Known safety concern due to broken wiring in E61 wagon hatch wiring. See this thread: Https://5series.net/forums/E61-touring-discussion-4/tailgate-wiring-harness-replacement-72751/

- Fremont, CA, USA

The wipers keep stopping, not functioning, I had replaced the motor three times now.

- Palmbay, FL, USA

Electrical wiring insulation/sheathing within the headlight unit/housing is showing signs of and or outright deterioration which in turn exposes bare wires within the headlight housing. At this point, the daytime running lamps have been the only effected lights but the wires for the headlights are also noticeably troubled. The issue is not speed, movement or area dependent. For further reference, I will provide a link to an owner's forum detailing other's dilemmas due to this exact issue: www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?T=798640 I look forward to a response.

- Kingsville, TX, USA

While traveling down the highway, I heard a loud noise - very loud - on the top of my car. It sounded like something fell or landed on the sunroof. I safely brought the car to a stop and then saw the huge hole in my sunroof!

- Kankakee, IL, USA

I discovered multiple severed wires in the tailgate/rear window wiring harnesses. Through research online I have found this is a common problem with this vehicle over several model years - search for BMW E61 tailgate wiring problems. The failures are caused by a poor design where the wires entering the hinge guides (4) for the glass and tailgate are repeatedly flexed at a sharp angle until the insulation, then the copper wire breaks. Safety issues - possible electrical short circuit leading to fires (highest load is for rear defroster); lighting failures (rear high brake light, license plate lamps and others); reduced visibility due to loss of wiper/washer/defroster; rear glass latch opening while underway, possibly resulting in loss of cargo or ingress of exhaust fumes. This is not an easily repaired problem. It would be beyond the capabilities of all but a skilled mechanic with proper tools. I discovered it when the rear wiper and rear window defroster stopped working. As I investigated I found the broken wires, along with several others with broken insulation, some with broken copper strands."

- Glenview, IL, USA

The contact owns a 2008 BMW 535I. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the vehicle exhibited loud popping noises, similar to the sound of a gun shot. The contact proceeded to drive the vehicle and the glass from the sunroof began to shatter, falling over him while driving. The contact moved off the roadway and confirmed that the sunroof shattered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer the following day and the contact was advised that something must have struck the sunroof to cause the glass to shatter. The contact was persistent that nothing had struck the sunroof and later while performing research, he discovered that many other owners of the exact same year, make and model had also encountered the sunroof failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was awaiting repairs to the vehicle. The failure and the current mileage was 36,500.

- Anchorage, AK, USA