2023-2026 BMW Emissions Recall 26E-A01 OBD Update

Why This Matters

BMW AG is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Recall, identified as EMISSIONS RECALL 26E-A01 (also known as SIB 12 03 26), for certain Model Year 2023-2026 BMW vehicles. This recall is crucial because an error in the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system can lead to persistent fault memory codes (DTCs) and an illuminated Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or "check engine" light, even after a repair has been completed. This condition does not comply with statutory OBD specifications, which are in place to ensure proper emissions control and vehicle performance.

What's Being Recalled

This recall specifically targets an implementation error within the OBD diagnostics of the vehicle's control units. This error, in rare cases, prevents the automatic deletion of stored fault memory codes (DTCs) and the MIL warning light, even when the original malfunction has been rectified. The underlying hardware is not faulty; rather, it's a software issue affecting how the vehicle reports and clears diagnostic trouble codes.

How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected

Vehicles requiring this campaign will be marked as "Open" when checked in BMW's systems, including AIR, AWP, Campaign Summary, or Warranty Vehicle Inquiry. BMW dealers can verify if your specific vehicle is part of this BMW emissions recall OBD by checking their inventory campaign details (ICD) under ROSS.

Manufacturer's Remedy

The correction for this BMW emissions recall OBD involves programming the vehicle's control units. This procedure will update the software to correctly manage OBD diagnostics, ensuring that stored fault memory codes (DTCs) and the MIL warning light clear automatically once the underlying issue is resolved. The programming is performed via ISTA (Integrated Service Technical Application).

Repair Procedure Summary:

1. Connect a battery charger to the vehicle to maintain stable voltage during programming.
2. Connect the programming system (ISTA 4) to the vehicle.
3. Determine the necessary measures plan.
4. Accept and execute the entire measures plan to program and encode the control units, activating them if necessary.
5. Follow any instructions on the rework list.
6. Depending on the rework list, perform a vehicle test and clear any remaining fault memory.

Important Warnings and Software Requirements

• Programming Lock: If your vehicle has Wave-01 software and an I-level of 25-03 or older, a programming lock may be active. To resolve this, programming should be executed with the backup I-level 25-11-5xx to deactivate the lock. Afterward, a new measures plan should be calculated, and programming should proceed at I-level 26-03-530 or higher.
• Required Software: ISTA 4.58.2x with the installed service data package is mandatory for this programming and encoding procedure.
• Required I-levels: The programming must achieve specific I-levels or later versions, including:
  • I-level G045-26-03-532 or later
  • I-level G070-26-03-530 or later
  • I-level S18A-26-03-532 or later
  • I-level U006-26-03-530 or later

Labeling Requirements

After the vehicle has been checked and corrected, a special "Emissions Recall Campaign Completed Label" (SD 92-435) must be obtained. The Recall name, Recall number, and center code (5 digits) must be legibly printed on this label. This label is then affixed to the right (passenger) rear side of the hood in the engine compartment, near the windshield. For California centers, an executed orange "Vehicle Emission Recall - Proof of Correction" certificate (SD92-084) must also be provided to the customer for vehicles registered in California.

Claim Information for Dealers

Dealers will process this recall under specific labor operation codes. The Repair Code for this action is 0099020300. Various labor operations are available depending on whether the repair is a Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) or involves vehicle programming and encoding, and if the vehicle is already at the target integration level. Dealers should refer to SI B10 02 15 for label ordering information and SI B01 01 20 or SI B01 07 20 for documentation procedures.

What Owners Should Do

If you own a 2023-2026 BMW model, especially if you've experienced persistent fault codes or an MIL warning light that won't clear, contact your authorized BMW dealership. They can check if your vehicle is affected by EMISSIONS RECALL 26E-A01 and perform the necessary software update to ensure your vehicle complies with emissions regulations and functions correctly.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11030061