BMW recalls 241,000 3-Series models over taillight failure

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recall of select BMW 3-Series models from the 2002-2005 model years over a concern of the taillights failing to function as the vehicles age.

This new BMW 3-Series recall affects 325i, 325xi, 330i and 330xi models built between September 1st 2001 and March 1st 2005. Over time, the electrical contacts can exhibit high levels of resistance and that can cause the taillights not to work as expected or as ordered by the driver. The taillight problem reportedly causes intermittent problems that can affect the brake lights, parking lights and turn signals so drivers behind you may not know that you are breaking or preparing to turn and when driving at night, other motorists approaching from the rear may not be able to see you – obviously increasing the chances of an accident.

The key concern here is that the 3-Series is BMW’s bestselling model, especially the 325i and 330i models, so even through a handful of models years are included in this taillight recall, it still includes over 241,000 vehicles in the US market. The good news is that BMW reports that this taillight issue has not caused any accidents or injuries even though there is inherent risk – especially when driving at night. Generally, when the taillights on a premium vehicle like a BMW have a burnt or non-functioning bulb there will be a warning light on the driver’s information center but since this stems from a wiring issue, the car may not notify the driver that there is any problem with the vehicle.

BMW has not gone into much detail as to how they will fix this problem, as electric gremlins can be a nightmare to catch but beginning in early October, the German automaker will instruct owners of the 241,000+ affects coupes and sedans to return to their local dealership where the electric connector issues will be repaired. BMW does point out that over the past few years, around 20,000 2002-2005 BMW 3-Series models have had this issue repaired during normal repairs. According to Bloomberg, only models sold in the US market are affected by this taillight recall so owners of the 2002-2005 BMW 3-Series models in other markets are not involved in this recall.

BMW owners can contact customer service for more information by calling customer relation services at 1-800-525-7417.

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