Headlight Removal - Condensation Fix Attempt - Questions

[idej_z4]

I've removed both of my headlights and attempting to clean the insides as much as I can following this rather brilliant guide:

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=82010

On removal of the lights and the casing, am I right in assuming that it's the rubber seal in the picture below that has perished? Other than ordering new ones from eBay, is there another fix? I can't find the seals alone which would be much easier and cheaper than buying the whole housing.



Also, on another note, I'm taking my seat out for repair. I've disconnected the battery to do the lights but forgot to raise the seat so I can access the bolts! If I reconnect the battery without putting the lights back in am I going to trigger a load of fault codes and / or worse, fry something (I don't like electrics)!

This is how bad one of my lights has got!

 

[Chris_D]

Take the headlight back cover seals out. PLace them in warm soapy water for a while until they relax a bit.
Reverse install them so that you're using the unused backside of the seal this time.
Maybe smear in some silicone grease into the channels of the cover before reinserting the seals.
I smeared some onto the mating face of the seals too.
Worked for me.

 

[idej_z4]

Take the headlight back cover seals out. PLace them in warm soapy water for a while until they relax a bit.
Reverse install them so that you're using the unused backside of the seal this time.
Maybe smear in some silicone grease into the channels of the cover before reinserting the seals.
I smeared some onto the mating face of the seals too.
Worked for me.

Genius! Why didn't I think of that! Can't see the wood for the trees sometimes.

I'm assuming this is were the condensation comes from?

 

[Chris_D]

Take the headlight back cover seals out. PLace them in warm soapy water for a while until they relax a bit.
Reverse install them so that you're using the unused backside of the seal this time.
Maybe smear in some silicone grease into the channels of the cover before reinserting the seals.
I smeared some onto the mating face of the seals too.
Worked for me.

Genius! Why didn't I think of that! Can't see the wood for the trees sometimes.

I'm assuming this is were the condensation comes from?

It's usually the culprit but check also that the venting pipes of the headlight units aren't blocked too.

 

[idej_z4]

Take the headlight back cover seals out. PLace them in warm soapy water for a while until they relax a bit.
Reverse install them so that you're using the unused backside of the seal this time.
Maybe smear in some silicone grease into the channels of the cover before reinserting the seals.
I smeared some onto the mating face of the seals too.
Worked for me.

Genius! Why didn't I think of that! Can't see the wood for the trees sometimes.

I'm assuming this is were the condensation comes from?

It's usually the culprit but check also that the venting pipes of the headlight units aren't blocked too.

Cheers fella. I figured that's what the bits of rubber were for.