NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10171484: 2016-2020 BMW 740e

Official manufacturer communication context for 2016-2020 BMW 740e, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10171484 summary graphic for 2016-2020 BMW 740e
10171484NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
8affected product rows
80/100quality 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

DME FC 20E120 IS STORED AND THE MIL IS ILLUMINATED: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 2) replaces SI B12 18 18 dated July 2018. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is illuminated and the following fault code is stored in the Digital Motor Electronics (DME). 20E120 - Crankcase ventilation ventilation hose: not connected/defect A software error in the Digital Motor Electronics (DME).

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
BMW740e2017-2019Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMW740i2017-2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMW740li2016, 2017Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMW745e2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMW750i2018, 2019Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMW750li2016-2019Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMWB7 Alpina2018-2020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMWM760i2017-2020Ask 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 10171484?

DME FC 20E120 IS STORED AND THE MIL IS ILLUMINATED: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 2) replaces SI B12 18 18 dated July 2018. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is illuminated and the following fault code is stored in the Digital Motor Electronics (DME). 20E120 - Crankcase ventilation ventilation hose: not connected/defect A software error in the Digital Motor Electronics (DME).

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.

Get Full Report