Tail Light Switch Problems of BMW 3 Series

Rear lights . Clip contacts melting ground wire . Purchased lights and clips 3 times and melted again. Lights inoperable after 2 weeks of life harness melted . Received multiple warnings and a ticket I now have to prove repair . Recall found for every other model except the 323i 2000 . Not safe to have no tail lights available . Can't drive car in unsafe conditions. Can't sell car in unsafe condition.

See all problems of the 2000 BMW 3 Series 🔎.

Replaced blower motor twice 4 months 1st one made noise and stop blowing air out vents now second one is making loud rattling noise. Constant tail light bulb issues display tail light malfunction.

See all problems of the 2007 BMW 3 Series 🔎.

The right tail lights' turn signal start flickering with the light error signal in the dash, I researched it to find out that they have been several service bulletins out about the rear turn signals getting corrosion. I called the dealer and they stated it was out of warranty and they would not pay to fix it. They stated they knew the service bulletins were out but it was not a recall. After further searching I found out the older models had a recall to fix this issue. If they know they have an issue then why don't they fix it.

See all problems of the 2009 BMW 3 Series 🔎.

My 2004 BMW 325ci recently developed a problem with the left rear tail light (turn signal and brake light) intermitently does not work. A left tail light failure also shows on the on board diagnostic display. The problem is intermitent and with no warning. I did some research and found there was a BMW recall for model years 2001 thru 2005 for this exact problem. The recall specifies 325 sedan models, my model is a 325ci (coupe). I called BMW north America and they say my particular model is not covered by the recall. I argued that I am having the exact same issue as the recall suggests, and my vehicle falls into the model years specified. They refused to acknoledge the problem as part of the recall. BMW issued a technical service bulletin (si b63 06 11 lights) for this issue in January of 2012. A recall (id # 71087) was issued Aug. 26, 2011. I was not notified by BMW of either the service bulletin or recall. I am the original purchaser of the vehicle. My wife and I drive this car with our 11 year old daughter in the car, and this is a definite safety hazard. Please help me get this resolved.

See all problems of the 2004 BMW 3 Series 🔎.

I own a 2006 BMW 325i. About a year or two ago, the reverse lights will not illuminate while reversing. I took the vehicle to the dealership, explained the problem, and mentioned multiple online accounts of this problem extending at least from 2003 through 2008. It could have been longer. I also referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:turn signal) and NHTSA id number: 10443539 (tail light failure). The dealer advised me that this vehicle year was not included in any recall campaign for this problem. In addition, the dealer advised that the frm module needed to be replaced due to a wiring malfunction. From online reports and pictures, I confirmed my reverse light failure was also a wiring issue caused from a very poor wire routing design by BMW. The failure mileage was at approximately 110,000 and the cost to repair was outrageous! since that time even with multiple documented cases, BMW has been unwilling to admit this is their design failure and to share in any of the repair costs.

See all problems of the 2006 BMW 3 Series 🔎.

I think BMW needs to look into a recall for the tail lights on the 3 - series models from 09 and up. The circuit board for the led signal lights malfunctions and some of the led's stop working. When those few stop working, it affects the entire circuit and the rest are very dim/not visible. This also causes the warning indicator on the dash to come up advising that you have a burnt out bulb . I have already had my drivers side replaced a couple of months ago and now the passenger side is having issues. There are also several others reporting the same issue online. There are many units for sale on ebay and in the item description they indicate that a few of the led's aren't working. An led circuit board that is only a few years old should not have these issues and consumers shouldn't have to pay for it. This needs to be investigates since it affects safety since the signal lights/hazardous lights don't function properly. This CO-incides with the recall that BMW recently did for a similar issue in other models. It's the exact same problem!.

My tail lights and turn signals work for a while then quite working. The exact same symptoms as recall #11v438000 for the same type, model and year as my car, but BMW says my vehicle is not included.

See all problems of the 2003 BMW 3 Series 🔎.

I received a recall letter from BMW for the problem with rear lamps. At that time,all real lamps were working on my car. However for safety concern, I brought my car to be checked; few months later, one of the tail light not working. I took my car back to the dealer, they said they were done for the recall . I need to pay if I want to fix the problem. But I found there was no positive voltage on the light bulb circuit. I traced the wire and discovered the wire was broken. Then I also found all other wires for the tail lights were aging, the plastic of the wires were deteriorated and the copper wire explored to visible. That mean the dealer didn't do the right work last time. Because it's no reason the wire will deteriorate that fast if they did it right for the recall. I complaint to BMW and the representative said they already done with my car. If I need any work to be done I need to pay by myself. The copper wires explored to visible, it would cause electric fire. This is a safety issue. I have the picture showing the aging wire condition on my car. I can email to you if you need it.

See all problems of the 2005 BMW 3 Series 🔎.

The left rear brake light started to dim and triggered a warning indicator but went away. After a month or two, all the lights on rear left has failed. No brake lights, turn signal, or reverse light on the left side. After researching this looks likes NHTSA action number : ea09019. I currently see the burn harness and lightbulb carrier burnt as well. After the lights going out it has caused the headlights to flicker. The recall isn't just sedans, 2001 coupes should be added to the list. Currently I have no rear tail lights and strobbing headlights.

See all problems of the 2001 BMW 3 Series 🔎.

Zkw bi xenon headlights reflectors burn out over time. The bowls are shot and they were black, burned to a crisp. They were made out of a plastic material with a chrome coating, instead of a metal reflector. This should be a recall for BMW. They got the tail light which works fine in my car, I need my headlights to see!.

The contact owns a 2003 BMW 3series. The contact stated that the rear tail light warning indicator illuminated on the instrumental panel. After checking the rear of the vehicle, the tail light appeared to be operating as designed. The warning light would illuminate on an intermittent basis. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 11v438000 (exterior lighting:tail lights). The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Exterior lighting: tail light. Left rear tail light eight-pin connector has melted at pin number 5 and has caused failure of the tail light, brake light and turn indicator.

The contact owns a 2003 BMW 323. The contact stated that the headlights would flicker on and off. The turn signal light would also flicker abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised him that the taillight assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:tail lights). The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

2005 BMW 320i . Tail light indicator warning came on. Turns out the wire was melted around the metal where the wire plugs into tail light!! very expensive to fix!.

2004 BMW 330xi sedan (e46) rear tail light indicator light consistently comes on, even though there is no tail lamp failure. Online community forums report that this is likely due to ground wire short in the tail lamp assembly. Cost of repair at dealership estimated at $700. Currently being investigated by NHTSA as ea09-019, but I'm wary of being overcharged by dealership for what should be a recall.

BMW tail light ground is inadequate for applicable current load. Hundreds if not thousands of BMW owners have reported this situation, where the brown ground wire connected to the male pin of the tail light module becomes oxidized, eventually causing a short, melting of the connector plug, and causing brake and turn signal failure. BMW sells a fix package for the problem, so they certainly know it exists. Again, this is being reported by hundreds if not thousands of BMW owners.

Problem began with rear right tail light working intermittently. Now the problem is occurring with the left tail light and front right signal. Problem prevents other drivers from knowing when I am braking or making a right turn. I have tried replacing bulbs but problem still persist and appears to be a problem with the wiring. I have called BMW north America to inquire about recall and I have not received any solid information on how to have my vehicle repaired.

2004 BMW 330xi sedan (e46) rear tail light indicator light consistently comes on, even though there is no tail lamp failure. Online community forums report that this is likely due to ground wire short in the tail lamp assembly. Cost of repair at dealership estimated at $700. Currently being investigated by NHTSA as ea09-019, but I'm wary of being overcharged by dealership for what should be a recall.

Tail light, brake light and turn signal on passenger side of the vehicle has repeatedly failed. Bulbs and wires have been changed repeatedly, however these changes have not solved the issue. Far too many experiences where collisions have almost occurred due to the failed rear exterior lamps.

See all problems of the 2002 BMW 3 Series 🔎.

The contact owns a 2003 BMW 330i. The contact stated that when the brake caution light illuminated, the brake light, tail light and turn signals failed suddenly. The contact replaced the rear bulb several time. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The contact planned to speak with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000 and the current mileage was approximately 60,000.

Formal petition for safety defect investigation, after replacing the tail light bulbs in on the passenger and driver's side they continued to burn out, after taking the bulb housing cover off, I noticed a burning smell and the brown wire in the unit had melted the entire connection. I was told by my local BMW dealership this is a known flaw as the ground wire is not adequate to handle the power coming through, this issue has caused me to almost be rear-ended 4 times when the light suddenly will stop working BMW USA whom I contacted is aware of this malfunction, and has done nothing to address this issue. Updated 04/27/09.

For several years people such as myself with the BMW e46 ('99-'05 3 Series) have complained of intermittently defective tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals. Result: no action taken. The following web sites document a mere fraction of the problem, which is likely to affect warm states more than cooler areas. In my case, in hot weather the entire taillight cluster will fail to illuminate--no turn signal, brake light or tail lights on one or both sides of the car. The reason: BMW used a grounding wire which was far too small to carry the current, thus resulting in melted wiring harness connectors on both tail lamp clusters. . Read more...