Can i drill a hole in my lights to prevent condensation?
- Thread starter Double.0
- Start date
Drill holes and the condensation will be far worse!!
I had this problem, its the gasket seals, I took the backs off the lights (inside the wheel arches, the ones you take off to change the bulbs) I then thoroughly dried out the lights using a hairdryer!!, watch for the water that sits in the tray at the bottom, you will see what I mean when you are doing it,that bit is the hard one to get rid of, you can if you are brave get rid of the worst of this with a straw!!pryor to this I bought new rubber gaskets (came with the covers too) put them back on, no condensation whatsoever. total cost about £18
I had this problem, its the gasket seals, I took the backs off the lights (inside the wheel arches, the ones you take off to change the bulbs) I then thoroughly dried out the lights using a hairdryer!!, watch for the water that sits in the tray at the bottom, you will see what I mean when you are doing it,that bit is the hard one to get rid of, you can if you are brave get rid of the worst of this with a straw!!pryor to this I bought new rubber gaskets (came with the covers too) put them back on, no condensation whatsoever. total cost about £18
Pain in the arse problem!
I doubt it would be advisable - I'm guessing they're sealed that well for a reason! Putting holes in might help rid the moisture but let dust and other things in. I'd be inclined to remove the lights, take the bulbs out and dry them out for as long as possible. Then go round the edge with some sealant before putting back. There are a few posts up at the moment with a few pointers.
Good luck!
I doubt it would be advisable - I'm guessing they're sealed that well for a reason! Putting holes in might help rid the moisture but let dust and other things in. I'd be inclined to remove the lights, take the bulbs out and dry them out for as long as possible. Then go round the edge with some sealant before putting back. There are a few posts up at the moment with a few pointers.
Good luck!
id take the lights off the car and get a hair dryer on them to dry them out, its probably the cover at the back that isnt sealed (changing the bulbs is a real pain, id suggest taking the bumper off and un screwing the lights to change bulbs on a table) drilling them isnt wise and they are not cheap to replace, i was lucky to pick up a nsf halogen on ebay for £63 recently. but pairs are silly money - £300 - £600, a pair new from bmw is around £750!
lacroupade
Veteran
I assume we are talking fogs not headlights?
lacroupade
Veteran
RustyZ4 said:lacroupade said:
AAhh I assumed wrong, thought he meant headlights
It was the condensation what gave it away ...
RustyZ4 said:lacroupade said:
AAhh I assumed wrong, thought he meant headlights
Me too! :roll:
Fog lights I assume (and headlights already have bult in air vnts covered with a rubber grommet and mesh to keep dirt and bugs out
The simplest answer is probably to just use them and they'll dry out. They are likely to fill up as the air expands and contracts with normal fluctuation and changes in humidity, each time leaving a bit more water inside.
If that fails, bumper off, take the bulbs out and dry the lights. Check for any cracks or damage them put them back in making sure the seal is clean and intact
Doubt drilling a hole will make any difference really and risks allowing spray and dirt inside.
The simplest answer is probably to just use them and they'll dry out. They are likely to fill up as the air expands and contracts with normal fluctuation and changes in humidity, each time leaving a bit more water inside.
If that fails, bumper off, take the bulbs out and dry the lights. Check for any cracks or damage them put them back in making sure the seal is clean and intact
Doubt drilling a hole will make any difference really and risks allowing spray and dirt inside.
They wont get the lights apart without cutting them - have a look at CJ's post on his AE project... If they take the light out and remove the bulbs this should give enough of a vent to allow any moisture to come out by heating the lights.
I would get them to check the vents CJ mentioned - that they are there was news to me TBH!
I would try and avoid splitting them. Odd that they have both gone? Might be worth just checking that if someone has replaced the bulbs previously that they've put them back properly. May be worth re-sealing the edges too? (to add - I mean the edges of the lights, the join, if you take them out!)
EDIT: Now with added link...
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2953
Shows what's involved in splitting these things!
I would get them to check the vents CJ mentioned - that they are there was news to me TBH!
I would try and avoid splitting them. Odd that they have both gone? Might be worth just checking that if someone has replaced the bulbs previously that they've put them back properly. May be worth re-sealing the edges too? (to add - I mean the edges of the lights, the join, if you take them out!)
EDIT: Now with added link...
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2953
Shows what's involved in splitting these things!
OK - headlights.
So as I mentioned they already have air vents built in.
No need to take the bumper off. Just turn the wheels (but easier with them off) and open the wheel arch inspection hatches. Remove the light rear covers and dry the lights with a hairdryer.
Inspect the covers and if the seal is damaged, twisted, etc. get new one's from BMW. Don't use sealant else you'll never open them to change bulbs.
So as I mentioned they already have air vents built in.
No need to take the bumper off. Just turn the wheels (but easier with them off) and open the wheel arch inspection hatches. Remove the light rear covers and dry the lights with a hairdryer.
Inspect the covers and if the seal is damaged, twisted, etc. get new one's from BMW. Don't use sealant else you'll never open them to change bulbs.
Yes - but check they were clipped on correctly, no wires trapped in them and seals OK before spending money.
(I assume in all this that there are no mods like aftermarket xenons as the feeds may have been poorly installed)
(I assume in all this that there are no mods like aftermarket xenons as the feeds may have been poorly installed)
lacroupade said:RustyZ4 said:lacroupade said:
AAhh I assumed wrong, thought he meant headlights
It was the condensation what gave it away ...
You get condensation in the headlights if the seal is not pushed home right or worn, anyway it turns out he was talking about headlights
apology accepted :lol:AJZ4London
Member
I had this, hair dryer plus new seals works a treat. That said I would like to clean the inside of the lamps at some stage (condensation left a film). Any ideas?