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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > BMW E90/E92/E93 3-series General Forums > Regional Forums > UK > Headlights have had it - options?



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      01-21-2020, 11:58 AM   #1
Sxanth
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Headlights have had it - options?

The near side headlight is full of condensation, after getting the car washed. They were previously taken out and dried and back to being ok, but after a wash the near side one is full off water droplets and condensation that won't clear on its own.

The car is e90 2006 330i with xeon gas lights.

What options do I have here?

We have tried to re-seal it to no avail.

Hella do replacements for about 450 a side.
ZKW are very expensive I imagine I couldn't find a reseller
I don't really want second hand as high chance of them having the same issue as mine.

Are there after market options?

Ramifications of living with the issue apart form it looking crap?

Thanks
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      01-21-2020, 01:36 PM   #2
Andy198712
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have you tried removing the rear cap and sticking a silica pouch on it and refitting? worked for me
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      01-21-2020, 02:01 PM   #3
Sxanth
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Thanks for replying. No, although I did read a few people have done that.

Mine is literally covered in condensation, I could try it but how often do you need to replace the pouch? And was your light full of condensation or just a little, also how have you secured it?

Getting into the light is a pain, I had to remove the air box, seemed easier than taking the wheel and arch liner off. So I don't want to be changing it very often.
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      01-22-2020, 10:21 AM   #4
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If it was dried out previously and you've tried re-sealing it and it's full again then there's a definite issue that silicone bags won't resolve.

Long term is that it'll gather at the bottom and eventually will blow the ballast at the bottom and you'll have no main beam.

It needs to be split and resealed properly and checked that the unit itself doesn't have a crack or something in it.

You could get a set of aftermarket pre-build headlights or have them custom'd.

Check out Keep Your Car Safe for some options if you decide to go down that route.

Pity you are such a distance as could have taken a look for you..
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      01-22-2020, 11:26 AM   #5
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Yeah I think you're right.

Thanks for that site looks pretty impressive stuff.

Someone also suggested NEM looks similar, which is a bit closer. I guess the best course of action is to email both and see what they suggest.

Il update this thread when I get some info, sure loads of people have had this, the car is getting on a bit now.
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      01-22-2020, 12:15 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sxanth View Post
Thanks for replying. No, although I did read a few people have done that.

Mine is literally covered in condensation, I could try it but how often do you need to replace the pouch? And was your light full of condensation or just a little, also how have you secured it?

Getting into the light is a pain, I had to remove the air box, seemed easier than taking the wheel and arch liner off. So I don't want to be changing it very often.
mine had some in the cold and after a wash, but not totally covered, i held it on the round cap on the back which you can get to under the bonnet by using a strip of tape, but not covering it all of course
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