E39 Condensation in headlight cover

[GG33]

I've got serious condensation inside the perspex headlight cover on my E39, does anyone know if the cover comes apart, or of any easy way to clear it?

Thanks in anticipation

GG

[belleair302]

You may need to remove the lamp module, open the ventilation tubes, as per the attached link and let the unit breathe....or dry out. Not an uncommon problem. otherwise call GSF and buy a replacement housing.

http://forum.bmwcarmagazine.com/viewtopic.php?p=52...

Edited by belleair302 on Sunday 15th July 23:49

[volvos60s60]

I had this problem, so bad there was a pool of water in the bottom of the lens.
The simplest solution is to get a large nail, hold with pliers & heat it up with a gas flame. Use this to put one drain hole at the bottom of the lens (on the bottom of the inner return edge of the lens closest to the centre of the car as it will be hidden by the bonnet when closed). By the same method put 4 equispaced vent homes on the top return of the lens, again will be hidden when the bonnet is closed. Also worth adding some clear flexible bathroom sealant around the top of the unit as I believe water drips in from the water channel at the sides of the engine bay.

[Olf]

Okay this seems to go one of two ways.

Is you car post 2001 angel eyed face lift model? If it is the light units are sealed and unservicable and you would need replacement units for a long term reliable fix to the problem.

Pre-facelift, new rubber top seals can be ordered and then the units can be dissassembled, cleaned, dried and the new seals applied, maybe with a bit of sealant of vaseline or somthing to keep the seal good.

I am actually ringing BMW today about seals for a pre-facelift car, I'll post the part numbers up when I'm done. Apparently they are £15 each or about that.

[Olf]

Okay, according to the BMW part guy the pre-face lift are servicable as long as you're not tlaking puddles in the bottom of the unit. To be honest I'd just give it a go anyway, all you've got to loose is a couple of hours and 20 quid. Seal details are as follows:

63-12-8-362-446 @ £8.94 +vat - not sided apparently.

[GG33]

Thanks for the advice guys - I'll give it a try

GG