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2004 BMW 3 Series

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2004 BMW 3 Series do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 23.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

51 reports with mileage · 26 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 42 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports3 fire reports2 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

12 reports
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100,000 miles · Nov 18, 2017
Electrical System

VEHICLE ADAPTIVE XENON HEADLIGHT WIRING IS FAULTY . WIRE INSULATION IS CRACKING/DETERIORATING AND ENTIRE WIRES ARE BREAKING APART. SYMPTOMS START WITH FLICKERING XENON HEADLIGHT EVENTUALLY (ABOUT A WEEK LATER) STOPS WORKING AT ALL. VEHICLE IS MOVING OR STATIONARY, ENGINE ON. THE FAULTY WIRES ARE IN A WEATHER SEALED COMPARTM…

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VEHICLE ADAPTIVE XENON HEADLIGHT WIRING IS FAULTY . WIRE INSULATION IS CRACKING/DETERIORATING AND ENTIRE WIRES ARE BREAKING APART. SYMPTOMS START WITH FLICKERING XENON HEADLIGHT EVENTUALLY (ABOUT A WEEK LATER) STOPS WORKING AT ALL. VEHICLE IS MOVING OR STATIONARY, ENGINE ON. THE FAULTY WIRES ARE IN A WEATHER SEALED COMPARTMENT OF THE HEADLIGHT AND HAVE NEVER (TO MY KNOWLEDGE) EVEN BEEN UNSEALED/ACCESSED SINCE LEAVING THE FACTORY. THE ISSUE IS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, UNKNOWN IF IT IS ON THE DRIVER SIDE AS WELL. THE ATTACHED PHOTO SHOWS BACK SIDE OF THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING LOOKING DOWN, WITH THE WEATHER-SEALED COMPARTMENT OPEN. ALL EXPOSED WIRE IS AS A RESULT OF THE ISSUE, NOBODY HAS ACTIVELY CUT OR STRIPPED THE WIRES. PROBLEM FIRST NOTICED IN SEPT OF 2016, ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO REPAIR BUT NOW IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN, WORSE.

NHTSA ODI #11047229

204,000 miles · Nov 8, 2017
Electrical SystemFireInjury

MY VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY STARTED ON FIRE AS MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING TO SCHOOL. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE, AND RESULTED IN THE CAR BEING TOTALED. THE 2004 MODELS NEED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL (NOT THAT IT WILL HELP WITH THE LOSS OF MY CAR).

NHTSA ODI #11044451

42,000 miles · Oct 6, 2015
Electrical System

THE POWER DOOR LOCK ON PASSENGER SIDE CANNOT BE UNLOCKED EITHER VIA REMOTE OR INSIDE BUTTON. WORSE, OFTEN WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED EVEN BY PULLING ON THE HANDLE FROM THE INSIDE! A PASSENGER CANNOT GET OUT OF THE CAR VIA THE DOOR. FURTHERMORE, REPEATEDLY ATTEMPTS TO HAVE THIS FIXED ALL FAIL WITHIN A SHORT TIME…

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THE POWER DOOR LOCK ON PASSENGER SIDE CANNOT BE UNLOCKED EITHER VIA REMOTE OR INSIDE BUTTON. WORSE, OFTEN WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED EVEN BY PULLING ON THE HANDLE FROM THE INSIDE! A PASSENGER CANNOT GET OUT OF THE CAR VIA THE DOOR. FURTHERMORE, REPEATEDLY ATTEMPTS TO HAVE THIS FIXED ALL FAIL WITHIN A SHORT TIME.

NHTSA ODI #10780159

128,000 miles · Jan 9, 2015
Electrical System

I WAS NOT ABLE TO UNLOCK MY CAR WITH MY CAR KEY. I WAS ABLE TO HEAR THE CLICK SOUND ON PRESSING THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE KEY BUT NOTHING WAS HAPPENING. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES CAR GOT UNLOCKED. NOW I'M HAVING THIS PROBLEM ON/OFF BASIS. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE LOCAL BMW DEALER. AFTER DIAGNOSE THEY SAID I HAVE A…

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I WAS NOT ABLE TO UNLOCK MY CAR WITH MY CAR KEY. I WAS ABLE TO HEAR THE CLICK SOUND ON PRESSING THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE KEY BUT NOTHING WAS HAPPENING. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES CAR GOT UNLOCKED. NOW I'M HAVING THIS PROBLEM ON/OFF BASIS. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE LOCAL BMW DEALER. AFTER DIAGNOSE THEY SAID I HAVE A FAILED GENERAL MODULE WHICH WILL COST ME AROUND $1000. THIS IS WAY TOO MUCH FOR CAR FOR IT'S TOTAL VALUE OF AROUND $7000. THIS IS SCARY SINCE I'M NOT ABLE TO TRUST THE LOCKING SYSTEM ON MY CAR. SOMETIME I'M NOT ABLE TO LOCK AT ALL AND AT SOMETIME I'M NOT ABLE TO UNLOCK ANYTHING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10671485

74,000 miles · Nov 3, 2014
Electrical SystemSeatsFire

THE HEATING ELEMENT ON MY 2004 BMW X3 CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I DON'T USE IT OFTEN, BUT HAD NOTICED A HOT SMELL WHEN I DID USE IT AND THAT IT WOULD BE TOO WARM IN THE LUMBAR AND HIP REGION. THE FIRE ACTUALLY BURNED ABOUT A DIME SIZE HOLE IN THE DRIVER SIDE LEFT SEAT PANEL (UNDER THE THIGH). AFTER READING OF MANY OTHE…

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THE HEATING ELEMENT ON MY 2004 BMW X3 CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I DON'T USE IT OFTEN, BUT HAD NOTICED A HOT SMELL WHEN I DID USE IT AND THAT IT WOULD BE TOO WARM IN THE LUMBAR AND HIP REGION. THE FIRE ACTUALLY BURNED ABOUT A DIME SIZE HOLE IN THE DRIVER SIDE LEFT SEAT PANEL (UNDER THE THIGH). AFTER READING OF MANY OTHERS HAVING THE SAME OR WORSE EXPERIENCES, I AM GLAD I IMMEDIATELY SHUT IF OFF, ALTHOUGH IT STILL BURNED ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE LEATHER. PLEASE ADVISE ME OF NEXT STEPS I SHOULD TAKE. I HAVE SHUT OFF THE HEATER AND WILL NO LONGER USE IT. WITH SO MANY COMPLAINTS, I WOULD THINK THIS WOULD RESULT IN A RECALL. THANKS FOR YOUR ADVICE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10652062

156,000 miles · Oct 30, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

WIRE LOOSING COATING ON INSIDE OF ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHTS, CAUSING SHORTS OR BROKEN WIRES WHERE THE HEADLIGHTS AND OR TURN SIGNALS WILL FAIL TO WORK. WIRE IS VERY BRITTLE AS THIS IS ALSO ROUGHLY 20 GAUGE WIRE. THIS CAN BE AN EXTREME HAZARD ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. THIS SEEMS TO BE AFFECTING BMW'S 3/5/6/ SERIES FROM AT LEAST 2004 TO 20…

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WIRE LOOSING COATING ON INSIDE OF ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHTS, CAUSING SHORTS OR BROKEN WIRES WHERE THE HEADLIGHTS AND OR TURN SIGNALS WILL FAIL TO WORK. WIRE IS VERY BRITTLE AS THIS IS ALSO ROUGHLY 20 GAUGE WIRE. THIS CAN BE AN EXTREME HAZARD ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. THIS SEEMS TO BE AFFECTING BMW'S 3/5/6/ SERIES FROM AT LEAST 2004 TO 2008 FROM MY INDEPENDENT RESEARCH. MANY PICTURES AND COMPLAINTS ON VARIOUS BMW FORUMS TO DOCUMENT THIS PROBLEM. MY PROBLEM OCCURRED WHEN I LOST ONE HEADLIGHT ON MY WAY HOME IN THE DARK AND AN INDICATOR CAME ON TO IDENTIFY A FAULT IN THE HEADLIGHT. ORIGINALLY I THOUGH IT WAS A BULB, CHANGED BULB AND IT STILL DID NOT WORK. FURTHER INVESTIGATION LED TO A BROKEN WIRE INSIDE OF THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. I FIXED THE BROKEN WIRE AND THEN NOTICED TWO MORE WIRES WHERE THE COATING ON THE WIRE SEEM TO HAVE FLAKED OFF CAUSING BARE WIRE. I ALSO FIXED THOSE WIRES AND ALL WAS WELL. A DAY OR TWO LATER, THE INDICATOR CAME ON AGAIN POINTING TO THE SAME HEADLIGHT. THIS TIME THE TURN SIGNAL WAS OUT. I OPENED THE ACCESS PANEL TO CHECK THE WIRING AND NOW A FORTH WIRE HAS BEEN SEVERED, HOWEVER I CAN NOT FIX IT AS IT IS DOWN PRETTY FAR INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT AND TO REPAIR WOULD REQUIRE REMOVING THE HEADLIGHT AND TAKING IT APART. APPARENTLY BMW USED BIODEGRADABLE WIRE FOR THE HEADLIGHTS?? SOURCE OF THE HEADLIGHT IS BELIEVED TO BE HELLA. SUPPOSEDLY BMW KNOWS ABOUT THE ISSUE BUT UNWILLING TO FIX UNLESS YOU PURCHASE A $800-1500 NEW HEADLIGHT. THIS IS CRAZY FOR A CAR THAT IS 10 YEARS OLD AND WELL MAINTAINED. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS YOU WILL CAN LOOSE A HEADLIGHT IN THE DARK AND MAYBE BOTH HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT, PLUS THE FACT OF BARE WIRES THAT CAN SHORT AND CAUSE A FIRE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10651507

45,000 miles · Aug 25, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVisibility/wiper

AS REPORTED BY OTHER OWNERS, THE BI-XENON HEADLIGHTS NO LONGER LIGHT UP THE ROAD. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH HEADLIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY ZKW ON 2003-2005 BMW 330 MODELS. THE REFLECTOR BOWLS ON THESE UNITS BURN OUT OVER TIME AND REDUCE THE HEADLIGHTS ABILITY TO REFLECT LIGHT. DRIVING AT NIGHT IS LITERALLY NO B…

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AS REPORTED BY OTHER OWNERS, THE BI-XENON HEADLIGHTS NO LONGER LIGHT UP THE ROAD. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH HEADLIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY ZKW ON 2003-2005 BMW 330 MODELS. THE REFLECTOR BOWLS ON THESE UNITS BURN OUT OVER TIME AND REDUCE THE HEADLIGHTS ABILITY TO REFLECT LIGHT. DRIVING AT NIGHT IS LITERALLY NO BETTER WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ON OR OFF. I HAVE TO RELY ON MY FOG LIGHTS JUST TO SEE ANYTHING. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS SAFETY ISSUE AS IT IS WIDE-SPREAD. REPLACEMENT OF HEADLIGHTS IS EXPENSIVE AT $1300 EA, THIS HAS TO BE RESOLVED BY BMW IMMEDIATELY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10628093

Mileage unknown · Feb 18, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

MY BI-XENON HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN SLOWLY FADING RESULTING IN EXTREMELY POOR VISIBILITY DURING NORMAL NIGHTIME DRIVING. THIS DEGRADATION HAS BEEN OCCURRING WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE UNTIL IT BECAME OBVIOUS AFTER DRIVING ANOTHER VEHICLE. AS IT TURNS OUT, MY MECHANIC HAS ADVISED THERE IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH CERTAIN BMW ASSEMBLIES THAT TH…

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MY BI-XENON HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN SLOWLY FADING RESULTING IN EXTREMELY POOR VISIBILITY DURING NORMAL NIGHTIME DRIVING. THIS DEGRADATION HAS BEEN OCCURRING WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE UNTIL IT BECAME OBVIOUS AFTER DRIVING ANOTHER VEHICLE. AS IT TURNS OUT, MY MECHANIC HAS ADVISED THERE IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH CERTAIN BMW ASSEMBLIES THAT THE PROJECTOR LENSES LITERALLY BURN DUE TO HEAT RESULTING IN THE NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY. THIS LOSS OF HEADLIGHT INTENSITY RESULTING IN POOR VISIBILITY IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY SITUATION AND REQUEST SOMEONE LOOK INTO WHY NO RECALL HAS OCCURRED AS THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A SAFETY CONCERN. I HAVE ENTERED TODAY'S DATE AS INCIDENT DATE AS I AM NOT SURE WHEN DEGRADATION OF THE PROJECTORS BEGAN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10498524

80,450 miles · Jan 21, 2013
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

DOOR LOCKS INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH SWITCH OR REMOTES. CENTRAL LOCKING DOES NOT WORK EVEN WHEN USING THE KEY FOB. MY KIDS AND I HAVE BEEN TRAPPED IN THE CAR ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS FOR UP TO 10 MINUTES. THIS IS A SERIOUS RISK TO MY LIFE AND THE LIFE OF OTHERS ON THE ROAD. BMW REFUSES TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE VIDEO OF …

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DOOR LOCKS INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH SWITCH OR REMOTES. CENTRAL LOCKING DOES NOT WORK EVEN WHEN USING THE KEY FOB. MY KIDS AND I HAVE BEEN TRAPPED IN THE CAR ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS FOR UP TO 10 MINUTES. THIS IS A SERIOUS RISK TO MY LIFE AND THE LIFE OF OTHERS ON THE ROAD. BMW REFUSES TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE VIDEO OF ME TRAPPED IN THE CAR. I ADDRESSED HIS PROBLEM WITH BMW BEFORE MY WARRANTY WAS UP BUT THEY STATE SINCE THE TECHNICIANS COULD NOT IDENTITY ANY PROBLEM IT'S NOT COVERED. I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH OTHER CUSTOMERS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10493675

94,000 miles · Aug 10, 2012
Electrical SystemVisibility/wiper

MODULE THAT CONTROLS CENTRAL LOCKING, WIPERS, AND SEVERAL OTHER PARTS (THE GM5) STARTED TO DEVELOP A FAULT. WE HAD PROBLEMS UNLOCKING DOORS, LOCKING DOORS, USING WINDOWS, AND WORST OF ALL - THE WIPERS WERE HIT OR MISS. BMW WANTED $750 FOR THE PART REPLACEMENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10470141

Official recalls

0

No recalls in this snapshot.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

3

EA09019 · Rear Lamp Illumination

Opened Dec 18, 2009 · Closed Sep 28, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.An 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.BMW will complete dealer notification in September 2011 and will begin owner notification in October 2011.All 3 series sedans (except for the M3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between September 1, 2001 and March 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.The action taken by BMW is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

Additional source detail variants (4)

Exterior Lighting

In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.An 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.BMW will complete dealer notification in September 2011 and will begin owner notification in October 2011.All 3 series sedans (except for the M3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between September 1, 2001 and March 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.The action taken by BMW is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.An 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.BMW will complete dealer notification in September 2011 and will begin owner notification in October 2011.All 3 series sedans (except for the M3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between September 1, 2001 and March 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.The action taken by BMW is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights

In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.An 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.BMW will complete dealer notification in September 2011 and will begin owner notification in October 2011.All 3 series sedans (except for the M3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between September 1, 2001 and March 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.The action taken by BMW is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.An 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.BMW will complete dealer notification in September 2011 and will begin owner notification in October 2011.All 3 series sedans (except for the M3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between September 1, 2001 and March 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.The action taken by BMW is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

PE09036 · Rear Lamp Illumination

Opened Aug 7, 2009 · Closed Dec 22, 2009

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS STATING THAT THEIR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING.THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CONSISTS OF A TURN SIGNAL LAMP, A TAIL LAMP AND A BRAKE LAMP.THE COMPLAINANTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH AN 8 PIN CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING.THESE COMPONENTS ARE ALLEGEDLY OVERHEATING AND MELTING DUE TO EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENT THAT RUNS THROUGH THE SYSTEM.BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) SIB-630306 ON FEBRUARY 2007 TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION BY ADDING SUPPLEMENTARY GROUND WIRING TO THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI IS UPGRADING TO AN EA TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE.

Additional source detail variants (4)

Exterior Lighting

ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS STATING THAT THEIR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING.THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CONSISTS OF A TURN SIGNAL LAMP, A TAIL LAMP AND A BRAKE LAMP.THE COMPLAINANTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH AN 8 PIN CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING.THESE COMPONENTS ARE ALLEGEDLY OVERHEATING AND MELTING DUE TO EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENT THAT RUNS THROUGH THE SYSTEM.BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) SIB-630306 ON FEBRUARY 2007 TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION BY ADDING SUPPLEMENTARY GROUND WIRING TO THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI IS UPGRADING TO AN EA TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS STATING THAT THEIR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING.THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CONSISTS OF A TURN SIGNAL LAMP, A TAIL LAMP AND A BRAKE LAMP.THE COMPLAINANTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH AN 8 PIN CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING.THESE COMPONENTS ARE ALLEGEDLY OVERHEATING AND MELTING DUE TO EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENT THAT RUNS THROUGH THE SYSTEM.BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) SIB-630306 ON FEBRUARY 2007 TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION BY ADDING SUPPLEMENTARY GROUND WIRING TO THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI IS UPGRADING TO AN EA TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE.

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights

ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS STATING THAT THEIR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING.THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CONSISTS OF A TURN SIGNAL LAMP, A TAIL LAMP AND A BRAKE LAMP.THE COMPLAINANTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH AN 8 PIN CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING.THESE COMPONENTS ARE ALLEGEDLY OVERHEATING AND MELTING DUE TO EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENT THAT RUNS THROUGH THE SYSTEM.BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) SIB-630306 ON FEBRUARY 2007 TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION BY ADDING SUPPLEMENTARY GROUND WIRING TO THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI IS UPGRADING TO AN EA TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE.

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS STATING THAT THEIR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING.THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CONSISTS OF A TURN SIGNAL LAMP, A TAIL LAMP AND A BRAKE LAMP.THE COMPLAINANTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH AN 8 PIN CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING.THESE COMPONENTS ARE ALLEGEDLY OVERHEATING AND MELTING DUE TO EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENT THAT RUNS THROUGH THE SYSTEM.BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) SIB-630306 ON FEBRUARY 2007 TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION BY ADDING SUPPLEMENTARY GROUND WIRING TO THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI IS UPGRADING TO AN EA TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE.

DP09002 · Rear Lamp Illumination

Opened Apr 8, 2009 · Closed Aug 6, 2009

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRING TO THE CONNECTOR.COMPLAINANTS HAVE ALLEGED THAT SIGNIFICANT THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING HAS OCCURRED.THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR TOTAL LOSS OF ALL LIGHTING (BRAKE, TAIL, AND TURN SIGNAL) FOR THE EFFECTED REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI WILL OPEN A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO FURTHER EXAMINE THIS ISSUE INCLUDING FURTHER EVALUATING BMW COMPLAINTS AND RELATED WARRANTY DATA.

Additional source detail variants (5)

Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights

IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRING TO THE CONNECTOR.COMPLAINANTS HAVE ALLEGED THAT SIGNIFICANT THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING HAS OCCURRED.THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR TOTAL LOSS OF ALL LIGHTING (BRAKE, TAIL, AND TURN SIGNAL) FOR THE EFFECTED REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI WILL OPEN A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO FURTHER EXAMINE THIS ISSUE INCLUDING FURTHER EVALUATING BMW COMPLAINTS AND RELATED WARRANTY DATA.

Exterior Lighting

IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRING TO THE CONNECTOR.COMPLAINANTS HAVE ALLEGED THAT SIGNIFICANT THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING HAS OCCURRED.THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR TOTAL LOSS OF ALL LIGHTING (BRAKE, TAIL, AND TURN SIGNAL) FOR THE EFFECTED REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI WILL OPEN A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO FURTHER EXAMINE THIS ISSUE INCLUDING FURTHER EVALUATING BMW COMPLAINTS AND RELATED WARRANTY DATA.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRING TO THE CONNECTOR.COMPLAINANTS HAVE ALLEGED THAT SIGNIFICANT THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING HAS OCCURRED.THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR TOTAL LOSS OF ALL LIGHTING (BRAKE, TAIL, AND TURN SIGNAL) FOR THE EFFECTED REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI WILL OPEN A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO FURTHER EXAMINE THIS ISSUE INCLUDING FURTHER EVALUATING BMW COMPLAINTS AND RELATED WARRANTY DATA.

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights

IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRING TO THE CONNECTOR.COMPLAINANTS HAVE ALLEGED THAT SIGNIFICANT THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING HAS OCCURRED.THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR TOTAL LOSS OF ALL LIGHTING (BRAKE, TAIL, AND TURN SIGNAL) FOR THE EFFECTED REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI WILL OPEN A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO FURTHER EXAMINE THIS ISSUE INCLUDING FURTHER EVALUATING BMW COMPLAINTS AND RELATED WARRANTY DATA.

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRING TO THE CONNECTOR.COMPLAINANTS HAVE ALLEGED THAT SIGNIFICANT THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING HAS OCCURRED.THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR TOTAL LOSS OF ALL LIGHTING (BRAKE, TAIL, AND TURN SIGNAL) FOR THE EFFECTED REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI WILL OPEN A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO FURTHER EXAMINE THIS ISSUE INCLUDING FURTHER EVALUATING BMW COMPLAINTS AND RELATED WARRANTY DATA.