2004 BMW 3 Series exterior lighting problems
42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the exterior lighting on the 2004 BMW 3 Series — 55% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Headlamp bulb out and upon replacement it was noted the coated wiring to the xenon system to right and left headlight is brittle (the wires plastic coating is falling off)and in some places exposed wiring was found. Electrical tape need to wrap the wiring to avoid potential fire. Late notice to…”
filed Mar 22, 2019
“Headlights project almost no light. Just paid $130 to have lenses cleaned, no improvment. I thought it was my eyes and complained to opthamologist twice but my eyes are ok. I've read tht the reflector bowls in this model melt from the heat of the bulb. I need to remedy this situation asap so I will…”
filed Jan 2, 2017
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Exterior Lighting problems in other 3 Series years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 3 Series | 2 | 7% |
| 2009 3 Series | 5 | 9% |
| 2008 3 Series | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 3 Series | 7 | 6% |
| 2006 3 Series | 2 | 1% |
| 2005 3 Series | 4 | 16% |
| 2003 3 Series | 23 | 32% |
| 2002 3 Series | 3 | 12% |
| 2001 3 Series | 8 | 22% |
| 2000 3 Series | 2 | 2% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2004 BMW 3 Series
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.