CarsApp
EA09019EA · Engineering AnalysisEscalated to Recall

Rear Lamp Illumination

This investigation led to a safety recall.

This investigation resulted in a recall
Recall 11V438
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
Opened
Dec 18, 2009
Closed
Sep 28, 2011
Model years
2002–2005
Type
Engineering Analysis

Summary

In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.An 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.BMW will complete dealer notification in September 2011 and will begin owner notification in October 2011.All 3 series sedans (except for the M3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between September 1, 2001 and March 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.The action taken by BMW is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

Vehicles under investigation (26)

  • BMW 3 SERIES2002
  • BMW 3 SERIES2003
  • BMW 3 SERIES2004
  • BMW 3-SERIES2003
  • BMW 318I2003
  • BMW 3252002
  • BMW 325I2002
  • BMW 325I2003
  • BMW 325I2004
  • BMW 325I2005

Source: NHTSA investigation EA09019. Investigations are NHTSA's review of a potential safety issue and may or may not result in a recall.