2024 BMW iX Personal eSIM Malfunction Service Action

BMW has released Service Action SIB 65 39 24, dated December 13, 2024, to address a Personal eSIM malfunction affecting certain 2024 BMW iX vehicles, specifically those equipped with option code SA 6PA – "Personal eSIM." This service action is mobile-friendly, meaning the repair may be performed by mobile assistance for qualifying service centers.

This issue, which impacts the 2024 BMW iX Personal eSIM malfunction, can lead to several frustrating connectivity problems for vehicle owners. It's important for owners to be aware of these symptoms to seek timely resolution.

Symptoms of Personal eSIM Malfunction

Owners of affected vehicles may experience various issues related to their Personal eSIM operation. These include:

• "Personal eSIM does not finish the set-up process in the vehicle"
• "Telephone function via eSIM is not possible"
• "WiFi Hotspot function cannot be used"
• "Streaming video service via the BMW Theater Screen is not possible"

Notably, this customer complaint does not typically generate any fault memory entries in the vehicle's diagnostic system, making it harder to diagnose without knowledge of this service action.

Cause of the Issue

The root cause of the 2024 BMW iX Personal eSIM malfunction is identified as "Unfavorable software in the vehicle." This indicates that the problem is not due to a hardware defect but rather an error or incompatibility within the vehicle's existing software.

Repair Procedure Summary

The correction for this issue involves programming the complete vehicle. The goal is to update the vehicle's software to a specific version to resolve the eSIM malfunction. The preferred method for this software installation is via Remote Software Update (RSU), though ISTA (Integrated Service Technical Application) programming is also an option.

Remote Software Update (RSU) Procedure:

1. Technicians will first determine the vehicle's current I-level using applications like AIR or AWP (Aftersales Workplace).
2. The vehicle's System Settings app should be checked for the available RSU version. If the RSU software version to be installed is 11.2024/40 or higher, the RSU installation process can be initiated directly in the vehicle.
3. RSU software version 11.2024/40 is equivalent to I-level 1020-24-11-540.
4. After approximately 30 minutes, the technician must verify that the RSU installation was successful and that software version 11.2024/40 or higher has been installed.

ISTA Programming Procedure: If the RSU software update is not available in the vehicle, or if the downloaded RSU version is lower than 11.2024/40, then programming via ISTA is required. This involves:

1. Connecting a BMW-approved battery charger to the vehicle to maintain stable voltage.
2. Connecting the programming system (ISTA 4) to the vehicle.
3. Determining the necessary measures plan and working through it to program and encode the relevant control units.
4. The vehicle will be programmed to I-level 1020-24-11-540 or higher using ISTA 4.50.4x (released December 4, 2024) or higher.

The repair code associated with this service action is 0065990400, for "I20 Program control units (HU - Personal eSIM)."

Important Warnings for Technicians

• Battery Charger: During any programming procedure, it is critical to "Always connect a BMW-approved battery charger/power supply (SI B04 23 10)." This ensures stable power and prevents potential issues during the software update.
• Existing I-level: If the vehicle's current I-level is already at 1020-24-11-540 or a more recent version, programming the vehicle is not necessary, and standard diagnosis should be continued if other issues are present.
• Automatic Reprogramming: ISTA will automatically reprogram and code all programmable control modules that do not have the latest software, simplifying the process for technicians.

What Owners Should Do

If you own a 2024 BMW iX and are experiencing any of the described Personal eSIM malfunctions, you should contact your authorized BMW dealer. Reference Service Action SIB 65 39 24 when you schedule your appointment. As this is a service action, the repair is typically performed free of charge to the owner. The dealer will be able to check if your specific vehicle is affected and perform the necessary software update to resolve the 2024 BMW iX Personal eSIM malfunction.

Source: NHTSA ID 11012100