2007 BMW 3 Series Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 6%of 115 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2007 BMW 3 Series, 6% of the 115 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Passenger turn signal bulb was thought to be out. Brought to local Bmw dealer and had them tell me I need a whole headlight since the turn signal burned inside.”
NHTSA complaint #10971454, filed 2017-04, 87,000 miles“Shielding on daytime running lights has frayed and is peeling. Addressed this matter with dealership who in turn referred me to regional brand manager. Brand manager indicated that the wire just doesn't fray and I must have modified my vehicle to cause the problem. My vehicle is completely stock except for a k&n filter has had all services performed at the dealer until about a 10 months when the factory extended warranty expired. I still take it to the dealership for major services but perform oil changes and spark plug changes on my own. …”
NHTSA complaint #10715817, filed 2015-05, 60,000 miles“Xenon adaptive headlights - the wire inside my xenon adaptive headlights is brittle and the insulation is flaking off. I discovered the problem when I opened one of my headlight assemblies to replace a bulb. Significant amounts of wire insulation have flaked off and exposed copper wiring. I have lots of pictures. I am fortunate that I did not have a short or a fire. This is a safety issue and completely unacceptable. Bmw must already know that they have a wiring defect in their cars. Bmw replacement headlight assemblies are $2600 plus labor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10809811, filed 2015-12, 48,000 miles“Wiring insulation cracking degrading leaving exposed bare wiring causing shorts and possible fire in headlight wiring harnesses, wires are stationary do not move. Insulation is craked and falling off wires. Noticed failure during bulb replacement. Made this complaint after reading about numerous other Bmw owners noticing same fault”
NHTSA complaint #10969189, filed 2017-03, 40,000 miles“After being service by dealer for 4 days which included the replacement of right headlight and ABS and brake system the car caught fire which seem to be related to electrical system. While driving the car heavy toxic smoke started coming out of ventilator of AC system. I immediately step out of the car and in a few minutes smoke and flames located in the engine in front of passenger seat burn the car. Flames and black plastic were coming also under the glove compartment right in front of passenger seat. Dealer quoted $25000 for repair and insurance company declared it total loss. …”
NHTSA complaint #10447655, filed 2012-02, 45,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10044032Apr 1, 2012Bmw: the left or right rear light in the side panel has condensation concerning vehicles produced up to february 27,2012.
- 10040057Aug 1, 2011Bmw: wiring on the headlights may have deteriorated due to environmental conditions and the cover not being secured properly. E60/e92. *rm updated 9/30/11.
- 10035224Oct 1, 2010Bmw vehicle: rear bulb failure. The bulb out warning shows in the instrument cluster. Diagnosis shows a fault for the rear lamp. The bulb out can be displayed for 2 possible…
- 10037025Aug 1, 2010Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 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…
- 10025585May 1, 2008Rear bulb failure. Model e92 (3 series coupe) vehicles produced up to january 21, 2008 are affected. The bulb out warning shows in the instrument cluster.
- 10025555Jan 1, 2008Rear light failure displayed in check control. Models e92, e93 (3 series).
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 | 7% |
| 2009 | 5 | 9% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 7 | 6% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2005 | 4 | 16% |
| 2004 | 42 | 55% |
| 2003 | 23 | 32% |
| 2002 | 3 | 12% |
| 2001 | 8 | 22% |
| 2000 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2007 BMW 3 Series
35 complaintsElectrical system
31 complaintsEngine
22 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
9 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2007 BMW 3 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