

BMW: experiencing loss of engine power, service engine soon lamp is illuminated, a noise, like rattling, coming from engine compartment. updated 10/31/12. models 2010 e70, 71, 82, 88, 90, 92, 93, f07, 10, 12, 13, 25.
08/27/12 NHTSA ID: 10045279
TSB ID: SIB-01-02-12

BMW: a failure of the turbocharger wastegates, caused by a defect, has an emissions extended warranty, 8 years or 82,000 miles, whichever comes first, not otherwise falling within coverage exclusion.
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01/06/12 NHTSA ID: 10042684
TSB ID: SIB-13-13-10

BMW: on some vehicles, the high pressure fuel pump has an internal component that may fail and causing drivability symptoms such as erratic engine operation and longer starting times.
09/30/11 NHTSA ID: 10041407
TSB ID: SIB-12-16-11

BMW: service engine soon light is on and the engine has reduced power with trouble codes stored. updated on 4/24/2013.
09/26/11 NHTSA ID: 10041276
TSB ID: TS-12-19-10

BMW: service engine soon light is on with a fault code stored. internal dmtl pump failure.
09/13/11 NHTSA ID: 10040853
TSB ID: SIB-33-01-02

BMW: a grinding noise is coming from the differential during slow cornering. when turning a slip/stick effect is created on the lining and steel discs incorporated in the differential clutch causes a grinding noise.
09/13/11 NHTSA ID: 10040852
TSB ID: SIB-12-15-11

BMW: the service engine soon light is on. there are trouble codes stored for the crankshaft sensor. no driveability issues.
08/24/11 NHTSA ID: 10040368
TSB ID: CN-10E-A02

BMW service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. there may be a problem with the fuel pump which could not meet emissions requirements. there may be a long crank and a service engine soon light.
08/23/11 NHTSA ID: 10040347
TSB ID: SIB-13-14-10

BMW: fuel injectors may cause misfire faults with erratic engine operation. updated on 11/1/2013.
06/10/11 NHTSA ID: 10038217
TSB ID: SIB-11-03-08

BMW: crankcase pressure diagnosis and information for all vehicles. updated on 4/24/2013.
06/03/11 NHTSA ID: 10037700
TSB ID: SI B12 55 06

BMW: there may be excessive cranking before the vehicle starts. the service engine soon light may also be on with a lack of engine power.
06/01/11 NHTSA ID: 10037657
TSB ID: SIB-11-13-07

BMW: there is a clanking noise from the engine or exhaust area. wastegate valve is not completely closing and clanking. updated 7/17/12.
05/25/11 NHTSA ID: 10037537
TSB ID: SIB-32-01-09

BMW: immediately after a cold start if electronic components are turned on such as heated seats it may switch off after 5-10 seconds because of a voltage level dip.
05/04/11 NHTSA ID: 10037076
TSB ID: SIB-16-01-09

BMW: there is an extraction and refilling process for the desiel exhaust fluid. e70 and e90 models.
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04/27/11 NHTSA ID: 10037010
TSB ID: SIB-11-08-03

BMW: six different models equipped with the m54 engine could have valve covers break in cold weather and ruin the engine. this is due to moisture accumulation.
04/25/11 NHTSA ID: 10036979
TSB ID: SIB-32-04-07

BMW: a new technical process has been created for BMW to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models.
04/25/11 NHTSA ID: 10036984
TSB ID: SIB-13-02-10

BMW: it is now possible to perform a fuel quality detection test on vehicles with an n54 engine.
04/25/11 NHTSA ID: 10036983
TSB ID: SIB-11-02-10

BMW: service engine soon light is on with diesel engines.
04/25/11 NHTSA ID: 10036982
TSB ID: SIB-13-07-10

BMW: there is a rough engine idle and "service engine soon light" when driving downhill in high altitudes during cold weather. there may be six different fault codes.
04/25/11 NHTSA ID: 10036981
TSB ID: SIB-16-03-10

BMW: warning message on about low diesel exhaust fuel level and that the engine will not restart within 999 miles. the light comes on a few thousand miles earlier than a recommended oil change.
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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02/07/11 NHTSA ID: 10035009
TSB ID: SIB-16-04-10

BMW vehicle: teileclearing for diagnostic module tank leakage (dmtl) system. teileclearing process has been developed to help identify the root causes of customer complaints relating to the dmtl system (e.g., evaporative system leaks, che
10/25/10 NHTSA ID: 10034189
TSB ID: SI-B-13-03-10

BMW: program control units. vehicles with m57y diesel engine. service engine soon lamp (mil) is illuminated erroneously. dde software error.
07/14/10 NHTSA ID: 10033131
TSB ID: SIB-16-08-06

BMW vehicles: engine cranks but does not start; fuel level gauge displays a sufficient amount of fuel, although the fuel tank is empty; fault code 2a1c (fuel level plausibility) is stored in msv80. right side fuel sending unit is dislodge
07/14/10 NHTSA ID: 10033130
TSB ID: SIB-16-02-09

BMW vehicles: fuel level sensor repairs. where it is necessary to replace the right or the left side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing or delivery unit (suction jet assembly) do not need to be replaced as wel
06/21/10 NHTSA ID: 10032989
TSB ID: SIB-16-01-06

BMW: fuel level sensor repair procedure. the case where it is necessary to replace the right side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing does not need to be replaced. no model years listed.
05/26/10 NHTSA ID: 10032809
TSB ID: SIB-11-14-07

BMW vehicle: n54 turbocharger waste gate control noises and operation. after turning off engine, a slight rattle noise is heard from the engine compartment. this noise is similar to a mechanical typewriter. in addition, the complaints o
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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05/21/10 NHTSA ID: 10032779
TSB ID: SIB-11-02-08

BMW vehicle: the service engine soon (mil) lamp is illuminated and a power reduction is clearly perceptible. this situation may occur after driving for some time with the engine already at full operating temperature. if the ignition is c
01/06/10 NHTSA ID: 10031684
TSB ID: SI-B12-28-07

BMW: complaints that the engine management system has entered the engine failsafe mode and that the turbocharger boost is reduced. e82, e88, e90, e92, e93, e60, e61, and e71. all models with nay engines. no model years listed.
01/05/10 NHTSA ID: 10031364
TSB ID: SI-B18-01-09

BMW: voluntary emissions recall 903-a02: check and replace diesel particulate filter (dpf). nitrogen oxide (ox) levels may exceed legal limits. faulty diesel particulate filter may have been installed. models 3 series 2008-2009.
10/27/09 NHTSA ID: 10030612
TSB ID: SB-12-01-09

BMW vehicles: service engine soon lamp or check gas cap warning illuminated while driving. software error in the dme for the tank leak diagnostic system. models e60, e61 (5 series); e70 (x5); e71 (x6); e82, e88 (1 series); e83 (x3); e90,
07/08/09 NHTSA ID: 10029404
TSB ID: SI-B-13-03-09

BMW: special limited high pressure pump (hdp) emissions warranty of 10 years/120,000 miles. a potential problem that could affect the durability of the high pressure fuel pump (hdp) of certain vehicles. models 335i/xi; 535i/xi and 135is; mo
05/24/11 Engine NHTSA ID: 10037489
TSB ID: SIB-12-24-05

BMW: the service engine soon light may be on with the vehicle running rough and internal misfire codes. this is an ignition coil problem.
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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03/07/13 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10051459
TSB ID: SIB270212

BMW: dsc warning light is on. the warning lamps for dsc, abs and brake warning illuminated. there may also be a warning in the control display for chassis control system failure. *js
08/15/11 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10040045
TSB ID: SIB-23-01-08

BMW: a new technical support process has been created regarding transmission concerns.
05/02/11 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10037069
TSB ID: SIB-28-01-10

BMW: there is a software problem with the dual clutch transmission module. data can't be read from the module's memory. updated 8/10/11.
04/25/11 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10036980
TSB ID: SIB-28-02-08

BMW: a new technical process is being used on many models to determine the root cause of double-clutch transmission problems.
02/07/11 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10035010
TSB ID: SIB-24-01-08

BMW vehicle: transmission warning light is illuminated and the transmission enters failsafe mode. fault code 4f81 (ratio monitoring, clutch a), in some cases combined with the subsequent faults 507b/507c (parking gear sensor implausible s
05/28/10 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10032827
TSB ID: SIB-34-078-07

BMW vehicles: dsc disabling function. dsc off function has been implemented in m5 and m6 vehicles equipped with the optional 6 speed manual transmissions. no model years listed.
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01/06/10 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10031644
TSB ID: SI-28-02-09

BMW: complaint that the n (neutral) symbol is being displayed in the kombi and the message transmission in n, shift to p when engine is turned off is displayed in the cc when the vehicle decelerates to a stop. in realty, the transmission
05/14/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10136745
TSB ID: B840214

Connecteddrive/BMW assist system diagnosis information
06/09/15 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10057568
TSB ID: SIB-63-11-14

BMW: on some vehicles, when starting, low beam, with 0552 option, would briefly flashes, due to a faulty led main light module that needs replacing. model 2008-14 f01, f02, f06, f07, f10, f12, f13, f25.
09/02/14 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10056099
TSB ID: SIB-84-03-14

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.
07/17/13 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10052365
TSB ID: SIB-34-06-12

BMW: warning lamps are illuminated for the dsc, abs and brake and a possible warning in control display for chassis control system failure. models 2012 f25, 30, 01, 02, 07, 10, 12, 13, e70, 71, 84.
05/01/13 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10052012
TSB ID: SIB-61-13-05

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.
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03/11/13 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10051519
TSB ID: SIB-61-37-12

BMW: the high-voltage (hv) battery cells could be damaged if the vehicle is prevented from entering sleep mode for an extended period of time. updated 03/11/2013 *js
05/08/12 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10044032
TSB ID: B63-03-12

BMW: the left or right rear light in the side panel has condensation concerning vehicles produced up to february 27,2012. *js
01/06/12 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10042686
TSB ID: SIB-61-06-11

BMW: on certain vehicles, the jbe (junction box electronics) module fails programming during a software update of the vehicle.
09/26/11 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10041280
TSB ID: SIB-63-05-10

BMW: the rear led lights are inoperative. there is connection corrosion in the tail lamp.
09/13/11 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10040854
TSB ID: SIB-61-08-11

BMW: the vehicle electrical system fails and the vehicle fails to start. the central locking system fails to operate with the remote key. the key cannot be inserted into the key slot. communication to the vehicle is not possible. the positi
09/12/11 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10040736
TSB ID: SIB-61-01-11

BMW: various functions in the vehicle are not working including: instruments, door locks, wipers, and other electrical functions. there may also be warning lights on. k-can wiring in the vehicle shorted. updated 10/5/11.
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08/16/11 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10040170
TSB ID: SIB-12-16-07

BMW: a software error is causing the the service engine soon light to come on. there will be stored trouble codes.
08/15/11 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10040057
TSB ID: SIB-63-03-11

BMW: wiring on the headlights may have deteriorated due to environmental conditions and the cover not being secured properly. e60/e92. updated 9/30/11.
08/15/11 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10040047
TSB ID: SIB-63-04-11

BMW: the seal on the rear lamps in the side panel emits a gas and causes damage to the electrical connectors on the leds inside the lamp. e91.
08/10/11 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10039765
TSB ID: SIB-12-01-11

BMW: the service engine soon light is on while driving. this is a programming issue. updated 1/4/12. updated 4/24/12.
08/03/11 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10039591
TSB ID: SIB-17-05-10

BMW: the service engine light is on with stored fault codes. there is a wiring/connection problem or a faulty sensor.
05/04/11 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10037079
TSB ID: SIB-12-21-10

BMW: service engine soon light is on. the vehicle lost power and the engine cranks with no start. updated 5/19/15.
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05/04/11 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10037078
TSB ID: SIB-65-36-09

BMW: the airbag warning lamp is illuminated due to a software error.
04/27/11 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10037025
TSB ID: SIB-63-02-01

BMW: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
04/25/11 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10036985
TSB ID: SIB-13-06-10

BMW: a service engine soon light comes on. the engine will only operate to 1500 rpms and lacks power. there is a software application error.
02/11/11 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10035224
TSB ID: SIB-63-02-08

BMW vehicle: rear bulb failure. the bulb out warning shows in the instrument cluster. diagnosis shows a fault for the rear lamp. the bulb out can be displayed for 2 possible causes: poor fit between the bulb and bulb holder; bulb failur
10/25/10 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10034186
TSB ID: SI-B-63-06-10

BMW: leds in rear lamp inoperative. the leds (light emitting diodes) in the outer left or outer right rear lamp are inoperative. affected are the leds for the parking lamp/tail lamp or the turn signals. no check control message is displ
07/02/10 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10033085
TSB ID: SIB-24-03-08

BMW: complaint of a delayed engagement and a harsh jolt when accelerating from a stop. the situation occurs only during the engine warm up phase (cold engine), and cannot be reproduced in the sport mode. egs software-unfavorable nic cali
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01/06/10 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10031544
TSB ID: SI-B64-05-09

BMW: water leaks into either the driver's side or passenger's side footwell during fast cornering. insufficient sealing at the point of contact between the air conditioning system and the condensation drain hose.
01/06/10 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10031584
TSB ID: SI-B61-16-09

BMW: various electrical problems or intermittently. symptoms typically include various warning lamps in the instrument cluster and starting problems. affected may be the ekp (electronically controlled fuel pump), and control modules on t
10/27/09 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10030610
TSB ID: SB-63-06-09

BMW vehicles: front led turn signal not working or malfunctioning. two situations are possible-the front left and/or front right led (light emitting diode) turn signals do not work, either intermittently or permanently. the led turn sign
10/27/09 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10030611
TSB ID: SB-63-02-08

BMW: rear bulb failure. the bulb out warning shows in the instrument cluster. diagnosis shows a fault for the rear lamp. the bulb out can be displayed for 2 possible causes-poor fit between the bulb and bulb holder; (new) bulb failure c
06/15/09 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10029107
TSB ID: SI-B-61-16-08

BMW:various electrical system failures which occurred while driving: a/c stopped working; fuel gauge display is implausible (shows empty); rear windows one touch function is inoperative; windshield wipers are working with being switched on;
01/27/09 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10027625
TSB ID: SI-B12-18-08

BMW: the engine oil level displayed in the instrument cluster may be too high or too low. oil level could be lower than what is displayed and the low oil level warning is not promptly shown. e60, e61, e82, e90, e92 & e93 models. *p
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09/22/08 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10025983
TSB ID: SI B63-04-08

BMW: headlamp moisture: fault diagnostics. water or condensation in one or both headlamps. models 5 series, 6 series, 7 series, x5, x6, 1 series, and 3 series. model years 2000-20008.
08/21/13 Other NHTSA ID: 10052615
TSB ID: SIB-01-02-12

BMW: on certain vehicles, an emissions warranty has been extended to 8 years/82,00 miles on engine turbocharger wastegate. models 2008-2010 e60, e61, e71, e82, e88, and 2009-2010 e89, and 2007-2010 e90, e92, e93.
09/30/11 Other NHTSA ID: 10041411
TSB ID: SIB-72-01-11

BMW: e92. the seat belt extender on the front driver?s or passenger side failed to deliver the belt. the safety belt extender extends but the belt slips off. the ?hand? on the extender fails. the safety belt is twisted. the extender will no
09/26/11 Other NHTSA ID: 10041277
TSB ID: SIB-51-46-10

BMW: the door cannot be locked or unlocked when using the key or key remote. lubrication of the door can cause defects.
08/03/11 Other NHTSA ID: 10039592
TSB ID: SIB-51-18-06

BMW: the painted surface on the interior door handle may peel due to exposure to hand creams and sun-tanning lotions.
05/24/11 Other NHTSA ID: 10037487
TSB ID: SIB-72-03-10

BMW: on some e92 models the safety belt extender is not extending the belt or is noisy. this can be a fault of the extender or the belt is contorted.
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05/02/11 Other NHTSA ID: 10037072
TSB ID: SIB-22-01-10

BMW: there can be vibration in the engine while driving at various speeds due to engine mount bracket bolts.
05/02/11 Other NHTSA ID: 10037068
TSB ID: SIB-41-03-10

BMW: on e91 models the instructions for repairing/removing the tailgate hinge has been revised.
05/02/11 Other NHTSA ID: 10037067
TSB ID: SIB-51-20-09

BMW: the tailgate opens slower in low temperatures and doesnt fully open.
02/11/11 Other NHTSA ID: 10035247
TSB ID: SIB-72-01-10

BMW vehicle: front safety belt does not retract smoothly or jams. the upper part of the driver's or passenger's front safety belt does not roll up fully or rolls up slowly. the adjustment of the inertia reel is incorrect at the fastenin
07/14/10 Other NHTSA ID: 10033135
TSB ID: SIB-41-02-09

BMW vehicles: rear axle carrier (sub frame) support proposed class action settlement. under certain circumstances, a fracture in the steel body structure could form in the area around one of the rear axle carrier mounting points. as a re
06/21/10 Other NHTSA ID: 10032988
TSB ID: SIB-36-05-07

BMW: tire warning light illuminated due to low ambient temperature. model e90, e91(3 series);e92, e92 (3 series); e60 (5 series); e60 (m5); e63, e64 (6 series); e63, e64 (m6); e65, e66 (7 series); e70 (x5); e83 (x3); and e85, e86 (z4).
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10/30/09 Other NHTSA ID: 10030626
TSB ID: SIB-51-19-07

BMW vehicles: doors will not unlock using the key fob or central locking button. updated1/4/10. updated 5/24/10.
10/07/08 Other NHTSA ID: 10026205
TSB ID: SI-B11-01-08

BMW: replace the chain tensioning rail bearing bolt that could come loose and cause damage to the engine. models e60 (5 series), e70 (x5 series), e83 (x3 series), e9x (3 series).

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BMW 3-Series TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins)

Some things are often misunderstood about recalls and technical service bulletins (TSBs). Plus a disclaimer.

  1. Recalls do not have to be issued only because something is prone to failure. NHTSA (a government agency) can only require a recall if a failure will affect safety, emissions, fuel economy, or compliance with some other regulation or law. Manufacturers can voluntarily recall cars for problems that do not affect these, though.
  2. Recalls often apply to only some cars of a specific model year, rather than all of them. You should receive a letter from the manufacturer if your car has been recalled. You can also check with the dealer, which will know which (if any) recalls pertain to your car.
  3. The primary purpose of TSBs is to inform dealers about known problems with a car and how to fix them. They are not the same as recalls. As with recalls, TSBs often only apply to some cars, not the entire model year.
  4. Dealers often will not provide a preventive repair just because a problem described in a TSB might happen to your car. They'll usually want to observe symptoms that the problem is already affecting your car.
  5. Even if there are symptoms, a manufacturer doesn't have to pick up the cost of a TSB repair if the car is out of warranty, though sometimes they do.

We provide the text of recalls and TSBs as provided by NHTSA. There can be errors in the text. If you sign up for notifications in My Garage, we will try to get these to do, but for various reasons (some beyond our control) cannot guarantee you will receive them. When in doubt about a recall or TSB, contact the dealer.