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
2004 BMW 325I lights problems
44 complaints (30% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 79,000.
- owner complaints
- 44
- of this car's complaints
- 30%
- typical mileage
- 79,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Tail lights1
- Brake lights1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
BMW 325I lights problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 BMW 325I lights
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
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 2004 BMW 325I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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-the federal safety agency-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.
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.
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.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 bmw 325i. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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.
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.
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 the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting). The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Questions about the 2004 BMW 325I lights
Does the 2004 BMW 325I have lights problems?
Owners have filed 44 complaints about the lights of the 2004 BMW 325I, 30% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2004 BMW 325I lights problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 79,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2004 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 2004 BMW 325I problems
Airbags 62Electrical 21Visibility 10Engine 7Brakes 6Locks 5Body 4Fuel system 4Seats 3Steering 3Suspension 2Acceleration 1Seat belts 1Transmission 1
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