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2012 BMW 3-Series Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

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TSB Date Problem Area TSB Text
05/14/18 NHTSA ID: 10136705
TSB ID: B010116

N20 engine coolant thermostat: limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles
04/23/18 NHTSA ID: 10135019
TSB ID: B110115

Engine oil quick reference chart and drain plug torque: the current version of ista/d has an error in the engine oil capacity specification for all vehicles with the n63r engine and xdrive.
04/23/18 NHTSA ID: 10135011
TSB ID: B011014

Engine camshaft (vanos) adjustment units: BMW of north america, llc (?BMW na?) is extending the limited warranty for the camshaft (vanos) adjustment units on certain model BMW vehicles equipped with the non-turbocharged 6-cylinder engine
04/23/18 NHTSA ID: 10135022
TSB ID: B111116

N20 engine oil feed line to the turbocharger:within the BMW ?model? vehicles listed above, BMW of north america, llc (?BMW na?) is extending the limited warranty for the engine oil feed line to the turbocharger
04/23/18 NHTSA ID: 10135050
TSB ID: B662317

Contactless tailgate (smart opener) is too sensitive: when the remote is located in the range of the smart opener operation may be the contactless tailgate (smart opener) opens / close unintentionally from objects in the vicinity of the rea
02/02/16 NHTSA ID: 10059089
TSB ID: 34 04 15

BMW - brake booster vacuum might reduce if temperature gets below 14 degrees
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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01/06/16 NHTSA ID: 10058975
TSB ID: 11 10 12

When accelerating, in hot ambient temperatures, between 3,000 rpm and 5,000 rpm, causes judders or surges in vehicle, repeatedly, due to the electropneumatic pressure convertor.
09/25/15 NHTSA ID: 10058476
TSB ID: SIB-12-33-14

BMW: due to transmission oil heat exchanger's faulty thermostat or engine faulty characteristic map thermostat, engine coolant fails to reach operating temperature, with low heat output and service engine soon light comes on. no model yea
09/25/15 NHTSA ID: 10058467
TSB ID: SIB-12-21-14

BMW: fuel gauge fails to show correct level of fuel when filling fuel tank but would update itself after driving awhile and illumination of engine malfunction lamp (mil) comes on, due to software error in instrument cluster. model 2011-15
06/05/15 NHTSA ID: 10057531
TSB ID: SIB-32-03-14

BMW: in check control message or instrument cluster, a failure with power assisted steering is illuminated, due to software related issues.
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. *
05/19/15 NHTSA ID: 10057341
TSB ID: SIB-16-15-14

BMW: malfunction warning light for engine is illuminated due to purge air system micro leakage and ventilation of fuel tank from contamination.
05/19/15 NHTSA ID: 10057337
TSB ID: SIB-11-14-14

BMW: due to debris entering oil passage of engine, it will knock and lose power, during cylinder head mating surfaces and cleaning of engine block after repair to engine.
02/11/14 NHTSA ID: 10054641
TSB ID: SIB-12-19-13

BMW: an erroneous message, from oil level sensor, indicating oil service is due, after traveling a short distance. model f15, f13, f12, f10, f07, f06, f02, f01. no years listed.
07/10/13 NHTSA ID: 10052320
TSB ID: SIB-32-02-13

BMW: some vehicles may experience a failure of electronic power steering (eps) when engine has started, caused by a specific situation of undervoltage during engine start up. model 2010-2012 f30 (3 series).
01/18/13 NHTSA ID: 10049679
TSB ID: SIB-12-18-12

BMW: if bsd communication is disrupted, oil level sensor data is no longer received by dme. bsd communication fault(s), after repairs are shortly set, requires removal of ignition harness from cylinder head cover. all models. no model
01/15/13 NHTSA ID: 10049439
TSB ID: SB-1214

BMW: vehicles needs diagnosing for n63 misfire faults when service engine soon lamp is illuminated. lack of diagnosing engine or fuel system could cause incorrect diagnosis and repeated repair attempts. no models or model years listed.
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.
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04/20/12 NHTSA ID: 10043687
TSB ID: SIB-16-03-12

BMW: the evaporative system leakage is found, when using the nvld tank leakage test plan. updated 1/18/13.
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.
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.
10/06/15 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10058551
TSB ID: SIB-24-02-15

BMW: on transmission side, in some vehicles, the transmission fluid is leaking around the area of the oil cooler lines causing unfavorable cooling line connection tolerances to damage o rings. model e84 (x1), e89 (z4), f22 & 23 (2 series)
05/14/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10136745
TSB ID: B840214

Connecteddrive/BMW assist system diagnosis information
05/14/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10136738
TSB ID: B650915

Nbt head unit high (hu-h) resets intermittently or permanently
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05/14/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10136736
TSB ID: B630917

Rear tail light failure: exterior rear lights do not work.
05/07/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10135995
TSB ID: B662317

Contactless tailgate (smart opener) is too sensitive: when the remote is located in the range of the smart opener operation may be the contactless tailgate (smart opener) opens / close unintentionally from objects in the vicinity of the rea
05/07/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10136361
TSB ID: B651312

Headunit navigation maps (hu-h hu-h2 hu-b): the headunit high (hu-h), also called nbt, began replacing the car information computer (cic) on certain my2013 vehicles with option 609 (7/2012+).
05/07/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10136357
TSB ID: B641216

Hvac blower not working: hvac blower is not working.
05/07/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10136355
TSB ID: B630516

Headlight assemblies have visible internal moisture/condensation: water on the inside (a) or misting (b) of both headlight lenses that is visible from outside.
05/07/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10136347
TSB ID: B610118

High voltage system: isolation faults: the check control message (ccm), "powertrain malfunction!" is displayed.
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05/07/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10136000
TSB ID: B840618

Connecteddrive-remote services do not function: remote services (such as locking and unlocking the car, vehicle location by honking the horn, flashing the lights or on the map in the BMW connected app) do not function after vehicle has been
04/23/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10135025
TSB ID: B120618

Dme fault code cdc203: various control units contain faults indicating missing messages from the battery management electronics
04/23/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10135042
TSB ID: B621817

Fuel gauge erroneous display: vehicle runs out of fuel but the instrument cluster still displays fuel remaining in the tank.
04/23/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10135040
TSB ID: B620118

Instrument cluster blanks out or remains dark after starting the vehicle: instrument cluster display goes black during starting or while driving.
04/23/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10135054
TSB ID: B841117

BMW apps randomly starts playing on its own: while listening to fm, or am, or satellite radio (sdars), the audio source randomly switches to BMW apps (pandora, spotify, audible etc.) with no input from driver or passenger.
04/23/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10135052
TSB ID: B840218

Head unit high resets with connection of iphone 8, iphone 8+ or iphone x
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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.
11/01/13 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10053498
TSB ID: SIB-63-05-12

BMW: on the trunk lid, the tail lamp is loose and not properly attached, on some vehicles. models 2011-2013 3 series (f30).
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.
07/17/13 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10052366
TSB ID: SIB-64-05-13

BMW: on some activehybrid (3,5,7), the high voltage battery is cooled by refrigerant and is regulated by expansion valve at base of battery and it can become stuck in open position, either permanently or intermittently. models f02h, f10h,
05/20/13 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10052105
TSB ID: SIB-66-02-13

BMW: the driver must activate rear view camera, using idrive controller, due to rear view camera failing to automatically turn, when reverse gear is selected. model 2012-2013 f30.
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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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.
01/18/13 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10049680
TSB ID: SIB-12-19-12

BMW: the obd (on board diagnosis) experience an error in its data and requires an update on dme software. model 2012-2013 f30.
01/11/13 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10049279
TSB ID: SIB-61-32-12

BMW: in rear of vehicle, various electrical faults are due to rem (rear electronic module) not responding to diagnosis. models 2011-2012 3 series. updated 7/10/13.
05/02/12 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10043923
TSB ID: SIB-61-09-12

BMW: various electrical malfunctions related to the fem. windshield wipers may not stay in parked position. wipers operate when switched off. wipers partially move when switched on. hazard warning lights flash permanently. updated
04/30/12 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10043862
TSB ID: SIB-61-02-12

BMW: electronic malfunction and various check control messages are displayed in cid (central information display) and instrument cluster. models 2009-2012 e70, e71, e72, e82, e88, e90, e91, e92, e93, f01, f02, f04, f07, f10, f1
05/14/18 Other NHTSA ID: 10136724
TSB ID: B511314

Trunk lid does not open completely: the trunk lid/hatch does not open fully when unlatched with remote or hands-free operation.
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05/14/18 Other NHTSA ID: 10136727
TSB ID: B514416

Exterior mirror: creaking noises: creaking noise coming from either or both exterior rearview mirrors when folding in.
05/07/18 Other NHTSA ID: 10136344
TSB ID: B513016

Tailgate unintentionally opens: trunk/tailgate may open when vehicle is locked.
04/23/18 Other NHTSA ID: 10135023
TSB ID: B111716

Voluntary emissions recall campaign 16e-a05 - n26: carbonization of the turbocharger sealing ring can cause the exhaust to smoke briefly during cold start up.
02/02/16 Other NHTSA ID: 10059092
TSB ID: 51 26 15

BMW: improper routing of the bowden cable causes the driver or passenger front door not to open occasionally when temperature is below 37 degrees.
02/02/16 Other NHTSA ID: 10059091
TSB ID: 51 23 15

BMW: detached bowden cable prevents the driver's door to open from the outside but can open from the inside
01/08/16 Other NHTSA ID: 10058986
TSB ID: 11 13 15

The plastic oil filter might fail which will cause a leakage to the internal and /or external engine oil or coolant
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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01/18/13 Other NHTSA ID: 10049719
TSB ID: SIB-61-04-05

BMW: on some vehicles, led on headlight switch, flashes. the power mirrors and windows become inoperative, due to possible water in both headlights or right and left stepper box are defective. model 2012 e90.
01/18/13 Other NHTSA ID: 10049739
TSB ID: SIB-61-36-12

BMW: trunk lid fails to open, hazard lights flashes permanently, vehicle will lock and unlock on its own, all interior lights, by themselves, will turn on and when ignition is turned off, wipers continue to operate. model 2011-2012 f30.
01/15/13 Other NHTSA ID: 10049319
TSB ID: SIB-31-01-12

BMW: while maneuvering at low speeds, movement between surface contacts of swivel bearing and wheel bearing, can cause clicking noises. models e70, 71, f01, 02, 04, 07, 10, 12, and 13. no model years listed. updated 11/1
08/27/12 Other NHTSA ID: 10045299
TSB ID: SIB-61-21-12

BMW: due to software error in front electronic module, windshield wipers fails to operate properly.

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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.