2004 BMW 325I: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Apr 3, 2021 · Lights · CA

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/

Filed Dec 2, 2019 · Lights · 140,000 miles · NC

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.

Filed Dec 31, 2017 · Lights · 110,000 miles · MI

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.

Filed Jan 11, 2017 · Lights · 100,000 miles · FL

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.

Filed Mar 27, 2016 · Lights · 175,000 miles · PA

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.

Filed Jan 30, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 202,000 miles · SC

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

Filed Sep 25, 2014 · Lights · 113,000 miles · WI

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.

Filed Jul 22, 2014 · Lights · 55,000 miles · GA

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.

Filed Jan 28, 2014 · Lights · 60,000 miles · PR · fire

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.

Filed Dec 11, 2012 · Lights · 80,000 miles · AL

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.

Filed Jun 4, 2012 · Electrical, Lights · 109,000 miles · OR

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.

Filed Mar 24, 2012 · Electrical, Lights · 50,000 miles · FL

My bmw 325i xenon headlight bowls had melted and dimmed toa dangerous point, they are all original and unaltered.