2005 BMW 545I Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 4%of 78 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 BMW 545I, 4% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,000 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.
“I turned my car on and it immediately warned me that my left read brake lamp was not functioning. To be specific, there were four warning lights on: one for the reverse lights, one for the brake lamp, and two other ones. All for the left light. I opened it up and immediately observed that the wiring harness plug where the wiring meets the bulb holder had shorted at the ground wire. The two pieces were melted together, suggesting there may have been a small fire. Bits of melted plastic fell all over the place when I managed to finally pull out the plug.”
NHTSA complaint #10541958, filed 2013-09, 94,000 miles“The wiring inside of the headlights has dried up and fallen off, leaving bare electrical wire. The resulting was both of the headlights became non operational at night. To replace the headlights in the car with all the factory features is about 3200.00 for parts alone. I know of others who have had this happen, and everyone i know who owns one, has the same exact problem. The vehicle in question barely has 125,000 miles on it. I feel the manufacturer should repair these vehicles at no cost to the owners.”
NHTSA complaint #11442056, filed 2021-11Related service bulletins
- 10147945Jan 1, 2014Delay in Automatic Driving Light Switching On/Off. When driving out of a tunnel or exiting underground parking, the automatic driving light remains switched on for two minutes…
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 3 | 4% |
| 2004 | 3 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2005 BMW 545I
34 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
15 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsTires
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 BMW 545I
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