2004 BMW 325XI Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 16%of 55 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2004 BMW 325XI, 16% of the 55 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“This is a formal petition for a safety defect investigation. My 2004 Bmw 325XI has a left tail light that does not work because of a poor connection at the rear lamp connector (the ground wire receptacle and housing have burnt out because the ground is not strong enough for the current). My right tail light still functions but I am concerned about this side burning out as well and posing a possible fire hazard. …”
NHTSA complaint #10281871, filed 2009-08, 52,000 miles“Three recalls. Front drivers air bag, front passenger airbag, both rear quarter panel lamps carrier connector wires heated and melted. Contacted Bmw of kingsport several times for assistance. Said would help but has not. Need schematic of rear taillight assemblies and repair of airbags.”
NHTSA complaint #11015138, filed 2017-08, 95,000 miles“Consumer complaint regarding Bmw 3 series high failure rate of the emergency flasher switch. (11/08/05) the consumer suggested that the european design be modified where there is no cup holder adjacent to the emergency flasher and switch to the USA design where the emergency flasher is less than 1 inch from the cup holder.”
NHTSA complaint #10141043, filed 2005-11, 41,700 miles“Unreliable taillight/brakelight/turn signal functioning in 2004 Bmw 325XI. Problem began in early 2008. Lighting indicators kept coming on suggesting taillights were out. Replaced all applicable bulbs several times over the past year then finally brought to dealer. They said that they have seen many of these instances where they need to replace carrier, harness and add a ground wire to fix the issue in order to get lights working again. Dangerous at night. …”
NHTSA complaint #10291667, filed 2009-11, 60,000 miles“Right side signal light intermittent failure. When it finally failed there was a scorched wire. Upon investigation found there is a TSB from the manufacturer but only in warranty. No recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10437894, filed 2011-11, 75,480 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 325XI 2002–2005, 325I 2002–2005, 330I 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
Other parts of the 2004 BMW 325XI
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 BMW 325XI
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