NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10028390: 2006, 2007 BMW 3 Series

Official manufacturer communication context for 2006, 2007 BMW 3 Series, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10028390 summary graphic for 2006, 2007 BMW 3 Series
10028390NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
6affected product rows
90/100quality score

Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.

Quick answer

BMW: THE TELEMATICS CONTROL UNIT (TCU) IN VEHICLES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY ACTIVATED. THIS CAUSES THE MANUAL AND AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY CALL AND ROADSIDE CALL (BMW ASSIST) NOT TO FUNCTION. MODELS E53, E60, E90, E83 ARE AFFECTED. *PE

What this bulletin may mean before buying

Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.

Affected products listed in this communication

MakeModelModel yearsBuyer note
BMW3 Series2006, 2007Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMW5 Series2006, 2007Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMWX32006Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMWX3 Sav2007Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMWX52006Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMWX5 Sav2007Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.

Buyer checklist

  1. Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
  2. Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
  3. Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
  4. Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
  5. Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA service bulletin 10028390?

BMW: THE TELEMATICS CONTROL UNIT (TCU) IN VEHICLES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY ACTIVATED. THIS CAUSES THE MANUAL AND AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY CALL AND ROADSIDE CALL (BMW ASSIST) NOT TO FUNCTION. MODELS E53, E60, E90, E83 ARE AFFECTED. *PE

Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?

No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.

How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?

Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.

Check the exact VIN before you buy

Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.

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