2023-2025 BMW X5, X6, X7 DME Programming Delivery Stop

BMW has issued a delivery stop for specific 2023-2025 BMW X5, X6, and X7 models due to a programming error in the Digital Motor Electronics (DME). This issue, detailed in Service Information Bulletin (SIB) SI B12 07 25, affects vehicles produced between July 1, 2022, and April 5, 2025.

This bulletin, dated May 28, 2025, is a revision (Revision 1) that replaces the earlier SI B12 07 25 from May 2025. It provides updated information regarding the cause, correction, and procedure for addressing the BMW X5 DME programming error.

Important Warnings

BMW has issued a critical advisory regarding these vehicles:

"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 Delivery Stop."

This means that any affected vehicle currently in dealer inventory cannot be sold or delivered until the necessary software update has been completed. Owners of vehicles already delivered should consult their dealer if they suspect their vehicle is affected.

Symptoms

A quality check by BMW AG revealed that the DME in these vehicles has a programming error. This error results in a deviation of the fuel-air mixture in the internal combustion engine. While specific owner-perceivable symptoms are not detailed, this underlying issue can impact engine performance and emissions. The bulletin indicates that this repair is both Mobile Friendly and Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) Friendly.

Cause

The root cause of this issue is identified as a software error within the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) system.

Repair Procedure Summary

The correction for the BMW X5 DME programming error involves updating the vehicle's software. Technicians must determine the vehicle's current I-level by using either the AIR or ISPA NEXT/AWP (Aftersales Workplace) applications.

The primary procedure is to program the vehicle using ISTA 4.53.4x or a higher version, which was planned for release in early June 2025. The target integration level for this programming is S18A-25-03-563.

Required Tools and Software

Always connect a BMW-approved battery charger/power supply (SI B04 23 10) when performing programming to ensure stable voltage. For programming and coding with ISTA, technicians can refer to TIS / Technical Documentation / Diagnostics and Programming / Programming Documentation.

Prior to the release of ISTA 4.53.4x, technicians can use ISTA 4.53.3x. This requires downloading the I-level S18A-25-03-563 online, which became available on May 23, 2025. The online download is initiated via compass 84820 ISTA by following these steps:

1. Connect the battery charger to the vehicle.
2. Connect the programming system to the vehicle (ISTA 4).
3. Determine the measures plan.
4. You will be prompted to select "Activate online integration level". This prompt will appear until the future release of ISTA 4.53.4x.
5. Accept or work through the entire measures plan with the control units to be programmed/encoded and, if necessary, activated.
6. Follow the rework list.
7. Depending on the rework list, carry out a vehicle test and delete the fault memory, if required.

Note that if the vehicle is already on I-levels S18A-25-03-550 (G05 PHEV) or S18A-25-03-547 (all other models), the automatic prompt to activate online integration level will not appear. ISTA 4.53.3x with an installed service data package is required for the programming and encoding process.

Claim and Warranty Information

The repair code for this action is 0012470600. Special flat rate labor operation codes for this action will be available shortly. Reimbursement for this action will be via normal claim entry. The bulletin defines two types of work:

• Plusposition (+): Completion before the first vehicle delivery to a customer, or if the vehicle is already in the workshop for another reason. This includes labor operations like 00 78 680 (2 FRU) for Remote Software Upgrade performed or 00 78 678 (8 FRU) for programming and encoding with a vehicle test.
• Main work: The vehicle arrives specifically for this action, with no other main work performed/claimed during the visit. This includes labor operations like 00 78 150 (3 FRU) for Remote Software Upgrade performed or 00 78 148 (10 FRU) for programming and encoding with a vehicle test.

If the vehicle is already at the specified target integration level or higher, and no repair is necessary, labor operation 00 78 679 (1 FRU) or 00 78 149 (1 FRU) can be claimed, typically in conjunction with another campaign or repair. Only one main work flat rate labor operation code can be claimed per workshop visit.

If the vehicle has other open programming and encoding Technical Campaigns (e.g., 00 00 006, 00 00 556, 61 21 528, and 61 00 730), the programming and encoding procedure may only be invoiced once. Technicians should refer to SI B01 01 20 or B01 07 20 for procedures on documenting, claiming, and explaining diagnosis work time.

Feedback Regarding This Bulletin

BMW encourages feedback for this bulletin:

• Technical Feedback: Submit feedback in the rating box at the top of the bulletin.
• Warranty Feedback: Submit an IDS ticket to the Warranty Department or use the chat in the Warranty Documentation Portal.
• Parts Feedback: Submit an IDS ticket to the Parts Department.

NHTSA Source: SI B12 07 25