Brake light switch could overheat, eventually leading to melting of plastic internal parts in area of electrical contacts.
Lights
BMW 528 Lighting problems by year
2 complaints filed with NHTSA about the BMW 528's lights. Headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals and interior lighting failures.
Lighting complaints by model year
Lighting recalls
Latest 528 lighting complaints
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 bmw 528. While traveling 55 mph the contact attempted to activate the headlights, and they began blinking ,and the contact smelled smoke coming from the inside of the vehicle. He lifted the hood, and attempted to disconnect the battery cable, but it was too late. The police department was notified, but by the time they arrived the vehicle was on fire. The current mileage iwas 121,000 , and failure mileage was 120,000.*Ak
The third/middle rear brake light housing has melted due to excessive heat build up when using brakes for extended time periods (e.G., When stuck in very slow moving traffic). This has caused the red lense to melt over the bulb, thereby posing a risk of fire and preventing the car from being inspected. I am concerned about using the car in this condition due to the risk of fire (i have smelled the burning plastic). The housing and lighting assembly are all original equipment. The dealer has indicated that it...
Read the full complaint
will not fix the safety hazard even though it is under warranty and all original equipment (and it will cost $550 for me to repair it). This defect also permits white light to shine from the brake light assembly, thereby posing an additional safety issue.*Ak
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data