2022 BMW X3/X4 KAFAS Camera Hood Deformation TSB

Owners of 2022 BMW X3 and X4 vehicles equipped with the 5AU Driving Assistant Professional option may experience various Check Control messages indicating a restricted function or unavailability of driver assistance systems due to BMW X3 KAFAS camera deformation. This issue is addressed by BMW Service Information Bulletin SIB 66 13 23, Revision 2, which supersedes the previous bulletin dated October 29, 2025.

This bulletin provides a repair procedure for the KAFAS camera hood deformation that can affect the camera's functionality, leading to critical driver assistance system errors.

Symptoms

Customers may observe various Check Control messages (CCM) on their vehicle's display. These messages typically indicate that driver assistance systems are either restricted in function or completely unavailable. This directly impacts the safety and convenience features provided by the 5AU Driving Assistant Professional system.

Fault Codes / DTCs

During diagnosis, technicians may find one or a combination of the following fault memory entries stored in the vehicle's system:

• 800AC4 - Camera calibration failed
• 800AC8 - Permanent calibration error
• 800A24 - Temporary software fault
• 800ABE - KAFAS camera: Field of view permanently faulty

These fault codes are direct indicators of the underlying issue related to the KAFAS camera system.

Cause of the Problem

The root cause of the BMW X3 KAFAS camera deformation is excessive heat. The KAFAS 4 High camera, a critical component of the driver assistance system, reaches temperatures that the surrounding KAFAS camera hood material cannot withstand. This leads to deformation or distortion of the camera hood, which then interferes with the camera's field of view and calibration.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair outlined in SIB 66 13 23 involves replacing the deformed KAFAS camera hood and modifying the existing KAFAS windshield bracket. The procedure is as follows:

1. Diagnosis: Perform a diagnosis using ISTA (Integrated Service Technical Application) to confirm the presence of the specified fault codes in the fault memory.
2. Visual Inspection: If fault codes are present, visually inspect the KAFAS camera hood for deformation. The bulletin provides example photos highlighting distortion (red) versus a normal appearance (green).
3. Component Replacement: If distortion is found, the KAFAS camera hood must be replaced with a new part. This involves removing the interior mirror trim, the interior mirror, the KAFAS camera, and the old KAFAS camera hood.
4. Bracket Modification: The mounting point for the KAFAS camera hood requires adjustment. Using a grinding tool (such as a Dremel®), the retaining lug on the windshield bracket must be shortened by 1.3 mm. After grinding, the area must be deburred, thoroughly cleaned, and any adhesive tape removed.
5. Reassembly and Verification: The new KAFAS camera hood is then mounted, ensuring it makes proper contact with the modified holder. Finally, the vehicle is reassembled, and the KAFAS system operation is reassessed to confirm the repair's effectiveness.

This repair is designated as