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.
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 535I. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the turn signal warning light illuminated as the passenger's rear turn signal and reverse light failed to illuminate. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
The rear back-up lamp outage warning light came on my dashboard. I attempted to replace the bulb and saw that the wiring harness had been burnt around the brown wire. I searched online and saw that this has happened many times to other with the same yr make and model vehicle. I reported it to the deal who in turn referred me to contact BMW North America. I received an E-mail response from them saying that there is a recall in process and to wait 4-6 weeks. The problem, is that my tail light is not working. It is unfortunate this cannot be fixed immediately. I want to ensure that I am included in this recall.
While driving about 35 mph on a busy street at rush hour I prepared to make a right turn by indicating. The fast turn single flashing started and the computer system in my 2008 535I said rear turn single malfunction. I slowed to my the turn and the person behind me slammed on their brakes and swerved to avoid hitting me and almost crashed into the person next them. I didn't realize why this happened, so I pulled over to check my lighting system and realized that the right rear lights weren't functioning properly. I opened the rear brake compartment and smelled burning melted plastic. I disconnected the brake light connector and found that it was melted. I searched online and found that there is a NHTSA recall for this problem for my year car. When I went to beverly hills BMW I was turned away. They told me that there wasn't a recall that covered my car. They were very rude about the whole and basically told me that I'd have to deal with myself and cover the costs. After more research, I have found many complaints about this online: www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?T=571079 appears to have been going on for a long time. But, BMW has been avoiding the safety issue!!! please file a complaint and get this safety issue resolved before someone dies as a result.
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 535I. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph, smoke emitted from the outside rear of the vehicle and the engine coolant warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. The technician informed the contact that the rear passenger's side tail light wires had failed and were completely burned. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id numbers: 13V407000 (exterior lighting) and 12E029000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in either of the recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
The rear right tail light stopped functioning correctly, and the brake light, the running light, the reverse light, and the blinker stopped working. This created many potential accidents as oncoming drivers could not properly see me reversing or turning right. There is an active recall for the issue and BMW is replacing the rear tail lights for VIN's that the government has identified as having the issue. My vehicle has the issue. BMW refused to replaced the tail light that has permanent loss of functionality. I was forced to pay out of pocket funds for the item that has a recall and BMW North America has refused to assist in this matter. I spoke to [xxx] at BMW North America, he is a customer relations supervisor, and his contact information is in the BMW case file with id last 7 digits of my VIN. He indicated that BMW will not do anything unless the government forces them to by providing the VIN number to them as an effected vehicle. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Sheridan, WY, USA
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The rear rail light warning started flashing intermittently and then rear tail light permanently failed. Inspection of rear tail light showed melting of plastic around ground wire connection to lighting assembly and damage to both light assembly and the wiring. Quick internet search revealed that this was a very common problem in bmws due to inadequate capacity of ground wiring.
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 535xi. The contact stated while driving various speeds, the brake pedal was engaged and the exterior brake warning indicator displayed on the instrument panel indicating the passenger's side brake light was inoperable. On a separate occasion both the left turn signal and passenger's side exterior brake light failed to operate when the brake pedal was engaged and a warning message displayed at the same time. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the electrical contact assembly was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.
The ground connection to the right rear light assembly failed. This resulted in the right rear lights and turn signal not operating. The connector to the wiring harness was melted and the tab on the lamp socket housing (where the connector plugs in) was damaged.
Right rear brake light failure indicator on dash board turned on. Inspecting the light bulbs, all seemed to be in working condition. Fuses were also good. Found the ground wire pin and socket on the bulb holder burned out pretty severely. Problem appears to be intermittent as the indicator would turn on and off before eventually staying on permanently. Also, indicator would show turn signal failure at first, then brake light, then right back up light, then all three. Eventually it settled in on brake light only. Potential for accidents related to turn signals not working and warning other drivers of braking and/or turning. Also potential for an electrical fire beginning in the rear of the vehicle close to where the fuel filler cap is located. Checking online forums for a repair, it appears to be a common problem, and the subject of an earlier recall on other BMW models.
The grounding wire in the connector to the tail light bulb holder melted and melted parts of the connector. This resulted in no signal, brake and running rear lights. A recall has been called for BMW E46 3 series for this exact problem. The recall should be expanded to cover the 5 series as well.
The wire harness connector to the right rear lights burned and melted out for no reason. The fuse did not protect the wires connector from burning. All the rear rights are non operational.
Ground wire for passenger side tail light burned up. Ground wire, both sides of electrical connector, and tail light bulb holder all burned up. Passenger side brake light, tail light, turn signal and back up light do not function at all. Improperly rated fuse did not blow before circuit burned up and melted. This circuit is not designed correctly. This is a safety hazard to myself and anyone driving behind me. Car model is a 2008 528xi.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Washinton, DC, USA