IllustrationAUTO DIMMING MIRROR ON 2002 BMW M3 COUPE LEAKED AND IS NOW PERMANENTLY DIMMED ON 3/4 OF THE MIRROR. IT NOW INHIBITS MY ABILITY TO SEE OUT THE REAR OF MY CAR. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE LIQUID IS TOXIC AND CORROSIVE, HOWEVER BMW STILL HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. *TR
2002 BMW M3
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all M3 years →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
60–25K
125–50K
550–75K
775–100K
4100–150K
3150K+
26 reports with mileage · 14 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.
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
2 crash reports1 fire reports1 injury reports
What owners actually said
40 reportsAFTER 2.5 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP OF VEHICLE A SLIGHT "CLUNK" COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IS NOTICED WHEN MOVING FORWARD FROM A STOP SOME TIMES. WITHIN A FEW WEEKS THE "CLUNK" BECAME LOUDER AND OCCURRED MORE OFTEN. IN ADDITION THE A LOUD "BANG" ACCOMPANIED BY VIBRATIONS WOULD COME FROM THE REAR WHEN GOING OVER SPEED-BUMPS. …
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AFTER 2.5 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP OF VEHICLE A SLIGHT "CLUNK" COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IS NOTICED WHEN MOVING FORWARD FROM A STOP SOME TIMES. WITHIN A FEW WEEKS THE "CLUNK" BECAME LOUDER AND OCCURRED MORE OFTEN. IN ADDITION THE A LOUD "BANG" ACCOMPANIED BY VIBRATIONS WOULD COME FROM THE REAR WHEN GOING OVER SPEED-BUMPS. DURING THIS TIME THE CAR BEGAN FEELING UNSAFE WHEN ON HILLS OR IN THE RAIN. IF I WAS ON A HILL AND STARTED MOVING FORWARD I FEARED AFTER THE LARGE "CLUNK" A MAJOR FAILURE COULD LEAD TO THE CAR LOSING ITS REAR DRIVETRAIN OR SUSPENSION AND FALLING BACKWARDS. I ALSO FELT THE CAR WAS NOT SAFE IN THE RAIN AND THE REAR OF THE CAR WOULD SHIFT AROUND WHEN UNDER LOAD OR ACCELERATING. I TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THE REAR SUBFRAME WAS TEARING AT MULTIPLE POINTS. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS A COMMON MANUFACTURER DEFECT OF THE BMW 3-SERIES THAT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR OVER 15 YEARS AND NEWER MODEL CARS WOULD TEAR THE ENTIRE FLOORPAN OUT. THE REPAIR IS COSTLY AND THE SHOP SAID THEY WOULD NOT WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE ANY REPAIR OF THIS PART AS IT IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. I CONTACTED BMW NA AND THEY HAD A REPRESENTATIVE CONTACT ME AND SETUP AN INSPECTION AT A LOCAL BMW CERTIFIED REPAIR SHOP. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THE BMW REP THERE SAID HE WOULD TAKE A LOOK AT IT. HE SAID THAT 99% OF THE TIME THE DAMAGE IS COVERED AS IT IS A PROBLEM IN EVEN THEIR LOWEST MODELS AND EVEN IN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CARS. LATER I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT BMW WOULD TO FIX THE CAR WITH NO COST TO ME. THEY SAID IT WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND A SERIOUS SAFETY RISK. A WEEK LATER I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE BMW NA REPRESENTATIVE, HE SAID THE CAR WAS INSPECTED AGAIN AND DECIDED THAT THE CAR WAS DRIVEN TOO HARD AND THEREFORE WILL NOT BE REPAIRED. THE REPAIR COST IS ESTIMATED AT $7600. AT THIS POINT THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND NOW WITH CONFIRMED TEARS IN THE BODY THE CAR COULD SUFFER FROM RUST AND/OR RODENT/PEST PROBLEMS. *TR
I WAS TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN I HEARD A NOISE. AS THE NOISE GOT LOUDER, I REALIZED IT MUST BE A FLAT TIRE AS THE VEHICLE BEGIN TO PULL IN ONE DIRECTION. AS THE NOISE GOT LOUDER I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. I PULL OVER TO FIND THAT THE TIRE HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FRO…
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I WAS TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN I HEARD A NOISE. AS THE NOISE GOT LOUDER, I REALIZED IT MUST BE A FLAT TIRE AS THE VEHICLE BEGIN TO PULL IN ONE DIRECTION. AS THE NOISE GOT LOUDER I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. I PULL OVER TO FIND THAT THE TIRE HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE SIDEWALL. THE TIRE WAS A CONTINENTAL CONTISPORT CONTACT 255, 40ZR 18, ON A 2002 BMW M3. THE TIRE APPEARS TO HAVE SIMPLY BLOWN OUT DUE TO THE SEPARATION. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE DEFECTIVE WORKMANSHIP. I WAS TOLD BY THE TIRE DEALER THAT THIS IS "COMMON" FOR LOW-PROFILE TYPE TIRES. I DO NOT THINK THIS AN ACCEPTABLE EXPLANATION, AS THE TIRE WAS NOT UNDERPRESSURIZED, BARE AND/OR DAMAGED. I BELIEVE THIS BLOW OUT WAS DUE TO A TIRE DEFECT (TIRE SEPARATION). THE ONLY TIRE I COULD FIND TO REPLACE IT WAS ANOTHER BRAND. I WILL NOT PUT CONTINENTALS ON MY CAR IN THE FUTURE. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING ON THEM SINCE I DO ALOT OF FREEWAY DRIVING, AND I WONDER WHEN ONE OF THE OTHER TIRES WILL SEPARATE AND BLOW OUT. *NM
ON NOVEMBER 2ND, 2005, AT 6:30 P.M., MY FAMILY GOT INTO THE M3. THAT INCLUDED MY WIFE IN FRONT, AND THREE DAUGHTERS IN THE BACK. WE WERE ON THE WAY TO MEET MY FATHER FOR DINNER. WE HAD PLANNED TO TAKE THE 60 FREEWAY WESTBOUND, OF WHICH THE ON RAMP IS OFF A STREET CALLED CHINO HILLS PARKWAY. TO OUR SHOCK, THE FREEWAY WAS JAMMED L…
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ON NOVEMBER 2ND, 2005, AT 6:30 P.M., MY FAMILY GOT INTO THE M3. THAT INCLUDED MY WIFE IN FRONT, AND THREE DAUGHTERS IN THE BACK. WE WERE ON THE WAY TO MEET MY FATHER FOR DINNER. WE HAD PLANNED TO TAKE THE 60 FREEWAY WESTBOUND, OF WHICH THE ON RAMP IS OFF A STREET CALLED CHINO HILLS PARKWAY. TO OUR SHOCK, THE FREEWAY WAS JAMMED LIKE A PARKING LOT, SO WE PROCEED TO MAKE A U-TURN TO TAKE AN ALTERNATE SIDE ROAD. TRAVELLING SOUTHBOUND ON CHINO HILLS PARKWAY AT ABOUT 25 TO 30 MPH IN 2ND GEAR, THE SMG GEAR INDICATOR GOES TO "0". I DO NOT RECALL SHIFTING AT ALL, SO I JUST PROCEED TO MOVE THE GEAR LEVER TO PUT IT BACK IN GEAR. IT DOES NOT CHANGE, REAMINS AT "0", AND SINCE MY FOOT IS STILL ON THE GAS PEDAL, I JUST HEAR THE REVS OF THE ENGINE WHILE NOTICING I HAVE NO POWER TO MOVE FORWARD. THANKFULLY, WE WERE ON A SLIGHT DOWNWARD SLOPE, SO I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY COAST TO A STOP BY THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE FIRST THING I NOTICE IS THE YELLOW GEAR-SHAPED TRANSMISSION LIGHT HAS COME ON. I PROCEED TO SHUT THE CAR OFF, THINKING A RESTART WOULD CORRECT THE SITUATION. I TRY SHIFTING INTO GEAR, BUT IT REMAINS AT "0". BEFORE I RESTART THE SECOND TIME, I POP THE HOOD OPEN, AND GO OUT TO CLOSE IT, HAVING HEARD THAT SOMETIMES THE SMG PUMP ACTS FUNNY IF THE HOOD IS NOT CLOSED. I'M STILL UNABLE TO SHIFT. I TURN OFF THE ENGINE, WAIT A FEW MINUTES. THIS TIME, THE ENGINE DOESN'T EVEN START! THIS HAPPENED TWO MORE TIME. FINALLY, ON THE SIXTH RESTART, THE ENGINE COMES ALIVE, AND I AM ABLE TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE YELLOW TRANSMISSION LIGHT IS STILL ON, BUT WE MADE IT HOME SINCE THIS ALL HAPPENED ABOUT 3 MILES FROM HOME. THE CAR HAS BEEN FLATBEDDED TO THE DEALERSHIP.
REAR PARK DISTANCE CONTROL SOUNDED AND AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON SIMULTANEOUSLY. SOFTWARE REPROGRAMMED 2 TIMES SO FAR WHICH CORRECTED THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT. WARNING LIGHT HAS COME BACK ON AFTER EACH REPROGRAMMING AS SOON AS PARK DISTANCE CONTROL SOUNDS. NOTE: CAR HAS SMG TRANSMISSION. *JB
DT: DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING FOR NO REASON. THERE WAS NO ACCENDENT, NO POT HOLE, AND NO OBJECTS WERE HIT. TOOK TO DEALER ON FRIDAY, AND THEY STILL HAVE THE CAR. THE INJURIES WERE BURNS AND BRUISES TO THE LEFT ARM.*AK
2002 BMW M3, REPEATED SMG TRANSMISSION FAILURES RENDERING THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE. BMW HAS NO IDEA WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. BMW ALSO DAMAGED THE VEHICLE TRYING TO RETRIVE IT FOR YET ANOTHER REPAIR ATTEMPT. IT MAY HAVE STARTED ITSELF WITHOUT THE KEY IN IT WHILE THE TOW TRUCK WAS PICKING IT UP. BMW IS IN A CONSTANT STATE OF …
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2002 BMW M3, REPEATED SMG TRANSMISSION FAILURES RENDERING THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE. BMW HAS NO IDEA WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. BMW ALSO DAMAGED THE VEHICLE TRYING TO RETRIVE IT FOR YET ANOTHER REPAIR ATTEMPT. IT MAY HAVE STARTED ITSELF WITHOUT THE KEY IN IT WHILE THE TOW TRUCK WAS PICKING IT UP. BMW IS IN A CONSTANT STATE OF DENIAL. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE DEALER 6 WEEKS NOW AND COUNTING AND IT HAS LESS THAN 8000 MILES ON IT.
MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICEL. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AT 16000, THE TRANSMISSION (SMG) WAS RE[;ACED AT 20000, NOW THE ENGINE REV HIGH AT IDEL AND SEND STRON VIBRATION TO THE CABIN AND STEERING COLUMN. BMW OF HOUSTON NORTH, A LOCAL DEALER IN HOUSTON, TX, WERE LESS THAN HELPFUL IN TRYING TO SOLVE THE CURRENT PROBLEM. IT APPE…
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MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICEL. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AT 16000, THE TRANSMISSION (SMG) WAS RE[;ACED AT 20000, NOW THE ENGINE REV HIGH AT IDEL AND SEND STRON VIBRATION TO THE CABIN AND STEERING COLUMN. BMW OF HOUSTON NORTH, A LOCAL DEALER IN HOUSTON, TX, WERE LESS THAN HELPFUL IN TRYING TO SOLVE THE CURRENT PROBLEM. IT APPEARS THAT THEY WANT TO KEEP THE PROBLEMS WITH M3 QUIET. *AK
CONSUMER NOTICED FUMES COMING FROM AIR CONDITIONER A/C VENTS WHILE TRAVELING FROM 65-70 MPH. VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED FIVE TIMES FOR PROBLEM.*AK
WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. ENGINE WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER ON 9/9/2002. ON 5/27/2003 VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. *AK
Official recalls
520V018000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jan 15, 2020
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
14V428000 · Air Bags
Jun 11, 2018
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
17V047000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Jan 20, 2017
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles. These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver side air bag module, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
15V318000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
May 28, 2015
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.
13V172000 · Air Bags
May 2, 2013
BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and schedule a replacement of the passenger air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
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
2PE09036 · 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.