2021-2022 BMW X3 Merino Leather Stains TSB
Owners of certain 2021-2022 BMW X-series vehicles may observe milky-white stains or discolorations on their Merino leather seats. This manufacturer communication, TSB 10211861, addresses this specific issue.
Also applies to
- BMW X3
- 2021
- BMW X4
- 2021–2022
- BMW X5
- 2021–2022
- BMW X6
- 2021–2022
- BMW X7
- 2021–2022
Symptoms
Owners of certain 2021-2022 BMW X3, X4, X5, X6, and X7 vehicles may notice milky-white stains or discolorations appearing on their Merino leather seats. These stains are typically observed in the second-row seat bottom, backrests, and/or headrests.
Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions
This issue, specifically the BMW X3 Merino leather stains, is observed exclusively in vehicles equipped with Merino leather. The presence of these milky-white stains indicates a condition that BMW has acknowledged and provided guidance for to its technicians.
Repair Procedure Summary
BMW has issued a manufacturer communication (TSB 10211861) to address the milky-white stains on Merino leather. This bulletin provides detailed instructions to technicians for resolving the discoloration. The specific repair steps are outlined in an attachment referenced within the bulletin.
Owner Action
If you observe milky-white stains or discolorations on the Merino leather seats in your 2021-2022 BMW X3 or other affected X-series model, it is recommended to contact your authorized BMW dealership. Inform them about the issue and reference manufacturer communication 10211861. They will be able to diagnose the problem and perform the necessary repair according to BMW's guidelines.
Source: NHTSA ID: 10211861
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the milky-white stains on my BMW Merino leather seats?
- Milky-white stains or discolorations are a known issue affecting the Merino leather in certain 2021-2022 BMW X-series vehicles, including the BMW X3. These stains typically appear on the second-row seat components.
- Which BMW models are affected by the Merino leather stains?
- The issue of milky-white stains on Merino leather seats affects 2021-2022 BMW X3, X4, X5, X6, and X7 models. It is specifically noted for vehicles equipped with Merino leather.
- How can I get the milky-white stains on my BMW X3 Merino leather fixed?
- You should take your vehicle to an authorized BMW dealership. They have access to manufacturer communication TSB 10211861, which provides specific repair details for addressing the milky-white stains on Merino leather.
- Is there a specific bulletin for the BMW X3 Merino leather stains?
- Yes, BMW has issued a manufacturer communication, identified by NHTSA ID 10211861, which addresses the milky-white stains and discolorations observed on Merino leather seats in affected vehicles.
What BMW X3 owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 23 model years.
- 2,295
- Owner complaints
- 64
- Recalls
- 1,126
- Service bulletins
- 114
- Crashes reported
- 133
- Fires reported
- 118
- Injuries reported
The 2022 model year
86 complaints, the 13th most of 23 model years on file. Owners reported 2 crashes, 4 fires and 6 injuries for this year, which also has 7 recalls on file.
Seats, the system this article covers, accounts for 218 of 2,295 complaints (9%), including 1 for 2022.
Complaints by model year
| 2004 | 138 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 143 | |
| 2007 | 258 | |
| 2008 | 122 | |
| 2011 | 126 | |
| 2013 | 226 | |
| 2019 | 171 | |
| 2020 | 110 | |
| 2021 | 113 | |
| 2022 | 86 |
Most-reported systems
- Engine — 494
- Electrical System — 450
- Air Bags — 404
- Power Train — 247
- Seats — 218
Latest recalls for the 2022 model year
- 26V056000 — Electrical System (Jan 2026)
- 25V636000 — Electrical System (Sep 2025) — Park outside
- 25V106000 — Latches/Locks/Linkages (Feb 2025)
Recent owner reports about seats
Read owner complaints →I am reaching out with an official complaint regarding a defect in my BMW X3 M40i, which I purchased in November 2024 from Beverly Hills BMW with a mileage of 8,500 miles.
Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.
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