NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10245363: 1990-2005 BMW E 31 Series

Official manufacturer communication context for 1990-2005 BMW E 31 Series, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10245363 summary graphic for 1990-2005 BMW E 31 Series
10245363NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
24affected product rows
65/100quality 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

When using the Key Reader to retrieve information from the customers key, the data is not updated or current.

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
BMWE 31 Seriesmodel years not specifiedAsk for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMWE 36 Seriesmodel years not specifiedAsk for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMWE12model years not specifiedAsk for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMWE21model years not specifiedAsk for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMWE23model years not specifiedAsk for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMWE24model years not specifiedAsk for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMWE28model years not specifiedAsk for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMWE30model years not specifiedAsk for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMWE311992, 1995, 1997Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMWE321995Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMWE341992, 1995Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMWE361991-2003Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMWE36 Series1998Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMWE371999-2001Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMWE381995-2001Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMWE38 Seriesmodel years not specifiedAsk for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMWE391995-2002Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
BMWE39 Seriesmodel years not specifiedAsk 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 10245363?

When using the Key Reader to retrieve information from the customers key, the data is not updated or current.

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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