2021-2022 BMW Active Air Flap Obstruction SIB 01 08 25

BMW has issued Service Information Bulletin (SIB) SIB 01 08 25, also known as Customer Satisfaction Initiative 15/150, to address issues with the front lower active air flap assembly in various 2021-2022 BMW models. This initiative aims to resolve instances where the active air flap becomes obstructed or blocked, leading to dashboard warnings.

This particular BMW active air flap obstruction issue can affect a range of vehicles, including the X5, X6, X7, 330i, and 330e models. The initiative provides specific guidelines for diagnosis and repair, ensuring that affected vehicles are properly serviced.

Symptoms

Owners of affected BMW vehicles may notice one or both of the following indicators:

• A "Check Control Message (CCM)" displayed on the vehicle's information system.
• An illuminated "malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)" on the instrument cluster.

These warnings typically appear when the vehicle's self-diagnostic system detects that the front bottom active air flap is not operating correctly due to obstruction or blockage.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

When a vehicle presents with a front active air flap-related Check Control Message or malfunction indicator lamp, technicians follow a specific diagnostic procedure. This involves connecting a BMW-approved battery charger, an ICOM diagnostic tool, and performing a vehicle readout using ISTA (Integrated Service Technical Application).

During the diagnostic process, technicians will check for any "radiator blind (flap) mechanical operation-related faults" stored in the vehicle's fault memory. If such faults are present, a visual inspection of the bottom air flap is performed. This inspection looks for several potential issues that could cause a BMW active air flap obstruction, including:

• Lack of freedom of movement for the flaps.
• Contamination, such as debris, caught in or between the flaps and their housing.
• Icing, especially in colder climates, which can restrict movement.
• Broken linkage components.
• Detached blind slats.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair for a BMW active air flap obstruction primarily focuses on identifying and removing any contamination that prevents the flaps from operating correctly. The general steps are as follows:

1. Initial Diagnosis: Connect the vehicle to a BMW-approved battery charger, ICOM, and perform a vehicle readout using ISTA to check for stored faults related to the radiator blind (flap) mechanical operation.
2. Visual Inspection: If faults are found, visually inspect the bottom air flap for contamination, icing, broken linkage, or detached blind slats.
3. Contamination Removal: If contamination is the cause, carefully remove it. The document notes that removing the front bumper cover is generally not necessary for this step.
4. Fault Memory and Re-check: After removing contamination, the fault memory is deleted, and a functional check is performed using the test module to verify the repair.

It is important to note that if physical damage to the active air flaps or assembly (such as detached blind slats, broken linkage, or housing) is found and determined to be caused by an outside influence, this Service Information Bulletin may not apply, and such damage is typically not covered under BMW's limited warranties.

Important Warnings and Owner Information

Owners should be aware of several key points regarding this Customer Satisfaction Initiative 15/150:

• Not a Recall: This initiative is explicitly stated as "NOT a notice of a Recall or Service Action." It is a customer goodwill measure to address a common issue.
• Warranty Coverage: Damage or functional issues caused by external factors are generally not covered under BMW's standard limited warranties.
• Scope of SIB: If no contamination is found in the bottom air flap during diagnosis, this SIB does not apply to the vehicle. Technicians are instructed to continue diagnosis using other relevant Service Information Bulletins.
• Physical Damage: Physically damaged front active flaps or assembly components (e.g., detached blind slats, broken linkage, housing) that result from outside influence are not covered under the BMW limited warranties.

Owner Action and Warranty Coverage

If your 2021-2022 BMW is experiencing a Check Control Message or Malfunction Indicator Lamp related to an active air flap issue, it is recommended to visit an authorized BMW service center. This Customer Satisfaction Initiative provides coverage for eligible repairs for an extended period.

BMW North America, LLC (BMW NA) will cover applicable repairs for the first 15 Years / 150,000-miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's original in-service or delivery date. This coverage applies to US-specification BMW vehicles registered and operated in the United States (including Puerto Rico).

Repairs performed prior to May 12, 2025, including reimbursement requests for such repairs, are not eligible under this initiative. The repair code associated with this focused customer satisfaction initiative is 85810103NA.

Required Tools or Parts

For the diagnostic and repair procedure, technicians will utilize standard BMW service equipment, including:

• A BMW approved battery charger.
• An ICOM diagnostic interface.
• ISTA diagnostic software.

Notably, for issues resolved by removing contamination, the bulletin specifies that "No part replacements apply to this Procedure."

---

Source: NHTSA ID: 11018730