headlight steam up?

G

gho888

Member
is been cold and rainny over here in ireland, and the headlight of my z is steamed up... i wonder is that normal?
is kinda pissed me off! :headbang:
 
Cold and rainy in Ireland - that sounds normal

Steaming headlights - shouldn't, but they sometime do if the temp drops and/or it's very wet. Run the headlights a bit and it should dry out as there are 2 vents on the back of the unit. If it persists then either the rear inspection panel is not correctly fitted or you've got a faulty seal somewhere.
 
Mine had a leak, every time it rained there was lots of condensation on the inside, dealer replaced it under warranty.
 
It's not unusual to get light misting if the temp drops or in damp conditions the lights are not used for some time.

If it's running water or significant drips inside or pools, then you have a leak or the rear is not correctly fitted. Driving through a puddle should have no effect, but check the rear of the light is correctly and fully fitted.

Leave the back off for a day in the warm or sun without driving. If it recurs you have an expensive problem
 
srhutch said:
Mine had a leak, every time it rained there was lots of condensation on the inside, dealer replaced it under warranty.
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See, that's the difference between BMW and Renault: the xenon in my Clio was filled with condensation, but according to the dealer and Renault UK, "condensation isn't water" so they refused to replace it under warranty :rofl: . It was so bad that it knackered the lamp unit.

Anyway, I get light misting after washing my Z4 - but it goes away as soon as I start driving again.
 
I have it quite bad on my passanger side too, I recently changed a bulb so it could be not sealed in properly.

I'll let it dry out and reseal it once the weather gets better.

Otherwise, i guess im looking at a new lamp.
 
DPG said:
I have it quite bad on my passanger side too, I recently changed a bulb so it could be not sealed in properly.

I'll let it dry out and reseal it once the weather gets better.

Otherwise, i guess im looking at a new lamp.
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That I suspect is the most likely problem. The back cover gets covered in grit and dirt and if any of that gets on the seal it could cause a leak. Or a wire is trapped in it or clip not secure on boths its locks. Chances of the seal in the light going are almost nil. Trust me I've cut at least 8 to 10 Z4 lights to pieces and no way can that give in. Cracks in the front lens would be visible but the rear black shell is much weaker and actually brittle and could crack.

New light £350 for halogen £750 xenon - approx. :thumbsdown:
 
I've had a very light misting of condensation before this due to atomospheric conditions but generally mine are never misted.If there is a tiny amount it's on both units in the same positioning on each lens.Thr unit is not 'air tight' and can breathe. Jeepers explanation is spot on. :)
 
>I recently changed a bulb so it could be not sealed in properly.

had the same thing when i changed my headlight bulbs too, the back shell was a bugger to get of and on in the right palce so not surprised if there is a little gap/crack somewhere.
 
a11y said:
Anyway, I get light misting after washing my Z4 - but it goes away as soon as I start driving again.
Click to expand...

Get this myself not sure if its the hot water on a very cold car used to get the same with my last car windows as well never had any leaks was fine
 
My nearside is fairly full of condensation right now... Taken out the back panel, seal is being fed with rubber rejuvination liquid, totally cleaned up, and the back of the headlight cleaned (looks like the seal was compromised)

Bugger.

Not noticed it since I did the bulbs, but clearly I've not put it back on right, or some dirt got in there upon replacement!

Dave
 
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