Table 1 shows two common exterior lighting related problems of the 1999 BMW 328.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Brake Light problems | |
| Tail Light Switch problems |
Consumer's vehicle experienced the same problem as mentioned in NHTSA recall 00v048000; the brake lamps in these vehicles are controlled by a switch activated by the movement of the brake pedal. This switch could fail internally, causing it to remain either in the "brake lamps off" position or in the "brake lamps on" position. Dealership indicated to the consumer this recall is only for the vehicle manufacturer's in 2000.
My 1999 BMW 328i (e46) tail lights and brake lights regularly fail, cause false fault display warnings, turn signal bulbs burn out or flash at a high speed for a few seconds and then flash normally, and then burn out. This is an ongoing problem for this car. Nhtsa is investigating. There have been numerous reports of turn signal/brake light harnesses overheating, shorting out, and melting. When car was under warranty, BMW told me there was nothing wrong, it was just bad bulbs. I hear BMW is now charging $400. Per side to repair out of warranty cars. My car went out of warranty in 2003, and this was an ongoing problem before it ran out. The mileage was approx. 25k when problem started and continues now at approx. 89k miles.