general problems of the 2004 BMW 330

This car has factory hid xenon projector headlights. Over time the reflector bowls burned and melted from the heat of the light bulbs, causing some wire insulation to melt, and a brown film to cover all surfaces inside the headlight assembly. The brown coating makes the headlights dangerously dim. From various online searches, it appears this is a common failing of these headlights. BMW has not recalled these headlights, and replacements nearly exceed the value of the car.

Light output from my car is extremely poor causing a safety concern. Upon investigating why the light output is so poor, I have determined that like many others the lights fitted into this 2004 BMW 330i are manufactured for BMW by a company called zkw who used plastic for the reflector lenses for the hid assemblies. This plastic degrades and becomes burnt which significantly diminishes the light output, even from new oem bulbs that were installed in the car. A light meter indicates that these lights now have less than 50% of the light output of the same car using lights manufactured by al that BMW also used on these vehicles. Longevity of light output availability through lighting design and manufacture should not be considered a wear item by the vehicle maker. This is for the safety of both the vehicle owner and others on the road who may be subjected to a crash caused by poor visibility.

The zkw xenon lights in the BMW e46 chasis have decreased light output. This makes night time driving dangerous and could result in a crash. The reflector bowl (that reflects light onto the road) is become badly burnt. This could also start a fire, as the piece is plastic.

E46 BMW's with zkw xenon head lamps suffer from poor bulb projectors which burn to the point that light output is nearly none. This is defect is known by Bmwna but nothing has been done to correct it.

The xenon projector assembly is made out of plastic and is burning/melting. The light output is roughly 20% of the original.

Tl-takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 BMW 330xi. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 11v438000 (exterior lighting), 15v318000 (air bags) and 14v428000 (air bags) however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Ss.

Having recently purchased my 2004 BMW 330i with xenon headlamps, I have been researching the car and any recalls that may have occurred or are ongoing. It was brought to my attention that the xenon headlamps designated zkw were under possible investigation for scorching within the assembly that can lead to decreased light output and pose a safety hazard to nighttime driving. I confirmed that my car is equipped with the zkw headlamps, and noted that some discoloration within the assembly was occurring. I want to make sure this problem is sufficiently documented so that a proper investigation can lead to the resolution to this relatively common occurrence.

The rear taillight fails on my 2004 BMW 330i due to the bulb holder assembly and issues with the grounding wire used in the harness. This is a common problem on e46 BMW's as noted in many owner forums online. The gauge of wire used for the brown grounding wire is much larger than all the other wires and eventually the heat melts down the connector pins or exposes the plastic between the other clips in the harness.

Xenon (zkw) headlamps in the car are burnt, thus diminishing 80% of light that is supposed to be coming from the lamp. Very dangerous for night travel.

The bi-xenon headlamps have a design flaw where the projector burns out and greatly reduces light input. The only way to remedy this situation is to replace the entire headlamp assembly.