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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
124,250 miles · Feb 5, 2013
Exterior Lighting

THE VEHICLE CAME EQUIPPED FROM THE FACTORY WITH BI-XENON AUTO LEVELING HEADLIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY ZKW. THE PAST COUPLE MONTHS, THE LIGHT OUTPUT HAS STEADILY DECREASED. BROWN SCORCH MARKS ARE VISIBLE IN THE PROJECTOR WHEN THE HEADLIGHT IS ON. ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, THE XENON BULB BURNED OFF ALL THE REFLECTIVE MATERIAL IN THE PROJE…

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THE VEHICLE CAME EQUIPPED FROM THE FACTORY WITH BI-XENON AUTO LEVELING HEADLIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY ZKW. THE PAST COUPLE MONTHS, THE LIGHT OUTPUT HAS STEADILY DECREASED. BROWN SCORCH MARKS ARE VISIBLE IN THE PROJECTOR WHEN THE HEADLIGHT IS ON. ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, THE XENON BULB BURNED OFF ALL THE REFLECTIVE MATERIAL IN THE PROJECTOR BOWL. THE LIGHT OUTPUT FROM THE PROJECTORS HAS BEEN REDUCED TO A THIN BEAM OF LIGHT. IT IS BECOMING VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THIS PROBLEM IS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10496544

111,000 miles · Feb 1, 2013
Air BagsSeats

NO IN PASSENGER SEAT WHEN STARTING THE CAR AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LAMP WAS ILLUMINATED ON DASHBOARD. TURNED CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON AND THE LIGHT WAS OFF. WENT ABOUT 15 FEET AND THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. TURNS ON AND OFF WITH OR WITHOUT ANYONE IN THE SEAT. BMW REPRESENTATIVE STATED RECALL ID# 81074 DID NOT RELATE TO MY VIN.…

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NO IN PASSENGER SEAT WHEN STARTING THE CAR AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LAMP WAS ILLUMINATED ON DASHBOARD. TURNED CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON AND THE LIGHT WAS OFF. WENT ABOUT 15 FEET AND THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. TURNS ON AND OFF WITH OR WITHOUT ANYONE IN THE SEAT. BMW REPRESENTATIVE STATED RECALL ID# 81074 DID NOT RELATE TO MY VIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10496099

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

79,000 miles · Oct 22, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System

EVERY SUMMER SINCE 2008 WHEN THE GAS TANK IS FULL OR NEAR FULL, FUEL DRIPS FROM THE GAS TANK DURING HOT WEATHER. REPLACING THE SOLENOID AS WAS RECOMMENDED HAS NOT SOLVED THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE FOUND THE GAS DRIPPING ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS DURING HOT WEATHER ONLY WHEN THE TANK IS FULL OR NEAR FULL. THIS OCCURS WITH THE CAR BEING PA…

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EVERY SUMMER SINCE 2008 WHEN THE GAS TANK IS FULL OR NEAR FULL, FUEL DRIPS FROM THE GAS TANK DURING HOT WEATHER. REPLACING THE SOLENOID AS WAS RECOMMENDED HAS NOT SOLVED THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE FOUND THE GAS DRIPPING ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS DURING HOT WEATHER ONLY WHEN THE TANK IS FULL OR NEAR FULL. THIS OCCURS WITH THE CAR BEING PARKED IN THE SUN WITH THE ENGINE NOT RUNNING. LAST MONTH, SEPTEMBER 2012 AFTER RETURNING TO MAY CAR AFTER WORK, I HAD STARTED THE CAR FIRST, THEN WENT TO GET MY THINGS OUT OF THE TRUNK, I SAW GASOLINE POURING LIKE A FOUNTAIN UNDER THE CAR FOR A FEW MINUTES, THEN SLOWED DOWN TO DRIPPING. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR SINCE. WE TOOK IT IMMEDIATELY TO OUR MECHANIC. IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE GAS TANK. BMW WANTS OVER $5000 TO REPLACE THE GAS TANK! THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WITH THIS PROBLEM! CAN'T DRIVE IT, CAN'T SOMG IT, OR RE-REGISTER IT WITHOUT REPAIRING THE FAULTY GAS TANK! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10481479

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

30,000 miles · Jun 28, 2012
Exterior Lighting

FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR NOW I'VE BEEN NOTICING THAT AT NIGHT I'VE BEEN HAVING A REAL HARD TIME SEEING AT NIGHT WHILE I AM DRIVING. FOR A WHILE I THOUGHT IT WAS MY EYES GOING BAD UNTIL MULTIPLE PEOPLE STARTED ASKING IF MY LIGHTS WHERE ON, ( I WAS LIKE GOOD IT'S NOT MY EYES) IT GETS REAL BAD ESPECIALLY WHEN IT RAIN OR THE ROADS O…

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FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR NOW I'VE BEEN NOTICING THAT AT NIGHT I'VE BEEN HAVING A REAL HARD TIME SEEING AT NIGHT WHILE I AM DRIVING. FOR A WHILE I THOUGHT IT WAS MY EYES GOING BAD UNTIL MULTIPLE PEOPLE STARTED ASKING IF MY LIGHTS WHERE ON, ( I WAS LIKE GOOD IT'S NOT MY EYES) IT GETS REAL BAD ESPECIALLY WHEN IT RAIN OR THE ROADS OR WET WHICH IS ALMOST EVERY NIGHT CAUSE LIVE IN HAWAII AND IT RAINS ALL THE TIME. BUT OF COURSE THE PROBLEM IS NOT GETTING BETTER IT'S GOTTEN SO BAD THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH MY FOG LIGHTS AT NIGHT. I WENT TO THE DEALER THINKING IT WAS THE BULBS AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS NOT AND I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY RIGHT AND LEFT. I HAVE NEVER HEARD THIS BEFORE SO I STARTED TO SEARCH THE NET AND COME TO FIND OUT THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10463488

50,000 miles · Jun 18, 2012
Visibility

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 3 SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MONOCHROMATIC COATING ON THE REAR VIEW MIRROR WAS DEFECTIVE. AS A RESULT, THE SELF DIMMING FUNCTION HAD BECOME INOPERABLE AND THE REFLECTION OF THE LIGHTS FROM OTHER VEHICLES WAS EXTREMELY BRIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT IT WAS A CO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 3 SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MONOCHROMATIC COATING ON THE REAR VIEW MIRROR WAS DEFECTIVE. AS A RESULT, THE SELF DIMMING FUNCTION HAD BECOME INOPERABLE AND THE REFLECTION OF THE LIGHTS FROM OTHER VEHICLES WAS EXTREMELY BRIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT IT WAS A COMMON FAILURE AND THE MIRROR ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,000. ..UPDATED 08/01/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THAT FAILURE OF COATING CAN CAUSE NIGHTTIME HEADLIGHT GLARE FROM FOLLOWING CARS. THE DEALER CLAIMS THIS FAILURE IS COMMON AFTER 7-8 YEARS ON CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE DEFECTIVE MIRROR. UPDATED 08/02/2012 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10462104

53,500 miles · May 9, 2012
Power Train

AN ALMOST FATAL CRASH. CAR WAS BACKED UP FROM GARAGE IN THE MORNING INTO THE STREET, PUT IN D POSITION BUT THERE WERE NO POWER TO THE WHEELS FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 10 SECONDS. CAR APPROACHING FROM BEHIND ON THE STREET NEEDED TO SWERVE TO AVOID REAR ENDING MY CAR. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS CONTINUOUSLY WHEN THE CAR IS COLD (SITTIN…

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AN ALMOST FATAL CRASH. CAR WAS BACKED UP FROM GARAGE IN THE MORNING INTO THE STREET, PUT IN D POSITION BUT THERE WERE NO POWER TO THE WHEELS FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 10 SECONDS. CAR APPROACHING FROM BEHIND ON THE STREET NEEDED TO SWERVE TO AVOID REAR ENDING MY CAR. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS CONTINUOUSLY WHEN THE CAR IS COLD (SITTING FOR MORE THAN 8 HOURS). THERE IS A DELAY OF ABOUT 10 SECONDS FOR POWER TO ENGAGE IN D POSITION. ACCORDING TO ONLINE CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS AND BMW DEALER, THIS CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE IS RELATED TO A SOFTWARE ISSUE IN THE TRANSMISSION. A SOFTWARE UPGRADE FIXES THE PROBLEM BUT WHEN APPROACHING BMW FOR THIS CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE, THEY REFUSE TO PROVIDE THE SOFTWARE UPGRADE FOR FREE AND THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE $360 TO UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10457892

98,000 miles · Apr 26, 2012
Exterior Lighting

FRONT OPTIONAL HID (XENON) HEADLAMPS WERE NOTICED A BEING EXTREMELY DIM. THE HEADLIGHT HAS A REPLACEABLE PLASTIC LENS. LENS WAS FIRST POLISHED AND THEN WHEN NO LIGHT IMPROVEMENT WAS OBSERVED, BOTH LENSES WERE REPLACED. LIGHT OUTPUT REMAIN VERY POOR. BULB WERE ORDERED TO REPLACE ORIGINAL HOWEVER WHEN BEGINNING TO REPLACE THE BULB…

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FRONT OPTIONAL HID (XENON) HEADLAMPS WERE NOTICED A BEING EXTREMELY DIM. THE HEADLIGHT HAS A REPLACEABLE PLASTIC LENS. LENS WAS FIRST POLISHED AND THEN WHEN NO LIGHT IMPROVEMENT WAS OBSERVED, BOTH LENSES WERE REPLACED. LIGHT OUTPUT REMAIN VERY POOR. BULB WERE ORDERED TO REPLACE ORIGINAL HOWEVER WHEN BEGINNING TO REPLACE THE BULBS IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE BOWL HAD AN OBSERVED SCORCH OR BURNED SPOT ON THE PROJECTOR BOWL AND I CEASED CHANGING THE BOWL. AFTER READING FORUMS IT APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON MANUFACTURING DEFECT INVOLVING A SAFETY ITEMS THAT REDUCES VIABILITY AND MAY POSSIBLY BURN THROUGH ON THIS MODEL YEAR WITH THIS OPTION. A PHOTO IS AVAILABLE IF NECESSARY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10456620

Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2012
Exterior Lighting

XENON HEADLIGHTS ARE TERRIBLE. VERY LOW VISIBILITY AND IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE AT NIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10454819

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.