Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - BRAKE LIGHTS | ||||||||||||||||
| 11V438000 | BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC | from 09/01/2001 to 03/01/2005 | V (Vehicle) | 241000 | 02/15/2012 | ODI | BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC | 08/26/2011 | 08/26/2011 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | Bmw is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi vehicles manufactured from september 1, 2001, through march 1, 2005. over time, resistance in the electrical contacts may cause one or more rear lamp functions (tail light, brake light, and/or turn-signal), within the vehicle's body panel, to stop working. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions. this could cause a vehicle crash without warning. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. the safety recall beganon february 15, 2012. owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov . | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | |||||
| SIB-63-02-01 | 08/01/2010 | 10037025 | Ready | 04/27/2011 | |
| SIB-63-02-01 | 08/01/2010 | 10037025 | Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty. *rm | 04/27/2011 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | ||||||
| EA09019 | BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC | 12/18/2009 | 09/28/2011 | Rear Lamp Illumination | 11V438000 | |
| 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. | ||||||
| PE09036 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 08/07/2009 | 12/22/2009 | REAR 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. | ||||||
| EA09019 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 12/18/2009 | REAR 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. | ||||||
| DP09002 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 04/08/2009 | 08/06/2009 | REAR 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 - BACK UP LIGHTS | ||||||
| DP09002 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 04/08/2009 | 08/06/2009 | REAR 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 | ||||||
| EA09019 | BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC | 12/18/2009 | 09/28/2011 | Rear Lamp Illumination | 11V438000 | |
| 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. | ||||||
| PE09036 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 08/07/2009 | 12/22/2009 | REAR 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. | ||||||
| EA09019 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 12/18/2009 | REAR 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. | ||||||
| DP09002 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 04/08/2009 | 08/06/2009 | REAR 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 - TAIL LIGHTS | ||||||
| EA09019 | BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC | 12/18/2009 | 09/28/2011 | Rear Lamp Illumination | 11V438000 | |
| 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. | ||||||
| EA09019 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 12/18/2009 | REAR 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. | ||||||
| DP09002 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 04/08/2009 | 08/06/2009 | REAR 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. | ||||||
| PE09036 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 08/07/2009 | 12/22/2009 | REAR 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. | ||||||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL | ||||||
| EA09019 | BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC | 12/18/2009 | 09/28/2011 | Rear Lamp Illumination | 11V438000 | |
| 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. | ||||||
| EA09019 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 12/18/2009 | REAR 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. | ||||||
| DP09002 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 04/08/2009 | 08/06/2009 | REAR 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. | ||||||
| PE09036 | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE | 08/07/2009 | 12/22/2009 | REAR 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 date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | |||
| 07/02/2012 | 105000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. the contact stated that the brake lights and the turn signals failed. the contact checked the wiring harness and found that the harness was melted. the contact spoke with the manufacturer regarding nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting: brake lights), but was told that the vehicle was not included in the recall. the failure mileage was 105,000 and the current mileage was 110,000. | |||
| 07/02/2012 | 105000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. the contact stated that the brake lights and the turn signals failed. the contact checked the wiring harness and found that the harness was melted. the contact spoke with the manufacturer regarding nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting: brake lights), but was told that the vehicle was not included in the recall. the failure mileage was 105,000 and the current mileage was 110,000. kmj | |||
| 07/02/2012 | 105000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. the contact stated that the brake lights and the turn signals for the vehicle stopped working. the contact checked the vehicles wiring harness and found that it had melted. the contact spoke with the manufacturer regarding nhtsa recall campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting: brake lights), but was told that the vehicle was not included in the recall. the failure 105,000 and the current mileage was 110,000.rl | |||
| 09/28/2012 | 100000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. the contact stated that the rear passenger tail light failed. the contact replaced the bulb twice but the failure recurred. the contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle he noticed that there was a short in the electrical system. the contact was then informed of recall nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting: turn signal). the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. the failure and current mileage was 100,000. pmb | |||
| 09/28/2012 | 100000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. the contact stated that the rear passenger tail light failed. the contact replaced the bulb two times and the the light continued to fail. the contact opened the housing panel and saw that there was a short in the electrical system. the contact was then informed of the recall for nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:turn signal) but was informed her vin was not included in the recall by the manufacturer. the failure and current mileages were 100,000. dt | |||
| 05/01/2009 | 55000 | ||
| Low beam reflectors on 2003 zkw hid xenon headlights was burn and scorched and posted as a fire risk. the scorched reflector also reduce the low beam light output and posts as a driving hazard. | |||
| 01/03/2005 | 12000 | ||
| Tail lights continue to fail on this model. called the manufacturer, bmw, and they said that eventhough a recall exists for 2003 bmw 325i models for tail light failure (id no. 11v4380000), my vin number did not correspond to production run failures under recall. | |||
| 01/02/2006 | 60000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. the contact stated that the rear tail light failed. the contact examined the vehicle and found that the rear tail light wires were burned. the manufacturer was contacted and advised that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:turn signal). the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 161,000. | |||
| 01/03/2005 | 12000 | ||
| Tail lights continue to fail on this model. called the manufacturer, bmw, and they said that eventhough a recall exists for 2003 bmw 325i models for tail light failure (id no. 11v4380000), my vin number did not correspond to production run failures under recall. | |||
| 01/02/2006 | 60000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. the contact stated that the rear tail light failed. the contact examined the vehicle and found that the rear tail light wires were burned. the manufacturer was contacted and advised that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:turn signal). the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 161,000. kmj | |||
| 01/02/2006 | 60000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. the contact stated the vehicle rear tail light failed. the contact examined the vehicle and found the rear tail lights wires burnt. the manufacturer advised that the vin was not included in recall 11v438000. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 161,000. li | |||
| 12/29/2011 | 67000 | ||
| Xenon headlight reflectors are melting/burning causing a significant reduction in light output. very simple problem for which there is no fix other than to purchase new headlight assembles for $2,000. seems to affect all xenon headlights produced by zwk for the 2002-2004 3 series bmw. | |||
| 12/14/2011 | 110000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. the contact was driving 20 mph when the turn signal failed to illuminate. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the turn signal wiring and the brake lights burned out. the manufacturer was contacted where they advised that the vehicle qualified for repairs under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting: tail lights), but the connector was not included. the vehicle was not repaired and the vin was unavailable. the failure and the current mileages were 110,000. | |||
| 12/14/2011 | 110000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. the contact was driving 20 mph when the turn signal failed to illuminate. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the turn signal wiring and the brake lights burned out. the manufacturer was contacted where they advised that the vehicle qualified for repairs under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting: tail lights), but the connector was not included. the vehicle was not repaired and the vin was unavailable. the failure and the current mileages were 110,000. kmj | |||
| 12/14/2011 | 110000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. the contact was driving 20mph when the turn signal failed to illuminate. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the dealer confirmed the wiring that connects the turn signals and the brake lights burned out. the manufacturer was contacted and they confirmed the vin does qualify for recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:tail lights), but the connector was not included. the vehicle was not repaired and the vin was unknown. the failure and current mileages were 110,000. rds | |||
| 11/24/2011 | 78600 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. while making a right turn at approximately 5 mph, the turn signal lights failed to illuminate. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting: turn signal) but was advised by the manufacturer that the vehicle was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 78,600. kmj | |||
| 11/24/2011 | 78600 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. while driving at approximately 5 mph the contact made a right turn and noticed the turn signal lights were not illuminating. there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:turn signal) that maybe related to the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 78,600. ds | |||
| 07/03/2010 | 75172 | ||
| Right taillamp failure and left taillamp intermittent operation. electrical system repair: right rear taillamp connector and bulb carrier corroded. dealer replaced pigtail harness and bulb carrier with updated design: socket housing, terminal, contact, cable connector, hose, insulation housing, flat contact, cable socket and bulb socket. | |||
| 10/01/2011 | 130000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. the contact was driving approximately 25 mph and when the brake pedal was engaged, the driver side tail light indicator illuminated on the instrument panel intermittently causing the rear driver side tail light to become inoperable. there was a recall related to the similar defect under nhtsa campaign id number 11v438000 (exterior lighting: tail lights). the vin was not included in the recall and the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 130,000. | |||
| 10/01/2011 | 130000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. the contact was driving approximately 25 mph and when the brake pedal was engaged, the driver side tail light indicator illuminated on the instrument panel intermittently causing the rear driver side tail light to become inoperable. there was a recall related to the similar defect under nhtsa campaign id number 11v438000 (exterior lighting: tail lights). the vin was not included in the recall and the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 130,000. kmj | |||
| 10/01/2011 | 130000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. the contact was driving approximately 25 mph and when the brake pedal was engaged, the driver side tail light indicator illuminated on the instrument panel intermittently causing the rear driver side tail light to become inoperable. there was a recall related to the similar defect under nhtsa campaign id number 11v438000 (exterior lighting: tail lights). the vin was not included in the recall and the vehicle had not been repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 130,000. js | |||
| 10/21/2011 | |||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. the contact stated that both rear tail lights failed. the contact was advised of a recall under nhtsa recall campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting: tail lights) by his mechanic. the manufacturer was contacted but advised that the vehicle was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the current mileage vehicle was 90,000 and the failure mileage was unknown. | |||
| 10/21/2011 | |||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. the contact stated that both rear tail lights failed. the contact was advised of a recall under nhtsa recall campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting: tail lights) by his mechanic. the manufacturer was contacted but advised that the vehicle was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the current mileage vehicle was 90,000 and the failure mileage was unknown. kmj | |||
| 10/21/2011 | |||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. the contact stated that both rear tail lights have failed on the vehicle. the contacts mechanic stated there was a nhtsa recall campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting: tail lights), but the manufacturer stated the vehicle was not included in the recall. the current mileage on the vehicle was 90,000.rl | |||
| 09/19/2011 | 60250 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. the contact stated that the exterior tail lights burned through the housing harness. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised the contact that his vin was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting: tail lights). the manufacturer was notified of the failure who offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 60,250. kmj | |||
| 09/19/2011 | 60250 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. the contact stated the exterior tail lights has a burnt out housing harness. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated his vin was not included in the recall. the nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 component: exterior lighting: tail lights. the repair would be at the owners expense of $600. the manufacturer was notified who offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 60,250. mw | |||
| 10/15/2009 | |||
| The rear stoplights, taillights, and turn signals have failed on multiple occasions. | |||
| 01/01/2011 | 65000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. the contact stated that the tail lights failed intermittently and would shut off while driving without warning. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:tail lights) but was advised by the dealer advised that the vehicle was not included in the recall. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. no repairs were performed. the current mileage was 73,346 and the approximate failure mileage was 65,000. the vin was unavailable. | |||
| 10/15/2009 | |||
| The rear stoplights, taillights, and turn signals have failed on multiple occasions. | |||
| 01/01/2011 | 65000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. the contact stated that the tail lights failed intermittently and would shut off while driving without warning. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:tail lights) but was advised by the dealer advised that the vehicle was not included in the recall. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. no repairs were performed. the current mileage was 73,346 and the approximate failure mileage was 65,000. the vin was unavailable. | |||
| 10/15/2009 | |||
| The rear stoplights, taillights, and turn signals have failed on multiple occasions. | |||
| 01/01/2011 | 65000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. the contact noticed that the tail lights worked intermittently and would shut off while driving similar to nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:tail lights). the dealer advised the contact that his vin had not been included in the previous recall. the manufacturer was aware of the failure; however, did not offer any assistance. no repairs were performed. the current mileage was 73,346. the approximate failure mileage was 65,000. the vin was unavailable. bw | |||
| 10/15/2009 | |||
| The rear stoplights, taillights, and turn signals have failed on multiple occasions. | |||
| 01/01/2011 | 65000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. the contact noticed that the tail lights worked intermittently and would shut off while driving similar to nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:tail lights). the dealer advised the contact that his vin had not been included in the previous recall. the manufacturer was aware of the failure; however, did not offer any assistance. no repairs were performed. the current mileage was 73,346. the approximate failure mileage was 65,000. the vin was unavailable. bw | |||
| 11/15/2006 | 49000 | ||
| Xenon lights went out shortly after the 50,000 mark. shortly after car kept going into fail safe mode, kept getting low voltage readings on diagnostics. one bmw dealers kept telling me i needed to rebuild transmission. all they would do is plug the car into the computer and see the tranny reading on the scanner. the reason there was a tranny reading was because the car was in fail safe mode. i eventually had the tranny rebuilt and i still had the same issue. i would cycle the ignition and restart the car and car would drive fine. it keeps going into fail safe mode everytime i start the car. its harder to get it out of fail safe mode in the winter with colder starts | |||
| 03/09/2011 | 75000 | ||
| My current vehicle is a 2003 bmw 325i with bi-xenon headlights manufactured by zkw. over the last year or two, the light output from the xenon headlights had dropped to the point where i get almost no noticeable illumination of the road at night (in average city levels of street illumination). i turned to using my foglamps to be able to see anything. after researching this problem on online forums, i examined the headlights myself and found that the upper portion of the projector bowls seem burned. they are made of plastic and painted with reflective paint, but the upper ~40% of the bowl is now browned and nonreflective. apparantly this is due to an inability of the paint to withstand the high temperatures generated by the xenon bulbs. also, this seems to be common to many/all zkw brand headlights utilized in 2003-2004 model years of 3 series (e46) bmw vehicles, according to postings on the bmw-owner forums. for now, i have tried to remedy this by lining the burnt portion of the bowl with aluminum foil and can now notice some illumination of the road at night. this further argues that the burning/loss of reflective coating is what causes the loss of light output. | |||
| 02/27/2011 | 90000 | ||
| Brake lights and turn signals randomly not working. 2003 bmw 325i. replaced light bulbs and noticed burnt wires and light sockets. researched repair and found numerous other owners of same year and make vehicle with same issue. | |||
| 01/01/2004 | 15000 | ||
| I bought my 2003 bmw 325i new. shortly after the sale i noticed the front drivers xenon light would go out. the only way to get the light back on, is to turn off the car and restart the engine. this works about 80 percent of the time. another issue i have been experiencing is a false indication that my taillights are out. this is very sporratic and annoying. a third issue i am experiencing is very dangerous relating to my drivers seatbelt. the seatbelt may seam locked, but if you pull with a bit of force, the seatbelt will come out of the locked position. | |||
| 12/01/2010 | 90000 | ||
| 2003 bmw 325i rear tail lights spontaneously and repeatedly quit working. light bulbs replaced and work well. it appears to be a wiring issue. | |||
| 09/25/2010 | 76000 | ||
| I have experienced several times when our turn signal light fails to work and the indicator light of failure is shown on the dashboard. the light will work then stop working in short periods of time. i have replaced bulbs on numerous occassions with some success while other times nothing helps. there appears to be some type of electronic problem with the signal lights, especially in the rear of the vehicle. | |||
| 08/01/2007 | 44000 | ||
| The tail-lights of my bmw 325i have periodically shorted out ever since i purchased the car. the warning light on the dashboard indicates that the light is not functioning correctly, and is not corrected by replacing the bulb. before my warranty expired bmw replaced the rear tail lamp module which corrected the problem, but already the replacement module has shorted out again. currently both tail-lights are shorting out. | |||
| 03/22/2010 | 136000 | ||
| 3/26/2010 - olney, md - 2003 325xi right and left rear light assembly system failing at times, (turn signal and brake light works intermittenly). bmw acknowledged ground problem in assemly in tbs:630306, february 1 2007 local dealer in silver spring md, tisher bmw correct the problem only on the right side and completely ignore multipple office visit for the same issue on both sides and refuse to correct problem on the left assembly. at the same time bmw corporate office customer suport refused to offer out of warranty free repair or to initiate recall on previosly acknowledged ground problem. i belive this issue is the safty hazard because the ground red wire is burning in the connector of tail light assembly. also people and other drivers can't see when you braking | |||
| 01/01/2005 | 40000 | 1 | |
| The right front headlight will go off sporadically and right rear tail light goes off. the dealer could not correct the headlight problem. the tail light problem began while car was in warranty. now to correct taillight problem there is update kit which they want me to pay. since taillight problem began in warranty bmw should cover cost. *tr | |||
| 12/01/2008 | 90000 | 1 | |
| Own a bmw 3251, rear end started making popping noise when put in reverse and when turning curves. when on interstate rear end locked up while driving causing my car to skid through all lanes of traffic. after having car inspected the rear end had broke, we replaced the rear end. also having trouble with head lights staying on and blinkers. right rear tail light over heated and burnt items in trunk. radiator has broke and driverside window regulator and clutch fan. *tr | |||
| 11/10/2009 | 90000 | 1 | |
| Multiple blinker and brake lights periodically malfunction on my 2003 bmw 325i. i understand from talking with several other bmw owners that this is a common occurrence due to faulty design involving the grounding of the light fixtures. furthermore, i feel this is a safety issue that bmw should pay to have repaired. *tr | |||
| 09/15/2009 | 54000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325xi. the tail lights stopped functioning without any prior warnings. the vehicle was taken to the dealership where the contact was informed that the entire rear lighting system needed to be replaced. the current and failure mileages were 54000. | |||
| 08/01/2008 | 700000 | 1 | |
| Rear lighting system, to include turn signal and brake light, on my 2003 bmw 325i works intermittently. bmw acknowledged defect in system in si b 63 03 06, dated february 2007 but to date has refused to initiate a recall to fix this safety defect. the nature of the defect causes the lamp housing terminals to burn and burns the surrounding plastic housing. this can be a fire hazard particularly of there is flammable material in the trunk. obviously the brake lights working intermittently is an obvious hazard. the repair costs approx $600 for both sides. *tr | |||
| 04/01/2009 | 40000 | 1 | |
| Poor connection at rear lamp connector. bmw. model e46. ( nhtsa item number - 10020856 ). *tr | |||
| 04/05/2009 | 98562 | 1 | |
| Failure of left rear tail light assembly. connector on wiring assembly has melted. one of the pins on light bulb assembly has disintegrated rendering all lights inoperable. contacted local bmw dealership and was told this is a common problem with this model. *tr | |||
| 01/01/2007 | 30000 | 1 | |
| Right rear lighting system, to include turn signal and brake light, on my 2003 bmw 325i works intermittently. bmw acknowledged defect in system in si b 63 03 06, dated february 2007 but to date has refused to initiate a recall to fix this safety defect. *tr | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS | |||
| 09/10/2007 | 37763 | 1 | 10/31/2003 |
| Four times since i buy a 2003 bmw 325i , i have to get the auto to guarantee service for replacement of the struct front bushing, now , after replace them at 32,000 miles about four month ago, my car at 37,000 miles request a new bushings. they said me that bmw was no longer replace them by guarantee because of the road conditions in puerto rico. when i buy the car i paid for a guarantee and i think that is impossible that a car like this , the ultimate drive machine require every four month to replace that parts. they should install a good reinforced genuine parts and not a remanufactured. i always try to avoid the holes, but i ask when it's raining it start a red light that indicated please avoid this hole . *tr the dealer stated replaced lens and cover disc for both headlights, noises coming from both rear shock absorbers, replacing alternator drive belt tensioner, tensioner and pulleys, and removing and installing left or right rubber strip. updated 10/24/07 *tr | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TAIL LIGHTS | |||
| 03/11/2008 | 37990 | 2 | 06/03/2003 |
| The tail light assembly keeps failing. and i loose the tail lights. the first time this happened was in 2005 on the right hand side and now it happened on the left hand side. *tr | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL | |||
| 01/25/2003 | 2 | ||
| 2003 bmw 325i. consumer requests reimbursement for recall repairs prior to recall notification. *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle was serviced several times, to correct the problem regarding the rear lamps. the consumer stated since several of the repairs were done prior to the time frame established by the recall, she was only reimbursed partially. recall# 11v438000. *jb | |||