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. | ||||||
| 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 - 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. | ||||||
| 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. | ||||||
| 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. | ||||||
| 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. | ||||||
| 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. | ||||||
| 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. | ||||||
| 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. | ||||||
| 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. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | |||
| 04/16/2012 | 87500 | ||
| Purchased the car in april 2012. noticed that the xenon headlights were not outputting as much light as i thought they should. inspected the area behind the headlights (the reflective bowls) and discovered that they were burned. upon researching online, i have found that this is a common problem for the zkw xenon equipped bmw 3 series (e46) vehicles, and the nhtsa has many complaints about this problem already. this is a safety defect in my mind. headlight reflectors should not burn from their designed usage. this will cost thousands of dollars to replace the headlight assemblies. bmw should issue a recall for this serious problem | |||
| 10/10/2012 | 130000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2005 bmw 330i. the contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the headlights were activated but appeared very dim. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where the technician stated that the headlight assembly needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 130,000. mah | |||
| 10/10/2012 | 130000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2005 bmw 330i. the contact stated that while driving 30 mph, he turned the head lights were very dim. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection for inspection and they stated that the headlight assembly needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 130,000. ap | |||
| 11/28/2011 | 69500 | ||
| Dash mounted warning light indicated tail light issues. checked the light and all the bulbs were fine but the entire tail light was not working. i then noticed the the brown wire in the connector had melted through the case and was touching other wires in the connector which caused it to short out the entire light. the brown wire has visible signs of melting. i have since found out that this is a common problem with my type bmw and a recall has been issued. right now my vin number does not fall under the notice but i have no tail lights. | |||
| 10/01/2011 | 65000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2005 bmw 330i. while parked, the contact noticed that the exterior light warning gauge was illuminated on the instrument panel. the contact replaced the exterior lighting bulbs but the failure continued intermittently and became more constant over time. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:brake lights). the manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 65,000. kmj | |||
| 10/01/2011 | 65000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2005 bmw 330i. while parked the contact noticed the exterior warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. the contact replaced the bulbs. the failure continued intermittently but became more constant with time. there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:brake lights) that may be 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 65,000. ds | |||
| 11/01/2011 | |||
| Rear taillights intermittently work. noticed that the rear connectors, specifically the grounding wire was melted. the turn signals will intermittently not turn on. | |||
| 02/01/2010 | 85000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw 330i. while driving approximately 30 mph, the rear tail light assembly warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rear tail light connecting wires were melted. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:tail lights) but was advised by the manufacturer that the vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 85,000. | |||
| 02/01/2010 | 85000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2005 bmw 330i. while driving approximately 30 mph, the rear tail light assembly warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rear tail light connecting wires were melted. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:tail lights) but was advised by the manufacturer that the vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 85,000. kmj | |||
| 02/01/2010 | 85000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2005 bmw 330i. while driving at approximately 30 mph the rear tail light assembly warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed the rear tail light connecting wires had melted. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics. there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:tail lights) that may be 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 85,000. ds | |||
| 10/10/2010 | 51800 | ||
| Zkw brand xenon headlights - the back of the projector bowl is made of plastic (vs. metal in the al/bosch brand, also used by bmw), which over time burns from the heat put out my the headlights. the burn turns the plastic from white to brown/orange, which severly reduces light output, making night driving dangerous. i don't feel comfortable driving at night unless my hi-beams are on, which is hard to pull off unless i'm the only car on the road. this issue is most prevelant in 2002-2005 3 series sedans, and the issue is well documented in the bmw community. | |||
| 05/01/2011 | 65000 | ||
| Zkw reflectors on hid headlight assembly degrade, greatly reducing the headlight efficiency at night. the plastic of which the reflector bowls are made degrades from headlight heat, and the reflective coating burns. | |||
| 07/05/2011 | |||
| In 2002-2005 bmw 330i sedans with the xenon headlight feature, bmw opted to use zkw brand headlight assemblies instead of al/bosch brand assemblies. the zkw brand assemblies have plastic projector reflector bowls whereas the al/bosch assembies have metal projector reflector bowls. as a result of constant heat and concentration of the xenon bulb on the plastic projector bowl, the reflective surface begins to deteriorate. soon enough (after a few years of use) the bowls receive brown/blackish burn marks from the concentration of light. the burn marks no longer reflect the xenon light and cause the output from the xenon zkw headlight assembly to be fainter than original state. numerous individuals on the bmw car forums have experienced similar problems and have made note that this is the cause of their failure. note: some 2002-2005 330i sedans did come with al/bosch brand headlight assemblies. | |||