NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
51 reports38,000 miles · Nov 20, 2014
Air Bags
I HAVE CONTACTED A BMW DEALER AND BMW USA REGARDING THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL. THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO SECURE THE PART AND HAS CONTACTED OTHER DEALERS TO SECURE AN AIRBAG. NONE HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE. THIS RECALL BEGAN IN AUGUST. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED BY BMW USA REGARDING THE RECALL AND SEARCHED THE SAFECAR.GOV DATA AND FOUND…
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I HAVE CONTACTED A BMW DEALER AND BMW USA REGARDING THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL. THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO SECURE THE PART AND HAS CONTACTED OTHER DEALERS TO SECURE AN AIRBAG. NONE HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE. THIS RECALL BEGAN IN AUGUST. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED BY BMW USA REGARDING THE RECALL AND SEARCHED THE SAFECAR.GOV DATA AND FOUND MY VEHICLE WAS IMPLICATED. THE DEALER ADVISED ME NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH A PASSENGER INSIDE UNTIL THE PART IS REPLACED. I CONTACTED BMW USA THIS WEEK INQUIRING AS TO WHEN THIS PART WILL BE AVAILABLE. I INFORMED THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. FORTUNATELY, THIS IS NOT MY PRIMARY VEHICLE. I WAS INFORMED THAT BMW IS DILEGENTLY WORKING TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE BUT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE AND THERE IS NO TIME FRAME FOR WHEN THEY WOULD BE AVAILABLE. WHEN I VOICED MY CONCERN THAT (1) I WAS THE ONLY OWNER OF THE VEHICLE (10 YEARS) AND HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE RECALL. I WAS TOLD MY FILE HAD BEEN RECENTLY UPDATED. (2) I WAS DISSATISFIED WITH THIS UNACCEPTABLE RESPONSE AND CONCERNED THAT I CANNOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE, THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP INFORMED ME THAT SHE HAD NO FURTHER INFORMATION TO PROVIDE AND THAT I WAS RUDE; THIS WAS NOT A PERSONAL ATTACK ON ME AND THAT I HAD NO REASON FOR ATTACKING HER FOR THE INFORMATION THAT SHE PROVIDED. I IMPLORE YOUR ORGANIZATION TO ENSURE THAT BMW USA EXPEDITE THIS RECALL AND REPLACEMENT OF PARTS SO THAT I CAN DRIVE THIS VEHICLE WITHOUT FURTHER SAFETY CONCERNS. I APPRECIATE YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10659729
119,000 miles · Nov 19, 2014
Air Bags
RE: BMW AIRBAG RECALL CAMPAIGN 14V428 UPON RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE I IMMEDIATELY CALLED MY LOCAL DEALER. BMW'S AUTHORIZED AND FRANCHISED DEALERSHIP (CENTURY BMW IN GRENVILLE, SC ) INFORMED ME THAT BMW USA WOULD CONTACT US AS PARTS BECAME AVAILABLE. A MONTH PASSED SINCE RECEIVING THE INITIAL NHTSA 14V428 NOTICE (TANAK…
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RE: BMW AIRBAG RECALL CAMPAIGN 14V428 UPON RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE I IMMEDIATELY CALLED MY LOCAL DEALER. BMW'S AUTHORIZED AND FRANCHISED DEALERSHIP (CENTURY BMW IN GRENVILLE, SC ) INFORMED ME THAT BMW USA WOULD CONTACT US AS PARTS BECAME AVAILABLE. A MONTH PASSED SINCE RECEIVING THE INITIAL NHTSA 14V428 NOTICE (TANAKA AIRBAG) AND I HAD NO FOLLOW UP. THEREFORE, I CALLED CENTURY BMW AGAIN THIS MORNING : THIS TIME THEY TOOK MY INFO AND ARE ORDERING THE PARTS. BMW MAY A HAVE CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AS SOME PEOPLE ARE MOST LIKELY WAITING FOR ANOTHER NOTICE FROM BMW USA; BASED ON THE DEALERS INITIAL REPRESENTATIONS . RECALLS ARE NEVER A PLEASANT EXPERIENCE BUT THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SAFETY DEFECT MERIT SERIOUS ACTION AND FOLLOW-UP AS SOME OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED TO WAIT FOR A 2ND NOTICE FROM BMW USA...AND NONE HAS COME IN 30+ DAYS. I UNDERSTAND OEMS AND TANAKA ARE PROBABLY SCRAMBLING TO GET "GOOD PARTS" BUT THIS "TACTIC" OR ERROR IN MISINFORMING OWNERS IS PUTTING THE PUBLIC AT RISK. PEOPLE HAVE DIED BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT AND OWNERS ARE AWAITING A 2ND NOTIFICATION THAT MAY NEVER COME. I AM GLAD I FOLLOWED-UP MYSELF. PLEASE FORCE BMW TO INFORM THE PUBLIC CORRECTLY ON PARTS AVAILABILITY. BMW HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO CONTACT REGISTERED OWNERS. OWNERS ARE PRESENTLY WAITING. MISINFORMED AND DRIVING (LITERALLY) A TICKING TIME BOMB THAT CAN, AND HAS, EXPLODED AND INJURED/KILLED PEOPLE.. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10659252
139,904 miles · Oct 24, 2014
Air BagsCrashInjury
I WAS TRAVELING N/B ON ROUTE 1 IN ELKRIDGE MARYLAND @ INTERSECTION DUCKETTS LANE ON 10/9/14 @ 4:47 PM. I WAS INVOLVED IN A 4 CAR PILE UP CRASH, I WAS STOPPED - THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME WAS STRUCK BY A SPEEDING MOTORIST WHICH CAUSED A CHAIN REACTION & STRUCK MY BMW AND KNOCKING ME INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS …
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I WAS TRAVELING N/B ON ROUTE 1 IN ELKRIDGE MARYLAND @ INTERSECTION DUCKETTS LANE ON 10/9/14 @ 4:47 PM. I WAS INVOLVED IN A 4 CAR PILE UP CRASH, I WAS STOPPED - THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME WAS STRUCK BY A SPEEDING MOTORIST WHICH CAUSED A CHAIN REACTION & STRUCK MY BMW AND KNOCKING ME INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS EXPLODED WITH CAUSED A SEVERE BURN TO MY RIGHT HAND. MY VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS AND THE AT-FAULT DRIVER'S INSURANCE HAS POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL WITH OTHER INJURIES. APPROPRIATELY TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT, I RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE, AND PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO FIX THE VEHICLE, AND I WOULD BE CONTACTED AT A LATER TIME. I CALLED AND REPORTED THIS INCIDENT TO BMW NORTH AMERICA THIS MORNING - THEY STATED THAT AN EXECUTIVE WOULD GET BACK TO ME IN 1-3 BUSINESS DAYS.....UPDATED 11/18/14 *BF UPDATED 8/4/2015*JS
NHTSA ODI #10649615
153,231 miles · Jul 20, 2014
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
PASSENGER DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK. ALL PASSENGERS COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR. PULLING ON THE DOOR HANDLES DID NOT OPEN OR UNLOCK THE DOORS. INTERIOR UNLOCK BUTTONS DID NOT WORK. UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB DID NOT WORK. THIS IS VERY COMMON ISSUE AND CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS. 4 PASSENGERS HAD TO CRAWL OUT THE DRIVER DOOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10614828
197,300 miles · May 21, 2014
Exterior Lighting
THERE IS LIMITED LIGHT OUTPUT FROM THE XENON/HID HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES DUE TO "MELTED" PROJECTOR BOWLS FROM BMW. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT THAT PREVENTS END USERS FROM BEING ABLE TO SEE THE ROAD AND OBJECTS AHEAD OF THEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10592995
140,000 miles · May 20, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemWheelsInjury
TRAVELING SOUTH ON 75,DRIVER DOOR BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. APPLIED BRAKES AND RAN OFF SIDE OFF ROAD TO KEEP FROM HAVING A CAR REAR END ME AND THEN RIGHT TIRE BLEW OUT DUE TO DROP OFF. CAR SHUT DOWN BY ITSELF. AIR BAGS DID NOT COMPLETELY DEPLOY. OVER HEAD STRAP HIT HEAD AND NECK AREA CAUSING SORENESS AND HEADACHE. DOOR AIR BAG…
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TRAVELING SOUTH ON 75,DRIVER DOOR BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. APPLIED BRAKES AND RAN OFF SIDE OFF ROAD TO KEEP FROM HAVING A CAR REAR END ME AND THEN RIGHT TIRE BLEW OUT DUE TO DROP OFF. CAR SHUT DOWN BY ITSELF. AIR BAGS DID NOT COMPLETELY DEPLOY. OVER HEAD STRAP HIT HEAD AND NECK AREA CAUSING SORENESS AND HEADACHE. DOOR AIR BAG CAUSED FRAGMENTS TO HIT HAND AND TORE OFF SKIN.I THOUGHT CAR WAS ON FIRE DUE TO SMOKE SMELL OF WIRES BURNING,REMOVED STRAP OFF NECK AND GOT OUT OF CAR. IF TRAFFIC HAD BEEN HEAVY THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR WRECK. IF I HAD BEEN ON 2 LANE HIGHWAY I WOULD HAVE HIT HEAD ON ANOTHER VEHICLE. MONDAY CALLED BMW AND THEY SAID SOMEONE WOULD CALL ME BACK. I CALLED EVERY DAY FOR A WEEK AND WAS TOLD TO LEAVE MSG WITH CASE MGR WHICH I DID. 10 DAYS LATER CASE MGR CALLED AND SAID BAGS ARE NOT SUPPOSE TO FULLY DEFLATE AND SHE WOULD HAVE CAR TOWED TO NEAREST DEALER FOR ENGINEER TO LOOK AT AND ONCE THEY HAVE CAR IT COULD BE ANOTHER 2-3 WEEKS BEFORE HE LOOKS AT CAR AND NOT TO EXPECT ANY REPAIRS. SHE ALSO SAID SHE DOES NOT FIND ANY RECALLS FOR THIS CAR. I TOLD HER I FOUND INFO ON INTERNET.NOW I AM OUT OF CAR AND WAITING ON BMW TO LOOK INTO. BMW CASE #[XXX]. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V172000. + USA TODAY MAY 7,2013. + SUIT CLAIMS AIR BAGS DEFECTIVE (HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/BMW.HTML). + LOS ANGLES TIMES-BMW RECALL AIR BAGS THAT COULD SPRAY SHRAPNEL DEC 16,2013. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10592639
Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2014
StructureSuspension
BMW DID NOT PROPERLY DESIGN THE REAR FLOOR OF THE CAR BODY WHERE IT SUPPORTS THE REAR SUBFRAME. AS A RESULT UNDER NORMAL DRIVING, MANY OF THE BMW E46 3-SERIES CARS (325, 323, 330, IN THE I, CI, OR CIC TRIMS, EXAMPLE 325CI OR 330I) SUFFER FROM TORN SHEET METAL WHERE THE REAR SUBFRAME ATTACHES TO THE BODY. THIS EVENTUALLY CAUSES A…
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BMW DID NOT PROPERLY DESIGN THE REAR FLOOR OF THE CAR BODY WHERE IT SUPPORTS THE REAR SUBFRAME. AS A RESULT UNDER NORMAL DRIVING, MANY OF THE BMW E46 3-SERIES CARS (325, 323, 330, IN THE I, CI, OR CIC TRIMS, EXAMPLE 325CI OR 330I) SUFFER FROM TORN SHEET METAL WHERE THE REAR SUBFRAME ATTACHES TO THE BODY. THIS EVENTUALLY CAUSES A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD AS THE REAR SUBFRAME AND ASSOCIATED SUSPENSION CAN SEPARATELY ENTIRELY FROM THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND SEVERE CRASH. THIS CAN AFFECT ANY E46 3-SERIES CAR BUT IS MOST COMMON IN MODELS BUILT FROM 1999-2001 AND MORE COMMON IN MANUAL TRANSMISSION CARS. THE REPAIR COSTS ANYWHERE FROM $800 (PRE-EMPTIVE STRENGTHENING OF SHEET METAL IF IT HAS NOT TORN ALREADY) TO $5,000 (REPLACEMENT OF REAR BODY SUBFLOOR). BMW SETTLED A CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT IN 2009 ALLOWING 3-SERIES OWNERS TO HAVE THEIR CARS INSPECTED AND IN SOME CASES REPAIRED BY BMW BUT THIS DID NOT COVER ALL AFFECTED CARS AND EXPIRED IN DECEMBER 2010 SO NOT ALL OWNERS WERE ABLE TO HAVE THEIR CARS INSPECTED OR REPAIRED BY THAT DATE. IN ADDITION MANY CARS HAVE EXPERIENCED SUBFRAME MOUNTING FAILURES AFTER DEC 2010. BMW SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO INSPECT, REPAIR, AND REINFORCE ALL E46 (1999-2005) 3-SERIES BODIES WHERE THE REAR SUBFRAME MOUNTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10577907
Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 2013
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
THE GENERAL MODULE 5 (GM5) IS ELECTRONIC HARDWARE THAT AMONGST OTHER FUNCTIONS PRIMARILY CONTROLS THE LOCKING AND UNLOCKING OF THE BMW E46'S. THIS MODULE HAS DECIDED TO STOP WORKING IN MY VEHICLE MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO UNLOCK THE VEHICLE FROM ANY OF THE POSSIBLE OPTIONS (KEY FOB BUTTON, CENTRAL LOCKING BUTTON, OR DOOR DOUBLE LO…
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THE GENERAL MODULE 5 (GM5) IS ELECTRONIC HARDWARE THAT AMONGST OTHER FUNCTIONS PRIMARILY CONTROLS THE LOCKING AND UNLOCKING OF THE BMW E46'S. THIS MODULE HAS DECIDED TO STOP WORKING IN MY VEHICLE MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO UNLOCK THE VEHICLE FROM ANY OF THE POSSIBLE OPTIONS (KEY FOB BUTTON, CENTRAL LOCKING BUTTON, OR DOOR DOUBLE LOCKING HANDLE). THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT THE PASSENGERS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO QUICKLY ESCAPE THE VEHICLE DUE TO INABILITY OF THE DOORS TO UNLOCK. AFTER THOROUGH RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE, YET NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE BY THE MANUFACTURER TO ADDRESS THIS EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS FLAW. THERE IS NO WAY TO MANUALLY OVERRIDE THE GM5 TO UNLOCK THE DOORS SO WITHOUT IT PASSENGERS ARE ESSENTIALLY TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE. THE MODULE ALSO CONTROLS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, POWER WINDOWS, AND TRUNK RELEASE. HAVING THESE FEATURES INOPERABLE ON TOP OF THE INABILITY TO UNLOCK FOR ANY GIVEN AMOUNT OF TIME IS UNACCEPTABLE AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURER AS A RECALL AND REPLACEMENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10532798
148,000 miles · Jun 30, 2013
Electrical SystemStructure
DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN, EITHER WITH THE INSIDE DOOR LATCH OR THE OUTSIDE LATCH. THE LOCK PLUNGER GOES UP AND DOWN NORMALLY WITH EITHER THE KEY, THE KEY REMOTE, OR THE INSIDE DOOR LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON, BUT IN NO CASE CAN EITHER DOOR LATCH OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. ALL OTHER DOORS OPERATE NORMALLY. THIS MAKES ENTERI…
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DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN, EITHER WITH THE INSIDE DOOR LATCH OR THE OUTSIDE LATCH. THE LOCK PLUNGER GOES UP AND DOWN NORMALLY WITH EITHER THE KEY, THE KEY REMOTE, OR THE INSIDE DOOR LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON, BUT IN NO CASE CAN EITHER DOOR LATCH OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. ALL OTHER DOORS OPERATE NORMALLY. THIS MAKES ENTERING OR EXITING THE CAR DIFFICULT, NECESSITATING EITHER CLIMBING IN/OUT THROUGH THE WINDOW OR BY CLIMBING ACROSS THE CONSOLE FROM THE PASSENGER SEAT. IF THERE WERE AN EMERGENCY, IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE QUICKLY. NO EVENT APPEARED TO CAUSE THIS TO HAPPEN. I ENTERED THE VEHICLE, DROVE IT, EXITED THE VEHICLE A FEW TIMES DURING THE MORNING BEFORE DRIVING, PARKING, STOPPING THE VEHICLE, AND THEN HAVING THE DOOR STICK SHUT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10522498
74,268 miles · May 29, 2013
Suspension
REAR SPRINGS WERE REPORTED AND REPLACED WITH BMW PARTS. AT 112,172 MILES (04/23/2013) THEY WERE REPORTED BROKEN AGAIN, BUT NOT REPLACED YET. REPORTED TO BMW OF NORTH AMERICA,LLC ON 05/14/2013 WHO FILED THE REPORT AND DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10514059
NHTSA investigations
3EA09019 · Rear Lamp Illumination
Opened Dec 18, 2009 · Closed Sep 28, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.An 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.BMW will complete dealer notification in September 2011 and will begin owner notification in October 2011.All 3 series sedans (except for the M3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between September 1, 2001 and March 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.The action taken by BMW is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Exterior Lighting
In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.An 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.BMW will complete dealer notification in September 2011 and will begin owner notification in October 2011.All 3 series sedans (except for the M3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between September 1, 2001 and March 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.The action taken by BMW is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.An 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.BMW will complete dealer notification in September 2011 and will begin owner notification in October 2011.All 3 series sedans (except for the M3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between September 1, 2001 and March 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.The action taken by BMW is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.
Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.An 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.BMW will complete dealer notification in September 2011 and will begin owner notification in October 2011.All 3 series sedans (except for the M3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between September 1, 2001 and March 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.The action taken by BMW is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.An 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.BMW will complete dealer notification in September 2011 and will begin owner notification in October 2011.All 3 series sedans (except for the M3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between September 1, 2001 and March 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.The action taken by BMW is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.
PE09036 · Rear Lamp Illumination
Opened Aug 7, 2009 · Closed Dec 22, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS STATING THAT THEIR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING.THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CONSISTS OF A TURN SIGNAL LAMP, A TAIL LAMP AND A BRAKE LAMP.THE COMPLAINANTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH AN 8 PIN CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING.THESE COMPONENTS ARE ALLEGEDLY OVERHEATING AND MELTING DUE TO EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENT THAT RUNS THROUGH THE SYSTEM.BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) SIB-630306 ON FEBRUARY 2007 TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION BY ADDING SUPPLEMENTARY GROUND WIRING TO THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI IS UPGRADING TO AN EA TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Exterior Lighting
ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS STATING THAT THEIR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING.THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CONSISTS OF A TURN SIGNAL LAMP, A TAIL LAMP AND A BRAKE LAMP.THE COMPLAINANTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH AN 8 PIN CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING.THESE COMPONENTS ARE ALLEGEDLY OVERHEATING AND MELTING DUE TO EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENT THAT RUNS THROUGH THE SYSTEM.BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) SIB-630306 ON FEBRUARY 2007 TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION BY ADDING SUPPLEMENTARY GROUND WIRING TO THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI IS UPGRADING TO AN EA TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS STATING THAT THEIR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING.THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CONSISTS OF A TURN SIGNAL LAMP, A TAIL LAMP AND A BRAKE LAMP.THE COMPLAINANTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH AN 8 PIN CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING.THESE COMPONENTS ARE ALLEGEDLY OVERHEATING AND MELTING DUE TO EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENT THAT RUNS THROUGH THE SYSTEM.BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) SIB-630306 ON FEBRUARY 2007 TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION BY ADDING SUPPLEMENTARY GROUND WIRING TO THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI IS UPGRADING TO AN EA TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE.
Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS STATING THAT THEIR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING.THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CONSISTS OF A TURN SIGNAL LAMP, A TAIL LAMP AND A BRAKE LAMP.THE COMPLAINANTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH AN 8 PIN CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING.THESE COMPONENTS ARE ALLEGEDLY OVERHEATING AND MELTING DUE TO EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENT THAT RUNS THROUGH THE SYSTEM.BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) SIB-630306 ON FEBRUARY 2007 TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION BY ADDING SUPPLEMENTARY GROUND WIRING TO THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI IS UPGRADING TO AN EA TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS STATING THAT THEIR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING.THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CONSISTS OF A TURN SIGNAL LAMP, A TAIL LAMP AND A BRAKE LAMP.THE COMPLAINANTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH AN 8 PIN CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING.THESE COMPONENTS ARE ALLEGEDLY OVERHEATING AND MELTING DUE TO EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENT THAT RUNS THROUGH THE SYSTEM.BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) SIB-630306 ON FEBRUARY 2007 TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION BY ADDING SUPPLEMENTARY GROUND WIRING TO THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI IS UPGRADING TO AN EA TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE.
DP09002 · Rear Lamp Illumination
Opened Apr 8, 2009 · Closed Aug 6, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRING TO THE CONNECTOR.COMPLAINANTS HAVE ALLEGED THAT SIGNIFICANT THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING HAS OCCURRED.THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR TOTAL LOSS OF ALL LIGHTING (BRAKE, TAIL, AND TURN SIGNAL) FOR THE EFFECTED REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI WILL OPEN A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO FURTHER EXAMINE THIS ISSUE INCLUDING FURTHER EVALUATING BMW COMPLAINTS AND RELATED WARRANTY DATA.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights
IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRING TO THE CONNECTOR.COMPLAINANTS HAVE ALLEGED THAT SIGNIFICANT THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING HAS OCCURRED.THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR TOTAL LOSS OF ALL LIGHTING (BRAKE, TAIL, AND TURN SIGNAL) FOR THE EFFECTED REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI WILL OPEN A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO FURTHER EXAMINE THIS ISSUE INCLUDING FURTHER EVALUATING BMW COMPLAINTS AND RELATED WARRANTY DATA.
Exterior Lighting
IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRING TO THE CONNECTOR.COMPLAINANTS HAVE ALLEGED THAT SIGNIFICANT THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING HAS OCCURRED.THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR TOTAL LOSS OF ALL LIGHTING (BRAKE, TAIL, AND TURN SIGNAL) FOR THE EFFECTED REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI WILL OPEN A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO FURTHER EXAMINE THIS ISSUE INCLUDING FURTHER EVALUATING BMW COMPLAINTS AND RELATED WARRANTY DATA.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRING TO THE CONNECTOR.COMPLAINANTS HAVE ALLEGED THAT SIGNIFICANT THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING HAS OCCURRED.THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR TOTAL LOSS OF ALL LIGHTING (BRAKE, TAIL, AND TURN SIGNAL) FOR THE EFFECTED REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI WILL OPEN A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO FURTHER EXAMINE THIS ISSUE INCLUDING FURTHER EVALUATING BMW COMPLAINTS AND RELATED WARRANTY DATA.
Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRING TO THE CONNECTOR.COMPLAINANTS HAVE ALLEGED THAT SIGNIFICANT THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING HAS OCCURRED.THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR TOTAL LOSS OF ALL LIGHTING (BRAKE, TAIL, AND TURN SIGNAL) FOR THE EFFECTED REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI WILL OPEN A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO FURTHER EXAMINE THIS ISSUE INCLUDING FURTHER EVALUATING BMW COMPLAINTS AND RELATED WARRANTY DATA.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRING TO THE CONNECTOR.COMPLAINANTS HAVE ALLEGED THAT SIGNIFICANT THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING HAS OCCURRED.THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR TOTAL LOSS OF ALL LIGHTING (BRAKE, TAIL, AND TURN SIGNAL) FOR THE EFFECTED REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI WILL OPEN A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO FURTHER EXAMINE THIS ISSUE INCLUDING FURTHER EVALUATING BMW COMPLAINTS AND RELATED WARRANTY DATA.
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