Investigations
Rear Lamp Illumination
NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA09019 — closed, opened 2009-12-18 and involving the BMW BMW.
NHTSA investigation EA09019 is a Engineering Analysis opened on 2009-12-18 and currently closed. The subject of record is BMW BMW, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for BMW. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2011-09-28 — NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
An Engineering Analysis like EA09019 is the deeper technical phase that follows a PE. NHTSA requests design, warranty, and field-failure data from the manufacturer, conducts its own testing when needed, and determines whether the evidence supports a safety defect finding that would compel a recall.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August 25, 2011, BMW indicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles. The issue involves the rear lamps i..." Investigations are the early-warning layer of the federal auto-safety system, sitting upstream of formal recalls and defect orders. Whether this one closes without action or escalates into an Engineering Analysis, the full history stays in the ODI archive so researchers, litigators, and buyers can pull the paper trail at any time. Related BMW files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August 25, 2011, BMW indicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles. The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel. Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points. This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation. The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection. An 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary. BMW will complete dealer notification in September 2011 and will begin owner notification in October 2011. All 3 series sedans (except for the M3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between September 1, 2001 and March 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles. The action taken by BMW is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation. Accordingly, this investigation is closed.
About This Investigation Type
An Engineering Analysis (EA) is the in-depth phase following a Preliminary Evaluation. NHTSA engineers conduct testing, collect data from manufacturers, and perform detailed technical analysis to determine whether a safety defect exists. An EA may lead to a voluntary recall by the manufacturer or, in rare cases, a mandatory recall order.
Other BMW Investigations
Brake fluid leak at front brake caliper
Steering Oscillation
Steering Oscillation
Idler Pulley Bolt Failure
BMW Safety Act Violations
Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Cross-references: NHTSA recall campaign API and NHTSA FARS where fatality records overlap. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. Learn more.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.