2021-2024 BMW X-Series 'Top Up Coolant' SIB 17 01 22

BMW has issued Service Information Bulletin (SIB) SIB 17 01 22 to address a common issue affecting various 2021-2024 X-Series models. Owners may observe a "Check Control message (ID 166): Top up coolant" appearing on their instrument cluster. This warning occurs despite the coolant level being at or above the minimum when the engine is cold, leading to unnecessary concern and potential dealership visits.

This bulletin, identified as SIB 17 01 22, is a revision (Revision #01) that supersedes the earlier SI B17 01 22 dated May 2022. It includes updated information regarding affected models, production ranges, and parts and claim procedures.

Symptoms

The primary symptom is the persistent display of the "Check Control message (ID 166): Top up coolant" on the vehicle's dashboard. This message indicates a low coolant level, but in this specific scenario, the actual coolant level is adequate when the engine is cold. The BMW X5 top up coolant message can be misleading and cause drivers to add coolant unnecessarily.

Cause

The root cause of this erroneous warning is corrosion. Specifically, corrosion develops on the pin contacts for the coolant level sensor, which is located within the expansion tank. This corrosion interferes with the sensor's ability to accurately read the coolant level, leading to the false "Top up coolant" message.

Repair Procedure Summary

To resolve the BMW X5 top up coolant message, technicians must perform a specific repair procedure. The process begins by inspecting the connector and the pins on the coolant level sensor for any signs of corrosion. This inspection can be done using a mirror to get a clear view of the contacts.

If corrosion is detected, the repair involves two main steps:

1. Expansion Tank Replacement: The coolant expansion tank, which houses the faulty sensor pins, must be replaced. This involves following Repair Instruction 17 11 100, which details the steps for removing and installing/replacing the coolant expansion tank.
2. Wiring Harness Repair: Concurrently with the expansion tank replacement, the wiring harness connected to the coolant level sensor needs to be repaired. This is done using a specialized repair kit. The procedure involves removing approximately 4 inches of protective tape from the connector, then cutting the connector off the harness. The repair harness, which includes splice terminals and heat shrink sections, is then used to re-establish a secure and corrosion-free connection. Technicians are advised that only 8 to 10 inches of wire are typically needed for this repair, ensuring enough length to connect to the Body Domain Controller (BDC).

Required Tools or Parts

For this repair, specific parts are necessary:

• Repair Cable Kit: Part Number 61 11 9 289 009 or 61 11 9 312 324.
• Coolant Expansion Tank: Refer to the Electronic Parts Catalog (ETK) for the correct part number based on the specific vehicle's VIN/chassis number.
• Coolant:
  • For vehicles produced up to June 30, 2018: Part Number 82 14 1 467 704 (1 gallon concentrate).
  • For vehicles produced from July 1, 2018: Part Number 83 19 2 468 442 (1 gallon concentrate) or 83 19 5 A32 851 (HT-12 Antifreeze RTU, pre-mix).

Important Warnings

When claiming reimbursement for bulk materials like coolant, it is important to note that specific part numbers should not be used for claim submission. Instead, the sublet dollar amount for the quantity used should be claimed at the dealer net price plus the center's handling fee. For procedures related to documenting diagnosis work time, technicians should refer to Service Information Bulletins SI B01 01 20 or SI B01 07 20.

Warranty Information

This repair, identified by Repair Code 1711024800 (Cooling circuit expansion tank Leaking), is covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks. Labor operations such as 17 11 100 (removing and installing/replacing coolant expansion tank), 17 11 550 (plus work), 17 11 600 (associated work), 61 00 009 (troubleshooting electrical/electronic system), 00 58 500 (diagnosis worktime), and 17 99 000 (work time to replace connector for coolant level sensor) are applicable for claiming purposes.

---

Source: NHTSA ID: 10249425