2008 BMW 328I: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Sep 14, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · GA

I have had continuous issues with the electrical system in the front drivers side headlight with burnt plastic housing to the main headlight and the plug for the blinker system. Sometimes it will work and most of the time it won't. I cant tell you the amount of times it has stopped working in the middle of using the blinker. Every time I attempt to change it out, the bulb ends up still in good shape after looking it over. I have always inserted a new one but the issue remains. I have had to replace the whole headlight unit because of the melted plastic not holding the plug any longer and the issue remains. The passenger side seatbelt light has been on for the past several years and will not go off. It shows a light stating the airbag is off. Every time I use the AC unit, I end up with a whole lot of AC condensation pouring out each side of my console soaking the floor of the vehicle and smelling horrible the next day. I don't understand how such a supposedly high quality car can have such stupid problems that cant seem to be fixed. I have had this car since 2013 and barely drive it as I have only put approx 9000 miles over the last 9 years.

Filed Oct 5, 2021 · Lights · CA

Recently had to replace a failed bulb in my 2008 BMW 328i, during the replacement i noticed crumbling insulation within the plastic headlight compartment - basically all i had to do was touch the headlight wires lightly and insulation would crumble and flake off - this insulation is badly degraded, probably made out of improper materials and could potentially pose a hazard if the wires inside were to short out due to lack of insulation. I was able to carefully slip some insulative sleeves around the failed insulation wire to effect a temporary fix (which i don't really trust) BMW should recall and replace this dangerous wiring.

Filed Aug 25, 2020 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 120,000 miles · FL

The fotwell modules on these cars are defective..there was an extended waraanty covering this to replace the defective frm(or footwell module)but it does not include this car..the car's headlights, brakelights, domelites stay on with car off, thus drainig the battery. The car then lacks power and can shut off even when driving causing a serious accident. In this model car, these are fmr2 modules that can't be rebuilt. Bmw 328i has a supeceeded part and I called them and they wont cover the cost or honor the warranty for this car. Thus I am submitting this as I heard several other bmw onwners with similar models have experienced defective footwell modules..I strongly feel my car should be included as a recall or extended warranty on this part. You cannot replace it as bmw parts no longer carries it, thus how to you get this car to run with the battery draining with lights on?? This poses a danger if vehicle stalls with battery voltage declining as car will no longer run,,even when driving.

Filed Oct 23, 2018 · Electrical, Lights · 100,000 miles · AR

Headlight wiring loom insulation on wires are cracking and splitting exposing bare wires on both headlights.

Filed Oct 25, 2013 · Electrical · TX · fire

Tl-the contact owns a 2008 bmw 328i. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the engine stalled with the warning indicators illuminating intermittently. The vehicle restarted after a few moments and resumed normally however, the air conditioner, headlights and the radio were inoperable. In addition, a burning odor emitted inside of the vehicle from the melted wires. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis where the battery and starter were replaced. Additionally, the battery cable and fuse box were replace on a separate occasion by the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Kmj

Filed Apr 24, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 57,000 miles · TX

As I was driving home from work one evening, my 2008 bmw 328i coupe began acting strange. The interior overhead lights as well as most all of the dashboard lights (radio, hazard button, on-board computer etc.) began to flicker accompanied by a ticking noise in sequence with the flickering. The vehicle was acting as though it was about to shut down; that's when I decided to pull over. As I pulled off of the road, the steering became more difficult and the flickering became more frequent. While coming to a stop (traveling at about 10mph), the vehicle completely shut off. I lost complete control of vital mechanisms such as steering, power, lighting (both interior and exterior). The brake pedal felt unusually firm/stiff (not spongy or soft as it should feel). At this point, the vehicle had completely shut down with the gear selector still in "drive". I attempted to re-start the vehicle but it failed to start. I had my vehicle towed back to my apartment and the following day, I took it to a reputable, independent bmw mechanic. His diagnosis was that something related to the vehicle's battery, power supply system/electrical system circuitry was faulty--which in turn, killed the starter. He replaced the battery with a new oem battery as well as replaced the starter with an new oem starter and the related wiring/circuitry. A few weeks later, I received a recall notice in the mail-- march 2013 recall no. 13v‑044 : power supply system. Because the symptoms noted in the recall letter match those I experienced identically, I am seeking reimbursement for the cost of repair that correlates to this issue. However, bmw states it will only reimburse the cost of repair pertaining to the single part at fault/recalled. The cause of this recall is known, but they are failing to reimburse customers for the damaging effects that the faulty/recalled part may have had on other components.