2023 BMW X5/X6/X7 Emissions Recall 25E-A04 DME Software Update

Why This Matters: Emissions Compliance and Engine Performance

BMW has identified a critical software issue affecting the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) in certain 2023 BMW X5, X6, and X7 models. This programming error can lead to a deviation in the engine's fuel-air mixture, which is crucial for proper combustion and emissions control. An incorrect fuel-air mixture can impact engine performance and potentially lead to non-compliance with emissions regulations.

This issue was initially a Delivery Stop and has since been upgraded to an official Emissions Recall, designated as 25E-A04 and documented in Service Information Bulletin (SIB) 12 07 25. This bulletin, Revision 3, supersedes the previous SI B12 07 25 dated May 2025, indicating updated procedures and information.

What's Being Recalled

This recall specifically targets a programming error within the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) control unit. The affected vehicles include:

Year	Make	Model
2023	BMW	X5
2023	BMW	X6
2023	BMW	X7

These vehicles were produced within specific date ranges: G05 (X5 Sports Activity Vehicle) from February 23, 2023, to May 24, 2025; G06 (X6 Sports Activity Coupe) from February 23, 2023, to March 28, 2025; and G07 (X7 Sports Activity Vehicle) from July 1, 2022, to March 26, 2024. The underlying cause is a software error within the DME.

Important Warnings and Owner Information

BMW has issued several critical directives regarding this Emissions Recall 25E-A04:

• Do not deliver to a customer, a New, Certified Pre-Owned or Used vehicle subject to a Delivery Stop, until the vehicle is repaired.
• Do not use or sell replacement equipment/parts subject to a Recall.
• If the Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) installation is performed, ensure that at least software version 03/2025.63 has been successfully installed.
• For programming via ISTA, the I-level S18A-25-03-563 or later is required. This is expected to be activated online from May 23, 2025.
• If your vehicle is already at I-level S18A-25-03-550 (for G05 PHEV) or S18A-25-03-547 (for other models), the automatic prompt for programming will not appear. Technicians must manually select the DME for programming.
• During the ISTA programming process, you will be prompted to choose “Activate online integration level”. This prompt will only appear until the future release of ISTA 4.53.4x.
• The programming must be carried out using the I-levels specified or a later version.

Repair Procedure Summary

The correction for this 2023 BMW X5 DME programming error involves updating the control unit software. The procedure outlines two primary methods for this update:

A. Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) via Vehicle App or ConnectedDrive Dealer Cockpit

Owners may have already downloaded the necessary software via Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) but not yet installed it. In such cases, the programming can be completed via RSU. This process can be initiated either through the vehicle's system settings app or by the dealer via the ConnectedDrive Dealer Cockpit.

1. Check RSU Availability: Determine if the RSU offering is available and if the software version to be installed is 03/2025.63 or higher. This can be checked directly in the vehicle app (under System Settings > Remote Software Upgrade) or by the dealer in the ConnectedDrive Dealer Cockpit.
2. Initiate Installation: If the correct software version is available, start the RSU installation in the vehicle and follow the on-screen instructions. The installation typically takes approximately 30 minutes.
3. Verify Installation: After installation, confirm that at least software version 03/2025.63 has been successfully installed. Activate the drive-ready state by pressing the Start/Stop button with the brake pedal applied.

B. Programming with ISTA

For vehicles where RSU is not available, or if the available RSU version is lower than required, programming must be performed using the ISTA (Integrated Service Technical Application) system at a BMW dealership. This method is also used in countries where RSU is not supported.

1. Connect to ISTA: The vehicle must be connected to a battery charger and the ISTA 4 programming system.
2. Determine Measures Plan: The ISTA system will identify the necessary programming steps. Technicians will need ISTA 4.53.3x with an installed service data package.
3. Select Integration Level: The target I-level for fault elimination is S18A-25-03-563 or later. If the vehicle is already at a previous I-level (e.g., S18A-25-03-550 or S18A-25-03-547), the technician must manually select the DME for programming and choose “Activate online integration level” when prompted.
4. Execute Programming: Follow the ISTA system's instructions to program and encode the control units. This includes following a rework list, performing a vehicle test, and deleting fault memory if necessary.

Required Tools or Parts

For the ISTA programming method, specific tools and software versions are required:

• ISTA 4.53.3x with an installed service data package for programming and encoding.
• ISTA 4 programming system.
• Battery charger to maintain vehicle voltage during the programming process.

Additionally, after the repair, an Emissions Recall Campaign Completed Label (SD 92-435) must be affixed to the right rear side of the hood in the engine compartment. For vehicles registered in California, a **