Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Service Action: Program Control Units (DME) (SI B12 20 18)
Reference number: SI B12 20 18
SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM CONTROL UNITS (DME)
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
| BMW: | F22 (2 Series Coupe); F23 (2 Series Convertible); F30 (3 Series Sedan); F31 (3 Series Sport Wagon); F32 (4 Series Coupe); F33 (4 Series Convertible); F34 (3 Series Gran Turismo); F36 (4 Series GC); G01 (X3); G12 (7 Series); G30 (5 Series Sedan); G32 (6 Series Gran Turismo) |
| GROUP: | Engine Electrical Systems |
SERVICE INFORMATION
Please perform the procedure outlined in this Service Information on all affected vehicles before customer delivery. In the event the customer has already taken delivery of the vehicle, please perform the procedure the next time the vehicle is in the shop.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
This Service Action involves 8,689 vehicles equipped with B46O and B58M engines. The affected vehicles were produced from December 1st, 2017 to February 8th, 2018.
Vehicles which require this Service Action to be completed will show it as "Open" when checked either in AIR, the "Service Menu" of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or with the Key Reader.
SITUATION
The check engine light is illuminated and the vehicle may run roughly
CAUSE
A software error in the Digital Motor Electronics (DME)
CORRECTION
Program the vehicle using ISTA 4.11.1x or higher
PROCEDURE
For conditions that are similar to the situation described:
- Perform diagnosis with the latest version of ISTA
- Program the vehicle using ISTA 4 to the appropriate level shown below:
The following I-levels are contained in ISTA 4.11.1x or higher:
| Model | Target I-level |
|---|---|
| F22 (2 Series Coupe) | F020-18-03-532 or higher |
| F23 (2 Series Convertible) | |
| F30 (3 Series Sedan) | |
| F31 (3 Series Sport Wagon) | |
| F32 (4 Series Coupe) | |
| F33 (4 Series Convertible) | |
| F34 (3 Series Gran Turismo) | |
| F36 (4 Series GC) |
| Model | Target I-level |
|---|---|
| G01 (X3) | S15A-18-03-532 or higher |
| G12 (7 Series) | |
| G30 (5 Series Sedan) | |
| G32 (6 Series Gran Turismo) |
Note that ISTA Next will automatically reprogram and code all programmable control modules that do not have the latest software.
Always connect a BMW-approved battery charger/power supply ( SI B04 23 10 ).
For information on programming and coding with ISTA, refer to CenterNet/TIS/Technical Documentation/Programming and Diagnostics/Programming Documentation
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Reimbursement for this Service Action will be via normal claim entry utilizing the following information:
| Defect Code: | 0012670400 | |
|---|---|---|
| Labor Operation: | Labor Allowance: | Description: |
| 00 66 697 | 8 FRU | Programming and coding (includes connecting an approved battery charger/power supply and performing a vehicle test) (Plus work) |
| Or: | ||
| 00 66 698 | 1 FRU | Programming and coding was performed previously in conjunction with another campaign or repair (vehicle is already at the specified "Target" integration level or higher, no repair is necessary) (Plus work) |
During the same workshop visit, if a vehicle also requires another Technical Campaign or repair to be performed that also includes programming and encoding the control units, the programming procedure may only be invoiced one time.
Vehicle Programming and Encoding
ISTA automatically reprograms and codes all the vehicle control modules that do not have the latest software i-level. If one or more control module failures occur "during" this programming procedure:
- Please claim this "consequential" control module-related repair work under the defect code listed in this bulletin with the applicable KSD2/AIR labor operations.
Control module failures that occurred "prior" to performing this programming procedure:
- When "covered" under an applicable limited warranty, claim this control module-related repair work using the applicable defect code and labor operations in KSD2/AIR.
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.