2025 BMW Starter Return: Bulletin TEC732 for Part 12315A716F0
BMW Parts Bulletin TEC732 mandates the return of specific starter part number 12 31 5 A71 6F0 for 2025 BMW 430i, X6, X3, 530i, and 330i vehicles due to a safety concern. Affected inventory must not be sold. Dealers must follow specific return procedures by April 1, 2025.

Also applies to
- BMW 330i
- 2025
- BMW 530i
- 2025
- BMW X3
- 2025
- BMW X6
- 2025
BMW has issued a critical Parts Bulletin, TEC732 (Bulletin #: C32-0325-0613), initiating a mandatory return for a specific starter part number. This action, dated March 04, 2025, is described as a "safety related TEC return" and requires immediate attention from all BMW Regional Distribution Centers (RDCs) and dealerships. The bulletin emphasizes that affected available inventory must not be sold to customers. This affects models including the 2025 BMW 430i, X6, X3, 530i, and 330i.
What's Affected
The mandatory return applies to starter part number 12 31 5 A71 6F0. This bulletin specifically targets all parts that have been delivered and shipped containing certain serial numbers. Parts with serial numbers not explicitly listed in the bulletin are considered acceptable for use.
Examples of affected serial numbers include:
- G75A716F00724V289800332
- G75A716F00724V289800333
- G75A716F00724V289800334
- G75A716F00724V354800724
- G75A716F00724V354800725
Important Warnings for Dealers and Owners
BMW has issued several critical directives regarding this TEC732 starter return:
- "Affected available inventory must not be sold." This means any new or replacement starter parts with the specified part and serial numbers must be quarantined and not installed in vehicles or sold over the counter.
- "Parts containing serial numbers outside of those listed below are ok for use." Dealers should carefully check serial numbers to ensure only affected parts are returned.
- This is a "safety related TEC return," indicating a potential risk associated with the affected starter units. Further information is available via the SRD Next>Parts Campaign.
Visual Identification
The starter unit can be identified by the part number and serial number printed on its label. Images provided in the bulletin show the label on the starter, which includes the part number "5A716F0" (part of the full 12 31 5 A71 6F0 number), manufacturer "Valeo", and other specifications like "7.6KW 1300rpm" and "48V". A QR code is also present on the label, which can be scanned for identification. The serial numbers, such as G75A716F00724V289800332, are crucial for determining if a specific part is affected by this 2025 BMW 430i starter return.
Return Procedure Summary
To process the return of affected starter parts under TEC732, dealerships must follow these steps:
- Identify Affected Parts: Verify that the starter part number is 12 31 5 A71 6F0 and that its serial number is on the list provided in the bulletin.
- Prepare for Return: Gather all affected parts.
- Submit Claim: Return the parts to your facing Regional Distribution Center (RDC). Submit the return using a "YR26 damage claim" with the order reason "BM2".
- Claim Details: Ensure a valid BMW delivery and delivery item number is entered. The code "TEC732" must explicitly appear in the text of your TEC claim.
- Assistance for Missing Information: If the delivery number cannot be located, an IDS ticket must be submitted to "Parts Logistics>Returns>Claims>Quality>Claims" for assistance.
- Reordering: If a replacement starter is needed, please reorder the same part number.
Timeline and Deadlines
The validity period for TEC732 claims is from March 04, 2025, through March 18, 2025. The deadline for filing a claim under TEC732 is March 18, 2025. All affected parts must be physically returned to your Regional Distribution Center no later than April 01, 2025.
Source: NHTSA ID: 11015854
Gallery
3 images
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is BMW Parts Bulletin TEC732?
- BMW Parts Bulletin TEC732 (C32-0325-0613) is a mandatory parts return notice issued by BMW AG. It requires the inspection and return of specific starter parts due to identified safety concerns, impacting certain 2025 BMW models including the 430i, X6, X3, 530i, and 330i.
- Which starter part numbers are affected by TEC732?
- The primary affected part number is 12 31 5 A71 6F0. This bulletin applies to all parts delivered and shipped that contain specific serial numbers, such as G75A716F00724V289800332, among others. Parts with serial numbers not on the specified list are considered acceptable for use.
- How do I identify if my starter is affected by the 2025 BMW 430i starter return?
- You can identify affected starters by checking the part number 12 31 5 A71 6F0 and its serial number, which will be listed on the part's label. The bulletin provides a list of specific serial numbers (e.g., G75A716F00724V289800332) that are subject to the return. A QR code on the label may also assist in identification.
- Why is this starter return considered safety-related?
- BMW explicitly states that this is a "safety related TEC return." While the bulletin does not detail the exact nature of the safety risk, it indicates that the affected starter parts could pose a hazard, necessitating their immediate removal from inventory and return to ensure vehicle safety and compliance.
- What is the deadline for returning affected starter parts under TEC732?
- The TEC732 bulletin is valid from March 04, 2025, through March 18, 2025. The deadline for filing a claim under TEC732 is March 18, 2025, and all affected parts must be returned to the Regional Distribution Center (RDC) no later than April 01, 2025.
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