condensation in rear lights normal!

jabber

jabber

Veteran
 Hampshire
have just picked up my 11 plate z4 from woods in bournemouth after booking it in for dancing windows and condensation in the rear lights. I was told that the windows had been reinitalised but the lights havent been changed as bmw will only change them if the condensation does not dry out and as they are not sealed units condensation is accepptable
has anyone else had similar advice?
 
From what I recall, there's mention of condensation in the manual. Its normal to a degree. However if it condenses to water in the bottom of the lights, then this will ultimately short out the lights and require replacement. I've had TWO sets of lights both that condensed then filled with water. BMW have issued a fix for this problem, something to do with foils and grommets. On my latest replacements this kit has been applied and I've not had the issue since (or should I say yet). They won't replace the lights unless there's a chance of failure.
 
Mentioned one of mine had small bit of condensation said no problem will take a look ended up with two new lights very happy as the one I told them about had a small crack which was really all I was worryed about I believe there is an update to these with better sealant so go back and have another go. :)
 
I've had my rears changed twice(car 26 months old) due to an inch of water in indicator part of rear cluster. There have been several other cases on here :thumbsup:
 
I have just had mine replaced but did have to go back and show them when it was full of condensation (only happened in the wet passenger side, fine in the dry) they replaced both lights under warranty as the drivers had some stress cracks appearing around the outside of the lens. The modification is they install a foil which is supposed to fix the problem, will find out if it works when the rain returns! There is a BMW PuMA case for this which your dealer should know about.
 
Have alwaysvhad condensation in mine but it does go away, just had the near side replaced due to them cracking at the bottom outside edge, which is another common fault.
 
On my third set and the car is currently at the dealers getting another set fitted :|

If the misting turns to visible water droplets then the lenses need replaced.
 
Had a similar problem with an A6 - solution was to drill a few a couple of holes in the underside and this cured it - allowed the unit to breath and this allowed the moisture to escape. Enusre that where you drill the holes allows the water to escape.... :D
 
The issue with these lamps tho is that there is a row of tiny LEDs at the bottom. Drilling here risks water ingress directly into the LEDs. Would be different if bulbs or LEDs were further inside the lamp case.
 
If enough water gets in they will short out, this has happened to me. Still struggle to keep water out. Out of warranty i've used two tubes of silicon sealant on rear of unit and still get some condensation in the right lamp. Just can't stop it forming. Next I might stretch some cling film over the rear.

Its a design fault, push to have it sorted.

Why weren't they designed to be sealed unit, every other car I have had the rear lights were sealed, other than perhaps a rubber seal around the bayonet bulb fitting.
As usual someone reinventing the wheel and getting it wrong.
 
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