Exterior Lighting Problems of BMW 328 - part 1

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side taillight became inoperable. The taillight intermittently illuminated, creating an inconsistent lighting condition. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness and bulb socket in the driver’s side taillight had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact expressed concerns that the failure posed a significant safety hazard, as a non-functioning taillight increased the risk of a crash. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

See all problems of the 2015 BMW 328 🔎.

Wiring inside headlamp is not up to standards. For the cost the replace the headlight the wiring should not be falling apart causing shorts. One night I was driving and got a warning on my dash for my headlights and noticed it was a bit harder to see. Pulled over and noticed the headlight was out. Went to replace the bulb and noticed the wires have zero protection on them and are all touching. . This is not safe as wire shorts can cause a fire and not to mention the visibility issues. The driver side is not the bright at all and flickers while I’m driving. Both sides are having this issue and that’s unacceptable saying the headlights are over 800 dollars each and that’s used. . I do not feel safe driving this vehicle knowing that the wire short can cause a fire while I’m driving.

See all problems of the 2008 BMW 328 🔎.

Previously reported on February 20, 2024. Nhtsa #1157301 rdc failure caused complete loss of all dashboard functions except the radio - loss of lights/turn signals/ speedometer/ tachometer/ hvac etc. Received a call from BMW customer service today February 26,2024 at 4:38 est duration 17 minutes. BMW informed me the conversation was recorded. I request that NHTSA obtain the transcript for that telephone call. This note will be sent to BMW with request to send a transcript of the call to NHTSA. BMW custom relations representative was polite. Her purpose for the call - "to inform me that BMW is cooperating with NHTSA". The person assigned had no useful information nor could she obtain any information to answer questions. Though BMW documents all reported parts failures and complications, she had no ability to provide information relevant to the rdc module problems. The call was useless from an owners viewpoint. It did not improve customer relations. The vanos recall was also discussed. Nhtsa: #23v-707 recall notification October 2023 BMW has not provided a date when the repair will be available. Vanos bolt problems were identified for my vehicle in 2014!!! a 10 year warranty without mileage limitation was created but BMW owners were not notified - unless engine failure occurred and the car presented to a BMW dealership. I am more than frustrated that repairs have not been initiated. The local BMW dealership would like to repair the car but cannot proceed without corporate approval. Parts are indeed available locally. BMW has been aware of the problems for a decade. Furthermore, the valve cover gasket has been replaced twice since 2014. The vanos bolts were never inspected. The valve cover was replaced last at 149,000 miles. A mechanic advised replacing the vanos bolts but did not inspect them. Cost of repair $1500. I declined. Abysmal customer service!.

See all problems of the 2011 BMW 328 🔎.

Tire pressure yellow warning light on. Rdc module ordered but repair not completed. After starting the car at a gas station, multiple warning lights appeared in red including "car on a raised lift in red" which signifies car is to be taken directly for service. Drove to local mechanic one mile away. While observing the car with engine running at idle, all dashboard lights and functions stopped: no speedometer, no tachometer, no warning lights, no turn signals, no headlights, rdc module subsequently replaced with resolution of the problem. Opening the old rdc module demonstrated significant green corrosion - likely occurred over a long period of time. If the loss of all dashboard function had occurred while driving, it would have presented very dangerous safety issues. Situation reviewed with local BMW dealership and BMW corporate customer relations. No recalls or warnings have been issued. Expressed my concerns in detail. This is a potentially dangerous problem for the BMW e90 models. The rdc module is located in the passenger rear wheel well and repeatedly exposed to wet/ snow/ slush conditions. This is a dangerous location outside the vehicle for the rdc module. The tire pressure monitor system is a non-critical function. Repair of the rdc module is considered optional - yellow warning light. This event demonstrates that there is a serious risk when the rdc module is not functioning properly. BMW should make owners aware and offer replacement before dangerous events occur.

Safety concern regarding left rear brake and turn light malfunction in a BMW 328i I want to outline a significant safety concern related to the electrical system. Specifically involving the left rear brake and turn signal lights. For several months, intermittent warnings indicated a malfunction in these lights. On new years, the warnings ceased to be intermittent, and the lights failed completely. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the ground pin within the wiring harness had melted off the tail light connector and fused into the harness itself. The melting of a wiring pin is a critical issue that indicates an electrical fault, likely due to excessive current or resistance, and presents a serious safety risk. The fact that a core safety feature of the vehicle—the brake and turn lights—failed completely due to this issue is a significant concern. This type of malfunction can lead to a rear-end collision, as drivers behind the vehicle would not be properly alerted to braking or turning maneuvers. This situation is not merely an inconvenience but a potential public health and safety hazard. The failure of vehicle safety components, particularly those responsible for signaling, directly increases the risk of motor vehicle accidents, which are a leading cause of injury and death. Nhtsa is responsible for ensuring vehicle safety, and the failure of vehicle lighting systems due to a manufacturing or design defect is a violation of these standards and a common factor in accidents (fha, 2025). This specific issue with my BMW 328i is not an isolated incident. Research into technical service bulletins and consumer complaints reveals that melted wiring harnesses and bulb carriers in the rear taillight assemblies are a known, recurring problem. The prevalence of this issue strongly suggests a systemic design or manufacturing flaw that puts drivers and the public at risk. As a known defect, the failure to address it could lead to significant legal and financial consequence.

See all problems of the 2014 BMW 328 🔎.

The electrical keeps shutting off and own after hitting speed bumps. It shuts off all power on hvac windows seats and the odometer. I have heard this same issue with many owners.

While driving at city speed limit the headlights started flicking on-off very difficult to see in the dark. I pulled over to the side of the road for safety but now realized the turn signals not working and also the hazard lights are not working either. I was in a very dangerous situation sitting on the side of the road without any warning light on. Not only for mine safety but also dangerous for other drivers passing by without seen my car in the dark. Its due to well known BMW footwell module that has high failure incidents rate but BMW refused not to do a recall. Since this a safety issue NHTSA should request BMW to do a recall instead of just extended the warranty to 10/150k miles which my car is not qualify for. I've contacted BMW customer care but they refused to offer any assistance. I feel that BMW has deserted their customer and leaving a high cost burden on their customers although failure/flaw was directly from BMW.

Headlight vertical aim control malfunction, tons of f series Bmws affected.

See all problems of the 2017 BMW 328 🔎.

BMW bi xenon headlights wires harness. Insulation on wires peels off and start touching each other. Malfunction high beam, low beam, turning light.

The positive battery fuse cable under the glovebox is placed into a plastic space causing melting. This leads to the vehicle going dead and not even emergency lights will work. This recall has been placed on very few Bmws however it is affecting way more then they are saying. You can see in uk where a man was killed for the vehicle going dead in the middle of the road and emergency lights cannot be used to warn other drivers. How has their not been taken car of already. I am extremely disappointed in our system, and in BMW. My mind is completely blown that this is not cared about.

Unable to unlock/lock doors on car (obviously very worrisome), unable to use turn signals, no interior lighting controls or functionality. Unable to control headlights, they still do turn on but I cannot control them. Cannot adjust any mirrors electronically. Some speedometer lighting affect or but the dials do still work, cannot see all buttons inside interior due to electrical issue. Problem: footwell control module (frm) needs replacement costing around $1300 to do minimum from dealer. This module controls all of the functions above and has gone bad. This frm module is hidden and not easily gotten to tells me something like a fuse needs to be installed just in case a power surge from the car happens so the car does not break this very expensive equipment. Looked into it online and apparently this happens very often and one guy had to have his replaced twice. This is an obvious issue that will require a remedy.

Left rear brake and turn lights malfunctioning -issue not fixed after changing light bulbs. Noticed that metal pins in the connector was melted and stuck into the wiring harness. Problem affects brake light and turn signal. Melting of the the metal pin in the connector housing clearly is not a wear and tear situation but a defect in manufacturing that needs to be repaired and corrected by BMW.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? footwell module. Computer system that controls turn signals, headlights, highbeams, windows, door locks etc. Yes it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I can't use my turn signals, highbeams, headlights, windows. I can't signal my cars lane changes or see clearly at night. I can't roll the windows down or up which creates a unsafe hazard. My child is able to climb out of the window in the back seat while I'm driving. I have zero control over the windows. I can't determine if my child's door is open or closed when the car is in motion. My car doors no longer lock at all. My child can open up the door at any moment that the car is in motion. I'm unable to see at night without my highbeams. I'm now forced to drive with reduced visibility. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? both by a dealership and independent shop. There have been reconcurring warrantee coverages offered but no recalls despite the clear determinant to safety. Common usage of the vehicle at this point in time is a safety concern of all surrounding users and transportation vehicles. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? the manufacturer has inspected this module concern. I'm very sure that there have been accidents associated with this module malfunction. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? there are zero signs of this issue prior to it's failure. The failure had no warning.

The frm module has failed for a 3rd time in my 328xi. This module distributes power to many components and since it has failed I have no headlights, no turn signals, no interior lights, no dashboard lights, and cannot roll my windows up or down. This is a known flaw with these cars and if you look on ebay there are bootleg repair services than can temporarily reset it however they often fail again. There are dozens of these sellers on ebay and all list +1000 sales for their repair services so clearly this is widespread and affects many BMW owners. BMW denies there is an issue but has placed a 10 year warranty on the part, however all 3 series affected by this part are over 10 years old and not eligible for this warranty. Digging around on BMW forums this seems extremely common and almost anything can cause the frm to fail. Headlights burning out, weak batteries, replacing interior dome lights, and even BMW connecting to the obdii port to read the ecu are common causes of the frm failing. I don't understand how they can get away with putting a limited warranty on this and not a full recall when it's clearly a safety concern as I can't safely or legally drive my car with no working lights, and in the event of an emergency cannot roll down my windows to get out of the car.

Prior to this incident with my car I was having alot of power issues,the car was giving me alot of issues starting up or after being parked it sometimes wouldnt want to turn on I took my battery to get checked and battery had no issues and I continued to start to have electrical issues with my turning signals my lightning and windows stopped working until January 7 as I was driving my car just began to slowly slow down and completely stopped working that not even a jump start would help it turn on and it lost complete power and function and 2 months after I was contacted about its most recent recall and prior to that I also remember that my coolant wasnt lasting me as usual after being affected by the pandemic and loosing my job while being pregnant and finding out about my cars recall I was afraid of my safety and my kids safety that I havent felt safe to take to a mechanic out of fear that our lifes can be danger if the vehicle catches on fire the way the recall stated that it could happen and its brought major stress and trouble since nothing has been done because I havent had a vechile since.

Recently had to replace a failed bulb in my 2008 BMW 328i, during the replacement I noticed crumbling insulation within the plastic headlight compartment - basically all I had to do was touch the headlight wires lightly and insulation would crumble and flake off - this insulation is badly degraded, probably made out of improper materials and could potentially pose a hazard if the wires inside were to short out due to lack of insulation. I was able to carefully slip some insulative sleeves around the failed insulation wire to effect a temporary fix (which I don't really trust) BMW should recall and replace this dangerous wiring.

I was driving just my 3rd day of having my car and I come outside and its wrecked someone hit the driver side front panel and bumper.

See all problems of the 2007 BMW 328 🔎.

Some of the BMW footwell module for the e7x to e9x models containing a defective microchip that upon jump-start of the vehicle when the battery level is low would corrupt its memory. When corruption occurs, the car will disable turning signal blinkers, power windows, internal lights, and more. Those affected function will render the vehicle unsafe to drive. BMW has issued an extended warranty to cover the part, but only for owners who run into the problem (jump-started) within that time frame is covered. I did not realize this infamous defect until recently and BMW failed to inform me of this issue proactively. I'm the original owner. After I read hundreds of articles online, this is a part that warrants a broder recall.

See all problems of the 2010 BMW 328 🔎.

While the vehicle is in motion as well as stationary the window pinch protection light flashes at 30 second intervals along with an audible noise. This creates a dangerous distraction while driving and there is no way to turn off the noise or notification. Once the window pinch protection has been reset on each window the notification remains flashing every 30 seconds while the car is running. This audible noise is heard while driving at any speed and creates an unsafe distraction.

One day my driver door panel just stopped working I could no longer roll down my front windows and only the back windows go down using the back window controls only. Also my blinkers randomly stopped working and the lighting in my car also does not come on in the dash area and inside mirror. When driving it is a danger because I cannot use a blinker or roll down the front window to signal that I need to make a turn.

I have had continuous issues with the electrical system in the front drivers side headlight with burnt plastic housing to the main headlight and the plug for the blinker system. Sometimes it will work and most of the time it won't. I cant tell you the amount of times it has stopped working in the middle of using the blinker. Every time I attempt to change it out, the bulb ends up still in good shape after looking it over. I have always inserted a new one but the issue remains. I have had to replace the whole headlight unit because of the melted plastic not holding the plug any longer and the issue remains. The passenger side seatbelt light has been on for the past several years and will not go off. It shows a light stating the airbag is off. Every time I use the ac unit, I end up with a whole lot of ac condensation pouring out each side of my console soaking the floor of the vehicle and smelling horrible the next day. I don't understand how such a supposedly high quality car can have such stupid problems that cant seem to be fixed. I have had this car since 2013 and barely drive it as I have only put approx 9000 miles over the last 9 years.

When I turn on my air conditioning my car overheats when I was driving home from work it started to overheat and I was stuck on the highway for about 2 hours I need this problem fixed as soon as possible I am in fear of this happening again.

Warning comes parking light malfunction and warning remains on the dashboard but there is no issue with the parking light. It works just fine. After couple of months later warning goes away. And after couple of months later warning comes back.

My 16 year old granddaughter was driving her BMW when all of a sudden a message popped up on the screen to use caution and take the car to a BMW service center for service. She is a new driver she could at that time could not drive over 20 mph. She was terrified. We called for a tow at her request. We sent for help.

Drive train malfunction, rear right break light warning light is on will not go off, had the bulb changed and still not working. Drive train go on when trying to go into speed on all functions such as eco mode, normal mode and sport mode. Indicator light goes back to normal after car is completely off and upon start up light goes off. Right front tire when being driven sounds like a flat but when checked on the exterior, seem to be no damage to the tire.

See all problems of the 2012 BMW 328 🔎.

Both high beam and low beam lights on my 2015 BMW 328i, equipped with halogen lights, are extremely dim. This is a significant safety hazard that needs to be addressed.

Electrical system malfunction. BMW dealer ship not taking responsibility for these defects, the sparks plugs keep burning out due to the car overheating.

For the 2013 BMW 328xi model halogen lights on the low or high beam are absolute of no use. Lighting on this car is very poor, on a normal night it is hard to see the curves and you cannot drive more than 30 mph if want to see what's coming up next or see the signboards ahead. It was raining yesterday in dallas and driving this 2013 BMW, I could barely see the road as the halogen lights are very dim and not even appropriate on a car. Golf carts seem to have better lighting than this model. I am very positive that BMW will defend their lights. This 2013 328xi with its poor lighting is the ultimate (hazardous)machine driving on the road. Replacement for a better lighting equipment cost $1300 each which is ridiculous. Could you please look into the safety aspect of this poor lighting.

See all problems of the 2013 BMW 328 🔎.

I am experiencing the same exact problem listed in NHTSA campaign number 15v520000. I have contacted both BMW and NHTSA about it but ttghey have said myvin is not associated with that problem. I have set an appointment with BMW but will have to pay for the repair because my VIN is not associated with the recall.

Blinkers continue to go out the bulbs are fine so are the sockets. They sometimes work but most of the time not after reading online I found there are several others with similar if not the same exact issues. They have found there to be something wrong with the frm modules. If you play with the bulb long enough or very slowly turn the socket it might come on but decides wether to stay on or not there is no pattern to it.

N/a.

Recently my girlfriend and I had purchased and financed a 2012 BMW 328i. The mileage when we bought the car was at 48,000. Withen the first 2 weeks of having the car I had to bring it back due to the parking lamp being out. I didn't get no warning from the car that the light was out either. I brought it in they corrected the problem for the time being and I went on my way. The same exact parking lamp went out another few weeks later. We have only had the car 3 months and it is having problems with the engine and saying that I have driven a lot more miles than I actually have. The odometer is now reading 60,000 miles. Basically saying I had driven over 13,000 miles in close to 3 months time. There is no way I could of driven 13,000 miles in that short of time when I only use the car to go to work which is 20 miles away. The car broke down on me and the odometer is definently faulty. I know electrical problems when I see them. The car is unsafe to drive prior to breaking down. Engine shaked violently and made hissing sounds after releasing the gas.

My rear left tail lamp warning light came on. We can't figure out what is wrong and all of the lights still work.

I had a funny cable or plastic smell inside the car . Couldn't figure out what it was. While driving the smell went worst . I stopped to get a flashlight from my trunk to see if something in my engine was burning. When I opened the trunk I seen that the battery was burning the plastic over the connectors. I have called last year when I purcheased this car yo check on any recals. I was told there wasn't any recals . By BMW vista employees .

This is an addition to our previous recall problems as all electrical shut off as well. Here are the additional documents to be added to public record that indeed 6 recalls were recorded to our registered VIN and yet was told BMW had no obligation to adhere to these documents?! its also crazy that we have tons of documents and yet we are allowed to show a mbyte at a time. How convenient.