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.
2002 BMW 325I lights problems
44 complaints (27% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 75,000.
- owner complaints
- 44
- of this car's complaints
- 27%
- typical mileage
- 75,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Brake lights6
- Tail lights4
- Turn signal1
- Headlights1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
BMW 325I lights problems in other years
Related recalls
Exterior lighting: turn signal
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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 began on february 15, 2012. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 11V438000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Rear Lamp Illumination
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.
EA09019
Rear lamp illumination
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.
PE09036
Rear lamp illumination
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.
DP09002
What 2002 BMW 325I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 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.
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 the federal safety agency 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.
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 the federal safety agency 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.
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 the federal safety agency campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:turn signal). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 bmw 325i. The contact stated that the light bulb socket and wiring melted. The vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency 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.
Questions about the 2002 BMW 325I lights
Does the 2002 BMW 325I have lights problems?
Owners have filed 44 complaints about the lights of the 2002 BMW 325I, 27% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2002 BMW 325I lights problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 75,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2002 BMW 325I lights?
Yes, 1 recall: 11V438000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the BMW 325I have the most lights problems?
The BMW 325I model years with the most lights complaints are 2003 (48 complaints), 2002 (44 complaints) and 2004 (44 complaints).
Other 2002 BMW 325I problems
Airbags 52Electrical 21Visibility 17Engine 13Brakes 8Transmission 7Body 6Steering 4Locks 3Tires 3Driver assistance 2Fuel system 2Seat belts 2Wheels 2Acceleration 1Suspension 1
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