general problems of the 2004 BMW 325

16 problems related to exterior lighting have been reported for the 2004 BMW 325. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 05/16/2025

I cannot use put my windows up/down, cannot open the trunk, cannot use interior lights, cannot unlock my gas lid. Due to a broke. Electronic part called the gm5.

2 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 04/21/2025

The contact owns a 2004 BMW 325 ci. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side rear turn signal light became inoperable while attempting to make a turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the rear turn signal light failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear tail lamp functions had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.

3 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 11/09/2018

Car sitting in driveway of primary residence for several days after repeated heavy rains and hurricanes and spontaneously caught fire. Fire was self extinguished but started in dash on left side of steering wheel centered on the head-light control module.

4 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 07/13/2015

Tl- takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 BMW 325i. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 14v428000 (air bags), 15v318000 (air bags) and the dealer was unable to indicate when the parts would become available to receive the recall repairs for several months. The contact did not receive notification of NHTSA campaign number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting) and was to check with the manufacturer to determine when the recall repairs would be scheduled by the dealer. The contact was not experiencing a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Parts distribution disconnect. Dyd.

5 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 05/14/2013

The contact owns a 2004 BMW 325i. The contact stated that the brakes lights failed. The contact spoke with the manufacturer regarding NHTSA campaign id number:11v438000(exterior lighting), but the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall campaign. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 72,000.

6 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 10/28/2011

My car is subject to recall campaign no. 11v-438: lamps in rear quarter panel. I had this repaired on 10/28/11 at murray motors in glendale colorado. The invoice # is[xxx] and the service advisor is [xxx] (303-759-4646). I can provide a copy of the documentation. I had this repair done at an authorized BMW center, submitted the invoice detailing the cost and nature of the repair to BMW customer relations in westwood, NJ via us mail, and they refuse to pay it. I received only a phone call from "[xxx]" at BMW customer relations saying that they won't pay it. It is disappointing that BMW refuses to abide by the requirements of the national traffic and motor vehicle safety act. I would appreciate any help that you can provide in getting BMW to abide by federal law. Thanks! information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

7 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2011

The bi-xenon zkw lights kept getting dimmer and dimmer. Bulb replacement did not correct the problem. When looked into the issue found out that the zkw projector bowls have burned up and do not provide any reflection for the light output anymore. Driving at night at this point with lights on is almost like driving with the lights turned off.

8 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 08/25/2011

Three recalls. Front drivers air bag, front passenger airbag, both rear quarter panel lamps carrier connector wires heated and melted. Contacted BMW of kingsport several times for assistance. Said would help but has not. Need schematic of rear taillight assemblies and repair of airbags.

9 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 06/21/2011

Right side signal light intermittent failure. When it finally failed there was a scorched wire. Upon investigation found there is a TSB from the manufacturer but only in warranty. No recall.

10 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 01/04/2011

The contact owns a 2004 BMW 325i. The contact stated that the rear exterior lights became inoperable as the rear taillight warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon inspection around the connector and the panel, there were scorch marks and the connectors coating was completely melted off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting). The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

11 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 12/22/2010

The tail / break lights on my 2004 BMW 325i were melting. The dealer charged me close to $800 to replace them. Although I reported the problem before, I did so before knowing about the $800 price tag to fix the issue. BMW should pay for this defective (poorly engineered) safety component. I hope it doesn't take much of 'an investigation' from the NHTSA to make BMW accountable for this.

12 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2010

My 2004 BMW 325i rear left lights go out even when the light bulbs are good. I cannot signal other drivers when I need to change lanes. Problem started September 2010. Started to occur sporadically, but it is constant now. Dash indicator shows incorrectly that bulbs are broken.

13 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2010

Rear taillight,brakelight connector has melted causing brakelight not to work.

14 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2010

I have a major BMW problem. It currently has a service bulletin # si b 63 03 06 lights but BMW will not fix this out of warranty even though they knew about this when my car was under warranty and I was supposed to get full services. I want a formal investigation.

15 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2010

The bi-xenon zkw lights kept getting dimmer and dimmer. Bulb replacement did not correct the problem. When looked into the issue found out that the zkw projector bowls have burned up and do not provide any reflection for the light output anymore. Driving at night at this point with lights on is almost like driving with the lights turned off.

16 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 08/13/2008

The housing for the xenon light bulbs are defective and the lighting output is very bad. The xenon bulb itself is fine but the housing is burnt and it is getting worse.



325 Service Bulletins
325 Safety Recalls
325 Defect Investigations