1996 BMW 840Ci Problems

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Complaints by Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

The Lighting Control Board Module (LKM) of the 1996 BMW 840Ci failed in a manner that caused it to catch fire even though the vehicle was not running at the time, and in fact had not been driven in several days. The fire damaged surrounding modules and wiring inside the passenger compartment of the car, and filled the garage with smoke, necessitating dispatch of the local fire department. The failure happened in the early morning hours and was only discovered by chance that allowed the fire to be put out before the car became fully involved, which could have burned the house down and killed the sleeping occupants. The failure appears to involve the electromechanical relay for the Fog Lights that actuates the lights and powers the board uncommanded - requiring fully disconnecting both batteries in the trunk to remove power from the board, and has been reported on user forums multiple times, including at least one other fire with similar burn patterns reported. No spare parts for this board are available from the manufacturer, so all existing vehicles may eventually see this failure The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer or insurance (no policy covers this failure, and the vehicle is out of warranty), and there were NO warning lights or behavior given by the vehicle in the time before the failure.

Jul 17, 2022

Fire: 1

4.2/5.0

101 reviews

Where to Find VIN for Problems Check

To check for problems and complaints on your 1996 BMW 840Ci, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.

Where to Find VIN Number on 1996 BMW 840Ci for Problems Lookup - Dashboard, Door Jamb, Engine Bay, Documents

Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports

Each character in your 1996 BMW 840Ci 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.

1996 BMW 840Ci VIN Structure for Complaint Verification - WMI, VDS, Check Digit, Model Year, Plant Code

How to Check 1996 BMW 840Ci Problems in 3 Steps

Locate Your VIN

Find the 17-character VIN on your 1996 BMW 840Ci dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.

Review by Component

Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.

Check Safety Issues

Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your BMW dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 1996 BMW 840Ci have?

The 1996 BMW 840Ci currently has 1 owner-reported complaint according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 1996 BMW 840Ci?

The most common problems reported for the 1996 BMW 840Ci are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 1996 BMW 840Ci problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1996 BMW 840Ci comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

How do I report problems with my 1996 BMW 840Ci?

You can report safety problems with your 1996 BMW 840Ci directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.

Where can I find my VIN to check problems?

Your 1996 BMW 840Ci VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Is the 1996 BMW 840Ci reliable?

Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 1996 BMW 840Ci. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.