Eight problems related to tail light switch have been reported for the 2004 BMW 330. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The left tail light is intermittently off. Each time I step on the brakes, the tail light randomly turns on or off. My right headlight is off, too. I switched the bulbs from left to right and they still work. I can't check my fuses because my glovebox doesn't open anymore.
Tl-the contact owns a 2004 BMW 330ic. The contact stated that the rear passenger tail light failed to illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000. Aw.
The contact owns a 2004 BMW 330xi. The contact stated that the brake, tail and turn signal lights were defective. The lights would not illuminate when activated and the brake lights would not illuminate when the brakes were applied. The contact replaced the brake lights, tail lights and the turn signals but the repairs did not remedy the issue. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign I. D. Number: 11v438000 (exterior lights) and called a dealer regarding the recall. The dealer advised the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall campaign. The contact did not call the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 108,500.
The contact owns a 2004 BMW 330ci. While depressing the brake pedal, the contact noticed the rear driver side brake light would only illuminate partially. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:tail lights) but was advised by the manufacturer that the convertible models were not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
2004 BMW 330xi sedan (e46) rear tail light indicator light consistently comes on, even though there is no tail lamp failure. Dealer indicated it was a burnt contact, and suggested repairing both sides. Cost for both sides $254. 67.
The tail lights on both sides of my 2004 BMW 330i have stopped working completely (no turn signal or brake lights) due to a burned wire. This began on the left side with the turn signal light going out. When I went to change the bulb, I realized the bulb was fine. Looking closer I saw that a wire in the wire harness had burned and melted the plastic. It also melted the metal on the tail light assembly. This was a couple months ago that this happened and now the right side has done the exact same thing. I called the dealer and was told that this was a common problem with this model. The cost to fix the problem will be $350 per side. Looking online I saw that BMW issued a service report (si b 63 03 06) because the problem is so common. I am concerned that this may be a fire hazard and don't understand why there wouldn't be a recall. I am also concerned that I do not have an extra $700 on hand to fix the problem and am forced to drive with no turn signals or brake lights. It seems like since this is a design flaw and a safety hazard, BMW should be responsible to fix it.
The contact owns a 2004 BMW 330i. While parked, the contact noticed that the tail light warning light was illuminated. The contact inspected the tail lights and noticed that the pin in the tail light assembly was corroded on the passenger and driver sides. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technician advised that the tail light assembly would have to be rewired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:tail lights) but was advised by the manufacturer that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. Updated 11/28/11.
The contact owns a 2004 BMW 330i. The contact stated that the exterior lights would only work intermittently with the illumination of an unknown warning light. The dealer was notified of the failure who advised that her VIN was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting: tail lights). The manufacturer was also contacted who confirmed that her VIN was not included in the recall and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 115,000.