BMW is recalling 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i and 330xi - 241,000 cars effected!

I have a 2002 bmw 330ci and have this same issue. I had a tail light out a week after I bought the car. Then again two months later. Then again about a month ago when it was at bmw to get the car inspected. Bmw said my bulbs all needed replaced. I did the replacement only to see the left ones are either out or loosing the brightness. Would be great if they would have fixed this issue years ago.

Originally Posted by djstrachan

I hear ya but if the lamps are functionon and ther is no "melted" connections...

It could be a bigger job if they have to replace corroded and/or melted parts...!

Mine's all corroded and melted straight through. My question is this; my right rear turn signal doesn't work, my right rear brake light doesn't work. Isn't BMW libel if I'm involved in an accident if they can't supply parts to repair the defect?

I understand the fix 'delay' for those who's lights are functioning, but for those of us without, you think they'll have parts for us right?

By comparison, I've had 3 recalls on my 2001 ML repaired/ replaced; brake light switch under the pedal, brake line rubbing on parts of the undercarriage and the cruise control switch to cancel with the brake not just the stalk lever. Parts were always on hand and dare I say there are about as many MLs (W163) on the road as E46s. All of which were functioning just fine, but fixed under recall campaign while I was at the dealer for other service. MBZ service advisors said they are libel if they don't fix it when it's in the shop.

Isn't BMW exposing themselves to lawsuits for not having parts available? It just doesn't figure.

I know this is a rant and I'm not issuing new information to help other posters and I'm sure FastBob will chime in telling my my M56 is wierd and should be traded for a 'normal' car but regardless thank you for reading my rant.

Go to your local dealer or your mechanic and ask them if they can fix it. Pay for it and than get refund if you get recall.
This is exact reason I did not want to wait, connector was melted.

Originally Posted by RCorney

Mine's all corroded and melted straight through. My question is this; my right rear turn signal doesn't work, my right rear brake light doesn't work. Isn't BMW libel if I'm involved in an accident if they can't supply parts to repair the defect?

I understand the fix 'delay' for those who's lights are functioning, but for those of us without, you think they'll have parts for us right?

By comparison, I've had 3 recalls on my 2001 ML repaired/ replaced; brake light switch under the pedal, brake line rubbing on parts of the undercarriage and the cruise control switch to cancel with the brake not just the stalk lever. Parts were always on hand and dare I say there are about as many MLs (W163) on the road as E46s. All of which were functioning just fine, but fixed under recall campaign while I was at the dealer for other service. MBZ service advisors said they are libel if they don't fix it when it's in the shop.

Isn't BMW exposing themselves to lawsuits for not having parts available? It just doesn't figure.

I know this is a rant and I'm not issuing new information to help other posters and I'm sure FastBob will chime in telling my my M56 is wierd and should be traded for a 'normal' car but regardless thank you for reading my rant.

I would be more worried about a traffic ticket right now and if in your position, would get them fixed and get reimbursed later. I would also carry with me the BMW notification (parts shortage) in the event that you do get pulled over. Not sure if it would necessarily be a "fix it" ticket, but would certainly be a pain.

Originally Posted by pointandgo

I would also carry with me the BMW notification (parts shortage) in the event that you do get pulled over.

And if you haven't received it yet, I attached it on the previous page. No indication of my name, just a form letter.

If you can solder,you can fix the problem very easily!
Mine was not part of the recall(2 months too early apparently) but I fixed it in about 30 min. As long as the prongs are not too burnt up.

I took my 2005 325i in for this recall since the warning light has been on for 2 years. They fixed the wiring assembly, but informed me that the entire rear tail light neede to be replaced for the fix to work ($80). The wiring fix would not work without the new tailight assembly according to BMW. Unfortunately they do not consider this to be part of the recall even though the recall says they will FIX the problem. I'm not very pleased with BMW. It is charges like these that they slide in underneath a recall that make me consider purchasing a different vehicle in the future.

Originally Posted by bmccrystal

I took my 2005 325i in for this recall since the warning light has been on for 2 years. They fixed the wiring assembly, but informed me that the entire rear tail light neede to be replaced for the fix to work ($80). The wiring fix would not work without the new tailight assembly according to BMW. Unfortunately they do not consider this to be part of the recall even though the recall says they will FIX the problem. I'm not very pleased with BMW. It is charges like these that they slide in underneath a recall that make me consider purchasing a different vehicle in the future.

Ridiculous, if not illegal under recall rules, unless they have uncovered a completely unrelated problem. Needless to say, I would be on the phone with BMW NA without delay...and perhaps NHTSA also.

My light connector is melted and tail light stays off more than on called BMNA and they said my 2003 sedan's vin # stated i was not part of the recall and i would have to file a complaint with nhtsa.gov // kind of sad really that they are splitting hairs on the vin # since its the correct model year/ issue is the same but they did say i was free to correct this issue at my own expense if i felt unsafe driving and at some time in the future if enough people in the same vin# range have same issue and they admit they need to repair they "may" would refund monies paid (i guess if i get a lawyer and pay him 3 times what i paid for the repair)

Originally Posted by mike@cobywheel

My light connector is melted and tail light stays off more than on called BMNA and they said my 2003 sedan's vin # stated i was not part of the recall and i would have to file a complaint with nhtsa.gov // kind of sad really that they are splitting hairs on the vin # since its the correct model year/ issue is the same but they did say i was free to correct this issue at my own expense if i felt unsafe driving and at some time in the future if enough people in the same vin# range have same issue and they admit they need to repair they "may" would refund monies paid (i guess if i get a lawyer and pay him 3 times what i paid for the repair)

By all means, register your complaint with NHTSA:
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

It is not entirely unusual for NHTSA or a manufacturer to expand the scope of a recall as new owner's just outside the limits of the recall report identical problems.
You can also research the original NHTSA investigation documents (Google: NHTSA defects investigations) to see if the manufacturer had submitted warranty/repair data for this issue for your car.

Originally Posted by pointandgo

By all means, register your complaint with NHTSA:
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

It is not entirely unusual for NHTSA or a manufacturer to expand the scope of a recall as new owner's just outside the limits of the recall report identical problems.
You can also research the original NHTSA investigation documents (Google: NHTSA defects investigations) to see if the manufacturer had submitted warranty/repair data for this issue for your car.

Effected vehicles
325I - 2002-2005
325XI - 2002-2005
330I - 2002-2005
330XI - 2002-2005

my car 2003 325i sedan(with melted connector) but somehow not included.

but yea going to note complaint on the NHTSA site but at the end of day it just turns into too much of a hassle to deal with which is what i think BMW is counting on in some respect.

I'm scheduled with the dealer on Jan 4th to have this taken care of. They have wireless network in the lobby, so I'll do some work from there while I wait for it. Supposedly 45 minutes to fix it.

Originally Posted by mike@cobywheel

Effected vehicles
325I - 2002-2005
325XI - 2002-2005
330I - 2002-2005
330XI - 2002-2005

my car 2003 325i sedan(with melted connector) but somehow not included.

but yea going to note complaint on the NHTSA site but at the end of day it just turns into too much of a hassle to deal with which is what i think BMW is counting on in some respect.

That's odd Mike. Mine is also an '03 sedan and I have an appointment next thursday at Richmond BMW to get mine done. The letter was sent to my mother in Georgia...apparently they didn't check DMV to see that it's in my name now.

My connector is a bit melted but still works. I'm at a loss as to why yours is not included.

Originally Posted by marlin1881

I'm scheduled with the dealer on Jan 4th to have this taken care of. They have wireless network in the lobby, so I'll do some work from there while I wait for it. Supposedly 45 minutes to fix it.

Whoa really? I'm getting a loaner for the entire day. They must be behind on their service and are anticipating mine to take a while.

Originally Posted by Shabba

That's odd Mike. Mine is also an '03 sedan and I have an appointment next thursday at Richmond BMW to get mine done. The letter was sent to my mother in Georgia...apparently they didn't check DMV to see that it's in my name now.

My connector is a bit melted but still works. I'm at a loss as to why yours is not included.



Whoa really? I'm getting a loaner for the entire day. They must be behind on their service and are anticipating mine to take a while.

yea its a bummer my car is a euro delivery car (military) but bought with US specs maybe the vin #'s for "grey Market" cars were not considered?

Picked my car up this morning from the service. Looks like they replaced wiring with shiny bits of new plastic. Wheee!!!

Now I miss the '11 328i I had for the day.

Originally Posted by RSPDiver

Speaking of not getting your hopes up, I just called BMW NA, and they said there are no open recalls for my VIN. Thing is, I've already had this problem and had to repair/replace one light. She said to try back in a week or so, and I told her I would, and escallate at that time if there is still nothing. MFers, pulled this shiz with the DISA valve issue, too. Starting to wonder if my VIN is incorrect in their system!

Was there a recall for the DISA?

Originally Posted by marlin1881

I'm scheduled with the dealer on Jan 4th to have this taken care of. They have wireless network in the lobby, so I'll do some work from there while I wait for it. Supposedly 45 minutes to fix it.

All done. 30 minutes from handing the SA my key, until I got it back again. Wireless network in the lobby, some coffee, and I was all set.

Originally Posted by bleedin_nuckles

Was there a recall for the DISA?

Not a recall, but I believe a TSB for the 4k power dip.

Originally Posted by RCorney

I know this is a rant and I'm not issuing new information to help other posters and I'm sure FastBob will chime in telling my my M56 is wierd and should be traded for a 'normal' car but regardless thank you for reading my rant.

So I ended up walking in with a SUPER dirty car and they took it in, fixed it and returned it end of day sparkling. "Free car wash" after all.

I also asked them to look into a check engine light I had on that threw a code for my secondary air pump. My SA told me that since I have a SULEV (M56), pumps and valves and other parts serving the emissions are covered by an extended warranty and could be replaced for free. As my luck would have it, it was the relay switch that was bad and so they charged me for the electrical part and minimal labor to fix it.

Regardless, my dashboard now only shows the necessary alerts and readouts, and for that I am happy.

Originally Posted by RCorney

So I ended up walking in with a SUPER dirty car and they took it in, fixed it and returned it end of day sparkling. "Free car wash" after all.

I also asked them to look into a check engine light I had on that threw a code for my secondary air pump. My SA told me that since I have a SULEV (M56), pumps and valves and other parts serving the emissions are covered by an extended warranty and could be replaced for free. As my luck would have it, it was the relay switch that was bad and so they charged me for the electrical part and minimal labor to fix it.

Regardless, my dashboard now only shows the necessary alerts and readouts, and for that I am happy.

Good deal. I think it's a good idea for anyone who thinks that they're "out of warranty" to look over their emissions warranty. Quite a few emissions-related issues have extended coverage and I believe California has even stricter warranty coverage. The BMW warranty booklet has all the details.

it his not the decision of bmw of NA BUT THE HEAD OFFICE OF GERMANY.AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WICH ISSUES YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT (XENON).

I just recieved my recall notice for the taillights so i called my local BMW dealer to make an appointment, they took my name and number and told me they would call me when BMW finalized the class action suit - then they will fix the problem- whats up with that ?

Originally Posted by MRHEAT

I just recieved my recall notice for the taillights so i called my local BMW dealer to make an appointment, they took my name and number and told me they would call me when BMW finalized the class action suit - then they will fix the problem- whats up with that ?

There is an ongoing CA lawsuit for HPFP (E92 etc.), but that's an UNRELATED issue. Your dealer is confused.

thanks i will call them back

Looks pretty routine. In and out in about an hour.