2003 BMW 325I lights problems

Filed Jan 8, 2022 · Lights · CA

The xenon projector bowls in the headlight assembly on both sides of the vehicle have slowly been burning. The bowl is made of plastic and with the heat of the xenons burns the plastic creating not only a fire hazard but also greatly reduces the effectiveness of the headlight beam, rendering it almost useless. This is specific to the OEM manufacture of the headlight assembly, ZKW. This has also been well documented on various forums for these vehicles over the years.

Filed Jul 15, 2019 · Lights · VA

The purpose of this request is to get bmw to honor a remedy for taillight defect caused as a manufacturing defect. My taillight grounding wires are causing a short on turning signals. Further research indicated this has been reported the federal safety agency campaign id number: 11v438000. Affected vehicles 325i - 2002-2005 bmw will not honor its proposed remedy with the federal safety agency, citing the VIN has not been identified in recall. I contacted both dealership in sterling va and corporate bmw of america (800‑525‑7417). Bmw of america was contacted 7.15.2019. Operator andrea employee # 6266 informed me the car is not covered under remedy. Manufacturer: bmw of north america, llc mfr's report date: aug 25, 2011 the federal safety agency campaign id number: 11v438000 component: exterior lighting:turn signal 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. The recall is for model years 2002-2005 of the 325i, 325xi, 330i and 330xi cars, the munich-based company said today in a posting on the federal safety agency's website. Lights including tail, brake and turn signals may only work intermittently on the cars, bmw told the auto-safety regulator.

Filed Jul 4, 2019 · Electrical, Lights · CA

My rear window and the rooftop dont work I can hear the motors but nothing happens a technician explain that the regulator and lines are broken its a common thing on my model he specified.

Filed Mar 21, 2016 · Lights · 95,000 miles · WA

Driving at night has become impossible with out risk. The zkw xenon headlights have become so dim that the fog lights now provide more illumination. The problem has been traced to burned/discolored plastic reflector bowls on both sides with the passenger side being slightly worse. After research it appears this problem is wide spread in zkw headlights. There are several reports here and it appears bmw also realized the problem and had zkw switch to metal reflector bowls on newer models yet offer no solution other than buy complete headlight assembly's to the tune of $1200 a side. Might a possible recall motivate bmw to at least offer the individual part. I understand the vehicle is almost 13 years old but to treat a blatant safety issue like this is ridiculous. The federal safety agency please help solve this safety related problem.

Filed Jul 10, 2015 · Lights · 80,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i equipped with zkw bi-xenon headlights. While driving 70 MPH, the headlights dimmed and diminished the contact's visibility. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the headlights needed to be replaced. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Nov 24, 2014 · Lights · 200,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the rear brake lights failed to illuminate. The contact replaced the bulbs but the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was made aware of recall the federal safety agency campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting), but did not receive notification. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Filed Jul 12, 2014 · Lights · 130,000 miles · AZ

My current vehicle is a 2003 bmw 325i with bi-xenon headlights manufactured by zkw. Over the last year or two, the light output from the xenon headlights had dropped to the point where I get almost no noticeable illumination of the road at night (in average city levels of street illumination). I turned to using my foglamps to be able to see anything. Mechanic inspected the headlight assembly and the upper portion of the projector bowls are burned. They are made of plastic and painted with reflective paint, but the upper ~60% of the bowl is now browned and nonreflective. This is due to an inability of the paint to withstand the high temperatures generated by the xenon bulbs. Also, this seems to be common to many/all zkw brand headlights utilized in 2003-2004 model years of 3 series (e46) bmw vehicles, according to postings on the bmw-owner forums. Reflector bowls can not be purchased and replaced separately and the entire headlamp assembly must be replaced at a cost of appx $2400. Zkw has changed the design so there is sufficient evidence to suggest that they and bmw are aware of the design flaw and resulting safety hazard.

Filed Nov 7, 2013 · Lights · 125,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. The contact stated that the rear passenger's side tail light failed. The contact replaced the bulb more than once but the failure recurred. The contact then learned of the federal safety agency campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting: turn signal). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure and current mileage was 125,000.

Filed Jan 23, 2013 · Lights · 105,000 miles · TX · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. The contact stated that the brake lights and the turn signals failed. The contact checked the wiring harness and found that the harness was melted. The contact spoke with the manufacturer regarding the federal safety agency campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting: brake lights), but was told that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 105,000 and the current mileage was 110,000.

Filed Oct 4, 2012 · Lights · 100,000 miles · HI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325i. The contact stated that the rear passenger tail light failed. The contact replaced the bulb twice but the failure recurred. The contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle he noticed that there was a short in the electrical system. The contact was then informed of recall the federal safety agency campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting: turn signal). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The failure and current mileage was 100,000.