general problems of the 2007 BMW 525

Three problems related to exterior lighting have been reported for the 2007 BMW 525. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 09/09/2021

I purchased said automobile from my neighbor for my son to drive. I figured it was a good car to buy because it was serviced by hendrick BMW (charlotte, nc) only and regularly. BMW's also have a reputation for being safe as well as reputable so this also weighed into my decision. Fast forward 18 months. The passenger rear brake bulb went out. We replaced the bulb, it worked for a short time, then went out. We replaced the bulb again. This time it didnt work. About a week later the front passenger side head light went out, then the other side. We took it to hendrick BMW for repair. Hendrick has told us the car wiring basically needs to be replaced due to the protective coat wearing off and corroding the bare wire underneath. The headlights/ brake light will also need to be replaced due to the corrosion blowing out the bulb. For the front headlight the whole assembly needs to be replaced at a tremendous cost. I performed a google search on this and found many, many instances of the same issue. Ive seen many of these cars while casually driving around town. It would seem to be a major issue if an active drivers head and tail lights suddenly stopped working on a busy road. Also due to the cost most people probably wouldnt fix the issue on their own and drive the car anyway causing an ever bigger safety issue. I have never had this issue with any other vehicle brand ive owned. Ive looked into this issue with other brands and most tell me they use wiring which will not do this. I am not sure why BMW would not do the same. The car is also up for inspection. The car will not pass inspection unless I pony up over $6k ($2500 nada value) to fix. My taxes are also due. In nc you cant pay the tax unless the car passes inspection. This is costing me daily penalties in addition to the major safety issue. I believe the NHTSA has a duty to look into this major manufacturing defect and have BMW provide remedy to those other unfortunate folks who are experiencing the same issue.

2 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 11/12/2016

The wires for the parking lights are brittle and fraying apart.

3 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 01/02/2016

Went to replace my front headlamp bulbs after headlamp failure while operating my vehicle at night, on a winding road, in rural texas. Mechanic pulled the "sealed" housing, and discovered that the majority of the wires in the headlamp assembly had faulty insulation. The insulation had "flaked" off to the point that many of the wires were exposed, causing a short circuit, and failure of the headlamp. Researched the issue on many forums, and it is a common occurrrence. Replacement costs of each headlamp assembly is approx $1500. The use of subpar insulation appears to be the cause of this safety issue.


Other Exterior Lighting related problems of the 2007 BMW 525

Exterior Lighting problems
3
Headlights problems
2


525 Service Bulletins
525 Safety Recalls
525 Defect Investigations