1. Bought the car with zkw bowl reflective material deficient. 2004 bmw 330i zhp. 2. Can't see safely at night to drive. 3. Nothing has been done...as replacement oem lights are $1000.00 each.
2004 BMW 330I lights complaints
Page 4 of 4: complaints 71 to 83 of 83, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The reflector portion of the vehicle's xenon headlights appear burned/discolored, which significantly reduces their brightness thereby reducing nighttime visibility.
Having recently purchased my 2004 bmw 330i with xenon headlamps, I have been researching the car and any recalls that may have occurred or are ongoing. It was brought to my attention that the xenon headlamps designated zkw were under possible investigation for scorching within the assembly that can lead to decreased light output and pose a safety hazard to nighttime driving. I confirmed that my car is equipped with the zkw headlamps, and noted that some discoloration within the assembly was occurring. I want to make sure this problem is sufficiently documented so that a proper investigation can lead to the resolution to this relatively common occurrence.
Headlights have inadequate light output due to manufacturing defect.
The bi-xenon headlights cast very little light on the road, making it very difficult to see at night without using the fog lights to augment.
2004 bmw 330i - tail light wiring failure. Tail light bulb socket (part number w0133-1663035 failed due to over heating and melting of connector. Results in loss of brake light function. Problem common to both driver and passenger side. Purchasing new part to try to correct problem however problem may also include failure of the connector (female) on the wiring harness which is not readily available. Over heating appears to be due to undersizing of connector/wire. This appears to be a common problem with e46 bmw's (3 series). Problem was brought to dealer's attention while under warranty,...they did not fix it. Contacted corporate head quarters,...they did not acknowledge this was a common problem. (ref. Ea09-019).
The rear taillight fails on my 2004 bmw 330i due to the bulb holder assembly and issues with the grounding wire used in the harness. This is a common problem on e46 bmw's as noted in many owner forums online. The gauge of wire used for the brown grounding wire is much larger than all the other wires and eventually the heat melts down the connector pins or exposes the plastic between the other clips in the harness.
I recently purchased a 2004 330i zhp, and drove it home. Didn't drive it at night for some time, but when I finally did, found out lighting is very dim, so much, I have no confidence driving at night. I must use foglights on low beam, and high beams when I can. Failure occurs every time I drive at night, and through my research, I feel the reflective material in the bowls is baked off. These light should be better than the halogens I had on my 325i, but they are not. I have not corrected the problem because repairs are too costly.....and do not feel I should pay for the defective headlights.
The tail lights on both sides of my 2004 bmw 330i have stopped working completely (no turn signal or brake lights) due to a burned wire. This began on the left side with the turn signal light going out. When I went to change the bulb, I realized the bulb was fine. Looking closer I saw that a wire in the wire harness had burned and melted the plastic. It also melted the metal on the tail light assembly. This was a couple months ago that this happened and now the right side has done the exact same thing. I called the dealer and was told that this was a common problem with this model. The cost to fix the problem will be $350 per side. Looking online I saw that bmw issued a service report (si b 63 03 06) because the problem is so common. I am concerned that this may be a fire hazard and don't understand why there wouldn't be a recall. I am also concerned that I do not have an extra $700 on hand to fix the problem and am forced to drive with no turn signals or brake lights. It seems like since this is a design flaw and a safety hazard, bmw should be responsible to fix it.
2004 bmw 330xi sedan (e46) rear tail light indicator light consistently comes on, even though there is no tail lamp failure. Dealer indicated it was a burnt contact, and suggested repairing both sides. Cost for both sides $254.67.
The zkw brand of high intensity discharge (hid) headlights equipped in the e46 model 3 series bmw sedan have a plastic reflector bowl in the projector that has the tendency to have the chrome reflective plating burnt off rendering the headlights all but useless.
The bi-xenon headlamps have a design flaw where the projector burns out and greatly reduces light input. The only way to remedy this situation is to replace the entire headlamp assembly.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 bmw 330i. While driving 75 MPH at night the vehicle head lamps were dim and he was unable to see ahead . The contact stated he replaced the head lamp bulbs himself, but he still finds it difficult to see at night. He had not taken the vehicle to the dealer at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was 133,000. The current mileage were 134,000. Updated 5/20/2010 *cn updated 07/19/10
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