BMW 330i Headlight Problems

Headlight complaints by model year

Which parts fail

• Headlights
  9
• Tail lights
  4
• Brake lights
  2
• Headlights › Concealment devices
  2
• Turn signal
  1

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

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  22%
• 25k–50k
  1110%
• 50k–75k
  2724%
• 75k–100k
  2724%
• 100k–150k
  3430%
• 150k+
  1211%

What owners report

I have heavy condensation in my BMW 330i xDrive driver side headlights. Comes during rainy and moist weather and takes couple of days to go away. upon dealer inspection its underlying issue with BMW's and sadly my warranty just expired 5 months ago and BMWusa is not helping in this regard.

Excessive moisture or condensation in the headlights after heavy rain. First one failed which is on driver side but replaced but second one which is the passenger side failed too within months. Replace for headlights would cost 4.5K

Over the last several years, the light intensity has steadily declined in both headlights of my car, to the point where they no longer function. My mechanic has looked inside the headlights and found that the projector bowl reflector has prematurely worn out -- it has lost its reflective ability. According to the mechanic and based on multiple reports in online group discussions, this is a known issue with these zkw xenon headlights. This defect in the headlights compromises safe operability and increases the risk of a night-time accident. This is a part of the headlight that should not wear out or need replacement under normal operating conditions, as has been the case with my vehicle. I have resorted to using my fog lights or high beams for driving at night. BMW and zkw are deflecting the issue. …

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 BMW 330i. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the rear tail light assembly warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rear tail light connecting wires were melted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 11V438000 (exterior lighting:tail lights) but was advised by the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

This car has factory HID Xenon projector headlights. Over time the reflector bowls burned and melted from the heat of the light bulbs, causing some wire insulation to melt, and a brown film to cover all surfaces inside the headlight assembly. The brown coating makes the headlights dangerously dim. From various online searches, it appears this is a common failing of these headlights. BMW has not recalled these headlights, and replacements nearly exceed the value of the car.

Zkw brand xenon headlamps have defective reflector bowls. The lights burn off all of the reflective surface causing the low/high beams to be so dim that driving at night is impossible. The part (reflector bowl) is not available as a replacement part, it can only be purchased as a whole headlight assembly for $1300 each light. This is a major safety issue, that I have just found out about. As we have been getting into winter and the daylight saving change cause earlier sunset times, I noticed my headlights were not very bright on the road. It hasn't been an issue that I noticed in past years due to my <1 mile commute, but this year I purchased a house 25mi from work and the amount of night driving has increased dramatically. I first adjusted the alignment of the lights to try to correct what I thought the issue was, and also have replaced one of the head light bulbs with no change. …

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 330i. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the passenger side headlight caught fire. The contact extinguished the fire. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the headlight needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000. The VIN was not available.

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 BMW 330i. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 11V438000 (exterior lighting), 14V428000 (air bags), and 15V318000 (air bags); however, the parts for the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that the air bag and seat belt warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated that the turn signal on the driver's side malfunctioned by blinking intermittently while in use. The contact called the hixson BMW and walker BMW dealers who both stated that the parts were not available for the repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Related recalls (2)

NHTSA investigations