2002 BMW 330I Exterior lighting Problems

“After the recall, NHTSA action number: ea09019 , I brought in my car and they added a ground wire that was to fix the issue with an intermittent lights-out warning at the dashboard. After several months, the issue was still there. I brought the vehicle back to Bmw and they said that they already added the ground cable and that's all they could do. The same issue still exists. Upon reading further regarding this issue, it appears the wiring harnesses had melted due to excessive heat created by a faulty ground cable. …”

“Left taillight assembly shorted out, and the dash indicator light came on. I fixed it with electrician's tape. Today, went in to have the fix prescribed by recall campaign 11v-438000, which exactly addressed my issue. Bmw's recall letter dated december, 2011 includes the lamps will also be checked for proper functionality. If they are not operating properly, then they will be repaired which could include replacement of the lamp's 8-pin connector housing, if necessary . Thus, Bmw is cognizant of the inescapable nexus between a short circuit of the connector and damage to the housing. …”

“Failure of the turn signals, brake lights and rear parking lamps of the 1999-2005 Bmw 3 series ( e46 ). Also noted are forward turn signal lighting failures. The problem may involve two unrelated component failures: chronically overheating/partially melted 7-pin wiring connectors (at the rear lamp cluster) and corroded bulb sockets (at the front turn signals). (the first problem may be more common in warm weather states.) by way of background, I have owned three e46 model Bmw's, all purchased new. All have had repeated, yet intermittent turn signal and exterior lighting problems. …”

“The contact owns a 2002 Bmw 330I. When the vehicle was started, the passenger side brake light seized without warning. The failure recurred randomly. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear light panel and plug failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.”

“The contact owns a 2002 Bmw 330I. The contact stated that the brake lights on the vehicle failed to operate as intended. The contact stated that brake lights remained illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 171,722.”