2002 BMW 325I Exterior Lighting Problems

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE TAIL LIGHT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AT ANY SPEED, THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE MESSAGE BOARD DISPLAYED "EXTERIOR LIGHTING FOR THE REAR RIGHT SIDE". THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

Mileage: 55,000

PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT BULB ON ZKW LABELED HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY MELTED REFLECTOR BADLY. REMOVED HEADLIGHT BULB DUE TO CHANCE OF CATCHING FIRE. HEADLIGHT REFLECTOR DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR AND UNABLE TO MOUNT HEADLIGHT BULB. ISSUE NOTICED WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE WHERE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT STARTED LOOSING BRIGHTNESS AND SHINING TOWARDS RIGHT SIDE OF VEHICLE. PULLED OVER AND SMELLED BURNING PLASTIC. HOUSING IS BLACK FROM BURNING.

Mileage: 70,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR LIGHTS WOULD NOT OPERATE. AFTER REPLACING THE LIGHT BULBS, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. WHILE CHANGING THE LIGHT BULBS, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE LIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS BURNED AND CHARRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

Mileage: 82,000

I WAS MADE AWARE OF A TWO OPEN SAFETY RECALLS FOR MY CAR. I AM TOLD THAT THE AFFECTED PARTS NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR THE ENSURED SAFETY OF MY VEHICLE. HOWEVER, I WAS TOLD THAT THESE REPAIRS COULD ONLY BE DONE AT AN AUTHORIZED BMW CENTER. I CURRENTLY LIVE IN MISSOULA, MT AND THE NEAREST BMW CENTER IS 3 HOURS AWAY IN SPOKANE, WA. OBVIOUSLY, I CANNOT DRIVE 3 HOURS EACH WAY AND WAIT HOWEVER MANY HOURS OR DAYS THE REPAIRS TAKE TO HAVE THEM DONE AT THE BMW CENTER I AM TOLD HAS TO DO THEM. THE BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS DEPARTMENT IS NOT WILLING TO OFFER ANY HELP IN FIXING THIS SITUATION AND GETTING THESE RECALL REPAIRS DONE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKE LIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

I BOUGHT MY 2002 BMW 325I FROM SAN FRANCISCO BMW IN 2003, SO FAR I HAVE RECEIVED ONLY ONE NOTICE ABOUT THE RECALL OF THE REAR LIGHT. I WAS UNDER WARRANTY FOR A YEAR, DURING THAT PERIOD THEY DISCOVERED A FAULTY IDLE AIR VALVE AND THEY DID NOT REPLACE IT TRYING TO SAVE MONEY UNDER WARRANTY. I COMPLAINED MANY TIMES TO THEM ABOUT THE STALLING OF MY CAR ON THE STREETS, IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. I E-MAILED TO THE MANAGER WHO IGNORED MY COMPLAINT. FEARFUL FOR MY LIFE AND SAFETY I DARE NOT DRIVE ON THE FREEWAY. I CALLED ABOUT THE RECALL OF THE AIRBAGS, THEY SAID IT DID NOT APPLY TO MY CAR, I ASKED THEM TO SEND ME E-MAIL TO CONFIRM, THEY NEVER DID. THEY PUT MY LIFE AT RISK. THEIR BUSINESS LICENSE SHOULD BE SUSPENDED. *TR

Mileage: 80,100

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT HAD BECOME VERY DIM. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE LIGHT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT LOOKED AT THE LIGHT AND NOTICED THAT THERE WERE WIRES THAT HAD BECOME MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MANUFACTURER WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.

Mileage: 154,000

RIGHT REAR TURN-SIGNAL LIGHTS OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY--SOMETIMES IT WORKS AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. I ALMOST GOT HIT BY ANOTHER CAR FROM BEHIND WHEN I WAS CHANGING LANES ON THE FREEWAY. *TR

Mileage: 93,704

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIGHT BULB SOCKET AND WIRING MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING: BRAKE LIGHTS) BUT DID NOT INCLUDE THE REPLACEMENT OF BOTH LIGHT BULB SOCKET ASSEMBLIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,751.

Mileage: 169,751

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL REPAIRS WOULD BE PERFORMED, BUT IT WAS UP TO THE CONSUMER TO REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHT HOUSING ASSEMBLY THAT WAS BURNED AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ALSO STATED THAT IT WAS UP TO THE CONSUMER TO REPLACE THE HOUSING ASSEMBLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

Mileage: 109,000

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V438000 DID NAME INCLUDE US SPECIFICATION BMWS MADE OUTSIDE THE US. OVER TIME, RESISTANCE IN THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS MAY CAUSE ALL REAR LAMP FUNCTIONS (TAIL LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, AND TURN-SIGNAL), WITHIN THE VEHICLE'S BODY PANEL TO STOP WORKING. INTERMITTENT LIGHT OPERATION REDUCES THE ABILITY TO WARN OTHER MOTORISTS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS. THIS COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V438000 DID NAME INCLUDE US SPECIFICATION BMWS MADE OUTSIDE THE US. OVER TIME, RESISTANCE IN THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS MAY CAUSE ALL REAR LAMP FUNCTIONS (TAIL LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, AND TURN-SIGNAL), WITHIN THE VEHICLE'S BODY PANEL TO STOP WORKING. INTERMITTENT LIGHT OPERATION REDUCES THE ABILITY TO WARN OTHER MOTORISTS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS. THIS COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY FOR THE TAIL LIGHTS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY INCLUDING THE HAZARD LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS AND THE TURN SIGNALS. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA RECALL NUMBERS: 11V438000 ( EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS), 11V438000 ( EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS), AND 11V438000 ( EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL). THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE GROUND WIRE WAS INSUFFICIENT AND THAT HE SHOULD ADD AN ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRE TO THE ASSEMBLY. IN ADDITION, THE GROUND WIRES MELTED THE CONNECTOR HOUSING AND THE CONNECTORS ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN HE SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY ANOTHER DRIVER THAT THE EXTERIOR TAIL LIGHTS HAD FAILED.THE CONTACT THEN DISCONNECTED THE WIRES FOR THE TAIL LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THEY HAVE TO REPLACE THE COMPLETE WIRING HARNESS AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE OF $1,300. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO REPAIRED THE TAIL LIGHTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD MALFUNCTION ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 75,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 5 MPH, HE NOTICED A WARNING LIGHT WOULD INFORM HIM THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE OWNER FOR THE WIRING IN THE TAIL LIGHTS.THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES WITHIN A FIVE YEAR TIME SPAN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.

Mileage: 40,000

RECALL SUMMARY BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 325I, 325XI, 330I, AND 330XI VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2001, THROUGH MARCH 1, 2005. OVER TIME, RESISTANCE IN THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS MAY CAUSE ONE OR MORE REAR LAMP FUNCTIONS (TAIL LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, AND/OR TURN-SIGNAL), WITHIN THE VEHICLE'S BODY PANEL, TO STOP WORKING. CONSEQUENCE INTERMITTENT LIGHT OPERATION REDUCES THE ABILITY TO WARN OTHER MOTORISTS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS. THIS COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. REMEDY BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417. NOTES BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC READ MORE: HTTP://WWW.INTERNETAUTOGUIDE.COM/10-12-2002-12-107/2002-BMW-3-SERIES-RECALLS.HTML#IXZZ1FHEGYUFC. *TR

Mileage: 143,800

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATE THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 143,000.

Mileage: 143,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. WHILE PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE DRIVERS SIDE TURN SIGNAL WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WOULD DISCONNECT AND RECONNECT THE PIGTAIL WIRE FOR THE TURN SIGNAL TO FUNCTION. THE TURN SIGNAL WOULD FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY BUT AFTER SOME TIME THE TURN SIGNAL STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT NOTICED ONE OF THE CONNECTING WIRES HAD MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TURN SIGNAL HOUSING WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL) THAT COULD POSSIBLY HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PIG TAIL WIRE CONNECTOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT HAD TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE LIGHT BULB. UPDATED 12/15/11. UPDATED 01/03/12*LJ UPDATED 01/11/12

Mileage: 60,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. WHILE PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE DRIVERS SIDE TURN SIGNAL WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WOULD DISCONNECT AND RECONNECT THE PIGTAIL WIRE FOR THE TURN SIGNAL TO FUNCTION. THE TURN SIGNAL WOULD FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY BUT AFTER SOME TIME THE TURN SIGNAL STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT NOTICED ONE OF THE CONNECTING WIRES HAD MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TURN SIGNAL HOUSING WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL) THAT COULD POSSIBLY HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PIG TAIL WIRE CONNECTOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT HAD TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE LIGHT BULB. UPDATED 12/15/11. UPDATED 01/03/12*LJ UPDATED 01/11/12

Mileage: 60,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. WHILE PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE DRIVERS SIDE TURN SIGNAL WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WOULD DISCONNECT AND RECONNECT THE PIGTAIL WIRE FOR THE TURN SIGNAL TO FUNCTION. THE TURN SIGNAL WOULD FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY BUT AFTER SOME TIME THE TURN SIGNAL STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT NOTICED ONE OF THE CONNECTING WIRES HAD MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TURN SIGNAL HOUSING WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL) THAT COULD POSSIBLY HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PIG TAIL WIRE CONNECTOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT HAD TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE LIGHT BULB. UPDATED 12/15/11. UPDATED 01/03/12*LJ UPDATED 01/11/12

Mileage: 60,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BWW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A WARNING LIGHT INDICATING THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WIRING FOR THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS BURNT. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACTS OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUED TO FAIL. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING: BRAKE LIGHTS) AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 183,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

CAMPAIGN NUMBER 11V438000... CONFIRMATION NUMBER 10435174.... SOME IF NOT ALL BACK UP, BRAKE, TURN SIGNALS DO NOT MOST OF THE TIME.... MY VIN.# IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. I HAVE ALL THE ISSUES THAT THEY ARE DOING THE RECALL ON. BMW OF NORTH AMERICA SAYS MY CAR IS NOT LISTED IN THE RECALL... I AM VERY UPSET. ..PLEASE HELP ME. *TR

CAMPAIGN NUMBER 11V438000... CONFIRMATION NUMBER 10435174.... SOME IF NOT ALL BACK UP, BRAKE, TURN SIGNALS DO NOT MOST OF THE TIME.... MY VIN.# IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. I HAVE ALL THE ISSUES THAT THEY ARE DOING THE RECALL ON. BMW OF NORTH AMERICA SAYS MY CAR IS NOT LISTED IN THE RECALL... I AM VERY UPSET. ..PLEASE HELP ME. *TR

LEFT REAR TURN SIGNAL FAILURE, FOUND SHORT IN SOCKET HOUSING, NO GROUND CONNECTED TO LEFT OR RIGHT REAR HOUSING UNITS. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT AND TURN SIGNALS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BULBS NUMEROUS TIMES BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS), 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS) AND 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL) BUT THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH ANY OF THE MENTIONED RECALLS. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 169,000.

Mileage: 40,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRACKET THAT HELD THE BRAKE AND TAILLIGHTS FAILED BECAUSE THE WIRING WAS MELTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BUT WAS ADVISED BY A PERSONAL FRIEND THAT IF HE COULD GROUND THE WIRES AND KEEP THEM SEPARATED FROM THE HARNESS, THE PROBLEM COULD POSSIBLY BE RESOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE AND TAIL LIGHTS WERE DID NOT WORK AR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE LIGHTS WERE REPAIRED. APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS). UPDATED 10/18/11*LJ THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 01/30/12

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE AND TAIL LIGHTS WERE DID NOT WORK AR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE LIGHTS WERE REPAIRED. APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS). UPDATED 10/18/11*LJ THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 01/30/12

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS WOULD FAIL INTERMITTINGLY. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING TAIL LIGHTS), BUT WAS TOLD BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

THE PROBLEM I AM EXPERIENCING IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS IN THIS CURRENT RECALL. : HTTP://WWW.BLOOMBERG.COM/NEWS/2011-09-01/BMW-RECALLS-241-000-CARS-IN-U-S-FOR-REAR-LIGHT-MALFUNCTION-2-.HTML I HAVE CALLED IN TO BMW, BUT THEY SAID MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL, EVEN THOUGH I HAVE A 2002 325I, WHICH WAS MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLE. APPARENTLY THEY ARE ONLY COVERING SPECIFIC VIN'S EVEN THOUGH MY MODEL YEAR WAS MENTIONED. 1. CAR TAIL LIGHTS PERIODICALLY DO NOT TURN ON WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ON. SO MY CAR HAS THE TAILLIGHTS OFF IN THE DARK WHEN MY HEADLIGHTS ARE ON. 2. THE FAILURE AT FIRST WAS INTERMITTENT, NOW IS LIKELY PERMANENT. CARS BEHIND ME CAN NOT SEE ME SIGNAL IN TURNING SITUATIONS AND CAN NOT SEE ME AT NIGHT, WHICH COULD LEAD TO ACCIDENTS AND I HAVE TWO YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE CAR. OPENING UP THE HOUSING SHOWS THE CONNECTORS BURNED AND PARTS OF THE PLASTIC HOUSING FOR THE CONNECTOR IS BURNED. THE ISSUE HAD TO DUE WITH THE CONNECTOR, WHICH LOOKS LIKE IT HAS TOO MUCH CURRENT FLOWING THROUGH CAUSING IT TO OVERHEAT AND BURN OUT THE HOUSING AND THE CONNECTOR. 3. WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS FIRST NOTICED, I JUST SWITCHED THE LIGHT BULBS. APPARENTLY THIS WAS NOT THE REAL ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 55,000

THE LEFT BLINKER STARTED MALFUNCTIONING AND, AS A RESULT, REAR TAILLIGHT BULB OUTAGE APPEARED ON DASHBOARD ALL OTHER LIGHTS WERE OK. BMW DEALERSHIP MECHANIC DIAGNOSED TAIL LIGHT GROUND WIRING ISSUE: INSPECTION REVEALED THAT WIRES WERE MELTED INSIDE REAR TAIL LIGHT HOUSING AND COULD CAUSE FIRE. RECOMMENDED REPLACING BOTH TAIL LIGHT COMPONENTS BY ADDING AN ADDITIONAL GROUND, CARRIER REPLACEMENTS FOR BULBS. REPLACEMENT SUPPLIES ON WORK ORDER INCLUDED SOCKETS, INSULATION HOUSING, CONNECTORS, SHRINKING HOSE. AFTER RESEARCH ON CONSUMER WEBSITES, I FOUND OUT MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. MY BMW 325I IS ONLY 9 YEARS OLD (2002) WITH ONLY 30,250 MILES ON IT. THIS KIND OF FUNDAMENTAL FLAW SHOULD BE CORRECTED AT BMW'S EXPENSE, NOT OURS. BMW NEEDS TO HAVE A RECALL ON THIS COMMON AND POTENTIAL DEADLY ISSUE. *KB

Mileage: 30,375

TAIL LIGHT WARNING APPEARED ON DASH, INDICATING REAR TAIL LIGHT OUT BUT ALL LIGHTS WERE WORKING AS EXPECTED. I REPLACED ALL LIGHT BULBS AND WARNING LIGHT ON DASH WOULD APPEAR INTERMITTENTLY. FINALLY MY REAR BLINKER STOPPED WORKING; I REMOVED THE REAR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY, AND DISCOVERED A BURNT SOCKET WHICH IS CONNECTED TO THE BROWN WIRE, SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN A SHORT PERHAPS CONNECTION WASN'T PROPERLY GROUNDED. *TR

REAR TAILIGHT BULB OUTAGE APPEARED ON DASHBOARD ALTHOUGH LIGHTS WERE OK. BMW MASTER MECHANIC DIAGNOSED TAIL LIGHT GROUND WIRING ISSUE: INSPECTION REVEALED THAT WIRES WERE MELTED INSIDE REAR TAIL LIGHT HOUSING AND COULD CAUSE FIRE. RECOMMENDED REPLACING BOTH TAIL LIGHT COMPONENTS BY ADDING AN ADDITIONAL GROUND, CARRIER REPLACEMENTS FOR BULBS. REPLACEMENT SUPPLIES ON WORK ORDER INCLUDED SOCKETS, INSULATION HOUSING, CONNECTORS, SHRINKING HOSE. BECAUSE I WAS AWARE OF MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE, NEGOTIATED A REDUCED PRICE FOR WORK. *TR

Mileage: 59,000

2002 BMW 325I SEDAN, 48,000 MILES WHEN BROWN WIRE AT PLUG ON REAR RIGHT TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY CORRODED OUT AND FORMED BLACK BURNED RESIDUE, AFTER RE ATTACHING THE WIRE, SYMPTOM RESURFACED AT 74,000 MILES. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM. PLEASE INVESTIGATE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT IN A FIRE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE EXTERIOR TURN SIGNAL WAS CORRODED AND EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A DEFECT IN DESIGN AND THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HOUSING FIXTURE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

Mileage: 80,000

THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TAIL LAMP WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THIS WAS ACCOMPANIED BY A FAST DRIVER SIDE TURN SIGNAL BLINKER AND REDUCED ILLUMINATION OF THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LAMP. AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TURN SIGNAL LAMP, AND TAIL LAMP FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THIS IS PROBLEM IS DESCRIBE IN THE INVESTIGATION ACTION NUMBER: EA09019. *TR

Mileage: 190,000

2002 BMW 325I REAR TAIL LIGHT WIRING COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE VEHICLE. BMW AMERICA SHOULD HAVE TO RECALL THESE EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLES ARE 8 YEARS OLD. IT IS A VERY COSTLY REPAIR. *TR

Mileage: 150,000

2002 BMW 325I SEDAN, ELECTRICAL FIRE IN LEFT REAR TRUNK DUE TO SHORT IN REAR DRIVE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY, BROWN GROUNDING WIRE MELTED HOUSING, UNIT NOT WORKING. *TR

Mileage: 92,000

2002 BMW 325I, TURN SIGNAL FAILURE RESULTING IN SMALL FIRE. 1- SYMPTOMS: CAR TURN SIGNAL FAILURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. 2- UPON REMOVAL OF HOUSING I NOTED THAT THE LIGHT OPERATED INTERMITTENTLY WHICH CAUSED ME TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER. UPON REMOVAL OF THE PLUG OR WIRING HARNESS I NOTED THAT THE BROWN WIRE SHOWED EVIDENCE OF MELTING OF BOTH WIRE AND METAL MALE PLUG END WITH BLACK RESIDUE. A SIMPLE INTERNET SEARCH REVEALED THAT BMW ISSUED SIB NUMBER 63 03 06 TO MECHANICS. I HAVE NOT FOUND A RECALL FOR THIS HAZARDOUS FAILURE, HOWEVER, DID FIND A FORUM WHERE SEVERAL OWNERS NOTED THE SAME FAILURE. INTERNET ADDRESS TO THIS FORUM IS: HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2002/BMW/325I/EXTERIOR+LIGHTING 3- I HAVE NOT CORRECTED THE FAILURE BUT PLAN ON INVESTIGATING THE PROCEDURE TO REPLACE THE HARNESS. PER THE INFORMATION I FOUND I HAVE NOTED THAT IT SEEMS THAT A FAULTY GROUND WIRE IS THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. BELIEVE THAT BMW SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FAULTS. *TR

Mileage: 107,718

WHILE UNDERGOING A COMPLIMENTARY SERVICE REVIEW ON MY 2002 BMW 325I, I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE IS A KNOWN DEFECT WITH THE TAIL LIGHTS. APPARENTLY, THE LIGHTS ARE NOT PROPERLY GROUNDED AND THERE IS A RISK OF OVERHEATING AND FIRE. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE IS EIGHT YEARS OLD AND HAS OVER 76,000 MILES, I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEMS. THE DEALER REPRESENTATIVE ADMITTED THAT THE PROBLEM IS A DESIGN DEFECT, BUT BMW HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME $400 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 76

APPROX TEN MONTHS AGO THE PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT STARTED MALFUNCTIONING INTERMITTENTLY. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED ALL OF THE LIGHT BULBS...WITHIN TWO DAYS THE ENTIRE LIGHT FIXTURE STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY AND HAS NOT WORKED SINCE. THE DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT STOPPED FUNCTIONING FOUR MONTHS LATER. BOTH LIGHT FIXTURES HAVE NOT WORKED (TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT) SINCE SEPTEMBER 2009. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP IN NOVEMBER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT IN THE LIGHT FIXTURES. THE ESTIMATED COST TO FIX BOTH TAIL LIGHTS WAS $450.00. I WAS TOLD EVENTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE THE PROBLEM WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT THERE WAS NO RECALL ISSUED SO I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FULL COST OF THE REPAIR. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNWILLING TO NEGOTIATE THE COST ESTIMATE. I REQUESTED A WRITTEN ESTIMATE, WHICH THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAND WROTE ON A PIECE OF PAPER (DEALERSHIP USUALLY PRINTS OFF COMPUTER). I KEEP THIS IN THE GLOVE BOX TO SHOW LAW ENFORCEMENT WHENEVER THEY PULL ME OVER FOR INOPERABLE REAR LIGHTS. I READ THAT BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL BULLETIN TO ADD GROUND WIRES TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. I FEEL THAT $450 IS AN UNREASONABLE FEE TO BE CHARGED TO ADD GROUND WIRES TO AN EASILY ACCESSIBLE LOCATION IN THE TRUNK OF THE CAR. *TR

Mileage: 129,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I PURCHASED NEW IN 2002. THE TAIL LIGHTS AND THE DRIVER- SIDE HEADLIGHT ON THE VEHICLE FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. A TECHNICIAN FROM THE DEALER NOTICED THAT THE WIRE FOR THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND THE GROUND WIRE HAD BURNED. THE DEALER ADVISED REPLACING THE ENTIRE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY AT AN EXPENSE OF $600. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 70,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 70,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I PURCHASED NEW IN 2002. THE TAIL LIGHTS AND THE DRIVER- SIDE HEADLIGHT ON THE VEHICLE FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. A TECHNICIAN FROM THE DEALER NOTICED THAT THE WIRE FOR THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND THE GROUND WIRE HAD BURNED. THE DEALER ADVISED REPLACING THE ENTIRE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY AT AN EXPENSE OF $600. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 70,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 70,000

BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE CAME ON IN MY 2002 BMW325I. I WENT OUT TO LOOK FOR THE FAILED BULB, BUT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ALL WORKING. I NOTICED THAT THE LEFT SIDE, REAR LIGHTS WERE MUCH DIMMER THAN THE RIGHT SIDE. I WENT TO THE MECHANIC AND HE SHOWED ME A BURNT WIRE AND MOLTEN PLASTIC CONNECTOR FROM THE REAR LIGHT CLUSTER. HE SAID THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR BECAUSE BMW DID NOT PROVIDE ENOUGH GROUND TO THE CLUSTER AND OVERTIME THE EXTRA HEAT GENERATED BY THE CURRENT WILL BURN THE WIRE AND CONNECTOR. AT OTHER TIMES, HE SAID, THE CONNECTOR WILL SHORT THE GND PIN TO THE PINS AROUND IT AND CAUSES SMALL FIRES. BMW HAS A SIB NUMBER 63 03 06 OUT FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THEY HAVE THE GUTS TO CHARGE CUSTOMERS $400 TO REPAIR THEIR OWN MISTAKE. I THINK THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY VIOLATION AND I BELIEVE THAT BMW SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE BY FIXING ALL THE CARS OUT THERE WITH THIS KNOWN DEFECT. TODAY, I SAW THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO A 2008 BMW 550 AT THIS LINK: HTTP://FORUMS.5SERIES.NET/INDEX.PHP?SHOWTOPIC=90746&ST=0&P=1073957&#ENTRY1073957 PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND KEEP PEOPLE SAFE. THANK YOU.*TR

Mileage: 107,000

2002 BMW 325I REAR TAILLIGHTS HAVE FAILED ON BOTH SIDES DUE TO THE WIRING ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARNESS HAVE EITHER MELTED AND GROUND TO THE OTHER WIRES OR MELTED THE TABS OFF OF THE MALE PLUG. *TR

Mileage: 10,100

REAR TAIL BRAKE LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY WORKS ON AND OFF, HAVE REPLACED THE LIGHT AND THIS DIDN'T FIX IT. HAVEN'T HAD AN ACCIDENT YET, BUT ARE TAKING IT IN TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED ASAP . SAW THAT BMW HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. *TR STARTED FAILING 2 MONTHS AGO AND EACH TIME I OPEN TRUNK AND REMOVE BULB -IT SEEMS TO WORK FOR A WHILE THEN OUT AGAIN. *TR

Mileage: 62,000

REAR LIGHTS ARE INOPERATIVE DUE TO THE CONNECTORS SHORTING OUT. I READ ONLINE THAT IT IS A BMW DESIGN DEFECT AND IS GROUND WIRE PROBLEM COMMON TO E46 MODEL BMWS. *TR

Mileage: 60,000