BMW 325i Headlight Problems

Headlight complaints by model year

Which parts fail

• Brake lights
  12
• Tail lights
  8
• Turn signal
  5
• Headlights
  5

Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  75%
• 25k–50k
  1712%
• 50k–75k
  3021%
• 75k–100k
  3827%
• 100k–150k
  3424%
• 150k+
  1712%

What owners report

Tl contact owns a 2006 BMW 325i. The contact stated that the air bag light would turn on and off intermittently. Also, the contact stated that there was condensation in the two headlights. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer but the dealer refused to inspect the vehicle for the air bag light problem. A bolt was replaced for the headlight condensation problem but it continued and the dealer stated that the entire headlight assembly needed to be replaced. The contact called the manufacturer in reference to recall 08V384000 (air bags:frontal) but was told her vehicle was not included; she was offered no further assistance. The current mileage was 39,065. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 BMW 325i. The contact stated that while the reverse lights would not illuminate while reversing. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 11V438000 (exterior lighting:turn signal) and took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer advised the contact that his vehicle year was not included in the recall campaign. In addition, the dealer advised that the frm module needed to be replaced due to a wiring malfunctioning. The failure mileage was 135,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 BMW 325i. The contact stated that the exterior tail lights burned out. The contact was changing the bulbs twice when the bulb and the wires burned her fingers. The wires and the housing had become so hot that it also burned a hole surrounding the bulb. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 11V438000 (exterior lighting: tail lights) but the contact was advised by the dealer that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 88,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 BMW 325i. While parked, the contact noticed the rear tail lights were not illuminating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic. The technician replaced the light bulbs for the rear tail lights. The failure continued after the replacement of the bulbs. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the technician replaced the circuit board and the tail light wiring harness. The vehicle was repaired. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 11V438000 (exterior lighting:tail lights) that May be related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 BMW 325i. The contact stated that the rear exterior lights became inoperable as the rear taillight warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon inspection around the connector and the panel, there were scorch marks and the connectors coating was completely melted off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 11V438000 (exterior lighting). The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

Car sitting in driveway of primary residence for several days after repeated heavy rains and hurricanes and spontaneously caught fire. Fire was self extinguished but started in dash on left side of steering wheel centered on the head-light control module.

The xenon projector bowls in the headlight assembly on both sides of the vehicle have slowly been burning. The bowl is made of plastic and with the heat of the xenons burns the plastic creating not only a fire hazard but also greatly reduces the effectiveness of the headlight beam, rendering it almost useless. This is specific to the OEM manufacture of the headlight assembly, ZKW. This has also been well documented on various forums for these vehicles over the years.

Driving at night has become impossible with out risk. The zkw xenon headlights have become so dim that the fog lights now provide more illumination. The problem has been traced to burned/discolored plastic reflector bowls on both sides with the passenger side being slightly worse. After research it appears this problem is wide spread in zkw headlights. There are several reports here and it appears BMW also realized the problem and had zkw switch to metal reflector bowls on newer models yet offer no solution other than buy complete headlight assembly's to the tune of $1200 a side. Might a possible recall motivate BMW to at least offer the individual part. I understand the vehicle is almost 13 years old but to treat a blatant safety issue like this is ridiculous. NHTSA please help solve this safety related problem.

Related recalls (1)

NHTSA investigations