BMW 325 owners have reported 43 problems related to exterior lighting (under the exterior lighting category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of BMW 325 based on all problems reported for the 325.
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.
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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.
The headlights in my car both went out because of this wiring issue. The wiring insulation inside the headlight is very prone to cracking and subsequently breaking which causes the headlight to not function. I have repaired this issue myself on both headlights for almost every wire going into the igniter. No headlights is a major safety issue at night, and due to the cracking along all of the wiring, it could go out at any time again. I had this issue looked at by the dealership and they tried to sell me new bulbs instead. In the picture you can see the 3 repaired wires already and the 4th needed repair, the black wire, got severed.
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I was driving one night and the headlight out indicator on the dash lit up showing the passenger headlight to be out. This limited my ability to see the road as I now only had one headlight operational. Upon further inspection, the halogen bulb was found to be in working order, but the wiring harness has lost its insulation. On both the driver and passenger side the insulation on the internal wire harness to the headlights has dried out and fallen off, exposing bare copper making an electrical short highly likely.
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The xenon projector bowls in the headlight assembly on both sides of the vehicle have slowly been burning. The bowl is made of plastic and with the heat of the xenons burns the plastic creating not only a fire hazard but also greatly reduces the effectiveness of the headlight beam, rendering it almost useless. This is specific to the oem manufacture of the headlight assembly, zkw. This has also been well documented on various forums for these vehicles over the years.
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I am having a major electrical short in my trunk area affecting my critical tail lights functionalities and common trunk function. I cannot use my turning signals or brake lights or lights in general when driving my vehicle from the rear my lights are not operable. This is a huge safety concern and risk that’s need to be recalled affecting millions I'm for certain. Along with that I am having steering issue with my steering rack called “steering wander”. Not being able to control you vehicle with supreme confidence is a issue which can easily lead to collisions.
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My rear window and the rooftop dont work I can hear the motors but nothing happens a technician explain that the regulator and lines are broken its a common thing on my model he specified.
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.
Left blinker repeatedly keeps not working, have had it repaired numerous times and it keeps not working?.
The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325i. When the brake pedal was engaged at any speed, the exterior lighting failed. The failure recurred numerous times. The contact mentioned that the message board displayed "exterior lighting for the rear right side". The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.
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Tl- the contact owns a 2002 BMW 325i. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the rear lights would not operate. After replacing the light bulbs the failure continued to occur. The contact also indicated that while changing the light bulbs it was discovered that the light assembly had experienced burning and charing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA campaign number 11v438000 (lighting). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 82,000. Jft.
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.
I was made aware of a two open safety recalls for my car. I am told that the affected parts need to be replaced for the ensured safety of my vehicle. However, I was told that these repairs could only be done at an authorized BMW center. I currently live in missoula, mt and the nearest BMW center is 3 hours away in spokane, wa. Obviously, I cannot drive 3 hours each way and wait however many hours or days the repairs take to have them done at the BMW center I am told has to do them. The BMW customer relations department is not willing to offer any help in fixing this situation and getting these recall repairs done.
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325i. While driving various speeds, both rear lights failed. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
The oem tail lamp assemblies overheat at the plugin pin #3 causing fire. This affects both right and left tail lamp assemblies. I have had to replace both tail lamp assemblies multiple times. This problem also affects the xenon headlamp function causing the headlamps to fail, sometimes both headlamps at the same time making it dangerous during night time driving.
Seems to be a common issue. In order to change the headlamp, the bumper must be removed. This is a very costly project. My son has a 2009 7 series with this problem. Cars should have been recalled.
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.
Right rear turn-signal lights operate intermittently--sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I almost got hit by another car from behind when I was changing lanes on the freeway.
BMW north America sent out a recall letter dated December 2011 for the rear lights on their 3 series cars. They advised consumers that they should go to their local dealers for recall repairs and that they would be eligible for reimbursement for repairs already completed and paid for. I heard nothing further from BMW until I wrote to their new ceo for north America, mr. Willisch, asking what I should do to get them to take action on their recall. He had his secretary call me and ask me to fax the receipts for the repairs to her, which I did. I heard nothing further for several weeks until I called again. She then called me back and said I should be hearing something from BMW soon. The next day I received a check from princeton BMW for the cost of one repair to the rear lights. However, I faxed receipts for 2 repairs to the right rear lights and 1 repair to the left rear lights. To date I have heard nothing further from BMW about reimbursing me for the other 2 repairs. . How can you help me get reimbursed for the other 2 repairs to my 3 series car?.
A friend was following me home and nearly ran in back of me because she said I didn't brake , I told her I did , but a warning light came on in my car, so I went to purchase more bulbs, the bulb worked for a couple of hours, then the warning light came back on, then days later the other one , I took to mechanic, he found that a part in the housing had burned all the way down, and that I should check on recalls, because it's no fault of mine. . . I checked recalls and found that there were problems with the housing that houses the brake and signal lights, beginning with 2002. . . My car is a 325i 2001, I feel that this year should be included in the current recall, I researched online, and found that I am not the only one with a 2001 Bmw325i with the same problem as the current recall. . . This could definitely cause an accident, with the housing working one minute and out the next , really think this should be included immediately. . . I was pulled over by an officer stating I didn't signal, but I did, the signal worked in car, but didn't outside . . .
The headlamp goes out does not consistently stay on! I was told by BMW employee they have had alot of problems with this the lamp gets to hot and melts the wiring and the whole light has to be replaced $1200 or better! this is a safety issue since you have no idea if you will have full lights at night. I read blogs on the internet with many people having this problem!.
Problem with electrical system. Left rear brake, tail and turn indicator lights would go on/off. I replaced the bulbs, but there was a loose wire someplace. If the wires/connectors were wiggled, the lights would come on until a bump in the road or I closed the trunk. I reported this to BMW and but my VIN number was not on the recall list, even though I had the same symptoms. BMW did repair the problem as a one time good will gesture. Additional VIN's may need to be added to the recall.
I bought my 2002 BMW 325i from san francisco BMW in 2003, so far I have received only one notice about the recall of the rear light. I was under warranty for a year, during that period they discovered a faulty idle air valve and they did not replace it trying to save money under warranty. I complained many times to them about the stalling of my car on the streets, it is very dangerous. I e-mailed to the manager who ignored my complaint. Fearful for my life and safety I dare not drive on the freeway. I called about the recall of the airbags, they said it did not apply to my car, I asked them to send me e-mail to confirm, they never did. They put my life at risk. Their business license should be suspended.
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).
The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325i. The contact stated that all of the exterior lights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that all of the exterior lights would need replacing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who advised that a recall would be issued by the end of October for the failure and offered no further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 125,000.
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.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325i. The contact stated that when he was advised that his tail lamps were not functioning he took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was advised that the rear tail lamps needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised him that there were no recalls related to his VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rear taillight,brakelight connector has melted causing brakelight not to work.
Right taillamp failure and left taillamp intermittent operation. Electrical system repair: right rear taillamp connector and bulb carrier corroded. Dealer replaced pigtail harness and bulb carrier with updated design: socket housing, terminal, contact, cable connector, hose, insulation housing, flat contact, cable socket and bulb socket.
Problem Category | Number of Problems |
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Tail Light Switch problems | |
Exterior Lighting problems | |
Headlights problems | |
Turn Signal problems | |
Brake Light problems | |
Tail Light problems | |
Fog Light Switch problems | |
Headlight Switch problems | |
Hazard Flashing Warning Light problems |