How to remove the headlight? Moisture inside.

[baloo]

I just had repair work done to the hood of my car -- they had to remove the hood. While driving home after repairs were done, I noticed that the right headlight was out, including hi beam. The inside of the headlight glass was beaded with water droplets. This was 3 days ago -- and the water still is present.

Now, I have to remove the headlight to find the crack and seal it -- besides replacing the bulb.
Can I remove the headlight without having to remove any bodywork?

Does anyone have other suggestions for taking care of the moisture -- besides buying a whole new assembly?

I think the body shop ruined the light (the coincidence is too great, and they were working in the area), but I already know they will deny deny deny.

 

[ranski]

plenty of posts on this - give the search a try

example

headlight + moisture

or

headlight + water

 

[baloo]

plenty of posts on this - give the search a try
example
headlight + moisture
or
headlight + water

I tried the search, but all the posts were about how to seal the lens, not how to remove the assembly so I can check for cracks. Matter of fact, spent the last hour searching the internet also. Could have missed it -- so, can you point me?

Might be that the body shop used a pressure hose to wash down the car, therefore introduced water that shorted out the Xenon bulb. Bummer -- the local discount auto stores still want $99! Cannot afford to have another blow out.

 

[ranski]

try

remove + headlight

give a number of results including this one which is the 13th search result

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=47951&p=694694&hilit=remove+headlight#p694694

Within the above post details this guide

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=1071#p15250

 

[baloo]

Thanks!
Yes, I had seen that thread, but the link was coming up dead -- and I just couldn't believe it would be necessary to go to such great lengths for a simple maintenance issue.

Removing the bumper shroud to get to a headlight... Typical.
I'm becoming more and more disenchanted with BMW. Their owner's manual even says to not attempt removal of an Xenon bulb, but to go to the stealer. Goes hand in hand with their elimination of a dip stick and the requirement to "register the battery by the dealer" after batt replacement for certain options to work...

Even Porsche is more user-mechanic friendly.

Thanks again for the input.

 

[ranski]

no worries - good luck

 

[g1344304]

I had this a few weeks ago, removing the bumper is actually pretty straight forward, it took me about 30 mins the first time and now I could do it in about 10 mins. When you get the headlight out remove the rear seal and heat the rubber seal part with a hair dryer, that may be where water is getting in, then reapply the seal.

 

[baloo]

Thanks -- that helps me plan how much time I'll need to do it all.

 

[RJS-Z4]

You can replace the rear seal with headlight still on the car through the access hatch in the wheel arch.

 

[baloo]

The water droplets have persisted inside the headlight now for several days, despite being in the sun and then in the garage at night. I'm thinking I have to pull it off to get down in there to get at the water and then blow dry it.
Anyone tried a serious water problem while on the car?

 

[RJS-Z4]

Basically, buy a new rear cap (about £10 from a dealer) remove your cap through the wheel arch, stick a hair dryer in there.

Dry from the back and front of the headlight, the water will bugger off. Let it cool down, check no water is in there. If you're happy, re-fit new cap.

Chances are the old cap seal has failed.

 

[markeg]

Basically, buy a new rear cap (about £10 from a dealer) remove your cap through the wheel arch, stick a hair dryer in there.

Dry from the back and front of the headlight, the water will bugger off. Let it cool down, check no water is in there. If you're happy, re-fit new cap.

Chances are the old cap seal has failed.

+1... Although I brought the headlight indoors for a proper dry out. Also put a small 10g bag of silica gel in each one.


Tapatalking...

 

[baloo]

+1... Although I brought the headlight indoors for a proper dry out. Also put a small 10g bag of silica gel in each one.
Tapatalking...

I saw the recommendation for using silica gel on another thread. I think they had mentioned (was it you?) leaving a bag within the light assembly?? Anyone doing that? If so, how big a bag?
Thanks.

 

[markeg]

I bought a load of bags on eBay, dirt cheap, 100grams each bag. They are probably slightly too large, but they do fit in there carefully (just avoid any of the self-levelling or moving bits). I would think 50 gram bags would be ideal.

Bit belt-and-braces approach, but keeps me happy

Tapatalking...