2011 BMW 328I: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 110,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that the headlights and taillights remained illuminated after the vehicle was turned off. Additionally, the vehicle intermittently failed to start up. The contact stated that AAA jump-started the vehicle, and it was determined that the battery was in good working condition. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact associated the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed Nov 14, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · ID

Footwell module (FRM) module went out after negative battery disconnect to change fuse. Module being inoperable is causing windows to not operate,interior lighting not working, headlights stay dim (not good for nightime driving), blinkers inoperable (not good for driving with windows not working- no arm signals), dash light also inoperable.

Filed Feb 20, 2024 · Electrical, Lights · NY

Tire pressure yellow warning light on. RDC module ordered but repair not completed. After starting the car at a gas station, multiple warning lights appeared in red including "car on a raised lift in red" which signifies car is to be taken directly for service. Drove to local mechanic one mile away. While observing the car with engine running at idle, ALL dashboard lights and functions stopped: No speedometer, No tachometer, No warning lights, No turn signals, No headlights, RDC module subsequently replaced with resolution of the problem. Opening the old RDC module demonstrated significant green corrosion - likely occurred over a long period of time. IF the loss of all dashboard function had occurred while driving, it would have presented very dangerous safety issues. Situation reviewed with local BMW dealership and BMW corporate customer relations. No recalls or warnings have been issued. Expressed my concerns in detail. This is a potentially dangerous problem for the BMW E90 models. The RDC module is located in the passenger rear wheel well and repeatedly exposed to wet/ snow/ slush conditions. This is a dangerous location outside the vehicle for the RDC module. The Tire pressure monitor system is a non-critical function. Repair of the RDC module is considered optional - yellow warning light. This event demonstrates that there is a serious risk when the RDC module is not functioning properly. BMW should make owners aware and offer replacement before dangerous events occur.

Filed Nov 27, 2023 · Body, Electrical · CA

While driving at city speed limit the headlights started flicking on-off very difficult to see in the dark. I pulled over to the side of the road for safety but now realized the turn signals not working and also the hazard lights are not working either. I was in a very dangerous situation sitting on the side of the road without any warning light on. Not only for mine safety but also dangerous for other drivers passing by without seen my car in the dark. Its due to well known BMW FOOTWELL MODULE that has high failure incidents rate but BMW refused not to do a recall. Since this a safety issue the federal safety agency should request BMW to do a recall instead of just extended the warranty to 10/150K miles which my car is not qualify for. I've contacted BMW customer care but they refused to offer any assistance. I feel that BMW has deserted their customer and leaving a high cost burden on their customers although failure/flaw was directly from BMW.

Filed Sep 13, 2022 · Engine · 153,000 miles · AR

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Coolant) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that prior to the recall notice being received, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights started to flicker and all the windows failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was informed that the PCV valve, footwell module, blower heater, and electrical harness need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the contact stated that while driving, he heard a sputtering noise when the check engine warning light illuminated and the Limp Mode warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that the engine started to misfire and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs, throttle body, valve cover, oil filter housing gasket, coolant hose, belt tensioner, ignition coils and 02 sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to speak with the dealer for a loaner vehicle however, the contact was informed that no loaner vehicle was available. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Aug 8, 2022 · Electrical, Lights · FL

Unable to unlock/lock doors on car (obviously very worrisome), unable to use turn signals, no interior lighting controls or functionality. Unable to control headlights, they still do turn on but I cannot control them. Cannot adjust any mirrors electronically. Some speedometer lighting affect or but the dials do still work, cannot see all buttons inside interior due to electrical issue. Problem: Footwell Control Module (FRM) needs replacement costing around $1300 to do minimum from dealer. This module controls all of the functions above and has gone bad. This FRM module is hidden and not easily gotten to tells me something like a fuse needs to be installed just in case a power surge from the car happens so the car does not break this very expensive equipment. Looked into it online and apparently this happens very often and one guy had to have his replaced twice. This is an obvious issue that will require a remedy.

Filed Mar 31, 2022 · Electrical, Lights · MD

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Footwell module. Computer system that controls turn signals, headlights, highbeams, windows, door locks etc. Yes it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I can't use my turn signals, highbeams, headlights, Windows. I can't signal my cars lane changes or see clearly at night. I can't roll the windows down or up which creates a unsafe hazard. My child is able to climb out of the window in the back seat while I'm driving. I have zero control over the windows. I can't determine if my child's door is open or closed when the car is in motion. My car doors no longer lock at all. My child can open up the door at any moment that the car is in motion. I'm unable to see at night without my highbeams. I'm now forced to drive with reduced visibility. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Both by a dealership and independent shop. There have been reconcurring warrantee coverages offered but no recalls despite the clear determinant to safety. Common usage of the vehicle at this point in time is a safety concern of all surrounding users and transportation vehicles. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The manufacturer has inspected this module concern. I'm very sure that there have been accidents associated with this module malfunction. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There are zero signs of this issue prior to it's failure. The failure had no warning.

Filed Mar 16, 2022 · Electrical, Lights · MA

The FRM module has failed for a 3rd time in my 328xi. This module distributes power to many components and since it has failed I have no headlights, no turn signals, no interior lights, no dashboard lights, and cannot roll my windows up or down. This is a known flaw with these cars and if you look on eBay there are bootleg repair services than can temporarily reset it however they often fail again. There are dozens of these sellers on Ebay and all list +1000 sales for their repair services so clearly this is widespread and affects many BMW owners. BMW denies there is an issue but has placed a 10 year warranty on the part, however all 3 series affected by this part are over 10 years old and not eligible for this warranty. Digging around on BMW forums this seems extremely common and almost anything can cause the FRM to fail. Headlights burning out, weak batteries, replacing interior dome lights, and even BMW connecting to the OBDII port to read the ecu are common causes of the FRM failing. I don't understand how they can get away with putting a limited warranty on this and not a full recall when it's clearly a safety concern as I can't safely or legally drive my car with no working lights, and in the event of an emergency cannot roll down my windows to get out of the car.

Filed Dec 20, 2021 · Electrical · 93,000 miles · MI

The positive battery terminal connection on the thickest cable in the trunk of the car (this wire leads from the battery in the trunk to the fuse box behind the glove box of the car) was loose due to either natural loosening over time (i.e. loss of torque on the fastener) or improperly applied torque by various BMW service shops (battery was changed by independent BMW service shop in 2018 and checked by BMW dealership in 2019 to be in good health). The loose connection at the battery terminal on this wire caused the car to suddenly turn off while driving on the road. Once turned off, there was zero electrical response from the car (e.g. engine turned off, no headlights, no hazard lights, no power steering, no capability to restart the car, airbags likely would not deploy if car crashed, etc.). The car could only be controlled by coasting on its remaining inertia, slowed down using residual braking power (which disappears after applying the breaks 2-5 times due to loss of hydraulic pressure), and forcefully steering the car (since there’s no power steering). This is an INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS situation that could cause loss of life due to complete loss of control of car. Both the battery and alternator were in good health. Only the battery terminal connection was loose, leading to a single point failure of the ENTIRE electrical system of the car and the car itself. There is NO redundancy in the electrical system; even if the alternator is running fine, the loose battery connection will kill the car. Furthermore, once car is stopped and safely secured, it is EXTREMELY DIFFICULT to open the trunk to access the battery as there is no way to access the trunk manually via key. I had to apply a 12V source to the large red wire at the fuse box to power on the car, enabling me to open the trunk. This requires removing cupholders, glove box, various trim panels, etc. to access the fuse box. Absolutely terrible design.

Filed Oct 19, 2020 · Electrical · 177,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw 328i. The contact stated that the mirrors, turn signals, and headlights malfunctioned. Additionally, the doors locked and unlocked independently. The contact stated that several other electrical functions failed to operate as intended intermittently. Grayson bmw located 10671 parkside dr, knoxville, tn 37922, (865) 693-4555) was contacted and informed the contact that the foot well module needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 177,000.

Filed Jan 21, 2020 · Electrical, Lights · 85,000 miles · WA

The headlights, blinker lights, dash lights, interior lights, and power to the windows doesn't work. From my research online it is because of the footwell (frm) module going bad. The issue just started once I started the vehicle and nothing worked when it did prior to parking.

Filed Jan 7, 2020 · Electrical · 126,000 miles · TX

Connection between battery and fuse box is corroded and causing issues. This is already a recall for certain 2007 to 2011 bmw 3 series models but my specific VIN is not included and it is having the exact issue that the recall specifies on very similar cars. Car's dash lights, headlights, and radio flicker on and off and the car has completely shut off while driving before.