[HermesRider]

Ok guys I just installed the LED side markers (smoked). BUT, they don't come with a rubber gasket around the edge like the original housing does, and there is about a 0.3mm gap in some places from sitting flush with the body panel. Will that cause a problem in the rain? I sealed the hell out of the wires with electrical tape. Will the water drain if it enters the crack into the front quarter panels? Anyone else that has done this care to comment?

[Oulixes]

Originally Posted by HermesRider

Ok guys I just installed the LED side markers (smoked). BUT, they don't come with a rubber gasket around the edge like the original housing does, and there is about a 0.3mm gap in some places from sitting flush with the body panel. Will that cause a problem in the rain? I sealed the hell out of the wires with electrical tape. Will the water drain if it enters the crack into the front quarter panels? Anyone else that has done this care to comment?

I haven't done the installation, but I think that there should be gaskets there for sure. It is unbelievable where everywhere can water get. In addition, without the gasket, the housing could damage the paint. Can you use the gasket from the original housing or make one that would fit?

[HermesRider]

Originally Posted by Oulixes

I haven't done the installation, but I think that there should be gaskets there for sure. It is unbelievable where everywhere can water get. In addition, without the gasket, the housing could damage the paint. Can you use the gasket from the original housing or make one that would fit?

Tried to but no go. It is adhered to the original housing. Removal=destroy. I am going to get a 1/16" black rubber sheet and cut out my own gaskets. Thankfully I have a week or so of sunshine to do this!

[Nomad]

Need PICS....

[Rotary Rasp]

pics???

[Craig@SupremePower]

pics...

[SV Concepts III]

Just installed a set on our E92 as well as my 135 and have not had condensation or leaking problems in the rain or car wash. I don't think this will be a problem for you.

[Andy M]

Originally Posted by HermesRider

Ok guys I just installed the LED side markers (smoked). BUT, they don't come with a rubber gasket around the edge like the original housing does, and there is about a 0.3mm gap in some places from sitting flush with the body panel. Will that cause a problem in the rain? I sealed the hell out of the wires with electrical tape. Will the water drain if it enters the crack into the front quarter panels? Anyone else that has done this care to comment?

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=200701

Had the same problem too. Just use the temporary caulking. Works great. You might have some issues getting your custom-made rubber gasket to stay on actually since it has to go on the outside (not much room to get anything in between the gap).

[HermesRider]

I didn't think I could even get a good picture, that's why no pix. Well here's my best attempt anyway. The gap looks to be more prominent towards the aft (arrows).

Thanks Andy for your thread, I didn't see it in my search. I thought it strange this hadn't come up before. Thanks for the advice on the caulk. I'm still considering fashioning a thin enough rubber gasket... See the pic attached... Instead of trying to fit it in on the outside, I was going to make a flat sheet that I would place in between the assembly and the car panel. I think it might stand a good chance keeping the water out. I'll let ya'll know how this turns out.

[Andy M]

Originally Posted by HermesRider

I didn't think I could even get a good picture, that's why no pix. Well here's my best attempt anyway. The gap looks to be more prominent towards the aft (arrows).

Thanks Andy for your thread, I didn't see it in my search. I thought it strange this hadn't come up before. Thanks for the advice on the caulk. I'm still considering fashioning a thin enough rubber gasket... See the pic attached... Instead of trying to fit it in on the outside, I was going to make a flat sheet that I would place in between the assembly and the car panel. I think it might stand a good chance keeping the water out. I'll let ya'll know how this turns out.

If you look at my photos, the gap appears to be bigger on one end and there is no gap on the other side too. I guess this confirms it's not an E90 LCI problem and the uneven gap is a consistent problem.

I like your idea about the gasket but I did try it (or at least something similar) with not so good results. However, there are design changes that could make that idea work. I tried putting a layer of automotive masking tape (the green stuff in my thread's photos) and just taping it around the hole. In theory this would work but as all engineers know, theory and practice are two completely different things. What I found was that it the gap was not consistent throughout and so some parts would now be tight but other parts would be open again. It was honestly very frustrating.

I actually went to look for a type of putty because that will ensure it will conform to the shape. However, because of the way you are to put the marker on (push and slide), any type of putty would be dislodged when you slide the marker (it will just smear). That's where I came up with the idea of the caulking - it comes out in a putty form but will solidfy eventually. And it's flexible enough to allow for temperature fluctuations.

If you go with the rubber idea, I would be interested. However, my tips is to go with something very soft. What I'm interested more in is what material you will use. The material needs to be flexible enough to conform completely yet thin enough to fit in between. Lastly, it must be stiff enough to let you cut it clean enough that it won't show and not deform during installation (during the sliding). You might need to cut it in situ as opposed to cutting it before installation. Cutting it in situ and getting it as close as possible to the body (if it's soft) may be very tough to do. I'm thinking maybe the rubber from one of those yellow dishwashing gloves would be perfect for this job.

If all that fails, just use the caulking and that should work. From where I'm living in, I'm not worried about water as much since water should drain if it gets in there anyway but I'm worried about stagnant water with salt which would be a corrosion risk.

[vAnt826]

Poorly designed product.

Reminds me of when I bought some sidemarkers off eBay for the beater. Even then they had the rubber gasket, but fitment was slightly off.

[shiggy]

when you snap in the side marker, push it forward and it should click into place....there will be a small gap towards the back of the marker....i used clear silicone to fill the gap....just mask the marker and the body of the car.....it comes out clean and dries completely invisible.....quick fix and easy to do...

[HermesRider]

Andy, I agree with what you said! Even though I read your post after I did the work, I knew the material would have to be compressible, not like solid rubber. What I found was Non-Slip Truck Box Liner from Lowes... it's made by Better Built. It is rubberized foam/fabric type of material that is easily cut, impervious, durable, and yet compressible enough to allow for easy installation and differences in gap size. I'm very happy with it so far, and I feel better about washing the car now. Here's my DIY with lots of pictures:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=243099

[Andy M]

That looks great! Good job on the DIY and choice of the product! Never actually thought of truck box liners! How is it for waterproof and water absorption?

I think the manufacturer of these aftermarket lights really needs to start making them more weatherproof. And yes, vendors will tell you that there's no problem and they just installed them without any issues but logically, there will always be a gap because of the nature of the part.

[HermesRider]

Agree it is a poor design, and the manufacturer should redesign it with a seal.

As far as waterproof, only time will tell! Actually, the material is like a foam with both sides covered in rubber. I just washed the car and noticed that if I push on the markers, a tiny amount of "foamy water" comes out from the foam edge of the gasket. I played around with a piece of it in water, and it is true the foam core absorbes a bit of water. It doesn't seem to make it past the rubber sides. Still a very small risk of water entry. I think it wouldn't be much though at nominal pressures.

Got me to wondering if I could "seal the edges". Perhaps with a heat gun or hot knife. Hmmm...

BTW the rest of the roll can be put to good use... it's awesome to line toolboxes, cover a workshop desk, line the inside of your glovebox so your pistol doesn't slide around, cover the aluminum trim... no wait you have a MUCH nicer solution for that I see!

[Andy M]

Originally Posted by HermesRider

BTW the rest of the roll can be put to good use... it's awesome to line toolboxes, cover a workshop desk, line the inside of your glovebox so your pistol doesn't slide around, cover the aluminum trim... no wait you have a MUCH nicer solution for that I see!

Haha you Americans and your guns. (just kidding, I'm an avid shooter myself. I like German products for more than just their cars...)

I was a bit worried about the absorption because it might lead to bacterial growth over time. Inside the marker would have no sunlights, little oxygen, and water. That's going to be ideal conditions for bacterial growth unfortunately.

I DO have an idea....Perhaps if you could find some sort of waterproof sealer and you could dip your foam piece into this sealer or at least the edges.

As for the sealers, I was thinking maybe the wood sealers used for decks....or maybe car wax. (maybe liquid car wax actually has a purpose?)

[HermesRider]

Damn I'm so pissed. I just saw the reflection of my car and saw that the LED side markers flicker when the car starts! They flash like 3 or 4 times... looks ricey! I think I've had it with these markers. I'll probably paint the originals with spray tint and put them back in...

[Andy M]

Originally Posted by HermesRider

Damn I'm so pissed. I just saw the reflection of my car and saw that the LED side markers flicker when the car starts! They flash like 3 or 4 times... looks ricey! I think I've had it with these markers. I'll probably paint the originals with spray tint and put them back in...

That's a first for me actually...I'll go test it out tomorrow maybe. Could it be a loose connection?

[HermesRider]

No loose connection. I've heard of LEDs flashing upon startup before. I don't know if resistors will prevent that or not.

[XPO186]

Mine flicker at startup as well (replaced the bulbs only, not the housing)... both the sidemarkers and the licence plate lights.

It only lasts for a few seconds though... after that it goes away. Or you could just turn your low beams on to make it stop immediately.