Vehicle recall 96V111000 · July 1, 1996

BMW 525i, 325i and 13 more models

The brake light switch can fail allowing the switch to remain in the "brake lights off" position or in the "brake lights on" position.

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary: The brake light switch can fail allowing the switch to remain in the "brake lights off" position or in the "brake lights on" position.
Consequence: If this happens, the brake lights either will not operate or will be continuously on, regardless of brake pedal position. Following drivers would not be able to determine whether the vehicle is stopping, increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the existing brake light switch with a newly designed switch.
Notes: System: brakes; hydraulic; switch; brake light. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Owner notification: owner notification is expected to begin August 5, 1996. Note: owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 96V111000
Reported to NHTSA: July 1, 1996
Filed by: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
Owner notification: September 30, 1996
Vehicles potentially affected: 180,000
Initiated by: the manufacturer
Components: Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch

Recall 96V111000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

BMW 325i (1992-1994): 1994, 1993, 1992
BMW 325iC (1994): 1994
BMW 325iS (1992-1994): 1994, 1993, 1992
BMW 525i (1990-1994): 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990
BMW 525IT (1992-1994): 1994, 1993, 1992
BMW 530i (1994): 1994
BMW 530IT (1994): 1994
BMW 535i (1990-1992): 1992, 1991, 1990
BMW 540i (1994): 1994
BMW 735i (1990-1992): 1992, 1991, 1990
BMW 735iL (1990-1992): 1992, 1991, 1990
BMW 740i (1993-1994): 1994, 1993
BMW 740iL (1993-1994): 1994, 1993
BMW 750i (1990-1992): 1992, 1991, 1990
BMW M3 (1995): 1995

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