Non-Compliance Recall 20V-598 Rearview Camera – 2020-2021 BMW X3 & X4

September 30, 2020 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V598000

Rearview Camera Image Obscured/FMVSS 111

If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V598

Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components BACK OVER PREVENTION

Potential Number of Units Affected 312

 

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, “Rear Visibility.”

 

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

Check if your BMW has a Recall

 

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SIB 66 14 20
2020-11-02

 

RECALL 20V-XXX: ENCODE CONTROL UNITS

 

This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 2) replaces SI B66 14 20 dated September 2020.

 

What’s New (Specific text highlighted):

• Model
• Situation
• Correction
• Procedure
• Warranty

Please perform the procedure outlined in this Service Information on all affected vehicles before customer delivery. In the event the customer has already taken delivery of the vehicle, please perform the procedure the next time the vehicle is in the shop.

 

MODEL

E-Series	Model Description	Production Date
F90	M5 Sedan	July 3, 2019 to July 8, 2020
G01	X3 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)	July 21, 2019 to September 9, 2020
G02	X4 Sports Activity Coupe (SAC)	August 1, 2019 to September 9, 2020
G30	5 Series Sedan	June 28, 2019 to August 24, 2020

 

AFFECTED VEHICLES

Vehicles which require this Campaign to be completed will show it as “Open” when checked either in AIR, the “Service Menu” of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System), ISPA Next or Warranty Vehicle Inquiry.

 

SITUATION

BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective September 16, 2020) on Model Year 2020 – 2021 BMW 5 Series Sedan, X3 SAV and X4 SAC vehicles that were produced between June 28, 2019 and September 9, 2020.

 

As of September 28, 2020, this Delivery Stop has been upgraded to a Recall.

 

When shifting into reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured, and/or the rearview image and the top view image in the CID (Central Information Display) may be swapped. The affected vehicles must be checked and re-coded if needed as outlined in the procedure below.

The Recall Notice and Q&A have been attached for further information.

 

This picture shows a possible failure in vehicles equipped with option 6U3 (Live Cockpit Pro – incl. Navi).

 

The top view and rearview images are incorrectly displayed in the wrong position (swapped) on the CID.

 

Here the images are displayed in the correct image position on the CID for vehicles equipped with option code 6U3 (Live Cockpit Pro – incl. Navi).

 

This picture shows the correct image position for vehicles without option code 6U3.

 

CAUSE

Software coding error in the ICAM control unit.

 

CORRECTION

Encode the ICAM control unit with ISTA 4.25.4x (released October 8, 2020) or higher.

 

Target I-level: S15A-20-07-560 or higher.

 

PROCEDURE

Vehicle(s) equipped with SA 6U3 (Live Cockpit Pro – incl. Navi):

1. Visually check and compare the camera image in the display to pictures 1 and 2 above in the situation.

2. If the camera image displayed in the CID matches picture 1, then skip step 3 and proceed from step 4.

3. If the camera image displayed in the CID matches picture 2, then no further action is required.

4. Connect the vehicle to ISTA.

5. Start a new programming session, go to Advanced Tab.

6. Select all control units for encoding.

7. Calculate and accept measures plan.

8. Once the encoding/programming is completed, allow the vehicle to sleep for 5 minutes.

9. Reassess the vehicle.

Note: Camera image in the CID must match the 2^nd picture seen in the situation above.

10. If the image does not match picture 2, then recode the ICAM by repeating steps 5 – 9 above.

Note: Maximum ICAM coding attempts should not exceed 3. Submit a TSARA case if the image is not corrected after the 3^rd coding attempt.

 

Vehicle(s) equipped without SA 6U3:

1. No visual inspection required; however, the ICAM control unit in these vehicles must be encoded.

2. Connect the vehicle to ISTA and start a new programming session.

3. Then go to “Advanced Tab”.

4. Select all control units for encoding.

5. Calculate and accept measures plan.

6. ISTA will prompt to encode the ICAM control unit at least 2 more times.

Note: It is extremely important that the additional coding of the ICAM control unit is performed. This ensures that the coding files are downloaded correctly.

7. Complete all concluding work recommended by ISTA.

8. Once the encoding/programming is completed, allow the vehicle to sleep for 5 minutes.

Note: With the release of ISTA 4.27.1x (expected early December 2020, pending verification) the ICAM control unit will automatically be coded multiple times.

Always connect a BMW-approved battery charger/power supply (SI B04 23 10) when performing programming.

 

For information on programming and coding with ISTA, refer to CenterNet / TIS / Technical Documentation / Programming and Diagnostics / Programming Documentation.

 

Reimbursement for this Recall will be via normal claim entry utilizing the applicable work package information below that applies:

 

Defect Code:

0061630500

F90, G0x Encode control units (ICAM)

 

Completion before the first vehicle delivery to a customer or the vehicle is already in the workshop

Work Pkg	Labor Operation	Description (Plus work)	Labor Allowance
# 1	00 69 917	Encoding the ICAM and other vehicle control units (includes connecting an approved battery charger/power supply and performing a vehicle test) (Camera image displayed in the CID matches picture 1)	8 FRU
Or:
# 2	00 69 918	Programming and encoding the vehicle control units was performed in conjunction with another campaign/repair, either prior to or during this workshop visit (vehicle is already at the specified “Target” integration level or higher, no repair is necessary)	1 FRU
Or, if applicable:
# 5 (New)	00 70 513	Vehicles equipped with SA 6U3: Visual inspection for correct image layout in CID (Camera image displayed in the CID matches picture 2, no repair is necessary)	3 FRU

 

Or:

The vehicle arrives at your center and this Recall shows open (No other main work will be performed or claimed during this workshop visit)

Work Pkg	Labor Operation	Description (Main work)	Labor Allowance
# 3	00 69 361	Encoding the ICAM and other vehicle control units (includes connecting an approved battery charger/power supply and performing a vehicle test) (Camera image displayed in the CID matches picture 1)	10 FRU
Or:
# 4	00 69 362	Programming and encoding the vehicle control units was performed in conjunction with another campaign/repair prior to this workshop visit (vehicle is already at the specified Target integration level or higher, no repair is necessary)	1 FRU
Or, if applicable:
# 6 (New)	00 70 011	Vehicles equipped with SA 6U3: Visual inspection for correct image layout in CID (Camera image displayed in the CID matches picture 2, no repair is necessary)	5 FRU

 

Only one of the flat rate labor operation codes listed above can be used for claim submission and reimbursement.   Also, only one Main work flat rate labor operation code can be claimed per workshop visit.

 

Claim Repair Comments

Only reference the SIB number and the work package (Pkg) number performed in the RO technician notes and the claim comments (For example: B66 14 20 WP 1), unless otherwise required by State law.

 

Programming and Encoding – Vehicle Control Units (RO and Claim Comments Required)

The programming procedure automatically reprograms and encodes all vehicle control modules which do not have the latest software I-level. If one or more control module failures occur during this programming procedure:

 

Please claim this consequential control module related IRAP recovery procedure (when applicable as required)/repair work under the defect code listed in this bulletin with the applicable AIR labor operations.

 

Please explain this additional work (The why and what) on the repair order and in the claim comments section

 

For control module failures that occurred prior to performing this programming procedure:

 

When covered under an applicable limited warranty, claim the applicable test plan and the corresponding control module-related repair work using the applicable defect code and labor operations in AIR (including diagnosis).

 

As applicable to your center, please refer to SI B01 01 20 or B01 07 20 for claiming your diagnosis work time (WT), WT and repair explanation procedures.

 

QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS BULLETIN

Technical inquiries	Submit feedback at the top of this bulletin
Warranty inquiries	Submit an IDS ticket to the Warranty Department
Parts inquiries	Submit an IDS ticket to the Parts Department

 

Supporting Materials

picture_as_pdf B661420_20V-598-Rearview Camera-FAQ-(27Oct2020).pdf
picture_as_pdf B661420 Recall Notice.pdf

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Attachment to B66 14 20
October 2020

NON-COMPLIANCE RECALL NOTICE

 

To:  All Center Operators, Sales Managers, Service Manager, Parts Manager and Warranty Processor

RE: Recall 20V-xxx: Rearview Camera – B66 14 20

BMW AG is conducting a Voluntary Non-Compliance Recall (effective September 28, 2020) on Model Year 2020 – 2021 BMW 5 Series Sedan, X3 SAV and X4 SAC vehicles that were produced between June 28, 2019 and September 9, 2020.

Please be reminded that it is a violation of federal law (The Safety Act) for you to sell, lease or deliver any new motor vehicle covered by this notification until the recall repair has been performed.  This means that centers may not legally deliver new motor vehicles to consumers until they are fixed or use/sell replacement equipment/parts subject to this recall.  Note also that substantial civil penalties apply to violations of the Safety Act. 

 

Also, you should not sell, lease or deliver any Certified Pre-Owned or used vehicles subject to a safety recall until the repair is completed. 

 

Please follow any special instructions that we provide to you for the return or disposition of recall parts.

  

We appreciate all your assistance with this Recall.

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Attachment to B66 14 20
September 2020

Non-Compliance Recall
20V-xyz
Rearview Camera
Model Year 2021
BMW X3 SAV, X4 SAC
Issue Date:  09/28/2020
Last Update:  10/27/2020

 

 

Q1. Which BMW models in the US are potentially affected by this Non-Compliance Recall?

A small number of Model Year 2020-2021 BMW 5 Series, X3 SAV and X4 SAC models in the US
are potentially affected.

 

Q2. What is the specific issue?

When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured.

 

Q3. Why are other models / vehicles not included in this Non-Compliance Recall?

Other models have appropriate software programming for the rearview camera.

 

Q4. Can I continue to drive my vehicle?

Yes.  However, when you receive a letter from BMW advising you of this recall, you should make an appointment to have this important Non-Compliance Recall performed by an authorized BMW center as soon as possible.  If you are not the only driver of this vehicle, please advise all other drivers of this important information.

 

Q5. Can I determine if this issue exists in my vehicle?

No.

 

Q6. How did BMW become aware of the issue?

BMW became aware of the issue through our quality control procedures.

 

Q7. How will I be informed of this Non-Compliance Recall?

Letters will be mailed to owners in November via First Class mail advising them of this Non-Compliance Recall and requesting them to schedule an appointment with an authorized BMW center to have the remedy performed.  Owners can locate their nearest authorized BMW center at www.bmwusa.com/dealer.  To ensure BMW has the most recent contact and vehicle information, owners should register their vehicle at www.bmwusa.com/myBMW.  Registration is free, and will give them access to factory-initiated campaigns and other information specific to their BMW.

 

Q8. How will my vehicle be remedied?

Vehicles will be inspected and, if necessary, the rearview camera software will be updated for free and will take about one hour.

 

Q9. Do I have to wait for my letter to have my vehicle serviced?

No.  Please contact an authorized BMW center immediately to schedule an appointment to have this NonCompliance Recall performed for free as soon as possible.  For the latest updates to this Non-Compliance Recall, please visit www.bmwusa.com/recall.

 

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14 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
BMW	530I	2020-2021
BMW	540I	2020-2021
BMW	550E	2020-2021
BMW	M5	2020-2021
BMW	M550I	2020-2021
BMW	X3	2020-2021
BMW	X4	2020-2021

 

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8 Associated Documents

Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-4

RCLQRT-20V598-5931.PDF 211.134KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-20V598-0733.pdf 703.721KB

 

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Recall 573 Report – Amendment 1

RCLRPT-20V598-5490.PDF 217.401KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – Broadcast Message re BMW 20V-xxx: Encode Control Units (Rearview Camera)

RCMN-20V598-4246.pdf 219.356KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-20V598-0239.pdf 219.356KB

 

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Noncompliance Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-20V598-4851.PDF 215.62KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-20V598-5184.pdf 248.035KB

 

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Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-20V598-1984.pdf 746.527KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=20V598&docType=RCL

 

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BMW Diagnostic & Reprogramming

Introduction

The Online Service System (OSS) has been developed specifically for independent automotive workshops to provide an extensive range of resources. The following applications are available in the OSS:

 

ISTA Diagnosis Application

Vehicle diagnostics from the Z3/E36, with the BMW ICOM, or with a J2534 pass-thru tool (from model year 1996).

• Fault Code Diagnosis

• Test Plans

• Repair Instructions (E30 or higher)

• Technical Data

• Wiring diagrams

 

Web ISTA Information Application

WebISTA has been developed to provide an information only application for users that do not require all of the services included in the ISTA diagnostics application.

• Repair Instructions (E30 or higher)

• Technical Data

• Tightening torques

• Wiring diagrams

 

You can search using document title, document number and subject areas as the search criteria. The desired information is displayed by means of graphics and explanatory text.

 

ISTA/P Online - Control Module Reprogramming

With ISTA/P you can reprogram the onboard control modules that are capable of software reprogramming.  For ISTA/P, a data interface, a power supply and an Internet connection are required. The data interface can be a BMW Group ICOM interface or a "Pass-Thru Tool (PTT)" that fulfills the requirements of the SAE J2534 standard.

 

What is needed to diagnose and program with the BMW OSS?

The OSS consists of a desktop or laptop PC connected to BMW over the Internet. To connect to the vehicle you can use the BMW authorized diagnostic interface "integrated communication optical module (ICOM)" or use a J2534 "Pass Thru Tool (PTT)".

Note

Connection to OSS works only on PCs where no proxy connections are used.

For information about vehicle reprogramming and diagnostics using J2534 click here.

 

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Last update on 2026-05-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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