Headlight condensation saga

L

LichMike

Member
 Lichfield
So back in Oct/Nov I changed the headlight bulbs in an attempt to up the candle power, which worked, as far as it can with E85 halogen headlights.

A few weeks passed and all seemed well, then I noticed condensation in the lights. So I got the hairdryer out, cleared the condensation, removed and cleaned the seals from the headlight cover, then put them back in and applied some silicone grease and refitted the back covers.

Couple of days later, same problem. Followed the same process but rotated the seals so there was a seal fresh face pressing up against the headlight unit.

Couple of days later, same problem.

So today I followed the same process (minus the grease as I worry that’s a way of moisture being introduced), but fitted new headlight covers with brand new seals fitted. About 10 mins after finishing the job today I noticed condensation starting to build.

Anyone else experienced this? In all fairness I’m guessing this time of year isn’t the best for this kind of task and I’m actually trapping damp air in the light. I’m guessing I’m probably best waiting until warmer, dryer weather for my next attempt. I’m also considering getting some silica gel packs to put in the headlight...
 
Stick some big silica gel bags in for a few weeks to properly dry them.. i did just that on my 3.0si and they never had condensation again in 4 years before i sold it, didn't even buy new covers, just greased the old ones lightly before refitting. left the bags in for around 6-8 weeks
 
Is there any particular type of pack that’s better? I was on the brink of ordering some but then wondered about the heat build up in the light unit and combustion of the paper/cotton packet...overthinking?
 
My first Zed had this problem. I waited until a warm sunny day, took the back covers off and went for a 30 min drive. Then parked up facing the sun and replaced the covers a few hours later. Problem was solved.
 
Do the headlights have any drain plugs? I thought I saw a thread recently that identified them. Could be these are blocked.
To be honest mine have just started misting up, never had a problem in the last 7 years, but not been driving it recently either.
 
LichMike said:
Is there any particular type of pack that’s better? I was on the brink of ordering some but then wondered about the heat build up in the light unit and combustion of the paper/cotton packet...overthinking?
Click to expand...
I just bought a pack of cheap ones on ebay, probably about 50g in weight each. They were in material rather than paper. They were fine when I took them out, no damage to either the bags or lights. I'll see if I can find the same type on ebay
 
I had the same problem. In the end I replaced the back covers. £15 each from BMW. My old seals had shrunk and were not seating. Dried the lights out for an hour to ensure they were dry. It does not take much water to condensate. Perfectly dry now.

Also ensure the smaller inbound clip is seated as it clicks twice. If not it will not seal correctly.
 
Will do mine in the summer. Condensation not too bad, just a bit at the bottom where the indicators are. Seen these on eBay for just over £20 each from LLLparts https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-SERIE-E85-E86-NEW-GENUINE-LEFT-N-S-HEAD-LIGHT-LAMP-CAP-DUST-COVER-6928413/201719039230?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 I believe it's a bit of a faf trying to get them back on :?
 
blunderthumbs said:
Will do mine in the summer. Condensation not too bad, just a bit at the bottom where the indicators are. Seen these on eBay for just over £20 each from LLLparts https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-SERIE-E85-E86-NEW-GENUINE-LEFT-N-S-HEAD-LIGHT-LAMP-CAP-DUST-COVER-6928413/201719039230?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 I believe it's a bit of a faf trying to get them back on :?
Click to expand...
It’s not too bad getting them back on, but as you say it is a little fiddly if you are getting at them through the wheel arch. Another option is to take the bumper off, remove the headlights and do it pop it on. It probably doesn’t end up taking that much longer by the time you faff around in the wheel arch, but it does make a change in the back cover an absolute doddle. You’ll also have the chance to dry out the headlight unit if it needs it.
 
davidmudley12 said:
blunderthumbs said:
Will do mine in the summer. Condensation not too bad, just a bit at the bottom where the indicators are. Seen these on eBay for just over £20 each from LLLparts https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-SERIE-E85-E86-NEW-GENUINE-LEFT-N-S-HEAD-LIGHT-LAMP-CAP-DUST-COVER-6928413/201719039230?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 I believe it's a bit of a faf trying to get them back on :?
Click to expand...
It’s not too bad getting them back on, but as you say it is a little fiddly if you are getting acid through the wheel arch. Another option is to take the bumper off remove the headlights and do it that way which probably doesn’t end up taking that much longer by the time you fast around in the wheel arch, but it does make a change in the back cover an absolute doddle.
Click to expand...
I get what you're saying about taking the bumper off and how much easier it would be but I'm sure I've heard that the bumper clips almost always break and they cost about £35 each to replace. :roll:
 
blunderthumbs said:
Will do mine in the summer. Condensation not too bad, just a bit at the bottom where the indicators are. Seen these on eBay for just over £20 each from LLLparts https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-SERIE-E85-E86-NEW-GENUINE-LEFT-N-S-HEAD-LIGHT-LAMP-CAP-DUST-COVER-6928413/201719039230?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 I believe it's a bit of a faf trying to get them back on :?
Click to expand...

I just got new covers a couple of weeks ago. I got them for just over £11 each through my mates garage. I didn't pay the vat though.
 
blunderthumbs said:
Will do mine in the summer. Condensation not too bad, just a bit at the bottom where the indicators are. Seen these on eBay for just over £20 each from LLLparts https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-SERIE-E85-E86-NEW-GENUINE-LEFT-N-S-HEAD-LIGHT-LAMP-CAP-DUST-COVER-6928413/201719039230?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 I believe it's a bit of a faf trying to get them back on :?
Click to expand...
Why pay £20 each when you can get then next day from BMW for just under £30 for the pair? :thumbsup:
 
Reamesy said:
blunderthumbs said:
Will do mine in the summer. Condensation not too bad, just a bit at the bottom where the indicators are. Seen these on eBay for just over £20 each from LLLparts https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-SERIE-E85-E86-NEW-GENUINE-LEFT-N-S-HEAD-LIGHT-LAMP-CAP-DUST-COVER-6928413/201719039230?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 I believe it's a bit of a faf trying to get them back on :?
Click to expand...
Why pay £20 each when you can get then next day from BMW for just under £30 for the pair? :thumbsup:
Click to expand...
Will get them from BMW in that case. Cheers Reamesy :thumbsup:
 
LichMike said:
A few weeks passed and all seemed well, then I noticed condensation in the lights. So I got the hairdryer out, cleared the condensation, removed and cleaned the seals from the headlight cover, then put them back in and applied some silicone grease and refitted the back covers.

Couple of days later, same problem. Followed the same process but rotated the seals so there was a seal fresh face pressing up against the headlight unit.

Couple of days later, same problem.

So today I followed the same process (minus the grease as I worry that’s a way of moisture being introduced), but fitted new headlight covers with brand new seals fitted. About 10 mins after finishing the job today I noticed condensation starting to build.
Click to expand...

Here is what I did about my headlight condensation issue. I'll update my thread once it's been through a proper rainstorm or two.
:!: https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=126796 :!:
 
The saga continues. Last weekend I dried the light out (only the drivers side is suffering the problem) and put some silica gel packs in - the lens is still wet through. In the process of blasting the lens with the hairdryer, I left the dryer too close for too long whilst trying to be productive and topping up the screenwash - and I blistered the lens! :headbang: (wondering why I even bothered changing the bulbs now!)

So, I'm now on the lookout for either a pair of new headlights as an upgrade or a single off-side unit. I'd like the car to remain looking as OE as possible, so, where am I best to try and find an off-side halogen unit (it's a 2004 so has the ginger indicators) - eBay isn't returning much when searching just now.

Or, what are the best upgrade options out there that don't look overly modified from standard? I've seen several posts on here about 2xcite units...any other options? For the price I'm looking at for 1 original unit, I'm thinking an upgrade could be a good option.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom