Skip to content
Exterior lightingPart report

2009 BMW 3 Series Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
9%of 53 total for the year
Median mileage
52,250miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2009 BMW 3 Series, 9% of the 53 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,250 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.

“Upon returning to seattle, wa, since I flew down to berkley, ca to purchase my vehicle, I noticed excessive headlamp shake when going over any bumps on the highway, especially expansion joints. Both left and right headlamps shake equally as bad, and I consider that a safety hazard while driving. It is very distracting and searching many online forums, people have been having many issues with the adaptive headlamp bracket arms being broken. Cpo warranty does not cover headlamps according to Bmw, and they are not willing to pay for both replacements.”

NHTSA complaint #10667652, filed 2014-12, 80,000 miles

“I think Bmw needs to look into a recall for the tail lights on the 3 - series models from 09 and up. The circuit board for the LED signal lights malfunctions and some of the LED's stop working. When those few stop working, it affects the entire circuit and the rest are very dim/not visible. This also causes the warning indicator on the dash to come up advising that you have a burnt out bulb . I have already had my drivers side replaced a couple of months ago and now the passenger side is having issues. There are also several others reporting the same issue online. …”

NHTSA complaint #10545251, filed 2013-09, 27,900 miles

“2009 Bmw 328i, the directional light at times blinks rapidly and a warning of light problem illuminates. The directional blinks fast and light is dull on exterior tail and front lamps. At times works normally and then begins to blink rapidly with a bell warning and electrical warning light sign displays. This problem has known to Bmw as the service dealers received a bulletin. Will not cover if out of warranty but seems to be a common issue enumerated by many customers.”

NHTSA complaint #10556983, filed 2013-12, 32,500 miles

“The right tail lights' turn signal start flickering with the light error signal in the dash, I researched it to find out that they have been several service bulletins out about the rear turn signals getting corrosion. I called the dealer and they stated it was out of warranty and they would not pay to fix it. They stated they knew the service bulletins were out but it was not a recall. After further searching I found out the older models had a recall to fix this issue. If they know they have an issue then why don't they fix it.”

NHTSA complaint #10854350, filed 2016-04

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201027%
200959%
200823%
200776%
200621%
2005416%
20044255%
20032332%
2002312%
2001822%
200022%

Other parts of the 2009 BMW 3 Series

Air bags
15 complaints
Fuel system
10 complaints
Electrical system
8 complaints
Engine
5 complaints
Other or unknown
4 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
Engine cooling
3 complaints
Seat belts
3 complaints
Seats
3 complaints
Steering
3 complaints
Brakes
2 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2009 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