2004 BMW M3 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 6%of 31 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2004 BMW M3, 6% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,500 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.
“The rear lamps in my body panel that house the brake lamp, turn signal, and tail lamp stopped working and needed to be fully replaced. My car is a low mileage vehicle. This same issue was the subject of NHTSA #11v438000. However, this recall did not include the M3, just all of the other 3 series bmws. Please investigate. This is a safety issue and a costly repair for me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10535258, filed 2013-08, 31,000 miles“Wiring problem with factory headlights. This issue causes headlights to flicker and eventually turn off. It happens while the vehicle is in motion and sitting still.”
NHTSA complaint #11197351, filed 2019-04, 100,000 milesRelated 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 M3
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 BMW M3
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