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2003 BMW X5 Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

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TSB Date Problem Area TSB Text
11/08/13 NHTSA ID: 10053585
TSB ID: SIB-17-02-09

BMW: oil leaks from the air hose on turbocharger. this is designated for e70, and e90 models with m57y diesel engines. service engine soon lamp may be illuminated.
03/05/13 NHTSA ID: 10051419
TSB ID: SIB160712

BMW: service action: replace the left and right fuel level sensor. due to high proportion of ethanol in the fuel, the internal mechanisms of the fuel level sensors may swell. this may inhibit the movement of one or both of the fuel level se
03/05/13 NHTSA ID: 10051299
TSB ID: SIB-010511

BMW: see document search button for owner letter. n52k engine dmtl pump: emissions warranty extensions to 10 years/120,000 miles. BMW has become aware of a potential problem with the durability of the tank leak diagnostic module (dmtl) pu
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.
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.
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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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.
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: 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.
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
04/21/10 NHTSA ID: 10032642
TSB ID: SIB-13-02-09

BMW vehicles: diagnosis for low pressure fuel supply faults. the service engine soon lamp is illuminated (a fuel pump malfuction message is displayed in the cc), and a combination of the following fault codes may be stored in the dde cont
07/10/09 NHTSA ID: 10029544
TSB ID: SI-B130209

BMW: diesel: diagnosis for low pressure fuel supply faults. service engine soon lamp is illuminated (a fuel pump malfunction message is displayed in the cc) and a combination of the following fault codes may be stored in the dde control mod
06/12/09 NHTSA ID: 10029025
TSB ID: SI-B-11-01-07

BMW: small number of vehicles experience problems ranging from leaking oil filler caps, leaking or broken valve covers, to complete engine failure in extremely cold climate conditions. moisture accumulating in engine crankcase ventilation v
09/05/08 NHTSA ID: 10025775
TSB ID: SI B37-03-07

BMW: dynamic drive (ars) front sway bar repairs. e70 (x5) with sport package option code zsp.
08/22/08 NHTSA ID: 10025586
TSB ID: SI B34 01 08

The parking brake warning is illuminated and fault code 6032 is stored. for model e70 (x5).
12/17/04 NHTSA ID: 10010945
TSB ID: 1220404

Poor throttle response from a stop. this service measure supersedes smm1220404 dated 04/07/2004. *eh
01/06/10 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10031624
TSB ID: SI-B31-01-08

BMW: replacement of front outer cv joint. complaints of clicking or grinding noises coming from the front axle area when making a turn. the front outer constant velocity joint boot is split open and the joint is already damaged.
08/22/08 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10025583
TSB ID: SI B12 04 08

E53 with m54 and gm5 - reprogram dme. e53 (x5) with m54 engine and gm5 transmission produced 9/3003 - 10/2004.
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05/11/05 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10014893
TSB ID: 2420205

Harsh 2-1 downshift. *eh BMW e35. *sc x5 from 10/03 up to 04/05.
12/18/03 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10004535
TSB ID: 335003

Service action on checking rear axle differential bolts.
04/21/10 Brakes and Traction Control NHTSA ID: 10032641
TSB ID: SIB-34-03-07

BMW vehicles: dsc warning lamp illuminated. the dsc (dynamic stability control) warning lamp is illuminated and some or all of the following fault codes are stored: 6e58; 6e04; 53ba; d36f; 55c3; 6eca; and the wipers may also be operating
06/22/15 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10057707
TSB ID: SI B65 04 14

BMW:some BMW models may or may not display airbag warning light. *ta
06/09/15 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10057566
TSB ID: SIB-63-09-14

BMW: some vehicles, with 552 option, are experiencing a malfunction of led headlight on one where it flickers on an doff during driving and the control check message is indicating defective driving light or parking light.
04/25/13 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10051971
TSB ID: SIB-61-05-12

BMW: batter discharged because of unfavorable driving profile. this is caused on short trips (less than 3 miles) or when the telephone or entertainment system is used for up to 30 minutes while vehicle is stationary. models x5, x6 all mod
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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01/06/12 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10042704
TSB ID: SIB-63-05-11

BMW: on certain vehicles, the xenon headlamp often have no trouble found when returned and tested thru warranty parts system. the root cause is not possible to be identify.
11/08/11 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10041804
TSB ID: SIB-63-04-10

BMW: the bulb has failed on the daytime running lamp.
08/16/11 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10040177
TSB ID: SIB-63-10-09

BMW: the brake light fails and the bulb holder is deformed due to high temperatures and the composition of the holder. updated on 4/25/2013.
05/13/11 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10037238
TSB ID: SIB-52-08-09

BMW: there are noises when adjusting the front driver or passenger seates.
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: 10037026
TSB ID: SIB-61-08-10

BMW: elctronically disconnecting the junction box without disconnecting the battery will cause damage to the rear power distribution box.
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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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.
01/03/11 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10034666
TSB ID: SI-B61-15-09

BMW: various electrical problems. on the vehicle, various electrical problems are possible. warning lamps illuminated in the instrument cluster; check control messages; systems inoperative; fuse blown; wipers in default mode (permanently o
06/02/10 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10032845
TSB ID: SIB-61-13-07

BMW vehicle: electronic malfunction cc message caused by shorted wiring. the electronic malfunction check control message may be displayed; the sounds system emits a static noise from the speakers; the rfk (rear view camera) does not pan;
06/02/10 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10032844
TSB ID: SIB-61-11-07

BMW vehicle: missing clip on power cable causes various electrical complaints. vehicle will not start. instrument cluster or displays are flickering. remote control will not unlock vehicle. various control modules cannot be accessed usin
05/26/10 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10032813
TSB ID: SIB-12-23-07

BMW vehicle: fc 2ef4 characteristic map thermostat. complaints that the service engine soon lamp is illuminated. fault code 2ef4 characteristic map thermostat is stored in dme fault memory. dme software calibration related to high heatin
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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05/21/10 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10032781
TSB ID: SIB-12-09-08

BMW vehicle: driveability complaints due to cooling fan relay failure. the customer may complain of intermittent driveability problems, described as-engine is lacking power when accelerating uphill; transmission will not upshift under hea
04/21/10 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10032640
TSB ID: SIB-61-15-09

BMW vehicles: various electrical problems are possible on the vehicle: warning lamps illuminated in the instrument cluster; check control messages; systems inoperative; fuse blown; wipers in default mode (permanently on); and fault codes f
07/13/09 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10029605
TSB ID: SIB-65-75-06

BMW service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. the airbag warning lamp (awl) is illuminated, together with the passenger airbag status lamp (pol). the problem may be intermittent. microcracks in the oc3 seat mat.
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.
08/04/08 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10025363
TSB ID: SI B 340307

Dsc warning lamp illuminated. e70 (x5) vehicles produced up to january 28, 2007. updated 9/10/08.
04/21/08 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10024508
TSB ID: SI B61 11 07

Missing clip on power cable causes various electrical complaints. *nj
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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05/11/05 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10014901
TSB ID: 5420105

Panoramic roof won't close from the vent position. *eh
04/27/11 Other NHTSA ID: 10037027
TSB ID: SIB-51-26-10

BMW: model e70 equipped with an automatic tailgate. the rear tailgate may not operate in either direction due to wiring damage.
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).
06/10/09 Other NHTSA ID: 10029008
TSB ID: SI-B51-30-08

BMW: water leak in the front right footwell area causing the carpet to become wet.
04/24/07 Other NHTSA ID: 10021405
TSB ID: 510307

Install hood latch corrosion resistant clip.

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BMW X5 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.