Condensation in Headlight! HELP

[Minihen_LDN]

I've just noticed some condensation in the driver's side headlights which never used to be there. I had a bulb replaced at halfords and since then there has been condensation in my headlight.

Anyone know how to fix this or do i have to replace the whole headlight?

 

[markeg]

Check your rear access panel into the headlight - it's very easy to close and not seat it correctly, so a gap appears. Otherwise its possibly the rubber seal (will need a replacement unit, about £10 from Sopers, Lincoln). Some guys on the forum have used a bead of silicon to seal it.

Other failure options are sealant (if you've de-gingered) or cracks etc - but you will need to remove the bumper and headlight to check (a fairly easy task, takes around 20 minutes to remove the bumper)

You will need to dry it out though - if you have Xenons, the ballast is at the bottom (underneath) the headlight, and water ingress can cause failure. Many use hairdriers, but make sure you finish off with cold air otherwise it will just mist up again

Good luck

 

[Minihen_LDN]

Check your rear access panel into the headlight - it's very easy to close and not seat it correctly, so a gap appears. Otherwise its possibly the rubber seal (will need a replacement unit, about £10 from Sopers, Lincoln). Some guys on the forum have used a bead of silicon to seal it.

Other failure options are sealant (if you've de-gingered) or cracks etc - but you will need to remove the bumper and headlight to check (a fairly easy task, takes around 20 minutes to remove the bumper)

You will need to dry it out though - if you have Xenons, the ballast is at the bottom (underneath) the headlight, and water ingress can cause failure. Many use hairdriers, but make sure you finish off with cold air otherwise it will just mist up again

Good luck

Thanks markeg, looks like i'll be giving it the hair dryer treatment. They are not Xenons so hopefully won't cause any damage.

 

[Minihen_LDN]

 

[NeilP]

get some news paper and cover the lamp then lay tin foil over it. turn all the lights on and remove the back cover. add hot air from hair dryer from behind.

then for the rear cap, packet of silica gel, leave a coupe in the back, tape them off. you'll be problem free.

 

[RJS-Z4]

You may need a new seal, sometimes by disturbing them they fail as they've been sitting there for a long time.

I posted the part numbers in someone's thread yesterday.

I did the same at the weekend, I took the headlight out, dried it out thoroughly and fitted a new cover. Problem solved.

 

[Minihen_LDN]

Thanks for all your help, might be worth replacing the seal like you suggested RJS-Z4.

Can i get this from my local BMW dealer?

 

[RJS-Z4]

Sure can, it'd need to be ordered in. If you ordered today it should be there by sat morning.

 

[Minihen_LDN]

Sure can, it'd need to be ordered in. If you ordered today it should be there by sat morning.

Thanks will give em a call.

Regards

 

[markeg]

Possibly cheaper from Sopers BMW, Lincoln (just quote the forum for a discount). And they post for free...

 

[Minihen_LDN]

Possibly cheaper from Sopers BMW, Lincoln (just quote the forum for a discount). And they post for free...

Thanks, will give them a call.