NHTSA recall 11V-438 (11V438000)

exterior lighting recall reported August 26, 2011 - about 241,000 vehicles affected.

NHTSA campaign number: 11V438000
Also written as: 11V-438
Reported: August 26, 2011
Vehicles affected: ~241,000
Component: exterior lighting

What is being recalled

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 325I, 325XI, 330I, AND 330XI VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2001, THROUGH MARCH 1, 2005. OVER TIME, RESISTANCE IN THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS MAY CAUSE ONE OR MORE REAR LAMP FUNCTIONS (TAIL LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, AND/OR TURN-SIGNAL), WITHIN THE VEHICLE'S BODY PANEL, TO STOP WORKING.

Why it is dangerous

INTERMITTENT LIGHT OPERATION REDUCES THE ABILITY TO WARN OTHER MOTORISTS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS. THIS COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

The fix (free at any franchised dealer)

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 15, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 11V-438 when calling a dealer.

Affected 4 models

BMW 325I - 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

BMW 325XI - 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

BMW 330I - 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

BMW 330XI - 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

Each year links to that car's full history: every recall, owner complaints and common problems.

Is YOUR car included? A campaign rarely covers every single vehicle of a model year. Check your exact car by its 17-character VIN with the free VIN decoder and recall check.

Source: NHTSA recall campaign data (public domain), refreshed weekly. See also the latest recall campaigns.