NHTSA complaint: 2007 BMW 530XI — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The front Xenon Headlight Wiring protective plastic coating has degraded and prematurely failed on both headlight assemblies. This caused headlight bulb shorting and poses a potential fire hazard in the front engine compartment of the vehicle. The wiring used in the headlight assemblies was not up to proper standards and failed. The wiring used in other areas of the engine bay seems to be okay. The internal headlight wiring appears to be supplied by the OEM Headlight Manufacturer (HELLA) and does not seem to be up to proper standards to prevent the plastic protective coating from failing over time. This should not be considered a "wear item" as electrical wiring is used throughout millions of much older vehicles without incident.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — Office of Defects Investigation