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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

What owners actually said

77 reports
80,000 miles · Feb 27, 2015
Exterior Lighting

ZKW HID XENON LOW BEAM REFLECTORS BURNT OR CORRODED CAUSING A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN LIGHT OUTPUT THAT BMW WANTS ~$3000 TO FIX. LIGHTS WERE A PREMIUM OPTION AND CANNOT BE CORRECTED BY XENON BULB REPLACEMENT. THE OUTPUT HAS DIMMED AS TO BE UNSAFE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10691116

Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2015
Exterior Lighting

THE VERY FIRST TIME I TRIED TO DRIVE THE CAR AT NIGHTTIME TO GO BACK HOME, MY WIFE AND KIDS WERE ON BOARD, AND WE WERE MORE THAN 200 MILES FROM HOME. AFTER I TURNED ON THE LOW-BEAM HEAD LAMPS AND STARTED ROLLING, I COULD BARELY SEE THE ROAD BECAUSE THE HEADLAMPS WERE NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING. I FLIPPED THE SWITCH SEVERAL TIMES…

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THE VERY FIRST TIME I TRIED TO DRIVE THE CAR AT NIGHTTIME TO GO BACK HOME, MY WIFE AND KIDS WERE ON BOARD, AND WE WERE MORE THAN 200 MILES FROM HOME. AFTER I TURNED ON THE LOW-BEAM HEAD LAMPS AND STARTED ROLLING, I COULD BARELY SEE THE ROAD BECAUSE THE HEADLAMPS WERE NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING. I FLIPPED THE SWITCH SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAIL.' PUTTING LIVES AND PROPERTIES AT RISK, I CONTINUED DRIVING UNTIL WE GOT HOME, ALL THE WHILE DRIVING WITH THE HIGH-BEAM LAMPS ON AND APPARENTLY GETTING THE OTHERS DRIVERS ON THE ROAD FUMING. I TOOK THE CAR TO BOTH A LAMP-ADJUSTING STATION AND A BMW DEALER WHERE I WAS TOLD THE LAMPS COULD NEITHER BE ADJUSTED NOR THEIR BULBS MERELY REPLACED BECAUSE THE PROBLEM WAS THE REFLECTOR BOWLS WERE DEFECTIVE AND HAD LOST THEIR ABILITY TO PROJECT LIGHT PROPERLY. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT BOTH THAT THE REFLECTOR BOWLS COULD NOT BE REPLACED INDIVIDUALLY, AND THAT BOTH (LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES) ASSEMBLIES MUST BE REPLACED AT A TOTAL COST OF MORE THAN $2000.00. MANY POSTERS IN THE BMW FORUMS HAVE VOICED OUT EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEMS, AND I WISH THAT ALL WOULD FILE A COMPLAINT TO NHTSA. I NEVER DROVE THIS CAR AGAIN AT NIGHT UNTIL I HAD ? IN AUGUST 2014 ? PURCHASED AND FINALLY RECEIVED AND INSTALLED THE HEAD LAMPS ASSEMBLIES IN OCTOBER 2014. I HAVE IN MY POSSESSION THE HEADLAMP ADJUSTING STATION'S INVOICE AND RECOMMENDATION PLUS THE RECEIPT AND INVOICE FOR THE NEW HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES THAT HAD TO BE SPECIALLY ORDERED FROM GERMANY. ON NOVEMBER 17, 2014, BY CERTIFIED MAIL, I SENT BMW OF NORTH AMERICA MY REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT, BUT I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE A RESPONSE. DUE TO THIS DEFECT WHICH AFFECTS SAFETY, I STRONGLY AND RESPECTFULLY SUGGEST THAT A RECALL BE ISSUED ON THIS BMW MODEL, OR SOME SORT OF DIRECTIVE BE ISSUED FOR BMW TO REIMBURSE THOSE OWNERS 'SUCH AS I' WHO HAD ALREADY REPLACED THEIR LAMP ASSEMBLIES AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10680367

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

Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2015
Air BagsSeat Belts

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE DATED SEPTEMBER 2014 FROM BMW REGARDING A DEFECT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG. I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALER IN FT MYERS FL ON 10/28/14 TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO GET THE REPAIR DONE. I WAS TOLD THE PART WAS OUT OF STOCK AND ASKED TO LEAVE MY NAME AND PHONE NUMBER AND I WOULD RECEIVE A CALL WHEN IT BECA…

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I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE DATED SEPTEMBER 2014 FROM BMW REGARDING A DEFECT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG. I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALER IN FT MYERS FL ON 10/28/14 TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO GET THE REPAIR DONE. I WAS TOLD THE PART WAS OUT OF STOCK AND ASKED TO LEAVE MY NAME AND PHONE NUMBER AND I WOULD RECEIVE A CALL WHEN IT BECAME AVAILABLE. SINCE I DID NOT HEAR FROM THE DEALER I DECIDED TO FOLLOW UP AND CALLED THEM ON JANUARY 8, 2015. I WAS TOLD THE PART WAS OUT OF STOCK. THE WOMAN SAID THEY ONLY RECEIVE SMALL QUANTITIES AT A TIME. AGAIN, I WAS ASKED TO LEAVE MY NAME AND PHONE NUMBER AND WOULD BE CALLED WHEN THE PART WAS RESTOCKED. HOW CAN BMW SEND OUT A RECALL NOTICE ASKING YOU TO CALL IMMEDIATELY TO HAVE THE NECESSARY REPAIR PERFORMED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE WHEN THEY DON'T SUPPLY THE DEALER WITH THE PART? I EXPECTED MORE FROM BMW. I CERTAINLY HOPE THEY DO SOMETHING TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM AND EXPEDITE THE REPAIR! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10671452

Mileage unknown · Jan 8, 2015
Air Bags

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE MONTHS AGO AND BMW HAS YET TO BE ABLE TO REPLACE AIRBAG!! I DRIVE ACROSS COUNTRY TWICE A YEAR AND HAVE ALREADY MADE THE TRIP ONCE SINCE THE RECALL NOTICE. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO GET BMW TO TAKE ACTION?? I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY STILL HAVE "NO PARTS AND A LONG BACKLOG OF PEOPLE WAITING" AFTER ALL THIS TIME.…

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I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE MONTHS AGO AND BMW HAS YET TO BE ABLE TO REPLACE AIRBAG!! I DRIVE ACROSS COUNTRY TWICE A YEAR AND HAVE ALREADY MADE THE TRIP ONCE SINCE THE RECALL NOTICE. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO GET BMW TO TAKE ACTION?? I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY STILL HAVE "NO PARTS AND A LONG BACKLOG OF PEOPLE WAITING" AFTER ALL THIS TIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10671000

Mileage unknown · Dec 19, 2014
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 3 SERIES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 3 SERIES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 01/13/15*LJ

NHTSA ODI #10667285

37,000 miles · Dec 18, 2014
Suspension

REAR SPRING BROKE! COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT A SPRING COULD BRAKE. I LOOKED UP ON THE INTERNET TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM AND WAS AMAZED THAT THE INTERNET IS FULL OF COMPLAINTS. A BROKEN SPRING CAUSES HANDLING PROBLEMS AND CAN CAUSE THE CAR TO GO OUT OF CONTROL CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT BMW KNOWS OF …

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REAR SPRING BROKE! COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT A SPRING COULD BRAKE. I LOOKED UP ON THE INTERNET TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM AND WAS AMAZED THAT THE INTERNET IS FULL OF COMPLAINTS. A BROKEN SPRING CAUSES HANDLING PROBLEMS AND CAN CAUSE THE CAR TO GO OUT OF CONTROL CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT BMW KNOWS OF THE ISSUE AND THE FAULTY DESIGN. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT A CAR COMPANY THAT CHARGES SO MUCH FOR A CAR WOULD NOT OWN UP TOO SUCH A LARGE PROBLEM AND RECALL ALL OF THE AFFECTED CARS. PLEASE HELP US. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10667184

110,000 miles · Nov 6, 2014
Exterior Lighting

MY ZKW HEADLIGHTS DO NOT REFLECT LIGHT ANYMORE. BMW OFFER NO REPLACEMENT REFLECTOR BOWLS FOR THE HEADLIGHT, SO NO FIX IS AVAILABLE EXCEPT REPLACING THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WITH THE SAME FAULTY ASSEMBLY FROM THE SAME MANUFACTURER. HEADLIGHTS PRODUCE TOO MUCH HEAT AND MELT THE REFLECTORS DEEMING THEM USELESS AND AN EXTREME DANGER…

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MY ZKW HEADLIGHTS DO NOT REFLECT LIGHT ANYMORE. BMW OFFER NO REPLACEMENT REFLECTOR BOWLS FOR THE HEADLIGHT, SO NO FIX IS AVAILABLE EXCEPT REPLACING THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WITH THE SAME FAULTY ASSEMBLY FROM THE SAME MANUFACTURER. HEADLIGHTS PRODUCE TOO MUCH HEAT AND MELT THE REFLECTORS DEEMING THEM USELESS AND AN EXTREME DANGER. RECALL NEEDED FOR EXTREME SAFETY REASONS. I CAN'T DRIVE MY CAR AT NIGHT ANYMORE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10653206

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

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.