E39 M5 Headlight Condensation

[wherzmespana]

I have a yr 2000 M5 with HID headlights and am suffering with condensation build up behind the perspex 'outer' case. Is it possible to just change the 'outer' shell of the headlight unit or will I have to go down the route of aftermarket Halo effect? I can't seem to get a straight answer out of suppliers and one has mentioned that if I swap from HID to Halo I would have to butcher the wiring loom? Any help, advice or suggestions welcomed!! Thanks

[dazren]

Slight bit of condesation, leave the lights alone, it's normal. There air air/drainage holes built into the units to allow the condesation to escape.

[wherzmespana]

Thanks Dazren - this is lots of condensation - droplets on the inside of the whole outer shell.

[dazren]

Without seeing the headlight units it's hard to give definitive advice as to wether you have a probem with the lights.

Do both headlights suffer from similar levels of condensation?

Try driving with you lights on for a while to dry them out, always cures mine.

[wherzmespana]

They both suffer - driving with the lights on for an hour or so clears them - but they look pretty sad most of the time.

[dazren]

The fact they are both suffering equally indicates to me there is not a problem.

[noneedtolift]

Common problem (more so on E60) - check if the rear covers are on properly (latches do break sometimes when bulbs are changed, or covers are not put back on correctly as space is tight). Leave your car on high beam for quite some time, this will help to eliminate some of the moisture.

[Rags]

dazren said:

The fact they are both suffering equally indicates to me there is not a problem.

Or by that logic, there could be a problem with both!

[ASBO]

Is the car kept in damp conditions?

Either that or you have a leak, allowing moisture to get into the lense if it really is as bad as you say.

[kentmotorcompany]

You should be able to remove the vents(black plastic circles) on the top of the headlight unit.

Leave it open for while, bingo!

If the car is secure it will speed things up if you leave it running with the headlights on full beam.

[ian in lancs]

have you used a jet-wash!

[wherzmespana]

Thanks Guys - I will check all of the clips over - they must be leaking somewhere as even a light hose over causes condensation.