Defective Headlight on used car purchase
Discussion
Just under 2 months ago I bought a 2014 5 series. After a few weeks, once the weather began to turn I noticed that the passenger headlight was holding condensation. Having read up, I know that this is a weakness of the car, and a seal fails. The solution is to replace the headlight at a cost of £1,225. They are on backorder and the garage that quoted had 3 quote requests in the last 1/2 hour when I enquired.
The used car warranty does not cover lights. I have spoken to the trader who sold the car and while they have not run away, it has to be said I am doing all the running. I suspect given the cost of my quote they will want the car to them for replacement, which is fair enough, if not inconvenient.
I think the fault having arisen in the first month, then diagnosed in the 2nd of my ownership, it not being a small amount, and the car not being a knackered banger, I am in a decent position, but would appreciate the advice.
For the hell of it I have also reported the fault to VOSA as a safety issue. The headlamp will eventually fail due to moisture content, and it could be argued to be a safety issue caused by a manufacturing defect.
The used car warranty does not cover lights. I have spoken to the trader who sold the car and while they have not run away, it has to be said I am doing all the running. I suspect given the cost of my quote they will want the car to them for replacement, which is fair enough, if not inconvenient.
I think the fault having arisen in the first month, then diagnosed in the 2nd of my ownership, it not being a small amount, and the car not being a knackered banger, I am in a decent position, but would appreciate the advice.
For the hell of it I have also reported the fault to VOSA as a safety issue. The headlamp will eventually fail due to moisture content, and it could be argued to be a safety issue caused by a manufacturing defect.
Tricky one made tricky by "new" technology.
Thirty years ago the whole car would probably be knackered after 8 years. These days we tend to think of an 8 year old motor as not being that ancient.
If it were not for the cost you'd probably consider a headlight to be a consumable item. (which is why they tend to be excluded from warranties).
I'd imagine you'll come to an arrangement with the supplying dealer.
Thirty years ago the whole car would probably be knackered after 8 years. These days we tend to think of an 8 year old motor as not being that ancient.
If it were not for the cost you'd probably consider a headlight to be a consumable item. (which is why they tend to be excluded from warranties).
I'd imagine you'll come to an arrangement with the supplying dealer.
The car must be of suitable quality for at least six months.
If a fault is discovered within 6 months of you buying it, it is assumed to have been there at the point of sale.
The garage should replace the light, or give you some cash.
(I'm assuming you bought it from a dealer without any explanation the light was faulty)
IANAL however I've just had something similar with a 1 series after 4 months and explained I'd happily give the garage the chance to repair it, or I'll reject it.
No issues from the garage, they sorted it out - drivetrain error message, apparently oil sensors on the cam???
If a fault is discovered within 6 months of you buying it, it is assumed to have been there at the point of sale.
The garage should replace the light, or give you some cash.
(I'm assuming you bought it from a dealer without any explanation the light was faulty)
IANAL however I've just had something similar with a 1 series after 4 months and explained I'd happily give the garage the chance to repair it, or I'll reject it.
No issues from the garage, they sorted it out - drivetrain error message, apparently oil sensors on the cam???
I'm surprised the dealer is considering condensation to be a failure if the lights still work. I had a similar situation with rear lights a few years back and was told that until the light failed, it was not going to be replaced. Which it did - but not until 2 years later.
Fortunately, my rear light was only £250.
Fortunately, my rear light was only £250.
My dad has one - both lights have been replaced in his ownership.
Have the modules gone too? There are aftermarket modules that are much cheaper if needed.
My friend also had one, he managed to find the gap and seal it , it held for at least a year before he sold the car.
If you can get a cheap module and can seal the offending area you might be alright.
Have the modules gone too? There are aftermarket modules that are much cheaper if needed.
My friend also had one, he managed to find the gap and seal it , it held for at least a year before he sold the car.
If you can get a cheap module and can seal the offending area you might be alright.
I'd be surprised if it's covered under any warranty, but the garage may simply dry it out & replace the seal.
It's a common problem on the e85/86 Z4s too...and the common repair is to replace the rear cover (for about £20) as it's usually the seal that's gone. Of course you need to remove and dry out the headlight with a hot air gun or desiccant.
Even the BMW AUC warranty says seals are not covered, and a replacement headlight unit (excluding any electric parts) for my Z4M is about £1100. Second hand ones go for £600.
It's a common problem on the e85/86 Z4s too...and the common repair is to replace the rear cover (for about £20) as it's usually the seal that's gone. Of course you need to remove and dry out the headlight with a hot air gun or desiccant.
Even the BMW AUC warranty says seals are not covered, and a replacement headlight unit (excluding any electric parts) for my Z4M is about £1100. Second hand ones go for £600.
joropug said:
My dad has one - both lights have been replaced in his ownership.
Have the modules gone too? There are aftermarket modules that are much cheaper if needed.
My friend also had one, he managed to find the gap and seal it , it held for at least a year before he sold the car.
If you can get a cheap module and can seal the offending area you might be alright.
Modules are not gone yet. It's just the passenger one - funnily enough the pattern headlights all sell the passenger side for double the cost of the drivers.Have the modules gone too? There are aftermarket modules that are much cheaper if needed.
My friend also had one, he managed to find the gap and seal it , it held for at least a year before he sold the car.
If you can get a cheap module and can seal the offending area you might be alright.
OverSteery said:
the headlight still works?
I am not convinced that condensation of an 8 year old head light make it unfit for purpose?
Unless it's bad enough to fail an MOT?I am not convinced that condensation of an 8 year old head light make it unfit for purpose?
Any MOT testers on here can explain to us about beam disruption?
Might be an angle OP can use if the dealer refuses to put it right.
My friend recently PX'd their car to Cazoo, they insisted the condensated headlight was replaced on their 1 series.
surveyor said:
For the hell of it I have also reported the fault to VOSA as a safety issue. The headlamp will eventually fail due to moisture content, and it could be argued to be a safety issue caused by a manufacturing defect.
I’m assuming you’re not using the car then, if it’s a safety issue?And why would you report your own car to VOSA (DVSA)?
Sheepshanks said:
I've no love for the motor trade but how on earth do they cope with this sort of thing - paying out a grand plus on a 8yr old car must surely kill the deal for them, and it's coming across like the OP is going to be upset with anything other than an OEM replacement lamp.
I suspect they will take the car back, refund him less an allowance for the use he's had from the car.Then dry out the light, bit of sealant. Maybe even a little silica gel to absorb moisture,
Then it's back on the forecourt?
I wonder what BMW pay for these lights? £50?
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