Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SIB-63-02-0108/01/201010037025Ready04/27/2011
SIB-63-02-0108/01/201010037025Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty. *rm04/27/2011

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
EA09019BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC12/18/200909/28/2011Rear Lamp Illumination11V438000
 In a letter submitted to the office of defects investigation (odi) dated august25, 2011, bmwindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.the issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.this can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.the recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.an 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.bmw will complete dealer notification in september 2011 and will begin owner notification in october 2011.all 3 series sedans (except for the m3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between september 1, 2001 and march 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.the action taken by bmw is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.accordingly, this investigation is closed.
DP09002BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE04/08/200908/06/2009REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
 In march 2009, the office of defects investigation (odi) received a petition from mr. mark peters requesting an investigation of rear lamp failure in model year 2002-2005 bmw 3-series vehicles.an information request letter was sent to bmw in april 2009, and odi received bmw's response in june 2009.the tail lamp assembly contains lighting for the brake lamps, tail lamps, and turn signals.a technical service bulletin (tsb) was issued by bmw in january of 2007 instructing service technicians to examine an 8 pin electrical connector for heat-related damage and to incorporate additional ground wiring to the connector.complainants have alleged that significant thermal damage to the connector and associated ground wiring has occurred.this condition can result in intermittent or total loss of all lighting (brake, tail, and turn signal) for the effected rear lamp assembly.odi will open a preliminary evaluation to further examine this issue including further evaluating bmw complaints and related warranty data.
PE09036BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE08/07/200912/22/2009REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
 Odi has received complaints from consumers stating that their tail light assembly is not properly illuminating.the tail light assembly consists of a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp and a brake lamp.the complainants have indicated that the issue is with an 8 pin connector and associated ground wiring.these components are allegedly overheating and melting due to excessive electrical current that runs through the system.bmw issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) sib-630306 on february 2007 to address the condition by adding supplementary ground wiring to the tail lamp assembly.odi is upgrading to an ea to further investigate the issue.
EA09019BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE12/18/2009REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
 The outboard rear light assembly consists of a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp and a brake lamp.failure of the light assembly ground circuit results in loss of all three lamps.bmw submitted complaint and warranty information showing a significant number of rear lamp assembly failures due to an open ground connection at the eight pin connector of the light assembly.this results in the loss of the rear turn signal.overheating of the ground circuit electrical pin, possibly due to increased resistance and or high current flow, is indicated in some failures.additionally bmw issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) sib-630306 in february 2007 to address the condition by adding supplementary ground wiring to the tail lamp assembly.the additional ground wire added by the procedure reduces the current flow at the eight pin connector.odi is opening this ea to further investigate the issue.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - BACK UP LIGHTS
DP09002BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE04/08/200908/06/2009REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
 In march 2009, the office of defects investigation (odi) received a petition from mr. mark peters requesting an investigation of rear lamp failure in model year 2002-2005 bmw 3-series vehicles.an information request letter was sent to bmw in april 2009, and odi received bmw's response in june 2009.the tail lamp assembly contains lighting for the brake lamps, tail lamps, and turn signals.a technical service bulletin (tsb) was issued by bmw in january of 2007 instructing service technicians to examine an 8 pin electrical connector for heat-related damage and to incorporate additional ground wiring to the connector.complainants have alleged that significant thermal damage to the connector and associated ground wiring has occurred.this condition can result in intermittent or total loss of all lighting (brake, tail, and turn signal) for the effected rear lamp assembly.odi will open a preliminary evaluation to further examine this issue including further evaluating bmw complaints and related warranty data.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - BRAKE LIGHTS
EA09019BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC12/18/200909/28/2011Rear Lamp Illumination11V438000
 In a letter submitted to the office of defects investigation (odi) dated august25, 2011, bmwindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.the issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.this can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.the recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.an 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.bmw will complete dealer notification in september 2011 and will begin owner notification in october 2011.all 3 series sedans (except for the m3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between september 1, 2001 and march 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.the action taken by bmw is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.accordingly, this investigation is closed.
PE09036BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE08/07/200912/22/2009REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
 Odi has received complaints from consumers stating that their tail light assembly is not properly illuminating.the tail light assembly consists of a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp and a brake lamp.the complainants have indicated that the issue is with an 8 pin connector and associated ground wiring.these components are allegedly overheating and melting due to excessive electrical current that runs through the system.bmw issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) sib-630306 on february 2007 to address the condition by adding supplementary ground wiring to the tail lamp assembly.odi is upgrading to an ea to further investigate the issue.
DP09002BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE04/08/200908/06/2009REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
 In march 2009, the office of defects investigation (odi) received a petition from mr. mark peters requesting an investigation of rear lamp failure in model year 2002-2005 bmw 3-series vehicles.an information request letter was sent to bmw in april 2009, and odi received bmw's response in june 2009.the tail lamp assembly contains lighting for the brake lamps, tail lamps, and turn signals.a technical service bulletin (tsb) was issued by bmw in january of 2007 instructing service technicians to examine an 8 pin electrical connector for heat-related damage and to incorporate additional ground wiring to the connector.complainants have alleged that significant thermal damage to the connector and associated ground wiring has occurred.this condition can result in intermittent or total loss of all lighting (brake, tail, and turn signal) for the effected rear lamp assembly.odi will open a preliminary evaluation to further examine this issue including further evaluating bmw complaints and related warranty data.
EA09019BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE12/18/2009REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
 The outboard rear light assembly consists of a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp and a brake lamp.failure of the light assembly ground circuit results in loss of all three lamps.bmw submitted complaint and warranty information showing a significant number of rear lamp assembly failures due to an open ground connection at the eight pin connector of the light assembly.this results in the loss of the rear turn signal.overheating of the ground circuit electrical pin, possibly due to increased resistance and or high current flow, is indicated in some failures.additionally bmw issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) sib-630306 in february 2007 to address the condition by adding supplementary ground wiring to the tail lamp assembly.the additional ground wire added by the procedure reduces the current flow at the eight pin connector.odi is opening this ea to further investigate the issue.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TAIL LIGHTS
EA09019BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC12/18/200909/28/2011Rear Lamp Illumination11V438000
 In a letter submitted to the office of defects investigation (odi) dated august25, 2011, bmwindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.the issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.this can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.the recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.an 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.bmw will complete dealer notification in september 2011 and will begin owner notification in october 2011.all 3 series sedans (except for the m3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between september 1, 2001 and march 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.the action taken by bmw is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.accordingly, this investigation is closed.
PE09036BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE08/07/200912/22/2009REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
 Odi has received complaints from consumers stating that their tail light assembly is not properly illuminating.the tail light assembly consists of a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp and a brake lamp.the complainants have indicated that the issue is with an 8 pin connector and associated ground wiring.these components are allegedly overheating and melting due to excessive electrical current that runs through the system.bmw issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) sib-630306 on february 2007 to address the condition by adding supplementary ground wiring to the tail lamp assembly.odi is upgrading to an ea to further investigate the issue.
EA09019BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE12/18/2009REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
 The outboard rear light assembly consists of a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp and a brake lamp.failure of the light assembly ground circuit results in loss of all three lamps.bmw submitted complaint and warranty information showing a significant number of rear lamp assembly failures due to an open ground connection at the eight pin connector of the light assembly.this results in the loss of the rear turn signal.overheating of the ground circuit electrical pin, possibly due to increased resistance and or high current flow, is indicated in some failures.additionally bmw issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) sib-630306 in february 2007 to address the condition by adding supplementary ground wiring to the tail lamp assembly.the additional ground wire added by the procedure reduces the current flow at the eight pin connector.odi is opening this ea to further investigate the issue.
DP09002BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE04/08/200908/06/2009REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
 In march 2009, the office of defects investigation (odi) received a petition from mr. mark peters requesting an investigation of rear lamp failure in model year 2002-2005 bmw 3-series vehicles.an information request letter was sent to bmw in april 2009, and odi received bmw's response in june 2009.the tail lamp assembly contains lighting for the brake lamps, tail lamps, and turn signals.a technical service bulletin (tsb) was issued by bmw in january of 2007 instructing service technicians to examine an 8 pin electrical connector for heat-related damage and to incorporate additional ground wiring to the connector.complainants have alleged that significant thermal damage to the connector and associated ground wiring has occurred.this condition can result in intermittent or total loss of all lighting (brake, tail, and turn signal) for the effected rear lamp assembly.odi will open a preliminary evaluation to further examine this issue including further evaluating bmw complaints and related warranty data.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL
EA09019BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC12/18/200909/28/2011Rear Lamp Illumination11V438000
 In a letter submitted to the office of defects investigation (odi) dated august25, 2011, bmwindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.the issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.this can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.the recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.an 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.bmw will complete dealer notification in september 2011 and will begin owner notification in october 2011.all 3 series sedans (except for the m3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between september 1, 2001 and march 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.the action taken by bmw is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.accordingly, this investigation is closed.
DP09002BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE04/08/200908/06/2009REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
 In march 2009, the office of defects investigation (odi) received a petition from mr. mark peters requesting an investigation of rear lamp failure in model year 2002-2005 bmw 3-series vehicles.an information request letter was sent to bmw in april 2009, and odi received bmw's response in june 2009.the tail lamp assembly contains lighting for the brake lamps, tail lamps, and turn signals.a technical service bulletin (tsb) was issued by bmw in january of 2007 instructing service technicians to examine an 8 pin electrical connector for heat-related damage and to incorporate additional ground wiring to the connector.complainants have alleged that significant thermal damage to the connector and associated ground wiring has occurred.this condition can result in intermittent or total loss of all lighting (brake, tail, and turn signal) for the effected rear lamp assembly.odi will open a preliminary evaluation to further examine this issue including further evaluating bmw complaints and related warranty data.
EA09019BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE12/18/2009REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
 The outboard rear light assembly consists of a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp and a brake lamp.failure of the light assembly ground circuit results in loss of all three lamps.bmw submitted complaint and warranty information showing a significant number of rear lamp assembly failures due to an open ground connection at the eight pin connector of the light assembly.this results in the loss of the rear turn signal.overheating of the ground circuit electrical pin, possibly due to increased resistance and or high current flow, is indicated in some failures.additionally bmw issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) sib-630306 in february 2007 to address the condition by adding supplementary ground wiring to the tail lamp assembly.the additional ground wire added by the procedure reduces the current flow at the eight pin connector.odi is opening this ea to further investigate the issue.
PE09036BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE08/07/200912/22/2009REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
 Odi has received complaints from consumers stating that their tail light assembly is not properly illuminating.the tail light assembly consists of a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp and a brake lamp.the complainants have indicated that the issue is with an 8 pin connector and associated ground wiring.these components are allegedly overheating and melting due to excessive electrical current that runs through the system.bmw issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) sib-630306 on february 2007 to address the condition by adding supplementary ground wiring to the tail lamp assembly.odi is upgrading to an ea to further investigate the issue.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
08/11/2011101000
 Tl-the contact owns 2002 bmw 325. the contact stated that the tail lights malfunctioned and failed intermediately. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign i.d. number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:tail lights) and called the manufacturer but was advised that his vehicle was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 101,000. kmj
08/11/2011101000
 Tl-the contact owns 2002 bmw 325. the contact stated the tail lights malfunctions and works intermediately. the contact stated when the tail lights are not working the risk of a crash increases. the contact notice a nhtsa campaign i.d. 11v438000 (exterior lighting:tail lights) via the internet and called the manufacturer. the manufacturer informed the contact the vin number was not included in the recall. the failure mileage was 101,000. jo
09/30/2011125000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2002 bmw 325i. the contact stated that all of the exterior lights were inoperable. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that all of the exterior lights would need replacing. the manufacturer was notified of the failure who advised that a recall would be issued by the end of october for the failure and offered no further assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 125,000.
09/30/2011125000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2002 bmw 325i. the contact stated that all of the exterior lights were inoperable. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that all of the exterior lights would need replacing. the manufacturer was notified of the failure who advised that a recall would be issued by the end of october for the failure and offered no further assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 125,000. kmj
09/30/2011125000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2002 bmw 325i. the contact stated all the exterior lights on the vehicle are inoperable. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated it would be an expense to the owner of $500 to replace all the exterior light around the vehicle. the manufacturer was notified who stated a recall will be issued by the end of october. they offered no other assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 125,000. mw