Water Intrusion in Headlamp Unit (E60 M5)
Discussion
Hi!
I have a build up of condensation in my right front unit....in the eye brow bit.
BMW have told me that these are not sealed units and that this is not a warranty job.
The best they could suggest is driving around with the lights on all the time to burn off the water.
[I think the back of the unit could be opened to let moisture out a bit, but access looks rather awkward....not sure!!]
I've noticed this condensation in a lot of 5 series cars, curiously always on the right side.
That would suggest to me that there is indeed some design flaw.
Anyone had this resolved under warranty?
[I pay a grand a year for my warranty.....not one bloody claim so far!!]
Jazzer
I have a build up of condensation in my right front unit....in the eye brow bit.
BMW have told me that these are not sealed units and that this is not a warranty job.
The best they could suggest is driving around with the lights on all the time to burn off the water.
[I think the back of the unit could be opened to let moisture out a bit, but access looks rather awkward....not sure!!]
I've noticed this condensation in a lot of 5 series cars, curiously always on the right side.
That would suggest to me that there is indeed some design flaw.
Anyone had this resolved under warranty?
[I pay a grand a year for my warranty.....not one bloody claim so far!!]
Jazzer
Jazzer said:
Hi!
I have a build up of condensation in my right front unit....in the eye brow bit.
BMW have told me that these are not sealed units and that this is not a warranty job.
The best they could suggest is driving around with the lights on all the time to burn off the water.
[I think the back of the unit could be opened to let moisture out a bit, but access looks rather awkward....not sure!!]
I've noticed this condensation in a lot of 5 series cars, curiously always on the right side.
That would suggest to me that there is indeed some design flaw.
Anyone had this resolved under warranty?
[I pay a grand a year for my warranty.....not one bloody claim so far!!]
Jazzer
Not a direct answer to your question, but my Z4M had the same problem. I tried to claim under warranty and Murketts showed me a technical buletin from BMW, which instructs that these ventilation holes are opened and the headlights left to dry out. They did that for 3 days and hey presto, the problem has not returned. While I cannot see them honouring a warranty claim for a new unit, they should open the vent holes for free and offer you a cup of coffee while you wait...I have a build up of condensation in my right front unit....in the eye brow bit.
BMW have told me that these are not sealed units and that this is not a warranty job.
The best they could suggest is driving around with the lights on all the time to burn off the water.
[I think the back of the unit could be opened to let moisture out a bit, but access looks rather awkward....not sure!!]
I've noticed this condensation in a lot of 5 series cars, curiously always on the right side.
That would suggest to me that there is indeed some design flaw.
Anyone had this resolved under warranty?
[I pay a grand a year for my warranty.....not one bloody claim so far!!]
Jazzer
Apparently, the only solution is a new headlamp unit....costing about £1200.
BMW have been no help whatsoever.....I expected more from them.
I appreciate that this is not covered by their extended warranty, but this was an Approved Car only two years ago and I feel that BMW should make some contribution to the replacement cost, given that the problem, according to them, is very rare.
Maybe I'm just expecting too much, eh?
BMW have been no help whatsoever.....I expected more from them.
I appreciate that this is not covered by their extended warranty, but this was an Approved Car only two years ago and I feel that BMW should make some contribution to the replacement cost, given that the problem, according to them, is very rare.
Maybe I'm just expecting too much, eh?
Jazzer said:
Apparently, the only solution is a new headlamp unit....costing about £1200.
BMW have been no help whatsoever.....I expected more from them.
I appreciate that this is not covered by their extended warranty, but this was an Approved Car only two years ago and I feel that BMW should make some contribution to the replacement cost, given that the problem, according to them, is very rare.
Maybe I'm just expecting too much, eh?
Que?BMW have been no help whatsoever.....I expected more from them.
I appreciate that this is not covered by their extended warranty, but this was an Approved Car only two years ago and I feel that BMW should make some contribution to the replacement cost, given that the problem, according to them, is very rare.
Maybe I'm just expecting too much, eh?
Why is not covered under their extended warranty? It is not a consumable like a bulb... If BMW are not coming with any goodwill, then shame on them...
Cheburator mk2 said:
Que?
Why is not covered under their extended warranty? It is not a consumable like a bulb... If BMW are not coming with any goodwill, then shame on them...
Good question Sir!Why is not covered under their extended warranty? It is not a consumable like a bulb... If BMW are not coming with any goodwill, then shame on them...
Wear and tear perhaps?
It's covered under the original warranty, so it's pretty galling that it's not covered under their full monty, extended warranty costing almost a grand annually.
What disappoints me is that the suppying dealer (I spend a lot there) are not more supportive in perhaps organising some kind of goodwill gesture......not good!
Different car/manufacturer but this used to happen to Jag XK headlights. Jaguar eventually recognised the problem and there was a dealer fit mod to add a small t-piece that vented the lights. Had this fitted to mine and it cleared the problem straight away. Worth persevering with the dealer?
Thanks for the comments.
BMW are now taking an interest....dealer has examined the defective unit and sent a report, with photos, to technical support.
I think they should replace the unit, as the seal should not break so soon.....it's that grey area between reasonable lifespan and wear and tear that is the issue.
Let's see what happens...
BMW are now taking an interest....dealer has examined the defective unit and sent a report, with photos, to technical support.
I think they should replace the unit, as the seal should not break so soon.....it's that grey area between reasonable lifespan and wear and tear that is the issue.
Let's see what happens...
Good news!
BMW have agreed to pick up the cost of the new headlamp unit, with me paying the labour only.
I think this is absolutely the correct response from them in the circumstances, with Customer Services being really helpful and supportive....very on the ball.
I appreciate it when companies do the right thing.....it's brilliant for business and more of them should take this onboard.
Happy Jazzer
BMW have agreed to pick up the cost of the new headlamp unit, with me paying the labour only.
I think this is absolutely the correct response from them in the circumstances, with Customer Services being really helpful and supportive....very on the ball.
I appreciate it when companies do the right thing.....it's brilliant for business and more of them should take this onboard.
Happy Jazzer
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