2008 BMW 528I: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Jan 31, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · OH

After purchasing this vehicle from my aunt and uncle my one headlight when bad after purchasing the headlights I replaced both the right and left one while removing the old headlights the insulation from the wires just crumbles off casuing a short bc the wires are zip tied several times together and causes my lights to flicker or not work at all while the the car keeps notifying me that there is an issue never couple seconds

Filed Jul 17, 2023 · Lights · FL

My front left and right headlight assembly went out. Went to take a look to realize all the wiring inside the assembly was exposed and sparking. Come to find out this was a common issue in this year make and model. They are charging $2,500 per assembly for a factory issue that could start a fire. Needs taken care of ASAP

Filed May 13, 2022 · Engine, Seat belts · 111,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2008 BMW 528i. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was overheating. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, the failure recurred and the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where the battery and spark plugs were replaced however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer several times. The solenoid and the PCV valve were replaced. The contact stated that the seat belt and driver's side headlight harness connector were replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal to the floorboard and the vehicle surged. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to shift into drive and there was smoke coming out from the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light and the warning message "Transmission Malfunction" illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Hendrick BMW Certified Pre-Owned South Charlotte (9029 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273) where the gear shifter was replaced however, the failure persisted. The second dealer informed the contact that the transmission, the solenoid, and the mechatronics unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Oct 14, 2020 · Electrical, Lights · 140,000 miles · AL

Driver side headlight went out, so I automatically assumed that the bull was blown. Went and bought $100 bull that controls the high beam and the low beams, replace the bulb, and the headlight still doesn't work. Took the ball back and got another bulb, and the headlight still doesn't work. As I was replacing the bulb I noticed bare wires showing, on multiple wires, as far as I could see. This is definitely a safety issue , as it could cause my car to catch fire.

Filed Feb 4, 2019 · Electrical, Lights · 124,000 miles · TX

All of the internal headlight wiring insulation on both headlights is crumbling off which is exposing the copper wire, causing sparks and shorting out. I have performed much online research and apparently this is a known problem by bmw. Currently it's a huge safety issue because it's unpredictable when headlights will short out while driving, losing sight of the road and possibly increasing risk of accident.

Filed Jan 3, 2019 · Lights · 82,000 miles · SC

When I attempted to install new low beam, high beam, and angel eye bulbs I discovered that all the protective coating on the wires inside the headlight assembly was missing or crumbling off. These exposed wires are a certain fire hazard. Any attempt to repair the wire coating resulted in more coating crumbling off, exposing yet more of the wire.

Filed May 20, 2018 · Electrical, Lights · 95,000 miles · SC

Headlight wiring inside headlight assembly is deteriorating badly. The protective coating is cracking and flaking off leaving the exposed copper core which in turn shorts out the lights. Possible fire hazard as well.

Filed Mar 5, 2018 · Lights · 119,642 miles · TX

Replaced headlight bulb, passenger side, for the second time, within the past year, and about the fifth time (driver side and passenger side; headlight bulb and angel eye bulb) since we have owned the vehicle (purchased certified pre-owned from a bmw dealership, houston, tx). And the cause of the problem is inferior wiring insulation. The wiring insulation is deteriorating causing the bulbs to prematurely burn out and a possible fire hazard. The replacement bulbs are purchased from a local bmw store. They are not non-oem bulbs and they are not cheap. Bmw needs to replace the entire headlight unit.

Filed Jan 27, 2018 · Lights · NV · fire

Headlights.... Angel eyes both sides burned off problem with electric sockets I would think!!! This is happening too a lot of bmw as reserch! *bf

Filed Apr 28, 2017 · Lights · 84,000 miles · FL

Low beam and fog light malfunction. I'm not a mechanic, but it looks to me like the casing around the wires is just disintegrating and may be arching. I tried electrical tape to try to insulate them, but to no avail. I've never seen such a thing happen. After looking around for recalls, I found no recalls on this subject, but found plenty of complaints about it. The malfunction is not constant, but is about 90% of the time. I have learned a way around it by moving the headlight dial to a different position. I'm due for an oil change now, so will have the dealer check it now that I'm going in for something else. But I'm guessing I'm going to be stuck with a hefty repair bill for something that was a design flaw.

Filed Mar 21, 2017 · Lights · 60,000 miles · FL

Headlight wiring insulation is flaking off and leaving exposed, uninsulated wires which can short out and cause malfunctions in the headlights, turn signals, parking lights, and daytime running lights.

Filed Feb 18, 2017 · Lights · 61,500 miles · GA

I purchased a used 2008 bmw 528i mid-january of 2017. It was well maintained, a single owner vehicle with just over 60k miles. It has a clean carfax and a well documented history of regular maintenance at a bmw dealership in orlando, fl. After having the vehicle for just over 3 weeks, the passenger side day time running lamp went out. I received a "malfunction indicator lamp" (mil) on the dash so I investigated. Being at home and the vehicle in the garage, I removed the cover to the associated bulb, I noticed bare wiring that was associated with the plug-in connector (there are two wires). I thought this unusual and strange. I subsequently replaced the bulb but that did not repair the fault. Since the insulation on the faulty wiring was in contact with each other, it was providing a ground and shorting out the bulb. This could represent a potential for causing a fire and hazardous situation. Further research via the internet (forums), I was astounded at the amount of consumers who have expressed concern to bmw about this problem. Hella is the manufacturer of the headlight assembly for bmw. I am unsure at this time if bmw has expressed concern to hella of the potential liability associated with their substandard wiring in the headlight assembly. It appears over a 5-8 year period of use that the insulation is being subjected to high temperatures that cause brittleness, fractures and finally degrade to where the wiring becomes exposed. Bmw is aware of this issue but does not appear concerned or motivated to resolve this problem. I am sure that there concerns revolve around profit margins, but I feel where safety is of concern, money should not be the reason for not correcting a problem. I respectfully request that investigation be conducted in order to discern the potential impact to consumers should this problem not be corrected by the manufacturer.