BMW 528XI headlights problems

Filed Feb 3, 2026 · Engine, Lights · 155,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), but the failure occurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check coolant level warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the recall repair was not yet available. However, the dealer installed a splash seal. The contact notified the manufacturer of the issue, and was referred to contact another dealer since parts for the recall repair were available. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer where the remedy was available, and the contact was informed that the recall was already completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. Most recently, there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, and the vehicle vibrated while driving. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issues, and the contact was referred to the local dealer. The contact stated that the dealer had committed fraud since the manufacturer paid for the recall to be completed. Prior to the failure, the contact had replaced the headlamp. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for maintenance, and afterwards, the vehicle was washed, and water entered the headlight and damaged the sensor. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000

Filed Aug 8, 2025 · Lights, Transmission · VA

Both of my headlights had moisture. I replaced the driverside first because you could literally see water sitting in the headlamp. Then I replaced the passengerside a year later because it was doing the same thing that the driver side started doing. I have not had any accidents nor has there been any damage to the front of the car. It appears that this is a known problem. My adaptive part is still not working, but the headlights are working. I have replaced my timinig chain and I keep getting a drivetrain malfunction warning. I am not getting a real answer as to why this is occuring.

Filed Jun 14, 2025 · Lights · NJ

the head lights are frequently burn out although there is no break in the light covers. It is unpredictable and unsafe especially because alot of my driving is at night.

Filed Jan 27, 2024 · Lights · RI

The vehicle has had no accidents or front impacts but has extensive moisture/condensation build up in both front headlamp housings. I intermittently receive a "adaptive headlight failure "warning in cold temperatures until the vehicle warms up. Night driving visibility is being affected as a result of the lens being covered with said moisture/condensation. I see many 5 series vehicles with the same problem.

Filed Dec 8, 2023 · Lights · NJ

Issue with water penetration into adaptive headlights (sealed system) while driving lights can shut off and signals are disabled. Potential major safety issue.

Filed Apr 16, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · NJ

Adaptive headlight, turn signals, daytime/parking lamp and headlamp vehicle aim malfunctions. it is available for inspection. Hand signals are required due to the front signals inoperability. It is reason to be aware certain enviromental conditions can prevent hands signals and or other to see the signals. an inability to signal as vehicles are mandated to provide, potentially can be a dire situation for all involved. The actual subject company confirmed the issue upon inspection. Along with two independent mechanic shops. Inspected by manufacturer. There were not any pre-warning alerts. The notifications presented themselves upon the onset of malfunctions. At that point the damage was already embedded. My research uncovered BMW has allowed the defect to exist for over 10 years conservatively. Repairs can cost the BMW owner between $5000 to $10,000. I have not been able to find another manufacture's vehicle with the same issue. Therefore, this is malfeasance on the part of BMW.

Filed Feb 8, 2023 · Lights · VA

Adaptive headlamp failure including daytime lamp failure from loose headlamp seal that allowed water to infiltrate system. The lights go off at anytime while driving.

Filed Feb 4, 2023 · Lights · PA

Something isn’t right with how water travels to and gets into the Front Headlights of these cars weaking the seals and damaging the multiple modules of these headlights my front passenger headlight out of nowhere started forming condensation in the headlight which shorted almost every module in there it barely works now. I have a coworker with with same exact model and year as mines and he said he just had to have his replaced too. My repair guy says he replaces 2 a week on BMW’s at his shop. Something is defective either with the actual headlights or seals or with how the vehicle is designed to allow water to flow down straight to the headlights through the slits in the hood of the car. Now my car will not pass inspection until I pay $4k to replace the headlight. BMW needs to recall these headlights or fix the trajectory issue or the seal or something I should not be responsible for this cost entirely. Thank you

Filed Sep 13, 2022 · Electrical · IN

Headlight internal wiring insulation completely degraded, exposing wires and causing electrical shorts/arcing. Unchecked this will certainly cause a fire.

Filed Jan 14, 2021 · 120 miles · IN

So I bought a bmw, then a lot of condensation and water got into a headlight and it messed up the wires and my turn signal stopped working. Ordered a new one and the same thing started happening, I got another one and the light isn't working again. Ive had multiple mechanics, bmw, etc look at my car. Come to find out the way the car was built, vibration off the road often creates cracks or micro fissures, that make moisture get into a headlight and people have complained numerous times. I don't have enough money to continue buying new headlights if this a manufacture problem. Especially in this pandemic. People will rather not use their turn signals and mess their connectors up then replace it and I don't blame them. These need recalled. Moisture doesn't get out until you take off the headlight and you need to take off the bumper to remove the headlight.