P261B on BMW
Coolant Pump "B" Control Circuit Range/Performance
P261B on BMW vehicles indicates coolant pump "b" control circuit range/performance. Au7o has documented this code across 1 BMW model — most commonly on 3 Series. This code sets when the engine control module commands the electric (auxiliary) coolant pump "B" but the circuit's behavior or feedback does not match what is expected for the commanded state. Coolant pump "B" is typically an electric auxiliary pump that helps circulate coolant for engine, turbo, hybrid, or A/C-related cooling. A range/performance fault means the pump or its control circuit is responding sluggishly or incorrectly, which risks overheating if coolant is not moving properly.
Common Causes of P261B
- •Failing or seized electric auxiliary coolant pump
- •Wiring or connector fault in the pump control circuit
- •Corroded or loose pump connector
- •Low coolant level or air in the system
- •Faulty pump relay or power supply
- •Control module (ECM) driver fault (less common)
P261B on BMW by Model
BMW 3 Series(1 issue)
- 2012-2013 335i/335is Overheat Warnings Need Coolant-Pump Diagnosis2012-2013
BMW SIB 01 13 21 identifies 2012-2013 E92/E93 335i, 335is and specified xDrive coupe/convertible vehicles with N54T or N55 engines in the electric coolant-pump settlement population. The bulletin provides a diagnosis-and-repair path when a warning or fault is present; it does not support preventive replacement for every 2012-2018 N55 3 Series.
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View P261B across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P261B mean on BMW?▼
P261B stands for "Coolant Pump "B" Control Circuit Range/Performance." This code sets when the engine control module commands the electric (auxiliary) coolant pump "B" but the circuit's behavior or feedback does not match what is expected for the commanded state. Coolant pump "B" is typically an electric auxiliary pump that helps circulate coolant for engine, turbo, hybrid, or A/C-related cooling. A range/performance fault means the pump or its control circuit is responding sluggishly or incorrectly, which risks overheating if coolant is not moving properly. On BMW specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P261B on BMW vehicles?▼
Common causes on BMW: Failing or seized electric auxiliary coolant pump, Wiring or connector fault in the pump control circuit, Corroded or loose pump connector, Low coolant level or air in the system, Faulty pump relay or power supply. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P261B on a BMW?▼
Repair costs vary widely depending on the root cause and specific BMW model.
Which BMW models have P261B documented?▼
Au7o has documented P261B on 1 BMW model: 3 Series.