sealing Z4 headlights to stop water condensation buildup

[kis]

There's no point sealing the "gap" between the headlight lense and the black housing. The lense is stepped and the black frame has a deep groove for the lense to embed into. Think of it like a continuous Mortise and Tenon Woodworking Joint. After that's sealed with whatever sealant BMW use, it's not IMO going to be the cause of water ingress.

Furthermore, the 3x weep holes are designed to allow the light to self ventilate. I wouldn't block them. It would be like creating a terrarium inside your headlight, not advisable to say the least! Water would evaporate, condense and just never be able to get out.



I wouldn't advise heating the lense of the light, see attached.

Heat damage 3.jpg (162.78 KiB) Viewed 314 times

Heat damage 2.jpg (125.88 KiB) Viewed 314 times

Heat damage 1.jpg (99.6 KiB) Viewed 314 times

If you do choose to heat it with a hairdryer or a heat gun, remember to keep it moving and don't have the heat on too high (heat from the rear access cover).

As mentioned the rear access covers can be bought from the dealer for like £10-15 each. They are new (undamaged) and come with fresh rubber to create a good seal against your headlight.

Finally, I've had a few headlights in my time for various reasons. I'll say that the black plastic is quite brittle, so check that thoroughly for cracks or holes. This would be access to our nemesis, water (and other small dirt particles).

Hole.jpg (161.63 KiB) Viewed 314 times

This next picture shows the bracket which holds the rear access cover (the only bracket which cannot be replaced). This is also notorious for being damaged or missing altogether. This will also create a very poor seal.

Crack.jpg (168.09 KiB) Viewed 314 times

I hope this helps

[1536Z4]

sorted for the foreseeable

Here`s hoping

[1536Z4]

I hope this helps

Good information there Kis

[kis]

I hope this helps

Good information there Kis

Thanks mate. Hopefully some of the info is new and helpful for other members