Oem zkw xenon projectors burned out over time causing extremely low headlight output during nigh time driving. Extremely low visibility during rain in the night due to significantly low light output.
2005 BMW 325I lights problems
18 complaints (25% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 88,000.
- owner complaints
- 18
- of this car's complaints
- 25%
- typical mileage
- 88,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- 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
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 2005 BMW 325I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Oem bi-xenon headlights (manufacturer zkw) have a burned out bowl (reflector) that has greatly reduced the amount of light that is produced. Changing bulbs has made no difference. Many other owners have reported the same type of problem in various user forums.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw 325i. The contact stated that the brake lights failed to illuminate while the brake pedal was being applied. Also, the contact mentioned that the turn signals and tail lights failed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where it was diagnosed that the ground wire kit needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number 11v438000 (exterior lighting). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The approximate failure and current mileage was 65,648. Updated 06/24/14 ma updated 06/25/2014
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw 325i. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the brake lights failed to constantly illuminate while the brake pedal was applied. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis. The vehicle had not been repaired. There was a recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 11v438000 (exterior lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000. Updated 07/10/13
Oem bi-xenon headlights (manufacturer zkw) have a burned out bowl (reflector) that has greatly reduced the amount of light that is produced. Changing bulbs has made no difference. Many other owners have reported the same type of problem in various user forums.
2005 bmw 325i. Consumer writes in regards to recall campaign no. 11v‑438 lamps in rear quarter panel *tgw the consumer stated he has been unable to get the recall rectified, because there were no authorized repair shops in his immediate area. The consumer was informed he would have to pay to have his vehicle shipped to another island. *jb the consumer stated bmw has since agreed to ship the vehicle free of charge. Updated 05/16/12 updated 01//22/15.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw 325i. The contact stated that the headlight warning light illuminated. The contact stated that one of the headlights failed and over time, both headlights failed. Sporadically, the failure would rotate between the passenger and driver side headlights. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was advised that there was nothing wrong with the headlights. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 71,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw 325i. The contact stated the exterior brake lights became inoperative. The contact received the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting:brake lights) recall, but did not receive the work needed to perform the recall, due to the dealer not receiving the necessary parts. The manufacturer was contacted and stated the parts would be available in december, but the deadline had passed. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate mileage on the vehicle was 145,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw 325i. The contact stated that the exterior tail lights burned out. The contact was changing the bulbs twice when the bulb and the wires burned her fingers. The wires and the housing had become so hot that it also burned a hole surrounding the bulb. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting: tail lights) but the contact was advised by the dealer that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 88,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw 325i. The contact stated that the right turn signal failed. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. The dealer was contacted and they advised the contact that the resistance in the lamp connectors may have failed. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Questions about the 2005 BMW 325I lights
Does the 2005 BMW 325I have lights problems?
Owners have filed 18 complaints about the lights of the 2005 BMW 325I, 25% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2005 BMW 325I lights problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 88,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2005 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 2005 BMW 325I problems
Airbags 33Electrical 11Transmission 4Acceleration 3Brakes 3Visibility 3Tires 2Engine 1Fuel system 1Locks 1Wheels 1
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