2004 BMW 325I Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 44about this part
- Share
- 30%of 147 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 44 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2004 BMW 325I, 30% of the 147 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,000 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Both taillights have been out due to corrosion in the 8 pin connector. This has prevented the signal and occasionally the brake light to work. While making highway turns I have come close to accidents numerous times. I cannot make a turn without taking my eyes off the road. The bulb warning is also on display on the dash.”
NHTSA complaint #10417881, filed 2011-08, 81,000 miles“I have a major Bmw problem. It currently has a service bulletin # si b 63 03 06 lights but Bmw will not fix this out of warranty even though they knew about this when my car was under warranty and I was supposed to get full services. I want a formal investigation.”
NHTSA complaint #10349492, filed 2010-08, 79,000 miles“The vehicle came equipped from the factory with bi-xenon auto leveling headlights manufactured by zkw. The light output of the headlights is below any vehicle that I have encountered on the road. Cars that are over 20 years old have brighter headlights. I have replaced the bulbs and it hasn't helped. Looking at it further, brown scorch marks are visible in the projector when the headlight is on. The rear of the projector is completely brown and burnt. At night, it is becoming very difficult to see. At this point I don't feel safe driving the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10460516, filed 2012-06, 109,000 miles“I have a 2004 Bmw 325I. The rear indicator warning light came on telling me the light was out. The light was not out. I had to get a state inspection as I live in virginia. The dealer would not pass my car due to the dashboard indicator being on. The estimate was $367. I declined the work and tried to find out what was wrong on my own. I discovered you all started an investigation on 4/9/09 on this issue. I also found internal documents from Bmw on the web describing the defect . They don't have enough grounding wires and it causes melting and corrosion. This is dangerous. …”
NHTSA complaint #10275613, filed 2009-07, 47 miles“This car suffers from the known burnt xenon low beam bowls, its impossible to see anything at night and is not safe. This needs to be recalled by Bmw immediately, headlights have been adjusted properly and new bulbs were put in and does not cure the problem. Its very common for these xenon headlights to have this problem in alot of 2003+ Bmw 3 series.”
NHTSA complaint #10639121, filed 2014-09, 113,000 milesRelated recalls
- 11V438000Aug 26, 2011Bmw is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi vehicles manufactured from september 1, 2001, through march 1, 2005. Over time…Covers: BMW 325I 2002–2005, 330I 2002–2005, 325XI 2002–2005 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 10037025Aug 1, 2010Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 9 | 2% |
| 2005 | 18 | 25% |
| 2004 | 44 | 30% |
| 2003 | 48 | 24% |
| 2002 | 44 | 27% |
| 2001 | 23 | 15% |
| 1995 | 1 | 3% |
| 1994 | 2 | 12% |
| 1993 | 3 | 14% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2004 BMW 325I
62 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 BMW 325I
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