Investigation DP09002: 2002–2005 BMW 325I

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Apr 8, 2009

Closed

Aug 6, 2009

Model years

2002–2005

Subject

Rear lamp illumination

Component: Exterior lighting › Back up lights

Summary

In march 2009, the office of defects investigation (odi) received a petition from mr. Mark peters requesting an investigation of rear lamp failure in model year 2002-2005 bmw 3-series vehicles.an information request letter was sent to bmw in april 2009, and odi received bmw's response in june 2009.the tail lamp assembly contains lighting for the brake lamps, tail lamps, and turn signals.a technical service bulletin (tsb) was issued by bmw in january of 2007 instructing service technicians to examine an 8 pin electrical connector for heat-related damage and to incorporate additional ground wiring to the connector.complainants have alleged that significant thermal damage to the connector and associated ground wiring has occurred.this condition can result in intermittent or total loss of all lighting (brake, tail, and turn signal) for the effected rear lamp assembly.odi will open a preliminary evaluation to further examine this issue including further evaluating bmw complaints and related warranty data.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 2005 BMW 325I71 complaints
• 2004 BMW 325I147 complaints
• 2003 BMW 325I199 complaints
• 2002 BMW 325I162 complaints