Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 67

Thread: Headlight Wire Jackets Just Flake Off

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    Ft. Lauderdale, FL
    Posts
    132
    My Cars
    2006 BMW 530i

    Headlight Wire Jackets Just Flake Off

    Hi all,
    I have a 2006 E60 BMW 530i with Bi-Xenon Adaptive headlights.
    I had an error that my parking light was out but after removing my headlight assy. I found flaking insulation and bare wires everywhere.
    I have searched and searched the internet but cannot find a wire harness.
    The Halo Fiber Optic cables are flaked off as well.

    Using a heat gun I have completely disassembled my headlight and removed the wire harness.
    My next attempt is to totally make a new wire harness complete with new pins in connectors.
    I think that I can use heat shrink tubing over the fiber optic cables.
    The actual light assy. has just 2 black wires that are flaking, the majority of the bad wires are in the actual wire harness.

    Have others found this as well and what have you done?

    I took my headlight to Lauderdale BMW and the Parts Department was aghast at what my headlight looked like.
    They called for a specialist to evaluate my headlight.
    He looked at it and said,Wow that looks really bad, yep, it's because of the Florida Sun and your other headlight probably looks bad too.
    I said if that's the case, may God Bless all of the Florida BMW owners!
    However they would gladly sell me a new headlight for $1500.00 after much pleading, they went down to $1131.76.
    I knew that the Florida Sun had not caused what I was looking at.
    I also own a 1995 Chevy S10 that at 19 years old has no wiring issues at all and it is parked right next to my BMW in the Florida Sun.
    Crazy!


    Bud
    Pictures of my headlight:



    Pictures of Interior
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by Budsbmw; 10-09-2014 at 09:59 AM. Reason: Add Pictures

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    Ft. Lauderdale, FL
    Posts
    132
    My Cars
    2006 BMW 530i
    I sent a email to Hella North America, the headlight manufacturer.
    Below is their response.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    As you know, we don't really have spare parts of this nature.

    Unfortunately, we may manufacture the lamp, but it is to the specifications of the BMW design team - we really have nothing to do with the selection of the components.
    Perhaps he should direct his inquiry to BMW in Germany, rather than to the dealer - in the end, all the dealer wants is to sell him the lamps.

    Sorry.

    Regards,
    Andrée


    Andrée Chaisson
    Senior Product Manager - OE Replacement Parts, Bulbs & Wiperblades
    __________________________________________________ _____________________________

    So I will now write to BMWNA for their official response


    - - - Updated - - -

    Here is BMWNA's official response regarding support for the crumbling wire jacket in their headlights.....
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Dear Mr.

    Thank you for writing to BMW of North America, LLC regarding your 2006 BMW 530i. We were sorry to read of your concerns with your vehicle's headlight.

    The warranty for your vehicle provided coverage up to four years or 50,000 miles. Although we empathize with your situation, due to the current age of the vehicle, we cannot offer assistance in this case.

    Many factors contribute to the actual length of life of any given vehicle part, and it is natural to expect that some parts may have to be replaced due to mechanical failures, or normal wear and tear. The service team at your authorized BMW center is in the best position to address any specific questions you may have. A list of our authorized BMW centers categorized by name, state or ZIP Code can be found on our website at: www.bmwusa.com, under “Dealer Locator.”

    The BMW Customer Relations and Services Department is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., ET. You can reach us at 1-800-831-1117.

    Sincerely,

    Emily Lane
    Customer Relations and Services
    Representative


    - - - Updated - - -

    So at this point BMW's take on this is that it is normal wear & Tear that the headlight wiring degrade to this point in 8 years!
    PS.
    I took my headlight to Lauderdale BMW and the Parts dept. was aghast at what my headlight looked like.
    They called for a specialist to evaluate my headlight.
    He looked at it and said,Wow that looks really bad, yep, it's because of the Florida Sun and your other headlight probably looks bad too.
    I said if that's the case, may God Bless all of the Florida BMW owners!
    However they would gladly sell me a new headlight for $1500.00 after much pleading, they went down to $1131.76.
    I knew that the Florida Sun had not caused what I was looking at.
    I also own a 1995 Chevy S10 that at 19 years old has no wiring issues at all and it is parked right next to my BMW in the Florida Sun.
    Crazy!
    Last edited by Budsbmw; 10-09-2014 at 09:54 AM.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    Ft. Lauderdale, FL
    Posts
    132
    My Cars
    2006 BMW 530i
    Duplicate Post...
    Last edited by Budsbmw; 10-09-2014 at 09:48 AM.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Austin, TX
    Posts
    675
    My Cars
    E36M3, E60545i, F10550i
    Yup. Welcome to the world of biodegradable materials. This is a not uncommon issue with BMWs built in the early-mid 2000's, along with rapidly degrading weather sealing around the windows and windshield. I think they eventually addressed the issue and started using better stuff for the newer models. I have the same issue. I painted the exposed wires with liquid dielectric stuff that looks like tar. I forget the name of it. So far no shorts or blown fuses.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    Ft. Lauderdale, FL
    Posts
    132
    My Cars
    2006 BMW 530i
    After filing a complaint with the NHSTA and the BBB of New Jersey

    Update!
    The day after my complaint with the BBB, I got a call from

    Meg Harrell Becker
    BMW North America LLC
    Executive Customer Care
    Customer Relations and Services

    Meg said that she would have her Field team look into my situation and get back to me.
    Though she could not promise anything due to the age and mileage of my BMW.
    I later received an email from Meg stating please allow 5 business days for the review.

    The very next day I got a call from Meg at BMW North America LLC.
    She had made one inquiry via one call to Lauderdale BMW and they all decided exactly how to handle me and my problem..

    Meg told me that she called Lauderdale BMW and discussed my car, that in the past 7 years, only recently did I have it serviced by them.
    and that I had declined a service repair on what they said was needed.
    Therefore, that fact that the car has not been properly maintained along with the age and mileage of the car the only conclusion is that they cannot offer me any support.
    Except for the wholesale price of the headlight given to me by Lauderdale BMW ( $1131.76)

    I explained to Meg that after the warranty period expired the car was serviced by a private company and not Lauderdale BMW.
    Mainly due to the exorbitant service costs at the dealer.
    However the car has been properly maintained and all of the required services performed.
    I told her that at no time did I refuse service, Items were mentioned to me such as a water pump and thermostat via errors in the computer
    but I was also told that those errors could have been related to the battery issue that I took the car in for!
    The Service writer advised me to watch it and see if I have any cooling issues.
    I have had no cooling issues and I recently changed the coolant and the pump worked perfectly throughout the bleeding process.
    To be honest they also mentioned to me a slight oil leak coming from the valve cover gasket.
    Meg did not want to hear any of it.
    I said that I would be happy to supply the service records and name of the company that has maintained the car.
    She said, is it from another BMW dealership? I said no it is a private company with a factory authorized repair technician.
    Not good enough for her! LOL!

    After all of this smoke screen trying to say that the wires broke down because I did not maintain my car correctly,
    I said, "Meg, what does any of this have to do with the wiring in a sealed headlight?
    And the fact of who has serviced the car besides Lauderdale BMW in the past 7 years?
    And if I had replaced my water pump and thermostat or anything else that Lauderdale BMW recommended at my last service?
    None of this has anything to do with the wiring harness in a sealed headlight!
    Meg said, "Well it shows that the car was not properly maintained and therefore we deny you any support for the headlight!"
    I said, "Meg, how did I not properly maintain the wiring inside the headlight?
    Was there any kind of service that either BMW or myself was supposed to do that was not done and has led to the breakdown of the wiring
    She just said that those are our findings.
    I said have a good day Meg, she said you too Mr. ____

    I knew that I was dead before the call was even placed to me, to go on would just be fruitless!
    There was absolutely nothing that I could say that would in any way make any difference.
    As I said above, Meg called with a verdict and not to discuss anything!
    Meg and her associates had already put a plan together.
    They would simply say that because the car had not been maintained properly they could and would refuse any support!
    This response would also be sent to the BBB so they could discredit me and my complaint!
    Remove BMW from any further scrutiny in this matter!

    Meg was not calling me today to get some further information in regards to whom and how the car had been maintained or to have any further discussion with me at all.
    She was very agitated and a woman on a mission, crush me and this complaint any way possible!
    In fact her voice and tone was as if I had personally wronged her in some way!
    I could hardly stop her as she was talking very fast through what seemed like a written down statement.

    So that's it.
    If anyone is thinking of following in my footsteps you better make sure that your car is a dealer serviced car,
    because otherwise you will get the same treatment! Don't leave them an out on you!
    Have your T's crossed and your i's dotted!

    Now that that is all done, I will do what I can to resolve this myself, either I am successful at repairing the headlight or I'll have to buy a new one!

    The case of the dead headlight moves on.
    PS. It's just the principle of the thing that really peeves me off!
    Like the wiring in my headlight would be perfect today if an actual BMW Dealer changed my oil, replace my Valve cover gasket, did my brakes etc. etc. etc.
    They know it's bonkers and so do I, but that's the horse they will ride!

    Bud
    Last edited by Budsbmw; 10-09-2014 at 10:02 AM.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    Ft. Lauderdale, FL
    Posts
    132
    My Cars
    2006 BMW 530i
    Hi all,
    Just an FYI.
    I have sent emails out to people that I know across the country as well as posting here and it is amazing the response that I have received.
    A number of people have responded that they either wrapped their wires or used the black glue/tar like stuff or even purchased new headlights.
    Yet no one said a word to anyone!
    And most importantly....No one filed a complaint with the NHTSA.
    Vehicle Owners | Safercar -- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

    If everyone that this has touched had filed a complaint with the NTHSA then maybe there would already be a Recall.
    Just as there is a Recall for some of BMW's tail lights due to bad wiring!
    Even if you have or know someone that has already fixed the problem it is important that everyone takes a few minutes and goes to the NHTSA website and file a complaint.
    Tell anyone that you know, even if they do not own a BMW, they may know someone who does!
    Early diagnoses with some prevention may save them from what is happening now.


    Thanks

    Bud
    Last edited by Budsbmw; 10-09-2014 at 10:02 AM. Reason: Remove e-mail address causing spam flag

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    Ft. Lauderdale, FL
    Posts
    132
    My Cars
    2006 BMW 530i
    Hi all,
    Sometimes I hate being correct but BMW submitted their official response to the wiring issue of my headlight!
    If you can see anything in their response that even attempts to logically explain why the wiring is deteriorating, your better than me.
    Here it is:

    Mr. ___ had not been to an authorized BMW center in 7 years prior to May 9, 2014. On May 9, 2014 Mr. ___ came in for service to register an aftermarket battery purchased for his 2006 BMW 530i. At that time, as a courtesy, the service center advised the customer his veihcle required repairs. Namely, Water Pump - Replace, Thermostat - Coolant - Replace, Cylinder Head Cover Gaskets - Replace, Engine Oil Pan leaking, replace Radiator Hose. Mr. ___ declined these repairs. It is not possible for BMW NA to verify the proper maintenance of Mr. ___ vehicle since he had not frequented an authorized BMW center and previously declined repairs. The warranty on Mr. ___ vehicle expired 7/29/09. Mr. ___ has been out of warranty for 6 years. Therefore, BMW NA offered to provide the requested part at the wholesale customer price, an approximate 28% discount of the MSRP. This offer is valid until October 31, 2014.

    Sent on: 10/2/2014 12:53:51 PM

    Sent by: 170.34.104.12
    Well that cleared it all up for me!
    Lauderdale BMW's repair quote was I believe around $8,000.00.
    Why I just didn't schedule a follow up service appointment to do this work, I'll never know...Oh my God! What was I thinking!
    Even the service writer said that with an out of warranty vehicle I might want to look elsewhere for these repairs!
    I appreciated his honesty and ability to relate to me that BMW's prices, were just not applicable to a 2006 BMW 530i!
    The repairs could be taken care of for much much less!

    The radiator hose was $90.00 and the coolant was $25.00 that's a whopping $115.00.
    The old radiator hose is removed by raising clips at the connectors with a screwdriver and then clicking on a new hose. Literally one of the easiest repairs I ever did.
    I replaced the coolant at the same time and the water pump worked flawlessly while removing any air from the coolant.
    I have not had any cooling issues and never did.
    As far as the oil pan leaking, which I've read is a real PIA not to mention expensive to replace the pan gasket.
    From one oil change to the next I will lose a half of a quart of oil!
    Roughly $4.00, but yes, I should rush in my car to Lauderdale BMW and spend over a thousand dollars to fix a leaking oil pan gasket!
    If I drove 12,000 miles in a year and did 4 oil changes, each time dripping out a half of a quart...that's $16.00 in a year!
    Over ten years it would be $160.00 but I should spend over a thousand dollars to fix this problem now!

    Still the bottom line is:
    What in the end does any of this possibly have to do with the wires in my headlight having bare copper?
    BMW will not and I believe unless they are forced to by the NHSTA will never address the wiring issue!
    They will throw up as many smoke screens as they can while dealing with us one at a time.
    For BMW to help even one person would mean that BMW would have to admit that there IS A real Problem and they will never do that!

    The BBB asked me if I accepted BMW's response or not...I'm sure you can guess what I said.
    I replied with pretty much what I have said here and how disappointed I am in BMW.
    They had a chance to step up and do the right thing but instead did what we have all come to expect from a big corporation such as BMW!
    Protect their Bottom Line at all costs!

    I have ordered GXL wiring that has the best outer jacket for automotive (GM-Chrysler and Ford use this wiring) it is from here: http://www.wirebarn.com/
    Wire Barn was one of the few places that I could find that offers lengths in the 10 to 25 foot range per spool.
    I ordered the eight color spools (25 feet per roll) in the 20 gauge size.
    GXL Wire:

    Summary

    Type GXL (general purpose cross-linked) XLPE automotive primary wire is for use in engine compartments where higher heat resistance is required according to SAE J1128.
    General Information:

    Chemically cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation
    RoHS Compliant
    A variety of insulation colors available

    Available Approvals

    SAE: -40°C to 125°C, 60V, J1128

    Available Constructions Include

    Soft-annealed, bare copper conductor
    Soft-annealed, tinned copper conductor

    Available Certifications

    SAE: J2549
    Ford: ESB-M1L86-A, ESB-M1L85-B
    Chrysler: MS-8900
    Delphi: M-3070

    Applications

    For use in automotive applications. Rated for continuous use from -40ºC up to 125ºC.
    Why doesn't BMW use this wire?

    Have a great day all,

    Bud

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    ATL
    Posts
    741
    My Cars
    '87 329iS, '08 Alpina B7
    Quote Originally Posted by Budsbmw View Post
    What in the end does any of this possibly have to do with the wires in my headlight having bare copper?
    Absolutely nothing, as the headlight assembly is sealed and does not require any scheduled maintenance. I would challenge BMW to provide you with any documentation where regular headlight 'maintenance' is routinely recommended and performed by BMW dealers.

    I admire you championing this battle with BMW. It is clearly a MAJOR fire hazard. Three or four weeks ago I saw a burned 525i at a shop, owner of the shop suspected one of the headlights as the undamaged headlight on the other side of the car had the same wiring issue you and I have had, and the fire clearly started at the right front corner of the car. right headlight was completely melted, paint on hood was melted, front bumper was slightly damaged around the headlight area. I'm no fire investigator, but to me it is plainly evident what likely happened.

    If you think there is anything I can do to assist other than filing a complaint with NHTSA, please let me know. I have saved my old headlights and placed them in a sealed box. BMW knows this is a problem. When I showed my dealer my headlights the response was 'yep, we see this a lot on these cars'.
    Last edited by Kyle B; 10-09-2014 at 05:13 PM.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Louisiana
    Posts
    34
    My Cars
    2007 BMW 335i Coupe
    Well I just got through repairing all the wiring at the top part of my passenger headlight only to flip it over and see all the wiring by the ballast shredded and pieces of insulation all in the lens area. So I am in the same boat now with wondering how come the wiring in my heat gun that I am going to use to disassemble this $1500 headlight don't fray under the heat but this seemingly $40K+ car wiring does. I don't live in Florida so what would be their excuse now? Mine is completely trashed and now I am on the search for new wiring harness or to rebuild mine. If anyone knows where to buy them, let me know.
    2007 BMW 335I Coupe
    Arctic Metallic Blue, Dakota Two Tone Brown Leather & Black Trim

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    Ft. Lauderdale, FL
    Posts
    132
    My Cars
    2006 BMW 530i
    Hi all,
    I had assumed that the headlight wiring issue was isolated to the E60's but a post on another forum has revealed a 2004 330Ci to be affected as well.

    I guess I should start to list known vehicles of people that have a wiring problem.
    Not that it means if you do not own one of the cars listed you are safe, I would still urge ALL BMW Car owners to keep a close look inside their headlights.
    However if you DO own one of the cars listed below you really need to be very aware of this problem and keep an eye on your headlight.
    It is a Cancer in your headlight and the earlier that you catch it, the easier it is to repair.

    Starting with my car first:


    1) 2006 530i (with Adaptive Headlights. Part # 63-12-7-160-157)
    2) 2004 525i
    3) 2004 530i
    4) 2004 545i
    5) 2004 330Ci
    6) 2007 530i
    7) 2007 335i
    8) 2008 528i
    9) 2008 535i
    10) 2008 550i


    If you have this problem and do not see your car listed please tell us here and I will update the list....

    Bud
    Last edited by Budsbmw; 10-31-2014 at 06:49 AM.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Austin, TX
    Posts
    675
    My Cars
    E36M3, E60545i, F10550i
    The local auto parts guy told me that the problem is soy based electrical insulation used in some European cars in the 2000's. He said Saab cars had the same problems, with major engine harness issues in some models. FWIW.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    Ft. Lauderdale, FL
    Posts
    132
    My Cars
    2006 BMW 530i
    Hi all,
    As my post suggests I have had to rewire my complete headlight because my wires had degraded to bare copper.
    What little insulation that remained on the wires crumbled and flaked off when I touched them.
    Because it has been so invasive I wonder if it will work but I had to try!
    I've added some pictures and I will post back with the results..I think that I'm almost done.
    I had to get some liquid tape to seal around the heat shrink in a few places.

    A few pictures..... In the last picture you can see the Fiber Optic Covered in Heat shrink.
    Also in the harness you can see one last bare copper wire that I need to cut out and then solder in a new color-coded wire....
    Yes welcome to my Nightmare!!!

    Bud
    Do you like my insulation speckled work table? LOL!

    Attached Images Attached Images

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    A Bob Ross Painting
    Posts
    389
    My Cars
    00 M Coupe
    Hey Bud! Thanks for posting this, I just stumbled upon it while searching the forums for why our 08' 335i is doing the same thing! I just submitted a complaint to NHTSA. It's not as bad as yours appeared to be...unless I touch it, in which case it just falls off. Regardless, wiring insulation disintegrating like this paves the way for car fires and is in no way an acceptable form of 'wear and tear' at this age.
    // TODO: Create sig

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    44
    My Cars
    e36 332is, e38-SOLD, e31
    1995 840ci, same exact problem. Just getting started, and this is NOT reassuring. Any updates here?

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    SW Florida
    Posts
    1
    My Cars
    2006 BMW 330i
    Same problem here with a 2006 330i that has adaptive headlights. I'm planning on yanking the headlights this weekend and trying to tackle. Tired of not being able to drive at night! Anyone have any success once the wiring has been properly insulated? I've read that the FRM in the footwell may need replaced.

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Canyon Lake, Texas
    Posts
    2
    My Cars
    2008 BMW 528i
    Same problems. Just bought a 2008 528i (E60) w/94k miles. Went to change the angel eyes from drab yellow to LUX LED's. Noticed bare wires on both sides of the bulb connectors, on both sides of the car. Tried to use electrical tape, just made more bare wire. The more I touched the wire, the more insulation flaked off, almost like a powder. I've never seen anything like it. Can't possibly be safe. Neighbor brought over a bottle of liquid tape, and I re-coated all the bare wire I could see, making sure each wire was separated so a short would not occur. That is a good TEMPORARY fix. Will have to stay on top of this problem, as the pictures above show that most, if not all, of the headlight wiring is made with bad wire insulation. A real disappointment in otherwise good German quality and engineering. I guess the source procurer at the factory saved BMW some big bucks on that wire!! This is definitely a NHTSA safety recall issue. Tort lawyers should have a field day on this one.

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    São Paulo - brasil
    Posts
    2
    My Cars
    530i - 2006 - E60
    Hi, Bud
    I'm from Brazil, I had the same problem, the worst, i think it affected the CCC, too.
    The problem is the heat that comes from xenon, specification of the wires are wrong by BMW. They used the same wires for incandescent lamps.
    So, Brazil is hot, too, rsrsrsrs

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Atlanta, GA
    Posts
    6
    My Cars
    2002 525I

    crumbling BMW Headlight wires

    We need to get together get some signature and threaten BMW with a class action Lawsuit, since I have a 2008 535I post LCI and have the same issue. They are taking us for granted.
    Quote Originally Posted by Budsbmw View Post
    I sent a email to Hella North America, the headlight manufacturer.
    Below is their response.
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    As you know, we don't really have spare parts of this nature.

    Unfortunately, we may manufacture the lamp, but it is to the specifications of the BMW design team - we really have nothing to do with the selection of the components.
    Perhaps he should direct his inquiry to BMW in Germany, rather than to the dealer - in the end, all the dealer wants is to sell him the lamps.

    Sorry.

    Regards,
    Andrée


    Andrée Chaisson
    Senior Product Manager - OE Replacement Parts, Bulbs & Wiperblades
    __________________________________________________ _____________________________

    So I will now write to BMWNA for their official response


    - - - Updated - - -

    Here is BMWNA's official response regarding support for the crumbling wire jacket in their headlights.....
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Dear Mr.

    Thank you for writing to BMW of North America, LLC regarding your 2006 BMW 530i. We were sorry to read of your concerns with your vehicle's headlight.

    The warranty for your vehicle provided coverage up to four years or 50,000 miles. Although we empathize with your situation, due to the current age of the vehicle, we cannot offer assistance in this case.

    Many factors contribute to the actual length of life of any given vehicle part, and it is natural to expect that some parts may have to be replaced due to mechanical failures, or normal wear and tear. The service team at your authorized BMW center is in the best position to address any specific questions you may have. A list of our authorized BMW centers categorized by name, state or ZIP Code can be found on our website at: www.bmwusa.com, under “Dealer Locator.”

    The BMW Customer Relations and Services Department is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., ET. You can reach us at 1-800-831-1117.

    Sincerely,

    Emily Lane
    Customer Relations and Services
    Representative


    - - - Updated - - -

    So at this point BMW's take on this is that it is normal wear & Tear that the headlight wiring degrade to this point in 8 years!
    PS.
    I took my headlight to Lauderdale BMW and the Parts dept. was aghast at what my headlight looked like.
    They called for a specialist to evaluate my headlight.
    He looked at it and said,Wow that looks really bad, yep, it's because of the Florida Sun and your other headlight probably looks bad too.
    I said if that's the case, may God Bless all of the Florida BMW owners!
    However they would gladly sell me a new headlight for $1500.00 after much pleading, they went down to $1131.76.
    I knew that the Florida Sun had not caused what I was looking at.
    I also own a 1995 Chevy S10 that at 19 years old has no wiring issues at all and it is parked right next to my BMW in the Florida Sun.
    Crazy!

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    sp hill,fl,usa
    Posts
    1,253
    My Cars
    e30 e28 e60 k1200gt
    i'm no chemist - someone should do a eval of coating- & pressure the insurance co's this is a fire hazard - HID lights burn HOT - (why i dont use them in my e30 &e28's)
    HEY NTSB - if the lights short out @ 70 mph - aint that a safety issue ? takata fought the air bag issue - & LOST - SO WHY NOT FREAKING HEADLIGHTS ?
    similar to the brake booster ck valve - bad rubber in them - so no headlights & no brakes ? & bad air bags ? WTF BMW ???

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Atlanta, GA
    Posts
    6
    My Cars
    2002 525I
    Guys,
    I know that this is an old issue but I have a 2008 and have the same issue and BMW treated me the same way they did to BUDSBMW. I filed a complaint with
    http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetyIssues.
    Please file complaints even if your issue is old. Thats the only way to make BMW liable and honest. The more complaints the more pressure.

  21. #21
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Location
    Sugar Land
    Posts
    1
    My Cars
    2007 650 1975 Corvette
    Guys,

    Just found this flaking insulation problem on my 2007 650, It is not as bad as some of the pictures in this post, but it is heat related and will be tough to repair

  22. #22
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
    Location
    houston
    Posts
    1
    My Cars
    05 325ci vert-99trans am
    same problem here 05 325ci vert.....will try the liquid electrical tape first....if not, i guess its time to go broke....

  23. #23
    Join Date
    Nov 2016
    Location
    jacksonville, fl
    Posts
    1
    My Cars
    2008 BMW 528i
    2008 528i here. Same problem. Low beam headlight out on one side, parking light out on the other.
    I'm going to order a pair of these, hopefully solving the issue once and for all:
    https://www.carid.com/hella/driver-s...FUUHhgodPL8ISw

    Any negatives to buying the headlights above?

    Glad I found this forum. Will visit here often.

  24. #24
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    dallas, tx
    Posts
    112
    My Cars
    2008 Nissan Titan CC
    Wow... that's a good price for HELLA headlights. Let me know when you get them and how easy or hard they are to install?

    also, on your 08 528i, do you have dynamic xenon adaptive headlights?

  25. #25
    Join Date
    Nov 2016
    Location
    Miami, FL
    Posts
    2
    My Cars
    2004 BMW 330Ci
    Same problem here with a 2004 330Ci that has adaptive headlights. I'm planning on rebuilding the wire harnesses. After close analysis of the problem, high voltage breakdown is definitely a contributing factor as I had not only flaking insulation but also brittle copper. BMW definitely specified the wrong wire type for the headlight environment and electrical characteristics.

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •