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.
BMW 328I headlights problems
40 of the 2,584 owner complaints about the BMW 328I describe headlights failing or too dim, most of them for the 2011 model year.
- owner complaints
- 40
- worst model year
- 2011
- typical mileage
- 98,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Stalling 6Misfire 3Fire or smoke 3Check engine light 3Warning lights 2Door locks 2Won't start 1Won't shift 1
What owners say
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.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure had originated from the driver's side low beam headlight, which had become inoperable. The contact stated that there was a burning odor coming from the headlight. The contact removed the bulb from the headlight housing. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated there was a smoky odor coming through the A/C vents upon activating the heat. The contact stated that the instrument cluster had become inoperable. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owned a 2013 BMW 328i. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied in a friend's driveway when a pop was heard and the contact noticed that the vehicle was on fire. The contact stated that the engine compartment was engulfed in flames. The contact stated that a police officer who was riding through the neighborhood stopped and attempted to extinguish the fire, however, they were unsuccessful. The local fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. No injuries and no medical treatment was provided. The fire caused damage to the friend's garage and the window above the garage. In addition, the friend's vehicle, which was parked in the driveway next to the contact's vehicle, was damaged on the driver's side front bumper and headlight and the driver's side front tire. The vehicle remained at the fire location. The vehicle was deemed as a total loss by the insurance company. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was just purchased a month ago. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
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.
HEADLIGHTS. FIRE HAZARD BECAUSE OF BRITTLE AND BARE WIRING INSIDE OF HEADLIGHT HOUSING. Confirmation is as simple as looking inside of headlight to change a bulb. The vehicle does not set any codes to make you aware of wiring issue.
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.
The wiring insulation is dry cracked everywhere in both headlights exposing a lot of the wires in many places. It can cause a short.
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.
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.
Related recalls
Exterior lighting
- What is wrong
- BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and ActiveHybrid3 vehicles manufactured October 20, 2011, to June 22, 2015, 2014-2015 328xi Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured March 21, 2013, to March 17, 2015, 2014-2015 328d, 328xd vehicles manufactured June 28, 2013, to April 21, 2015, and 2014-2015 328xd Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured July 5, 2013, to April 21, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the front side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417 or by email at [email protected].
Recall number 15V520000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The brake lamps in these vehicles are controlled by a switch activated by the movement of the brake pedal. This switch could fail internally, causing it to remain either in the "brake lamps off" position or in the "brake lamps on" position.
- Risk
- If this happens, the brake lamps either will not operate or will be continuously illuminated, regardless of brake pedal position.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the existing brake lamp switch with an improved switch.
Recall number 00V048000 · Recall details
Questions about the BMW 328I headlights
Which BMW 328I years have headlights failing or too dim problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2011 (13 complaints), 2007 (10 complaints) and 2008 (6 complaints).
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