2005 BMW 325I Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 25%of 71 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 88,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 BMW 325I, 25% of the 71 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,000 miles. 1 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.
“Problem with electrical system. Left rear brake, tail and turn indicator lights would go on/off. I replaced the bulbs, but there was a loose wire someplace. If the wires/connectors were wiggled, the lights would come on until a bump in the road or I closed the trunk. I reported this to Bmw and but my VIN number was not on the recall list, even though I had the same symptoms. Bmw did repair the problem as a one time good will gesture. Additional VIN's may need to be added to the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10437424, filed 2011-11, 90,000 miles“Oem bi-xenon headlights (manufacturer zkw) have a burned out bowl (reflector) that has greatly reduced the amount of light that is produced. Changing bulbs has made no difference. Many other owners have reported the same type of problem in various user forums.”
NHTSA complaint #10499846, filed 2013-02, 97,150 miles“Instrument panel displays picture of car in orange, along with left, right or both tail lights. This was intermittent, but recently became permanent. Left turn signal indicator also flashes quickly. Left tail light assembly is not operating (no tail, brake light or turn signal light).”
NHTSA complaint #10376868, filed 2011-01, 22,800 miles“The issue is with an 8 pin connector and associated ground wiring. These components are allegedly overheating and melting due to excessive electrical current that runs through the system. Bmw issued a technical service bulletin.”
NHTSA complaint #10433661, filed 2011-10, 61,000 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Bmw 325I. The contact stated that the right turn signal failed. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. The dealer was contacted and they advised the contact that the resistance in the lamp connectors may have failed. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000. The VIN was unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #10443166, filed 2012-01, 108,000 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 2005 BMW 325I
33 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsTires
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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