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2004 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.
09/02/14 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10056098
TSB ID: SIB-65-14-14

BMW: some airbags, driver and front passenger, are improperly deploying due to a possible inflator not produced to specifications. model 2001-2006 e46 (3 series). updated 9/4/14.
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.
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
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
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
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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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
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
09/13/11 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.
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.
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 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10040045
TSB ID: SIB-23-01-08

BMW: a new technical support process has been created regarding transmission concerns.
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: 10040049
TSB ID: SIB-72-05-07

BMW: a software problem is causing one or both of the seat belt assistants to not extend fully or may not extend at all. the position at which the assistant comes to rest varies. e92.
08/15/11 Other NHTSA ID: 10040050
TSB ID: SIB-72-28-06

BMW: the end of the seatbelt assistant breaks/falls off when retracting. the retaining tab is not robust enough. e92.
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.
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 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.
04/27/11 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 NHTSA ID: 10036983
TSB ID: SIB-11-02-10

BMW: service engine soon light is on with diesel engines.
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: 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.
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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: 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 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.
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
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
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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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
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 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.
05/28/10 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.
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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05/26/10 NHTSA ID: 10032812
TSB ID: SIB-12-20-07

BMW vehicle: m54/m56-mixture too lean-fault codes 2882/2883 are stored in the dme. complaints that service engine soon light is illuminated. the fault codes 2882/2883-fuel trim, mixture too lean are stored in the dme. possible causes ma
05/26/10 NHTSA ID: 10032814
TSB ID: SIB-12-24-07

BMW vehicle: s54-catalyst protection mode while the vehicle is low on fuel. complaints that the vehicle has no power during heavy acceleration. fuel reserve light is illuminated and the fuel level, when measured with the service tester,
05/26/10 Other NHTSA ID: 10032815
TSB ID: SIB-22-01-07

BMW vehicle: noise from front axle/right side. a grinding or scraping noise may be heard while cornering at vehicle speeds up to 30 mph. the noise is more pronounced while the vehicle is in the warm up phase and may change intensity durin
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
04/23/10 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10032650
TSB ID: SIB-12-07-06

BMW: service engine soon lamp illuminated-fc 23f4 map thermostat. in some vehicles have insufficient heat. e90, e91 (3 series), e60, e61 (5 series) 3/06 and e83 (x3 series) 9/08.
04/14/10 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10032574
TSB ID: SI-B12-22-08

BMW: voluntary emissions recall 08e-a03; m3 s54-dme reprogramming for catalyst conversion diagnosis. the dme programming, as originally installed, may cause the obd diagnostic to erroneously evaluate the efficiency of the catalytic conver
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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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.
01/06/10 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
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
12/09/09 NHTSA ID: 10030844
TSB ID: SI-B-34-11-08

BMW vehicles: teileclearing for dynamic stability control (dsc). a part replacement authorization must be obtained by submitting a tc case in puma before any of the following dsc components are replaced under warranty for the vehicles lis
12/09/09 NHTSA ID: 10030850
TSB ID: SI-B11-07-09

BMW: thermostat housing inspection. the retaining springs of the thermostat housing quick release couplings for the coolant hoses may not be locked correctly. this situation may result in a coolant leak. models affected are m3 sedan (e
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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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.
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.
07/06/09 NHTSA ID: 10029304
TSB ID: SI-B12-22-08

BMW: as originally installed, the dme programming may cause the obd diagnostic to erroneously evaluate the efficiency of the catalytic converters. model e46 (m3) coupe and convertibles.
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;
05/06/09 NHTSA ID: 10028525
TSB ID: SIB-12-12-08

BMW: service engine lamp is illuminated. dme fc 2a15 minor leak and 2a16 superfine leak in evaporation system. tank ventilation corrugated hose may contact the low side air conditioning pressure line aluminum ferrel. this contact may cause
03/26/09 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10028370
TSB ID: SI-B-12-04-05

BMW: check engine lamp illuminated and/or vehicle overheats. models e83, e85, e86, e70, e90, e91, e92, e93, e60 and e61. updated 5/24/11.
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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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.
09/10/08 Other NHTSA ID: 10025848
TSB ID: SI B52 05 08

BMW: seat frame design changed for 392 (3 series coupe) produced up to may 2007. on early production e92s, the socket which secures the seat backrest release cable to the release mechanism could pull free from the release mechanism. *
08/22/08 NHTSA ID: 10025584
TSB ID: SI B11 13 07

N54 rattle noise from turbocharger area. models e90, e92 and e93 (3 series) 335i and 335xi; e60 and e61 (5 series) 535i and 535xi, all with n54 engine from the start of production to january 17, 2008 production.
08/22/08 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10025585
TSB ID: SI B63 02 08

Rear bulb failure. model e92 (3 series coupe) vehicles produced up to january 21, 2008 are affected. the bulb out warning shows in the instrument cluster.
08/21/08 NHTSA ID: 10025573
TSB ID: SI B12 01 08

N52 edk throttle jamming faults 2d09, 2ced and 2cec. model e90 and e91 (3 series) and e60 and e61 (5 series), all models up to 11/2005 with n52 engine.
01/24/07 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10020856
TSB ID: 630306

Poor connection at rear lamp connector. BMW. model e46. model e46 (3 series). update 8/8/2008.
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07/15/05 NHTSA ID: 10015410
TSB ID: 120405

Check engine lamp illuminated and/or vehicle overheats. BMW e90 (3 series) all e90 (3 series) and e60 (5 series) models equipped with n52 engine.
03/28/05 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10012787
TSB ID: 1220405

Check engine lamp illuminated intake and ambient temperature faults stored in dme. *eh

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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.