12 problems related to tail light switch have been reported for the 2004 BMW 325. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
My left reverse/tail light does not work. I have replaced the bulb and assembly and also have found online that there were recalls for this specific issue.
The contact owns a 2004 BMW 325i. The contact stated that the ground wires were overheating, melting the plug and causing the tail lights to malfunction. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 117,000 and the current mileage was 120,000.
Driver side brake lamp has gone out. In researching, found that this is a common problem with this model in the led tail light and can cause a crash due to other drivers not being able to tell that you are stopping. Found recall information on NHTSA site and contacted BMW. I was informed that my specific VIN was not included in this campaign, yet the problem is the same problem that affects 241,000 other cars. I would like to ask that my situation (and VIN) be evaluated and included in the recall since this is a known issue with this model. Thank you for your assistance!.
The dirver's side rear tail light assembly failed. Received a warning indicator light on the dash panel. Replacing the bulbs in the assembly failed to correct the problem. Researching this issue I discovered there has been an equipment recall for failed tail light assemblies.
The contact owns a 2004 BMW 325i. The contact was driving 25 mph and attempting a left turn when the turn signal and the brake light failed as the brakes were depressed. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised the contact that the VIN did not qualify for the repairs under NHTSA campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting: tail lights). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 73,000 and the current mileage was 80,000.
The contact owns a 2004 BMW 325i. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake lights would not illuminate when the brakes were applied. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the ground wire in the electrical panel had shorted due to corrosion. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but they were unable to informed the contact if the vehicle was included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:tail lights). The failure mileage was 65,000. Updated 10/04/11.
Tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals have shorted out on the rear of the vehicle 2 times even though it has been repaired. Happens to both sides of the car, but only in the rear. It keeps burning through the plug / connector and shorting out.
Rear tail light intermittently show failure. Upon inspection, appears connection shows signs of premature wear and burning/overheating due to inadequate grounding.
This is a very common problem for this year and model BMW car. At just under 45k miles, the exterior tail lights at times fail to work. The lights have been changed etc. I get notified from the inside dash board. However, at times it is a false positive (dash says it doesn't work but in fact it is working). Then at times the warning lights switch from the left to the right tail lights. I am not sure when it is actually working and when it is not working - this is dangerous and BMW should fix this design flaw. This failure is due to poor materials usage (corrosion problem) and grounding like the other posts have mentioned. Apparently there is a class lawsuit against BMW for this. With all these complaints for the same problem, I don't understand how it has not been recalled for fixing b/c failure to signal when changing lanes is a violation because it is dangerous. BMW needs to fix this.
2004 BMW 325i tail light intermittently turns on and off. BMW dealership has diagnosed the car to have a faulty ground wire - BMW s ib (service bulletin) 63 03 06 which prevents the tail lights from working properly.
I have a 2004 BMW 325i. The rear indicator warning light came on telling me the light was out. The light was not out. I had to get a state inspection as I live in virginia. The dealer would not pass my car due to the dashboard indicator being on. The estimate was $367. I declined the work and tried to find out what was wrong on my own. I discovered you all started an investigation on 4/9/09 on this issue. I also found internal documents from BMW on the web describing the "defect". They don't have enough grounding wires and it causes melting and corrosion. This is dangerous. They know about the problem and are ripping of the public for roughly $350 to $400 a tail light to fix the defect. They don't even have a part number for the extra ground wire. The say in their document to purchase "brown wire" from a local source and charge $1 to $2 for it. I have looked inside my tail light and it is melting in spots. I am worried about a fire and feel that BMW should pay for the repairs. They have admitted a defect. It should be recalled. . Read more...
Rear tail light assembly (right side). Dash warning light illuminates. All lights in assy. Work. Remove tail light assy, screw all bulbs out and in, replace plug and warning light is out. This is an ongoing problem. While still under warranty was informed of a sill that applied only if wiring or plastic assy was obviously damaged! fault occurs randomly at various intervals from weekly to monthly. .