2008 BMW 1 Series Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 28%of 18 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 27,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2008 BMW 1 Series, 28% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 27,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Third brake light lens cracks and allows rain water into unit. After having the dealer replace the lens twice I decided to do it myself. The supplier ecs tuning features the lens assembly with the words -- replace your cracked lens. This made me think the problem is more than a couple of assemblies.”
NHTSA complaint #10946617, filed 2017-01, 60,000 miles“3rd brakelight lens continues to break. I purchased the car in june of 2008 and it is on its 3rd replacement lens under warranty. This is a very expensive part and I'm concerned about others being able to see me when I apply the brakes!”
NHTSA complaint #10322804, filed 2010-03, 20,000 miles“The tail light assembly on the 2008 Bmw one series is now being replaced for the second time (three if you count the factory). The fist time the car had 6k miles on it the second time (aug 2015) it has 50k miles. Per the dealer this is being caused by a bad housing in the taillight kit. It has always been replaced at the dealer using Bmw parts. Currently both tail lights are not working.”
NHTSA complaint #10760007, filed 2015-08, 6,160 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10036986Sep 1, 2011Bmw: mounting tension or the cutout area of the trunk for the light is causing the third brake light lens to crack. This is allowing water to leak in. *rm updated 1/06/12.
- 10037025Aug 1, 2010Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10035584Jun 1, 2010Bmw: replace rear lamps or replace rear lamp seals. The seals on the rear lamps emit a gas that causes damage to the electrical connectors on the leds (light emitting diodes)…
- 10031564Sep 1, 2009Bmw: cracked third brake light. The mounting tension on the third brake light lens is causing the lens to crack from the body. When installing or replacing the third brake light…
- 10025983Jun 1, 2008Bmw: headlamp moisture: fault diagnostics. Water or condensation in one or both headlamps. Models 5 series, 6 series, 7 series, x5, x6, 1 series, and 3 series. Model years…
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 BMW 1 Series
6 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 BMW 1 Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology