BMW 3 Series headlights problems

Filed Mar 22, 2019 · Lights · 120,000 miles · CA

Headlamp bulb out and upon replacement it was noted the coated wiring to the xenon system to right and left headlight is brittle (the wires plastic coating is falling off)and in some places exposed wiring was found. Electrical tape need to wrap the wiring to avoid potential fire. Late notice to this site I was unaware to file a report. Others also have complained about the same issues.

Filed Feb 9, 2019 · Electrical, Lights · 146,000 miles · TX

I was receiving a imagine on the on board computer saying that my headlights were not working. Upon inspection inside the headlight's casing, I saw that all of the wiring's protection had completely fell off (probably due to the humid southern climate of north texas) leaving almost all of the wiring on both sides of my headlights (driver and passenger side) completely exposed. The copper wiring inside is almost all exposed. Obviously this is causing the headlights to short and leaving me with no visibility while driving at night. This is a model without angel eyes, so my drl do not work what so ever. These headlights are completely stock, so this is a factory fault. Very unhappy with this. Thanks bmw for the "fantastic" engineering! Should be covered under a recall.

Filed Dec 29, 2018 · Electrical · GA

I was going down the road doing about 45 MPH, at night on a back road when my front headlight on the drive side without. On the dishboard of the car the check bulb light came on. I got home the next day when tk the part place to get a bulb to find out the wires where bare there was only metal no plastic. Theg told me you had to replace the hole thing witch cost over 1000 dollars for. I went home research it online, and found out it happens a lot on bmw, and they never recall them. That they have even been on fire due to this. I called bmw and they told me they know of the issue, and they have yet to recall then and after you fit it it will happen again and about five years due to heat.

Filed Oct 9, 2018 · Electrical · 109,234 miles · FL

The wires on the inside of my headlights are cracked, and have a lot of bare copper showing. The plastic sheathing (cable jacket) has become brittle from the heat, and is falling apart, exposing the conductor. This is creating the risk of an electrical fire or damage to the electrical system. The right headlight and the angel lights of my car is not working it when off while the car was in motion - all it takes is to touch a cable with your fingers and the cooper will be expose. I'm requesting immediate recall from bmw - several cars are having the same electrical and fire hazard issues. Please fix this problem before somebody get's hurt.

Filed Nov 18, 2017 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · CA

Vehicle adaptive xenon headlight wiring is faulty . Wire insulation is cracking/deteriorating and entire wires are breaking apart. Symptoms start with flickering xenon headlight eventually (about a week later) stops working at all. Vehicle is moving or stationary, engine on. The faulty wires are in a weather sealed compartment of the headlight and have never (to my knowledge) even been unsealed/accessed since leaving the factory. The issue is on the passenger side, unknown if it is on the driver side as well. The attached photo shows back side of the headlight housing looking down, with the weather-sealed compartment open. All exposed wire is as a result of the issue, nobody has actively cut or stripped the wires. Problem first noticed in sept of 2016, attempts were made to repair but now it has happened again, worse.

Filed Apr 8, 2017 · Lights · 90,000 miles · CA

Passenger headlight low beam reflector is burnt out due to faulty material being used. Reflector is made out of plastic and normal heat from bulb melts the plastic. This makes it very unsafe and difficult to see at night. This seems to be extremely common on the internet. The solution is very expensive and due to this cost,most people will not fix and drive under this unsafe situation. Please look into this and hold bmw responsible.

Filed Apr 8, 2017 · Lights · 87,000 miles · MA

Passenger turn signal bulb was thought to be out. Brought to local bmw dealer and had them tell me I need a whole headlight since the turn signal burned inside.

Filed Mar 28, 2017 · Electrical, Lights · 40,000 miles · NY

Wiring insulation cracking degrading leaving exposed bare wiring causing shorts and possible fire in headlight wiring harnesses, wires are stationary do not move. Insulation is craked and falling off wires. Noticed failure during bulb replacement. Made this complaint after reading about numerous other bmw owners noticing same fault

Filed Mar 13, 2017 · Lights · 120,000 miles · TX

Insulation failed on wiring inside headlamp assembly, crumbling off and creating multiple exposed bare copper wiring. Discovered during lamp replacement procedure nov 21, 2015. I overlaid all accessible wires with electrical tape in hopes to prevent a short and fire. Since then I've read of similar problems reported by several bmw owners on bimmerforums.com, with attached correspondences from bmw denying any problem. Dealers and reputable independent repair shops are very aware of this issue.

Filed Jan 2, 2017 · Lights · CA

Headlights project almost no light. Just paid $130 to have lenses cleaned, no improvment. I thought it was my eyes and complained to opthamologist twice but my eyes are ok. I've read tht the reflector bowls in this model melt from the heat of the bulb. I need to remedy this situation asap so I will not be able to wait for an investigation.