This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Nearly every BMW suffers from failed wiring in the headlights. This should be addressed as a recalled oint of failure as it involves everybody on the road.
Driver tail light lamp assembly electrical connector overheated, melted and destroyed #1 contact pin and wire. Driver side tail light assembly no longer operate. Brake and signal lighting system degraded exposing vehicle occupants to increased risk of rear-impact, possible electrical fire and death. No part or the light assembly was not subject to any extreme use conditions. No excessive moisture was introduced to the trunk area where the light assembly is located.
Wire insulation deterioration causing short, potential fire hazard, 5 separate lighting components all wiring insulation severely deteriorated causing short circuiting and inoperable headlights. Bare copper wires making contact I have an extensive history in electronics and firefighting. This issue was found while changing a bulb. This is unacceptable and from what I have read the manufacturer should be ashamed for using inferior materials that could cause a fire (https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?2132684-headlight-wire-jackets-just-flake-off)
Wire rot deterioration at the headlight assembly. Concern electrical fire due to bare exposed wires. Notified the dealer and manufacture without resolution. Personally had to pay over $500 to he dealership just to wrapped with electrical tape. After 3 months, currently experiencing high beam failure (hid adoptive passenger side) which the dealer to replacement cost of $2599.
I had a bulb failure warning illuminate on the dash. I bought the parking light bulb, went to replace it, and found all of the wiring inside of the headlight housing crumbling to bits. There were literally bare wires crossing on top of one another, which is clearly a fire hazard. When I asked my BMW dealer about this, they said it is a common problem, is not covered under warranty, and I have to buy new headlights. I had never heard of internal headlight wiring being considered a wear item, but BMW says otherwise. I have a 30 year old car with all of its wiring intact; this BMW had this problem before it had hit 10 years old. I spent approximately $2000 for new headlights. Clearly this is a major design flaw that the manufacturer should be responsible for, as it presents a clear fire hazard. I do know of one person who experienced a vehicle fire due to this defect in a '05 525I.
- Palm Harbor, FL, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
Warning notice on "I drive" system that there was an emergency with the lighting system and the car should be stopped immediately. Directional signals no longer worked, emergency flashers were inoperative and headlights not operating properly. Brought car to dealer the next day and the problem was corrected with an update to the "I drive" software leading me to believe that BMW is aware of this very serious safety issue but has chosen to ignore it until owners experience the problem and then the owner has to pay for the update to correct the software glitch. My cost was $320.92.
My wife started the car and the headlights and hazard lights began flashing and turn signals did not work. Shut off and restarted the car multiple times with same effect. Drove car to BMW dealer. Dealer technician saw same results. He disconnected battery, restarted car, rebooting the I-drive computer, and could not recreate problem.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Port Saint Lucie, FL, USA