Headlight condensation and main beam not working

[Theivz]

Hi all just got a 3.0 and the left head light just gave me an error and has stopped working

There seems to be condensation on the inside of the unit

Any suggestions/ tips or ideas or do I need to replace

Any ideas for replacement

I like the Amber blinkers and the silver inners
Anyone got a left headlight spare?

 

[colb]

I assume you have Xenon bulbs or are they Halogen?
Try our resident Breakers for a replacement on here you will find them posting on here.
In the meantime check out the condition of the wiring inside the unit and with the rear access panel removed use a hair dryer to blow into the unit to dry it out. Usual cause is the seal on the access cover being bad when refitting it ensure it gets a tight seal, an application of Gummi pledge rubber conditioner on the seal may help or rubber grease to achieve a good seal. Do not heat the front of the headlight lens it can discolour with too much heat on the inside surface.

 

[paddy wright]

If Xenon’s which it looks like they are the condensation has likely drawn into the ballast on the bottom a killed it. Bumper off and try switching driver to passenger ballasts to see if the problem is related to ballast. Head light off and into the house to dry out while you wait on a cheap replacement ballast from eBay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325801614954?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=7lRx4pbdTAW&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=7DC-EautSyW&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[Theivz]

I assume you have Xenon bulbs or are they Halogen?
Try our resident Breakers for a replacement on here you will find them posting on here.
In the meantime check out the condition of the wiring inside the unit and with the rear access panel removed use a hair dryer to blow into the unit to dry it out. Usual cause is the seal on the access cover being bad when refitting it ensure it gets a tight seal, an application of Gummi pledge rubber conditioner on the seal may help or rubber grease to achieve a good seal. Do not heat the front of the headlight lens it can discolour with too much heat on the inside surface.

Yes xenons

Ok awesome yes will try that

 

[Theivz]

If Xenon’s which it looks like they are the condensation has likely drawn into the ballast on the bottom a killed it. Bumper off and try switching driver to passenger ballasts to see if the problem is related to ballast. Head light off and into the house to dry out while you wait on a cheap replacement ballast from eBay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325801614954?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=7lRx4pbdTAW&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=7DC-EautSyW&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Ok awesome

Thanks so much

 

[paddy wright]

If Xenon’s which it looks like they are the condensation has likely drawn into the ballast on the bottom a killed it. Bumper off and try switching driver to passenger ballasts to see if the problem is related to ballast. Head light off and into the house to dry out while you wait on a cheap replacement ballast from eBay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325801614954?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=7lRx4pbdTAW&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=7DC-EautSyW&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Ok awesome

Thanks so much

No problem, hope it works for you. Let me know how you get on or if you need anything.

 

[x-driver]

It happened to me as well, the second day after I purchased the car and delivered it home. The water made some damage to the silver background so I bought another used headlight then.

 

[Reamesy]

Have you tried just swapping out the lamp itself with the other side to rule out the basics. Then look further afield if it’s the same result. Sorry if I’m pointing out the obvious.

Then look to get new rear covers after drying out your lights. They are around £30 a pair from BMW. I know this because I went through all the different steps even swapping the seals round and inverted them. Only new covers solved water ingress.

Another tip is to let the lights come to outside ambient temperature before sealing the rear covers as warm air from inside will condense.

 

[StudioWizard]

Another tip is to let the lights come to outside ambient temperature before sealing the rear covers as warm air from inside will condense.

Hmmm.... I have to think about that one for a minute. I don't see the benefit of doing this unless I'm missing something Won't the air inside warm and cool regardless of the air temp inside when the covers are put on?

 

[enuff_zed]

Another tip is to let the lights come to outside ambient temperature before sealing the rear covers as warm air from inside will condense.

Hmmm.... I have to think about that one for a minute. I don't see the benefit of doing this unless I'm missing something Won't the air inside warm and cool regardless of the air temp inside when the covers are put on?

Warm air from indoors will hold more moisture. So when it goes outside the moisture will drop out of suspension and collect in your lights.
Leave the light unit open and the air will all mix and hopefully any moisture will escape before you seal it up.

 

[StudioWizard]

Btw, is there a safe way to test the headlight assembly seal before installing it? ChatGPT said to submerge in water which sounds like a horrible idea. haha It also said to try a low pressure blower inside and then listen for any hissing sound. That also sounds iffy to me since the blower will be making a hissing sound as well. The only other viable suggestion it gave was to leave the assembly sitting out in a warm, dry place and observe any possible condensation.

Any human suggestions?

 

[StudioWizard]

Warm air from indoors will hold more moisture. So when it goes outside the moisture will drop out of suspension and collect in your lights.
Leave the light unit open and the air will all mix and hopefully any moisture will escape before you seal it up.

Thanks for the clarification. That makes sense.

 

[Reamesy]

Btw, is there a safe way to test the headlight assembly seal before installing it? ChatGPT said to submerge in water which sounds like a horrible idea. haha It also said to try a low pressure blower inside and then listen for any hissing sound. That also sounds iffy to me since the blower will be making a hissing sound as well. The only other viable suggestion it gave was to leave the assembly sitting out in a warm, dry place and observe any possible condensation.

Any human suggestions?

I would not suggest submerging

 

[StudioWizard]

I would not suggest submerging

Agreed. That's a horrible idea! haha I told GhatGPT that as well and it agreed and apologized.... for real.

 

[Abbas]

Will be having a go at this tomorrow hopefully too now that it's finally stopped continuously raining for a bit :roll: I've bought a new headlight cover thing just to be on the safe side. Was planning on taking the cover off, getting my hairdryer out and then just leaving the cover off the rest of the day so it can match up with the outside air in terms of temperature and then put it back together and hope for the best!

 

[StudioWizard]

I'm going to buy new covers too on the assemblies I just bought. They look OK, but better to replace them, I think.

 

[Reamesy]

Will be having a go at this tomorrow hopefully too now that it's finally stopped continuously raining for a bit :roll: I've bought a new headlight cover thing just to be on the safe side. Was planning on taking the cover off, getting my hairdryer out and then just leaving the cover off the rest of the day so it can match up with the outside air in terms of temperature and then put it back together and hope for the best!

Just make sure the mating surfaces are spotless