NHTSA investigation

Rear lamp illumination

An NHTSA investigation is a review of a possible safety defect. Opening one is not a finding that a defect exists; it can close with a recall or without one.

Investigation: Defect Petition DP09002
Opened: April 8, 2009
Status: Closed Aug. 6, 2009
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Summary (NHTSA)

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.

Vehicles covered

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Check NHTSA for the investigation documents.