Consumer Complaints

Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
10/08/201299960
 The general module 5 in e46 3 series model years 2004-2006 fail causing failure of turn signals, central locking, wind shield wipers, and hazard lights. this defect is known by bmwna but has not been addressed
07/13/2012680001
 Dear nhtsa, the headlight design of bmw's e46 bodies are just horrible. light output is close to none creating a significant problem regarding visibility. the reason is due to bmw's reflector bowl that deteriorates through out time due to its plastic material and finally ends up burning. it is so bad that the fog lights produce much more light then its low beams. we definitely need your help nhtsa because bmw sure does not want to help, their solution is that you have to replace the whole headlight which is 1200 a piece. millions of e46 owners have to deal with this problem and is a major safety concern. nhtsa investigators must go and investigate the problem so they know how bad it really is. yes that means bmw will loose millions of dollars but it is safety that matters, we don't want any person or child to be killed just because of a poor headlight design. only solution to this problem is up to your guys, nhtsa. thank you for taking time to read my message, i really appreciate it. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr
07/13/201268000
 Dear nhtsa, the headlight design of bmw's e46 bodies are just horrible. light output is close to none creating a significant problem regarding visibility. the reason is due to bmw's reflector bowl that deteriorates through out time due to its plastic material and finally ends up burning. it is so bad that the fog lights produce much more light then its low beams. we definitely need your help nhtsa because bmw sure does not want to help, their solution is that you have to replace the whole headlight which is 1200 a piece. millions of e46 owners have to deal with this problem and is a major safety concern. nhtsa investigators must go and investigate the problem so they know how bad it really is. yes that means bmw will loose millions of dollars but it is safety that matters, we don't want any person or child to be killed just because of a poor headlight design. only solution to this problem is up to your guys, nhtsa. thank you for taking time to read my message, i really appreciate it. thank you, akop agazarian
06/26/2012920001
 Both bixenon headlamps assemblies have failed on the vehicle they emit little to no light due to the known bowl burn issues with the plastic reflectors (should have been fabricated from metal), inside these headlamp assemblies. in looking at the light assemblies, they seemed to have failed a long time ago. this is a very unsafe and hazardous situation that renders the vehicle basically inoperative at night to the owner, because fellow drivers, pedestrians, and/or bicyclist may be not able to see your headlights. this could cause or may have already lead to fatal vehicular accident(s) or the death of a pedestrian(s) and/or bicyclist(s) because of the low to no light emitted by these faulty headlamps. while performing in depth research on the internet discovered that this is a very common and known problem on this make and model at all mileages. the bmw forums are full of complaints about this problem and an open complaint seems to be open and in process with nhtsa since 2009 some three years ago. neither bmw or its supplier of this faulty part make a reasonably priced service part that can be purchased to correct this known product and safety problem. not even the aftermarket industry makes a service part to correct this product problem. to correct this issue, you must purchase two new complete head lamp assemblies at a cost of approximately $ 1,200.00 each from bmw which is outrageous especially for such a know product and safety problem. i can't understand why a recall has not been initiated for such a known problem on so many vehicles that has been on going for so long.. i contacted bmw north america for relief with this know safety and product problem and they could not help me with this issue because there is no open recall for this known product and safety problem. *js
06/26/201292000
 Both bixenon headlamps assemblies have failed on the vehicle they emit little to no light due to the known bowl burn issues with the plastic reflectors (should have been fabricated from metal), inside these headlamp assemblies. in looking at the light assemblies, they seemed to have failed a long time ago. this is a very unsafe and hazadous situation that renders the vehicle basically inoperative at night to the owner, because fellow drivers, pedestrians, and/or bicycalist may be not able to see your headlights. this could cause or may have already lead to fatal vehicular accident(s) or the death of a pedestrian(s) and/or bicycalist(s) becuase of the low to no light emitted by these faulty headlamps. while performing in depth research on the internet dicovered that this is a very common and known problem on this make and model at all mileages. the bmw forums are full of complaints about this problem and an open complaint seems to be open and in process with nhtsa since 2009 some three years ago. neither bmw or its supplier of this faulty part make a reasonably priced service part that can be purchased to correct this known product and safety problem. not even the aftermarket industry makes a service part to correct this product problem. to correct this issue, you must purchase two new complete head lamp assemblies at a cost of approximately $ 1,200.00 each from bmw which is outrageous especially for such a know product and safety problem. i can't understand why a recall has not been initiated for such a known problem on so many vehicles that has been on going for so long.. i contacted bmw north america for relief with this know safety and product problem and they could not help me with this issue because there is no open recall for this known product and safety problem.
11/01/201070000
 2004 bmw 330i - tail light wiring failure. tail light bulb socket (part number w0133-1663035 failed due to over heating and melting of connector. results in loss of brake light function. problem common to both driver and passenger side. purchasing new part to try to correct problem however problem may also include failure of the connector (female) on the wiring harness which is not readily available. over heating appears to be due to undersizing of connector/wire. this appears to be a common problem with e46 bmw's (3 series). problem was brought to dealer's attention while under warranty,...they did not fix it. contacted corporate head quarters,...they did not acknowledge this was a common problem. (ref. ea09-019)

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