2023 BMW X5, X6, X7, 5 Series 5AX Not Activated Service

BMW has issued Service Information Bulletin (SIB) 66 05 24 to address a condition where the Highway Assist Hands-Off function (option code 5AX) is not activating in certain 2023 BMW X5, X6, X7, and 5 Series vehicles. This service action ensures the proper functionality of the advanced driver-assistance system.

Symptoms

Owners of affected vehicles may experience that the "Highway Assist Hands-Off function (option code 5AX) is not possible." This means the vehicle's hands-off driving capability, which is part of the Highway Assist system, cannot be engaged or utilized as intended.

Cause

The root cause of the BMW 5AX not activated issue is that a required software token is not enabled within the vehicle's system. This token is essential for allowing the Highway Assist Hands-Off function (option code 5AX) to activate and operate correctly.

Important Warnings

BMW emphasizes that this procedure must be performed on all affected vehicles before customer delivery. If a customer has already taken delivery, the procedure should be completed the next time the vehicle is in the shop for service.

Technicians performing the programming update must always connect a BMW-approved battery charger/power supply (SI B04 23 10) to the vehicle. This ensures stable voltage during the programming process, preventing potential control module damage.

Repair Procedure Summary

The correction for the BMW 5AX not activated condition involves enabling the required software token through a programming update. This update is performed using BMW's Integrated Service Technical Application (ISTA) diagnostic system.

The general steps for the repair outlined in SIB 66 05 24 are:

1. Determine Current I-level: Technicians will first determine the vehicle's current I-level (integration level) using either the AIR or AWP (Aftersales Workplace) applications.
2. Program Vehicle: If necessary, the vehicle will be programmed to I-level 23-07-535 or higher. This requires using ISTA 4.42.4x or a newer version (released August 9, 2023, or later).
3. Programming Steps:
   • Connect a battery charger to the vehicle.
   • Connect the programming system (ISTA 4) to the vehicle.
   • Determine the necessary measures plan.
   • Accept and fully work through the measures plan, ensuring all control units are programmed, encoded, and enabled.
   • Follow the rework list provided by ISTA.
   • Depending on the rework list, perform a vehicle test and clear any stored fault memory.

ISTA is designed to automatically reprogram and code all programmable control modules that do not have the latest software, and it will enable all required tokens for the vehicle from the backend process.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform this service action, technicians will require:

• A BMW-approved battery charger/power supply (refer to SI B04 23 10).
• The ISTA 4 programming system, specifically version 4.42.4x or higher.

Claim Information and Service Codes

Reimbursement for this Service Action, identified by repair code 0066790100 (Program and encode control units (Head Unit / MPAD)), will be processed via normal claim entry. The bulletin provides specific labor operation codes depending on the work performed:

• Work Pkg #1 (00 76 914): Programming and encoding control units, including vehicle test (00 00 556/61 21 528) – 8 FRU.
• Work Pkg #2 (00 76 915): Programming and encoding performed in conjunction with another campaign/repair – 1 FRU.
• Work Pkg #3 (00 76 278): Programming and encoding as main work (for G60/G70) – 9 FRU.
• Work Pkg #4 (00 76 279): Programming and encoding with another campaign/repair – 1 FRU.

Technicians may also need to consider other open Technical Campaigns, such as 00 00 006, 00 00 556, 61 21 528, and 61 00 730, as programming and encoding procedures may only be invoiced once. Additional work procedures, including those for control module failures, should be documented and claimed according to SIB B01 01 20 or SIB B01 07 20.

Owner Action

If you own a 2023 BMW X5, X6, X7, or 5 Series vehicle and experience the Highway Assist Hands-Off function not activating, or if you are unsure if your vehicle is affected, you should contact your authorized BMW dealer. They can check your vehicle's status and perform the necessary programming update under Service Action SIB 66 05 24.

NHTSA ID: 11006748