The contact owns a 2015 BMW 528I. The contact stated that there was water accumulated inside the passenger’s side headlight assembly, causing the daytime running light to become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the headlight assembly and module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
BMW 528I headlights problems
44 of the 833 owner complaints about the BMW 528I describe headlights failing or too dim, most of them for the 2008 model year.
- owner complaints
- 44
- worst model year
- 2008
- typical mileage
- 100,000
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 20162
- 20152
- 20142
- 20134
- 20121
- 20112
- 20102
- 20092
- 200822
- 20002
- 19991
- 19972
Often reported together
Fire or smoke 6Check engine light 2Wipers 1Water leak 1Transmission failure 1Overheating 1Key fob 1Fuel leak 1
What owners say
I have 2016 BMW 5 series car, for past two to three years headlights are getting condensation inside on colder months. Dealer is not able to fix the condensation, they are advising to replace the headlights. Some of my friends replaced OEM headlights, but after few years they are started condensation, it’s looked like defect from manufacturer, I had few Honda vehicles older than my BMW car, they never had any condensation complaints. It’s look like manufacturer used cheap materials causing condensation, it is causing low light at night times may lead to accidents. Please look at this issue and consider it as a safety issue and please recall these headlights. Dealer is asking $2500 + $500 labor to fix each headlight. All of my friends are having same problem, I bet other BMW car owners too. Please issue a recall on this safety issue.
My driver headlight is constantly getting moisture trapped in it. It’s been replaced twice and the seals were checked, but it keeps happening and shorting out my headlight. It’s $4000 to fix. Just had it replaced 1.5 weeks ago and it’s broken already. I took it to bmw the moment I noticed the moisture was back and they told me it was fine. This is a widespread problem and they are not fixing their product
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side headlight flickered, and the contact pulled over to the side of the road and discovered that the headlight housing was full of water. The failure had occurred on several different occasions with both headlights. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the front driver's and passenger's side headlight housings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 528i. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed water build-up in the driver's side headlight housing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the failure was confirmed. The contact was informed that the driver's side headlight housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The contact was informed that, due to the water build-up, the damage had extended beyond the headlight housing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, a diagnostic test was not performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
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
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528i. 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Additionally, the contact stated that the headlights failed to illuminate while it was raining or while washing the vehicle. The indicators failed to operate while attempting to make a turn. The warning light indicating an electrical failure was illuminated. The failure was intermittent. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 119,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Headlights fill with condensation and cause short circuit and headlight and turn signal malfunction. Headlights fill with condensation and moisture even on sunny summer days. No warnings prior to headlights and turn signals malfunctioning. BMW says to drive with headlights on to dispel condensation but the headlights produce no heat to do so and do not illuminate because circuits are damp and not working.
I parked my car in the garage and 15 minutes later my garage is up in flames.The fire department did an investigation then came to the conclusion that the fire started from my cars front passenger side headlamp area. Doing a little research I find out that I’m not the only one that has had that same expierence.
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
Related recalls
Exterior lighting
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 15V188000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: tail lights
- What is wrong
- BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).
- Risk
- Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1‑800‑525‑7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Recall number 13V407000 · 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 528I headlights
Which BMW 528I years have headlights failing or too dim problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2008 (22 complaints), 2013 (4 complaints) and 1997 (2 complaints).
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