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SI B12 15 13
Engine

September 2013
Technical Service

This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B12 15 13 dated September 2013.
designates changes to this revision
SUBJECT

N20 and N26 Engine: Various VANOS System Faults Stored in DME
MODEL

E84
E89
F10
F25
F30
F31
F34
SITUATION

The Service Engine Soon lamp and Engine Malfunction warning are illuminated, and the vehicle has reduced
power output. Various faults related to VANOS operation are stored in the DME. While performing the test plan,
the results may appear to be inconclusive because the fault will not clear from DME fault memory.
CAUSE

This is due to a programming error associated with ISTA/P 2.49 and lower. The error is corrected with ISTA/P
2.50.2 or higher.
PROCEDURE

Perform a vehicle test.
1. Follow the applicable test plan for the faults stored using only ISTA/D 2.38 and higher. If the applicable test
plan is inconclusive or the test plan cannot be started, go to step 2.
2. Reprogram the vehicle ISTA/P 2.50.2 or higher. The improved DME software was introduced with the
following integration levels:
E89X-13-07-503 for the E Series
F010-13-07-504 for the F10
F020-13-07-503 for the F3x

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F025-13-07-503 for the F25
3. After programming, perform the VANOS function test, which can be found using the following path: Select
“Function Structure / 01 Engine / Engine Electronics MEVD / Valve Gear / Inlet Camshaft or Exhaust
Camshaft / VANOS Solenoid Valve Inlet or Outlet Test Plan.” In the test plan, it will ask a series of
questions; select “Continue” until the function test is displayed. If the vehicle completes the function test
without any errors, the car is repaired.
Note that ISTA/P will automatically reprogram and code all programmable control modules that do not have the
latest software. For information on programming and coding with ISTA/P, refer to CenterNet / Aftersales Portal /
Service / Workshop Technology / Vehicle Programming.
Note: When the ISTA system message displays: Battery voltage only “XX.XX” V. Please connect charger. Please
note the displayed battery voltage reading in the repair order comments section. This documentation is not
necessary when part of an approved Technical Service repair procedure; the battery charger is required to be
attached before performing the Vehicle Test.
WARRANTY INFORMATION

Covered under the terms of the BMW New Car/SAV Limited Warranty or the BMW Certified Pre-Owned
Program.
Specific eligible repairs may also be covered by the terms of the Federal, State or BMW Emissions Warranty.
To determine if any applicable Federal, State or BMW Emissions Warranty coverage applies prior to performing
repairs, please see SI B01 02 11 for “Emissions Warranty Coverage” and refer to the “Glossary of Emission
Coverage” attachment for more information.
The BMW Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty applies to BMW CPO vehicles that are still within the BMW
Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty, but beyond Emissions Warranty coverage that applies.
Defect Code:

11 36 01 96 00

Labor Operation:

Labor Allowance:

Description:

00 00 006

Refer to KSD2

Performing “vehicle test” (with vehicle
diagnosis system – checking faults)

Refer to KSD2

Charging battery

WT

Performing vehicle diagnosis – test
module.

and if necessary, also
61 21 528
and as necessary
61 00 006

Labor operation code 00 00 006 is a Main labor operation. If you are using a Main labor code for another repair,
use the Plus code labor operation 00 00 556 instead.
Even though work time labor operation code 61 00 006 ends in “006,” it is not considered a Main labor

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operation.
Work time (WT) labor operation 61 00 006 requires an individual punch time.
and
E84 and E89
Labor Operation:

Labor Allowance:

Description:

61 00 710

Refer to KSD2

Programming / encoding control unit(s)
(not including CAS)

Refer to KSD2

Programming / encoding control unit(s)
(with CAS)

or
61 00 720
or
F10, F25, F30, F31 and F34
Labor Operation:

Labor Allowance:

Description:

61 00 730

Refer to KSD2

Programming/encoding control unit(s)

Refer to KSD2 for the corresponding flat rate unit (FRU) allowance. Enter the Chassis Number, which consists of
the last 7 digits of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Click on the “Search” button, and then enter the
applicable flat rate labor operation in the FR code field.
If a control module was working properly and/or had no related faults stored prior to vehicle programming and it
fails to program correctly or requires initialization, this additional work must be claimed with separate labor
operations under the defect code listed above; refer to KSD2.
[ Copyright ©2013 BMW of North America, Inc. ]

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