general problems of the 2002 BMW 330

Under recall 11v438000 , BMW found the defective rear lights. Their remedy was to replace a single ground wire with a larger gauge wire. This is a preventative measure and not a corrective measure. The ultimate causation of the light issue is the trunk door pinching the harness leading to the light, which cause the wires inside the harness to break. This was verified by the mechanic whom said was not covered by this campaign. He said they could not do anything about it. I had to ultimately pay out of pocket and fix this myself.

I found that my reverse light was out late in July and took it to the nearest BMW dealership for repair. I've since found out that this is a common defect in the e46 model and I am wondering if there is some kind of recall or compensation for the inadequacy of the rear lights in this model.

Taillight electrical failure. Brake and taillight failed as a result of malfunctioning ground.

Left taillight assembly shorted out, and the dash indicator light came on. I fixed it with electrician's tape. Today, went in to have the fix prescribed by recall campaign 11v-438000, which exactly addressed my issue. BMW's recall letter dated December, 2011 includes "the lamps will also be checked for proper functionality. If they are not operating properly, then they will be repaired which could include replacement of the lamp's 8-pin connector housing, if necessary". Thus, BMW is cognizant of the inescapable nexus between a short circuit of the connector and damage to the housing. Well, according to the dealer, only the fixing of the ground connection is covered by the recall and BMW would not pay for replacing the ruined housing (and with the warranty "fix", my lights would no longer work because my repair had been eliminated, presumably by the installation of a new connector which would no longer interface with the damaged housing). While at the dealer, called BMW customer service, and ultimately spoke to "bobby". She verified with the service manager that he had gone up the chain of command as appropriate, gotten the denial, and told me that I was out of recourse with respect to BMW: BMW would not be liable. Having given them their shot to do the right thing, am now taking the next step (notifying you). Since I couldn't drive around w/o proper functioning rear signal lights, I paid for the new housing. The dealer ate some of the cost so only charged me $39. 32, for $41. 68 with tax. Upon getting home, googled the part # and got a price of ~$28. So, this is not huge dollars (and for me its just a matter of principle) but BMW should be told to behave logically and fairly, adhere to their own words in their letter, and replace any housings damaged by the issue causing the recall.

Consumer is inquiring on the status of the mark peters defect petition dp09002. The consumer stated he experienced multiple rear lamp exterior lighting failures. He also stated that a rear lamp wiring harness and connector may overheat leading to rear lamp bulb failures.