Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SIB-63-02-0108/01/201010037025Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty. *rm04/27/2011
SIB-63-02-0108/01/201010037025Ready04/27/2011
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS
SIB-63-03-1104/01/201110040057Bmw: wiring on the headlights may have deteriorated due to environmental conditions and the cover not being secured properly. e60/e92. *rm08/15/2011
SIB-63-03-1104/01/201110040057Ready08/15/2011
SI B63-04-0806/01/200810025983Bmw: headlamp moisture: fault diagnostics. water or condensation in one or both headlamps. models 5 series, 6 series, 7 series, x5, x6, 1 series, and 3 series. model years 2000-20008. *pe09/22/2008
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TAIL LIGHTS
B63-03-1204/01/201210044032Bmw: the left or right rear light in the side panel has condensation concerning vehicles produced up to february 27,2012. *js05/08/2012
SIB-63-02-0810/01/201010035224Bmw vehicle: rear bulb failure. the bulb out warning shows in the instrument cluster. diagnosis shows a fault for the rear lamp. the bulb out can be displayed for 2 possible causes: poor fit between the bulb and bulb holder; bulb failur02/11/2011
SI B63 02 0805/01/200810025585Rear bulb failure. model e92 (3 series coupe) vehicles produced up to january 21, 2008 are affected. the bulb out warning shows in the instrument cluster. *pe08/22/2008
63030602/01/2007SI B63-03-0610020856Poor connection at rear lamp connector. bmw. model e46. *kb model e46 (3 series). update 8/8/2008. *pe01/24/2007

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.
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 - 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.
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 - 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.
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 - 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.
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.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
01/02/2012700001
 Oem projector headlights burnt behind projector causing very dim lights. *tr
01/02/201270000
 Oem projector headlights burnt behind projector causing very dim lights.
11/01/2012115650
 My tail lights and turn signals work for a while then quite working. the exact same symptons as recall #11v438000 for the same type, model and year as my car, but bmw says my vehicle is not included
03/24/2012
 Due to the plastic bowels in the headlight projectors, which are chrome like lined, and the high heat of the hid bulbs, this chrome like coating has burned off making the light output of my hid head lights very dim. the outside of the bowels have gone from a chrome like coating to a bronze/caramel color/coating. this problem is very obvious. i have had other vehicles with hid headlights, and the light output of those cars is easily double or more, to the point where alot of times i have to drive with my fog lights on just to light the road up to be able to see well enough so that i dont have a accident. i have pictures i took of the discolored bowels im talking about on my phone that i would be able to send.
01/02/201250000
 Zkw xenon headlight reflector bowl is burned resulting in very dim light output. i am often afraid of driving at night because i feel it is a danger to my safety.
06/01/2011150000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2003 bmw 323. the contact stated that the headlights would flicker on and off. the turn signal light would also flicker abnormally. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised him that the taillight assembly needed to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:tail lights). the failure mileage was approximately 150,000. kmj
06/01/2011150000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2003 bmw 323. the contact stated that when driving at night his headlights would flicker on and off. the turn signal light in the rear flickers as well. the vehicle was taken to a independent mechanic and they advised him that the taillight assembly needed to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that the he was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 11v438000 (exterior lighting:tail lights). the failure mileage was approximately 150,000. tb
01/01/201080000
 The bmw e46 (3 series bmw) that was made from 1999 to 2006. in some cases during these years they used a lighting manufacturer zkw for their xenon headlights. unfortunately these lights have a common failure issue commonly referred to as a burnt reflector on the internet and on bmw forums. this is a non-consumer replaceable part. when this part fails it causes the vehicle to not have effective headlights. i personally have had times where my field of vision could not see items on the road due to the dim lights. the only remedy appears to be to replace the entire headlight assembly to the tune of hundreds of dollars (well over a thousand if you do both sides). in my opinion bmw should correct this issue for the consumer. headlights are an important safety item. to have a part fail that is not consumer replaceable is unacceptable. many people have this issue but have no way to remedy it. just google it or check e46fanatics.com. you will see that there are plenty of people that realize this is an issue.
05/25/2011105952
 My bmw 2003 330i is equipped with zkw headlight assemblies that have plastic xenon projector bowls installed inside the headlight assemblies. after several years of usage these projector bowls burn out and as a result, the reflective coating that allows light to be focused through the projectors are burned off reducing effective light output from the headlight assembly. upon inspection, both my headlight assemblies suffered approximately 50% loss in effective light output due to burned out xenon projector bowls and i found that my fog lights were putting out more light than both my zkw headlights. this problem affects all 3-series sedans made from 2002 - 2005. there have been many people who have, as a result of bmw inaction to do the right thing and correct this serious safety deficiency, either replaced their original zkw headlight assemblies with depot aftermarket headlight assembles or have replaced the defected zkw projector bowls with al projector bowls or fx-r projector bowls. this problem needs to be addressed as it is a serious road safety issue while driving at night.
12/11/2011111000
 Zkw bi xenon headlights reflectors burn out over time. the bowls are shot and they were black, burned to a crisp. they were made out of a plastic material with a chrome coating, instead of a metal reflector. this should be a recall for bmw. they got the tail light which works fine in my car, i need my headlights to see!
05/25/2011105952
 My bmw 2003 330i is equipped with zkw headlight assemblies that have plastic xenon projector bowls installed inside the headlight assemblies. after several years of usage these projector bowls burn out and as a result, the reflective coating that allows light to be focused through the projectors are burned off reducing effective light output from the headlight assembly. upon inspection, both my headlight assemblies suffered approximately 50% loss in effective light output due to burned out xenon projector bowls and i found that my fog lights were putting out more light than both my zkw headlights. this problem affects all 3-series sedans made from 2002 - 2005. there have been many people who have, as a result of bmw inaction to do the right thing and correct this serious safety deficiency, either replaced their original zkw headlight assemblies with depot aftermarket headlight assembles or have replaced the defected zkw projector bowls with al projector bowls or fx-r projector bowls. this problem needs to be addressed as it is a serious road safety issue while driving at night.
12/11/2011111000
 Zkw bi xenon headlights reflectors burn out over time. the bowls are shot and they were black, burned to a crisp. they were made out of a plastic material with a chrome coating, instead of a metal reflector. this should be a recall for bmw. they got the tail light which works fine in my car, i need my headlights to see!
05/25/2011105952
 My bmw 2003 330i is equipped with zkw headlight assemblies that have plastic xenon projector bowls installed inside the headlight assemblies. after several years of usage these projector bowls burn out and as a result, the reflective coating that allows light to be focused through the projectors are burned off reducing effective light output from the headlight assembly. upon inspection, both my headlight assemblies suffered approximately 50% loss in effective light output due to burned out xenon projector bowls and i found that my fog lights were putting out more light than both my zkw headlights. this problem affects all 3-series sedans made from 2002 - 2005. there have been many people who have, as a result of bmw inaction to do the right thing and correct this serious safety deficiency, either replaced their original zkw headlight assemblies with depot aftermarket headlight assembles or have replaced the defected zkw projector bowls with al projector bowls or fx-r projector bowls. this problem needs to be addressed as it is a serious road safety issue while driving at night.
12/11/2011111000
 Zkw bi xenon headlights reflectors burn out over time. the bowls are shot and they were black, burned to a crisp. they were made out of a plastic material with a chrome coating, instead of a metal reflector. this should be a recall for bmw. they got the tail light which works fine in my car, i need my headlights to see!
11/01/201180000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2003 bmw 3series. the contact stated that the rear tail light warning indicator illuminated on the instrumental panel. after checking the rear of the vehicle, the tail light appeared to be operating as designed. the warning light would illuminate on an intermittent basis. the vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 11v438000 (exterior lighting:tail lights). the failure mileage was approximately 80,000. kmj
05/25/2011105952
 My bmw 2003 330i is equipped with zkw headlight assemblies that have plastic xenon projector bowls installed inside the headlight assemblies. after several years of usage these projector bowls burn out and as a result, the reflective coating that allows light to be focused through the projectors are burned off reducing effective light output from the headlight assembly. upon inspection, both my headlight assemblies suffered approximately 50% loss in effective light output due to burned out xenon projector bowls and i found that my fog lights were putting out more light than both my zkw headlights. this problem affects all 3-series sedans made from 2002 - 2005. there have been many people who have, as a result of bmw inaction to do the right thing and correct this serious safety deficiency, either replaced their original zkw headlight assemblies with depot aftermarket headlight assembles or have replaced the defected zkw projector bowls with al projector bowls or fx-r projector bowls. this problem needs to be addressed as it is a serious road safety issue while driving at night.
12/11/2011111000
 Zkw bi xenon headlights reflectors burn out over time. the bowls are shot and they were black, burned to a crisp. they were made out of a plastic material with a chrome coating, instead of a metal reflector. this should be a recall for bmw. they got the tail light which works fine in my car, i need my headlights to see!
11/01/201180000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2003 bmw 3series. the contact stated that the rear tail light warning indicator illuminated on the instrumental panel. after checking the rear of the vehicle, the tail light appeared to be operating as designed. the warning light would illuminate on an intermittent basis. the vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 11v438000 (exterior lighting:tail lights). the failure mileage was approximately 80,000. kmj
05/25/2011105952
 My bmw 2003 330i is equipped with zkw headlight assemblies that have plastic xenon projector bowls installed inside the headlight assemblies. after several years of usage these projector bowls burn out and as a result, the reflective coating that allows light to be focused through the projectors are burned off reducing effective light output from the headlight assembly. upon inspection, both my headlight assemblies suffered approximately 50% loss in effective light output due to burned out xenon projector bowls and i found that my fog lights were putting out more light than both my zkw headlights. this problem affects all 3-series sedans made from 2002 - 2005. there have been many people who have, as a result of bmw inaction to do the right thing and correct this serious safety deficiency, either replaced their original zkw headlight assemblies with depot aftermarket headlight assembles or have replaced the defected zkw projector bowls with al projector bowls or fx-r projector bowls. this problem needs to be addressed as it is a serious road safety issue while driving at night.
12/11/2011111000
 Zkw bi xenon headlights reflectors burn out over time. the bowls are shot and they were black, burned to a crisp. they were made out of a plastic material with a chrome coating, instead of a metal reflector. this should be a recall for bmw. they got the tail light which works fine in my car, i need my headlights to see!
11/01/201180000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2003 bmw 3series. the contact stated that the rear tail light warning lamp had illuminated on the instrumental panel. after checking the rear of the vehicle it had appeared as if they were operating as they should. the failure had occurred on an intermittent basis. the vehicle had not been inspected by a dealer nor had it been repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that he was not inlcuded in nhtsa campaign id number 11v438000 (exterior lighting:tail lights). the failure mileage was approximately 80,000. tb
07/01/200950000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2003 bmw 330i. the contact stated when the brake caution light illuminated he became aware that the vehicle brake light, tail light, and the turn signal, failed. the contact replaced the rear bulb several times. the vehicle wasn't taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. the manufacturer will be contacted. the failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 60,000. li