Tail Light Switch problems of the 2003 BMW 330

Intermittent failure of driver and passenger side tail light assembly due to burnt connector pins and connector housing. Inadequate connector/wire rating. Should be subject of a recall from a responsible car manufacturer. Unsafe to drive in the dark. Blemish on the ultimate driving machine. Intermittent failure of the mostly passenger side head light. Occasional failure of the driver side head light. Normally the light bulb would require replacement, but often the whole lighting unit is considered failing by the dealer. Cost of replacement is extremely high.

The contact owns a 2003 BMW 330i. The contact stated that the service tail light symbol illuminated on the dashboard intermittently. The contact disconnected the plastic where the light bulb was located and found that the plastic was melted and corroded due to faulty wiring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that there were no recalls and offered the contact a discount for the repairs. The manufacturer advised the contact that since his vehicle was no longer under warranty that they would not be able to provide any assistance. The current and failure mileage was 44,800.

Intermittent function of left tail light assembly, despite functional light bulbs. Assembly removed and 7 pin connector noted to have overheated at pin 2, melting surrounding plastic.

The contact owns a 2003 BMW 330i. The vehicle was included in the recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:tail lights). The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the wiring connector would have to be replaced prior to performing the recall repairs. The wiring connector would not be covered under the recall repairs. The contact stated that the consequences of the recall had damaged the wiring connector and he felt it should be covered under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

The contact owns a 2003 BMW 330i. While parked, the contact noticed that the tailgate light warning light was illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the resistor cable and the outlet plug connected to the tail light wires were melted. The contact stated the turn signal and brake light failed intermittently and alternated functions. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics and was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:turn signal) but was not aware if the vehicle was included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.