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Exterior lightingPart report

2004 BMW 325CI Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
7%of 68 total for the year
Median mileage
105,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2004 BMW 325CI, 7% of the 68 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 105,000 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.

“Driver side brake lamp has gone out. In researching, found that this is a common problem with this model in the LED tail light and can cause a crash due to other drivers not being able to tell that you are stopping. Found recall information on NHTSA site and contacted Bmw. I was informed that my specific VIN was not included in this campaign, yet the problem is the same problem that affects 241,000 other cars. I would like to ask that my situation (and VIN) be evaluated and included in the recall since this is a known issue with this model. Thank you for your assistance!”

NHTSA complaint #10481567, filed 2012-10, 91,500 miles

“Headlight wiring insulation on standard Bmw headlights is brittle and falling off exposing bare copper wires within the headlight assembly. In order to protect the headlights I have had to wrap the wires in electrical tape and shrink wrapping. This issue has existed for several years.”

NHTSA complaint #10970029, filed 2017-04, 130,000 miles

“The internal wiring in the adaptive bi-xenon headlights gets brittle and cracks with the risk of short circuits, potential fire and headlight failure.”

NHTSA complaint #10651523, filed 2014-10, 105,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2004 BMW 325 CI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side rear turn signal light became inoperable while attempting to make a turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the rear turn signal light failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear tail lamp functions had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …”

NHTSA complaint #11655866, filed 2025-04, 250,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2006411%
2005516%
200457%
200327%
200213%
200148%

Other parts of the 2004 BMW 325CI

Air bags
41 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
9 complaints
Electrical system
5 complaints
Seats
3 complaints
Brakes
2 complaints
Fuel system
2 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
Engine
1 complaints
Engine cooling
1 complaints
Equipment
1 complaints
Steering
1 complaints
Tires
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 BMW 325CI

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