2004 BMW 325I Exterior Lighting Problems

I cannot use put my windows up/down, cannot open the trunk, cannot use interior lights, cannot unlock my gas lid. Due to a broke. Electronic part called the GM5

THE REFLECTOR BOWL ON THE HEADLIGHTS BURNS, CREATING A SEVERELY DECREASED OUTPUT. THIS IS AN ISSUE KNOWN BY MANY PEOPLE IN THE BMW COMMUNITY. HTTPS://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/THREADS/E46-ZKW-REFLECTOR-RECALL-OPEN-NHTSA-INVESTIGATION.552978/

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING MATERIAL WAS DETERIORATED AND PREVENTED THE HEADLIGHTS FROM PROVIDING ADEQUATE ILLUMINATION. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

MY LEFT REVERSE/TAIL LIGHT DOES NOT WORK. I HAVE REPLACED THE BULB AND ASSEMBLY AND ALSO HAVE FOUND ONLINE THAT THERE WERE RECALLS FOR THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE.

CAR SITTING IN DRIVEWAY OF PRIMARY RESIDENCE FOR SEVERAL DAYS AFTER REPEATED HEAVY RAINS AND HURRICANES AND SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE WAS SELF EXTINGUISHED BUT STARTED IN DASH ON LEFT SIDE OF STEERING WHEEL CENTERED ON THE HEAD-LIGHT CONTROL MODULE.

Mileage: 137,000

HEADLIGHTS HAVE LOST BRIGHTNESS AND COVERAGE AND DO NOT ILLIUMINATE THE ROAD PROPERLY. VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH HID XENON LIGHTS PACKAGE AND WHEN NEW WERE EXTREMELY BRIGHT BUT NOW ARE VERY DIM. ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT WITH NO MODIFICATIONS OR ACCIDENTS.

Mileage: 110,000

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING), 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUES. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BECAME DIM AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO VIEW THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ZEON PROJECTOR IN THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

HID (XENON) HEADLIGHTS VERY DIM. CAN BARELY TELL THEY ARE ON WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. (THE FOG LIGHTS ARE MUCH BRIGHTER THAN THE HEADLIGHTS). CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES MANUFACTURED BY ZKW. THE REFLECTIVE MATERIAL DETERIORATES INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY LEADING TO VERY POOR LIGHT OUTPUT. ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED OVER AND OVER. I GUESS IT'S NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH UNTIL SOMEBODY DIES BECAUSE OF THE ISSUE, THAT IS IF THAT HASN'T ALREADY HAPPENED....THE RIDICULOUS COST OF FIXING THE ISSUE COMPOUNDS THE PROBLEM. SORRY I DON'T HAVE AN EXTRA $2,000.00 LAYING AROUND TO REPLACE MY DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHTS. COME ON BMW STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND FIX THE PROBLEM YOU'RE VERY WELL AWARE OF, PLEASE.

Mileage: 175,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR EXTERIOR LIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE AS THE REAR TAILLIGHT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION AROUND THE CONNECTOR AND THE PANEL, THERE WERE SCORCH MARKS AND THE CONNECTORS COATING WAS COMPLETELY MELTED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 190,000.

Mileage: 190,000

TAKATA RECALL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO INDICATE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE TO RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIRS FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) AND WAS TO CHECK WITH THE MANUFACTURER TO DETERMINE WHEN THE RECALL REPAIRS WOULD BE SCHEDULED BY THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS AND THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIGHT MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 202,000. UPDATED 4/7/15*CN

Mileage: 202,000

THIS CAR SUFFERS FROM THE KNOWN BURNT XENON LOW BEAM BOWLS, ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE ANYTHING AT NIGHT AND IS NOT SAFE. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BY BMW IMMEDIATELY, HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED PROPERLY AND NEW BULBS WERE PUT IN AND DOES NOT CURE THE PROBLEM. ITS VERY COMMON FOR THESE XENON HEADLIGHTS TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM IN ALOT OF 2003+ BMW 3 SERIES. *TR

Mileage: 113,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT WITH THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED ON, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE BRIGHT ENOUGH TO SEE PAST THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

Mileage: 55,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED A STRONG BURNING ODOR WHILE IT WAS PARKED. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S HEADLIGHT CABLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED BUT A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Mileage: 60,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE CONTACT STATED THE MECHANIC INFORMED HER OF A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) BUT THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

Mileage: 85,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES LIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:11V438000(EXTERIOR LIGHTING), BUT THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GROUND WIRES WERE OVERHEATING, MELTING THE PLUG AND CAUSING THE TAIL LIGHTS TO MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000. *TR

Mileage: 117,000

THE HOUSING FOR THE XENON LIGHT BULBS ARE DEFECTIVE AND THE LIGHTING OUTPUT IS VERY BAD. THE XENON BULB ITSELF IS FINE BUT THE HOUSING IS BURNT AND IT IS GETTING WORSE. *TR

Mileage: 75,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS BECAME ABNORMALLY DIM, MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT FOR THE CONTACT TO SEE THE ROAD AND OTHER VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE HEADLIGHT REFLECTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 80,000

THE VEHICLE CAME EQUIPPED FROM THE FACTORY WITH BI-XENON AUTO LEVELING HEADLIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY ZKW. THE LIGHT OUTPUT OF THE HEADLIGHTS IS BELOW ANY VEHICLE THAT I HAVE ENCOUNTERED ON THE ROAD. CARS THAT ARE OVER 20 YEARS OLD HAVE BRIGHTER HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE REPLACED THE BULBS AND IT HASN'T HELPED. LOOKING AT IT FURTHER, BROWN SCORCH MARKS ARE VISIBLE IN THE PROJECTOR WHEN THE HEADLIGHT IS ON. THE REAR OF THE PROJECTOR IS COMPLETELY BROWN AND BURNT. AT NIGHT, IT IS BECOMING VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE. AT THIS POINT I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THIS PROBLEM IS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. *TR

Mileage: 109,000

MY CAR IS SUBJECT TO RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 11V-438: LAMPS IN REAR QUARTER PANEL. I HAD THIS REPAIRED ON 10/28/11 AT MURRAY MOTORS IN GLENDALE COLORADO. THE INVOICE # IS[XXX] AND THE SERVICE ADVISOR IS [XXX] (303-759-4646). I CAN PROVIDE A COPY OF THE DOCUMENTATION. I HAD THIS REPAIR DONE AT AN AUTHORIZED BMW CENTER, SUBMITTED THE INVOICE DETAILING THE COST AND NATURE OF THE REPAIR TO BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS IN WESTWOOD, NJ VIA US MAIL, AND THEY REFUSE TO PAY IT. I RECEIVED ONLY A PHONE CALL FROM "[XXX]" AT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS SAYING THAT THEY WON'T PAY IT. IT IS DISAPPOINTING THAT BMW REFUSES TO ABIDE BY THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ACT. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP THAT YOU CAN PROVIDE IN GETTING BMW TO ABIDE BY FEDERAL LAW. THANKS! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 78,000

MY BMW 325I XENON HEADLIGHT BOWLS HAD MELTED AND DIMMED TOA DANGEROUS POINT, THEY ARE ALL ORIGINAL AND UNALTERED. *TR

Mileage: 50,000

BOUGHT MY BMW BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND AFTER ABOUT 5 YEARS OF HAVING MY CAR, I NOTICED THAT MY XENON HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT SHINING AS BRIGHT AS THEY USUALLY DID. HAD TO USE THE HIGH BEAMS AT NIGHT IN ORDER TO SEE WHILE DRIVING. AFTER HAVING ONLY ONE HEADLIGHT REPLACED DUE TO COST. HAVE ALWAYS GOTTEN A DASH WARNING LIGHT THAT INDICATES NO HIGH BEAMS. HAD LIGHTS CHECKED OUT AND WAS TOLD THAT THE HIGH BEAM WAS NOT GETTING POWER IN THE LIGHT THAT WAS REPLACED DESPITE THE FACT THAT THIS WAS A BRAND NEW HEADLIGHT WITH WIRING HARNESS. AFTER HAVING OTHER LIGHT CHECKED, IT WAS FOUND THAT ALL THE WIRES IN THE LIGHT HAD DRY ROTTED AND ALL THE PROTECTIVE COVERING HAD JUST ABOUT COME OFF THE WIRES OBVIOUSLY DUE TO THE HEAT THAT IS GENERATED BY THE XENON LIGHT. CONTACTED BMW NORTH AMERICA REGARDING THE MATTER AND GOT NO RESOLUTION DESPITE THE FACT THAT THERE IS CLEARING A DEFEAT IN THE HEADLIGHTS AND IT'S WIRING. HAVE HAD THE IGNITER, BALLAST AND CONTROL BOX CHECKED BY SWITCHING IT OUT WITH THE NEW HEADLIGHT PARTS AND THE UNREPLACED HEADLIGHT STILL ILLUMINATED DIM AS IT DID BEFORE SWITCHING OUT THE PART. *TR

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. LOOKING AT IT FURTHER, BROWN SCORCH MARKS ARE VISIBLE IN THE PROJECTOR WHEN THE HEADLIGHT IS ON. ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, THERE IS ALSO DISTORTION IN THE UPPER HALF OF THE PROJECTOR WHICH LOOKS ALMOST AS IF THE TOP HALF OF THE PROJECTOR HAS MELTED AND DISTORTED. THE LIGHT OUTPUT FROM THE PROJECTORS HAS BEEN REDUCED TO A THIN BEAM OF LIGHT RIGHT BELOW THE CUTOFF, WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE BEING WORSE THAN THE PASSENGER. PARKED 6 FEET AWAY FROM A WALL, THIS STRIP OF LIGHT EXTENDS ONLY ABOUT 8-12" BELOW THE CUTOFF, PUTTING OUT VIRTUALLY NO LIGHT BELOW THAT. AT NIGHT, IT IS BECOMING VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE WITH NO LIGHT IN THE FOREGROUND; THIS PROBLEM IS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

THE BI-XENON ZKW LIGHTS KEPT GETTING DIMMER AND DIMMER. BULB REPLACEMENT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. WHEN LOOKED INTO THE ISSUE FOUND OUT THAT THE ZKW PROJECTOR BOWLS HAVE BURNED UP AND DO NOT PROVIDE ANY REFLECTION FOR THE LIGHT OUTPUT ANYMORE. DRIVING AT NIGHT AT THIS POINT WITH LIGHTS ON IS ALMOST LIKE DRIVING WITH THE LIGHTS TURNED OFF. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL AND THE BRAKE LIGHT FAILED AS THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN DID NOT QUALIFY FOR THE REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING: TAIL LIGHTS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Mileage: 73,000

THE BI-XENON ZKW LIGHTS KEPT GETTING DIMMER AND DIMMER. BULB REPLACEMENT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. WHEN LOOKED INTO THE ISSUE FOUND OUT THAT THE ZKW PROJECTOR BOWLS HAVE BURNED UP AND DO NOT PROVIDE ANY REFLECTION FOR THE LIGHT OUTPUT ANYMORE. DRIVING AT NIGHT AT THIS POINT WITH LIGHTS ON IS ALMOST LIKE DRIVING WITH THE LIGHTS TURNED OFF. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED, THE BRAKES LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL ALSO FAILED TO ILLUMINATE ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN DID NOT QUALIFY FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000: (EXTERIOR LIGHTING: TURN SIGNAL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Mileage: 125,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE GROUND WIRE IN THE ELECTRICAL PANEL HAD SHORTED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO INFORMED THE CONTACT IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. UPDATED 10/04/11 *BF UPDATED 3/30/12 *CN

Mileage: 65,000

REAR TURN-SIGNAL INDICATORS BEGAN FAILING TO OPERATE, ESPECIALLY IN HOT, HUMID CONDITIONS. INSPECTION OF WIRING HARNESS REVEALED EVIDENCE OF WIRING-CONNECTION DEGRADATION BY HEAT OR CORROSION. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN DAMAGED OR FLOODED IN ANY WAY. IT IS KEPT IN A GARAGE. SINCE BOTH REAR BLINKER ASSEMBLIES HAVE BEEN AFFECTED, I BELIEVE THAT THE DESIGN OR ENGINEERING WAS DEFECTIVE. THE INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF TURN SIGNALS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

Mileage: 79,000

BOTH TAILLIGHTS HAVE BEEN OUT DUE TO CORROSION IN THE 8 PIN CONNECTOR. THIS HAS PREVENTED THE SIGNAL AND OCCASIONALLY THE BRAKE LIGHT TO WORK. WHILE MAKING HIGHWAY TURNS I HAVE COME CLOSE TO ACCIDENTS NUMEROUS TIMES. I CANNOT MAKE A TURN WITHOUT TAKING MY EYES OFF THE ROAD. THE BULB WARNING IS ALSO ON DISPLAY ON THE DASH. *TR

Mileage: 81,000

2004 BMW 325I - SAFETY DEFECT. REAR TAIL LIGHT WIRING, MISSING ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRE TO AVOID BURNING BULB CARRIER. BMW SERVICE INFORMATION BULLETIN ISSUED 2/2007 REVEALS BMW WAS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND FAILED TO NOTIFY CONSUMERS. PURCHASED CAR CPO IN MARCH 2007 AND WAS NOT TOLD. REPLACED SEVERAL TAILLIGHT BULBS DUE TO INTERMITTENT FALSE INDICATOR LIGHTS. FINALLY IN 2011, 1 YEAR AFTER CAR CAME OUT OF WARRANTY...REMOVED THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE BULB CARRIER AND FOUND IT TO BE MELTING. CONTACTED DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT COULD DEFINITELY START A FIRE IF LEFT TOO LONG. BMW DEALER ALSO STATED THIS IS A DEFECT ON CARS PRODUCED FROM 2001 TO 2005. AFTER DOING RESEARCH FOUND THAT BMW HAS USED FAULTY WIRING AND THERE IS A ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRE NEEDED TO FIX. NEEDLESS TO SAY , HAD TO PAY 300.00 TO HAVE PEACE OF MIND AND REPAIR. *KB

Mileage: 48,717

2004 BMW 325I - SAFETY DEFECT. REAR TAIL LIGHT WIRING, MISSING ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRE TO AVOID BURNING BULB CARRIER. BMW SERVICE INFORMATION BULLETIN ISSUED 2/2007 REVEALS BMW WAS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND FAILED TO NOTIFY CONSUMERS. PURCHASED CAR CPO IN MARCH 2007 AND WAS NOT TOLD. REPLACED SEVERAL TAILLIGHT BULBS DUE TO INTERMITTENT FALSE INDICATOR LIGHTS. FINALLY IN 2011, 1 YEAR AFTER CAR CAME OUT OF WARRANTY...REMOVED THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE BULB CARRIER AND FOUND IT TO BE MELTING. CONTACTED DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT COULD DEFINITELY START A FIRE IF LEFT TOO LONG. BMW DEALER ALSO STATED THIS IS A DEFECT ON CARS PRODUCED FROM 2001 TO 2005. AFTER DOING RESEARCH FOUND THAT BMW HAS USED FAULTY WIRING AND THERE IS A ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRE NEEDED TO FIX. NEEDLESS TO SAY , HAD TO PAY 300.00 TO HAVE PEACE OF MIND AND REPAIR. *KB

Mileage: 48,717

TAIL LIGHT WORKING INTERMITTENTLY IN BMW 2004 325 4 DOOR SEDAN. *TR

Mileage: 49,000

TAIL LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, AND TURN SIGNALS HAVE SHORTED OUT ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE 2 TIMES EVEN THOUGH IT HAS BEEN REPAIRED. HAPPENS TO BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR, BUT ONLY IN THE REAR. IT KEEPS BURNING THROUGH THE PLUG / CONNECTOR AND SHORTING OUT. *TR

Mileage: 91,000

THE TAIL / BRAKE LIGHTS ON MY 2004 BMW 325I WERE MELTING. THE DEALER CHARGED ME CLOSE TO $800 TO REPLACE THEM. ALTHOUGH I REPORTED THE PROBLEM BEFORE, I DID SO BEFORE KNOWING ABOUT THE $800 PRICE TAG TO FIX THE ISSUE. BMW SHOULD PAY FOR THIS DEFECTIVE (POORLY ENGINEERED) SAFETY COMPONENT. I HOPE IT DOESN'T TAKE MUCH OF 'AN INVESTIGATION' FROM THE NHTSA TO MAKE BMW ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS. *TR

Mileage: 69,000

MY 2004 BMW 325I REAR LEFT LIGHTS GO OUT EVEN WHEN THE LIGHT BULBS ARE GOOD. I CANNOT SIGNAL OTHER DRIVERS WHEN I NEED TO CHANGE LANES. PROBLEM STARTED SEPTEMBER 2010. STARTED TO OCCUR SPORADICALLY, BUT IT IS CONSTANT NOW. DASH INDICATOR SHOWS INCORRECTLY THAT BULBS ARE BROKEN. *TR

DOCUMENTED FAILURE OF 2004 BMW 325I REAR BRAKE LIGHT, PARKING LIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY. OCCURRED ON MY PERSONAL BMW ON OR ABOUT 6/2010. OCCURS SPORADICALLY, RESULTING IN TOTAL FAILURE OF ALL THREE LIGHTS ON LEFT SIDE AND ALSO RIGHT SIDE. DASH INDICATOR SHOWS THAT BULBS ARE OUT BUT BULBS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *TR

Mileage: 64,000

REAR TAILLIGHT,BRAKELIGHT CONNECTOR HAS MELTED CAUSING BRAKELIGHT NOT TO WORK. *TR

I HAVE A MAJOR BMW PROBLEM. IT CURRENTLY HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN # SI B 63 03 06 LIGHTS BUT BMW WILL NOT FIX THIS OUT OF WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS WHEN MY CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND I WAS SUPPOSED TO GET FULL SERVICES. I WANT A FORMAL INVESTIGATION. *TR

Mileage: 79,000

2004 BMW 325I TAIL LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY TURNS ON AND OFF. BMW DEALERSHIP HAS DIAGNOSED THE CAR TO HAVE A FAULTY GROUND WIRE - BMW S IB (SERVICE BULLETIN) 63 03 06 WHICH PREVENTS THE TAIL LIGHTS FROM WORKING PROPERLY. *TR

Mileage: 107,000

REAR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY (RIGHT SIDE). DASH WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES. ALL LIGHTS IN ASSY. WORK. REMOVE TAIL LIGHT ASSY, SCREW ALL BULBS OUT AND IN, REPLACE PLUG AND WARNING LIGHT IS OUT. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM. WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY WAS INFORMED OF A SILL THAT APPLIED ONLY IF WIRING OR PLASTIC ASSY WAS OBVIOUSLY DAMAGED! FAULT OCCURS RANDOMLY AT VARIOUS INTERVALS FROM WEEKLY TO MONTHLY.. *TR

Mileage: 18,079

AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS DEFECTIVE LIGHT BULBS (ONE FROM TWO DIFFERENT SETS FAILED WHEN ONE SET WAS INSTALLED FOR MY TURN SIGNAL AND THE OTHER FROM MY BRAKE LIGHTS), BUT AS I BEGAN TO DO MORE RESEARCH ONLINE, I FOUND THAT OTHER PEOPLE WERE HAVING AN ISSUE SIMILAR TO MINE. THEY REPORTED THAT THERE SEEMED TO BE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT WOULD CAUSE CORROSION AND A LOOSE CONNECTION. SO I DECIDED TO CHECK MY CAR OUT AS WELL AND DISCOVERED THAT THE PROBLEM HAD AFFLICTED MY VEHICLE AS WELL. I THEN FOLLOWED THE LINK TO THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN RELEASED BY BMW, AND THE PROBLEM THAT I AM HAVING IS JUST AS THEY HAVE DESCRIBED. ONE OF THE 8-PIN REAR LAMP CONNECTORS HAS MELTED CAUSING A LOOSE CONNECTION AND MY CAR CONTINUING TO TELL ME THAT I HAVE A DEAD BULB, WHEN IN FACT IT IS THE CONNECTION. *TR

Mileage: 49,000

I HAVE A 2004 BMW 325I. THE REAR INDICATOR WARNING LIGHT CAME ON TELLING ME THE LIGHT WAS OUT. THE LIGHT WAS NOT OUT. I HAD TO GET A STATE INSPECTION AS I LIVE IN VIRGINIA. THE DEALER WOULD NOT PASS MY CAR DUE TO THE DASHBOARD INDICATOR BEING ON. THE ESTIMATE WAS $367. I DECLINED THE WORK AND TRIED TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG ON MY OWN. I DISCOVERED YOU ALL STARTED AN INVESTIGATION ON 4/9/09 ON THIS ISSUE. I ALSO FOUND INTERNAL DOCUMENTS FROM BMW ON THE WEB DESCRIBING THE "DEFECT". THEY DON'T HAVE ENOUGH GROUNDING WIRES AND IT CAUSES MELTING AND CORROSION. THIS IS DANGEROUS. THEY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND ARE RIPPING OF THE PUBLIC FOR ROUGHLY $350 TO $400 A TAIL LIGHT TO FIX THE DEFECT. THEY DON'T EVEN HAVE A PART NUMBER FOR THE EXTRA GROUND WIRE. THE SAY IN THEIR DOCUMENT TO PURCHASE "BROWN WIRE" FROM A LOCAL SOURCE AND CHARGE $1 TO $2 FOR IT. I HAVE LOOKED INSIDE MY TAIL LIGHT AND IT IS MELTING IN SPOTS. I AM WORRIED ABOUT A FIRE AND FEEL THAT BMW SHOULD PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THEY HAVE ADMITTED A DEFECT. IT SHOULD BE RECALLED. HERE IS THE DOCUMENT HTTP://WWW.BMWTIS.COM/TSB/BULLETINS/BULLETIN_GRAPHIC_TEMP/B630306G.HTM. *TR

Mileage: 47