Defect Investigation Detail

BMW / M3 / 2004

Components - Details
NHTSA Action Number: DP09002 Vehicale/Equipment Name: BMW
Vehicale/Equipment Model: M3 Vehicale/Equipment Year: 2004
Component Name: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS Manufacturer's Name: BMW of North America, LLC
Date Opened: Apr, 08 2009 Date Closed: Aug, 06 2009
Subject: REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION Summary: 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.