Headlight condensation, what options do I have?

curveball · 08-03-2015, 10:23 AM

I had the high beam and angel ring changed in 2 different shops, after a week I did a car wash and this happens. I can't remember there was any condensation before the lights change so I can't say 100% that one of the shop messed up something.

Anyway, I sent the car to one of the shop (small, nearby, but not German car specialized) and they dried it and put silicon around the top seal, a few days after a rain this happens again. Sent it back and they checked and put silicon around the bottom seal. A few days later after a rain it looks like this again...

I just bought the Route66 extended warranty through PenFed, I noticed their agreement said lighting is not covered(see pic attached). Anyone know they will not cover this repair? Also I just started my coverage 3 weeks ago if I submit a claim can they say this is pre-existed condition wear and tear?

A local auto glass shop saw this and said the whole driver side light assembly need to be changed and they can get a new one and install for $300, but I don't really trust them... I checked the car-part com and it costs $250 to $700 to get a used part.

Any suggestion is appreciated!

[IMG][/IMG]

matteblue3er · 08-03-2015, 11:21 AM

Often times, the door seal sits for so long in the same position, it conforms to that exact shape.

When you remove and reinstall it, if the seal is not seated the EXACT way it came out, it will not seal.

You can try removing the seal and heating it so it's soft and then reinstall. Or replace the door altogether with a new seal.

Keep in mind, a headlight housing is NOT 100% sealed. There are pressure vents on the housing to vent pressure from heat build up due to the bulbs. Moisture can enter through these vents but it's not enough to fog the inside lens like that.

curveball · 08-04-2015, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matteblue3er

Often times, the door seal sits for so long in the same position, it conforms to that exact shape.

When you remove and reinstall it, if the seal is not seated the EXACT way it came out, it will not seal.

You can try removing the seal and heating it so it's soft and then reinstall. Or replace the door altogether with a new seal.

Keep in mind, a headlight housing is NOT 100% sealed. There are pressure vents on the housing to vent pressure from heat build up due to the bulbs. Moisture can enter through these vents but it's not enough to fog the inside lens like that.

Thanks buddy, I'll ask the shop to check that

Jaronbwall · 08-05-2015, 12:20 PM

My light developed similar condensation. Very random and not sure how the moisture got in, but it dried out naturally after two days parked in the sun.

raj73 · 03-18-2021, 12:08 PM

curveball
My car driver side headlight developed similar condensation.. Did you have to replace the headlight assembly? Did extended warranty cover the cost? Appreciate any suggestion on the options to fix it.

smatanovic · 03-19-2021, 04:38 PM

BTW, the little doors that seal the back of the headlights are relatively inexpensive, around $30 each. If your seals are worn, it's a cheap replacement part.

08-03-2015, 10:23 AM	#1
curveball Captain 55 Rep 609 Posts Drives: Pre-LCI E90 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Headlight condensation, what options do I have? I had the high beam and angel ring changed in 2 different shops, after a week I did a car wash and this happens. I can't remember there was any condensation before the lights change so I can't say 100% that one of the shop messed up something. Anyway, I sent the car to one of the shop (small, nearby, but not German car specialized) and they dried it and put silicon around the top seal, a few days after a rain this happens again. Sent it back and they checked and put silicon around the bottom seal. A few days later after a rain it looks like this again... I just bought the Route66 extended warranty through PenFed, I noticed their agreement said lighting is not covered(see pic attached). Anyone know they will not cover this repair? Also I just started my coverage 3 weeks ago if I submit a claim can they say this is pre-existed condition wear and tear? A local auto glass shop saw this and said the whole driver side light assembly need to be changed and they can get a new one and install for $300, but I don't really trust them... I checked the car-part com and it costs $250 to $700 to get a used part. Any suggestion is appreciated! [IMG][/IMG] Attached Images
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08-03-2015, 11:21 AM	#2
matteblue3er Captain 241 Rep 949 Posts Drives: Racecar Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Philly iTrader: (0)	Often times, the door seal sits for so long in the same position, it conforms to that exact shape. When you remove and reinstall it, if the seal is not seated the EXACT way it came out, it will not seal. You can try removing the seal and heating it so it's soft and then reinstall. Or replace the door altogether with a new seal. Keep in mind, a headlight housing is NOT 100% sealed. There are pressure vents on the housing to vent pressure from heat build up due to the bulbs. Moisture can enter through these vents but it's not enough to fog the inside lens like that.
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08-05-2015, 12:20 PM	#4
Jaronbwall Driving cars and riding bikes really fast 296 Rep 1,023 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Indianapolis iTrader: (0)	My light developed similar condensation. Very random and not sure how the moisture got in, but it dried out naturally after two days parked in the sun. __________________ 335i, sport pkg, 3 pedals, Blacked out, LED markers, OZ Ultraleggera wheels, Firestone Indy 500s, x-pipe, vibrant 1792, PE mod MHD stage 2+, BMS DPs, ARM charge pipe, Tial BOV, ARM FMIC, dual cone, CSF radiator, M3 control arms, sways, HAWK pads. https://www.strava.com/athletes/8309149 Follow me on Strava Last edited by Jaronbwall; 08-06-2015 at 08:49 AM..
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03-18-2021, 12:08 PM	#5
raj73 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: bmw Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	curveball My car driver side headlight developed similar condensation.. Did you have to replace the headlight assembly? Did extended warranty cover the cost? Appreciate any suggestion on the options to fix it.
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03-19-2021, 04:38 PM	#6
smatanovic First Lieutenant 199 Rep 331 Posts Drives: 2022 i4 eDrive 40 mSport Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: The 215 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 i4 eDrive40 [0.00]	BTW, the little doors that seal the back of the headlights are relatively inexpensive, around $30 each. If your seals are worn, it's a cheap replacement part.
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