Xenon headlight magically starts working again? - BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)

FIRST1 · 01-06-2013, 02:31 AM

I installed the BMS angel eyes, but I guess didn't close the housing up properly. Got a car wash, and the driver's side headlight got condensation, and I had Left Low Beam Malfunction.

So I left the housing open for a few days (no rain) and the condensation cleared. Put the housing back on, and like 2 days later, the xenon headlight is working again! This happened 8 days after my warranty expired, and it was like $540 for new a new xenon + coding from the dealership.

Is it possible that the bulb just had to dry out, and now will continue to function properly as long as it stays dry?

RimasRS · 01-06-2013, 05:52 AM

It is possible just I hope you didn't get any corrosion which can cause some problems in the future.

Ian///M · 01-06-2013, 06:17 AM

I had same on my 135i. Condensation dried out out and then worked after that

FIRST1 · 01-06-2013, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian///M

I had same on my 135i. Condensation dried out out and then worked after that

^Good to hear this. Boosts my confidence that I'll be okay, lol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RimasRS

It is possible just I hope you didn't get any corrosion which can cause some problems in the future.

^Uh oh. Can you be more specific on what could be corroding?

RimasRS · 01-06-2013, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIRST1

^Good to hear this. Boosts my confidence that I'll be okay, lol.

^Uh oh. Can you be more specific on what could be corroding?

Maybe it will be fine and I hope so... Just to inspect all open contacts inside your lamp wouldn't hurt. If there is some signs of corrosion put special spray for contacts.
Good luck.

Dackelone · 01-06-2013, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIRST1

^Uh oh. Can you be more specific on what could be corroding?

Inside the headlights is some circuitry. There have been many posts where people get condensation inside the headlights (due to AE upgrade, not reinstalling the covers properly) and end up having to replace the headlights (due to corrosion inside them) and the ballast(s) and the footwell module(s) and sometimes the HID bulbs.

And as you know... nothing is cheap on our cars. $$$

jsivadas · 02-03-2013, 11:01 PM

This just happened to my right headlight. I'll try leaving the cover off over night.. Really hoping this will work I don't want to have to deal with the stealership.

Lester · 02-04-2013, 07:01 AM

Use a hair dryer on the lowest setting to dry it out.

DaveSakky135 · 02-05-2013, 05:55 AM

Same thing has happened to me due to dealership leaving my covers open! The claim there is no way water can get in with the back covers open I say bs!

What warnings did you get? Did you get an active steering fault?

FIRST1 · 02-05-2013, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveSakky135

Same thing has happened to me due to dealership leaving my covers open! The claim there is no way water can get in with the back covers open I say bs!

What warnings did you get? Did you get an active steering fault?

Something along the lines of "Left low beam malfunction." That was the only one

01-06-2013, 02:31 AM	#1
FIRST1 Lieutenant Drives: '08 135i Titanium Silver Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: LI / Bronx Posts: 422 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 135i [0.00]	Xenon headlight magically starts working again? I installed the BMS angel eyes, but I guess didn't close the housing up properly. Got a car wash, and the driver's side headlight got condensation, and I had Left Low Beam Malfunction. So I left the housing open for a few days (no rain) and the condensation cleared. Put the housing back on, and like 2 days later, the xenon headlight is working again! This happened 8 days after my warranty expired, and it was like $540 for new a new xenon + coding from the dealership. Is it possible that the bulb just had to dry out, and now will continue to function properly as long as it stays dry? __________________
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01-06-2013, 06:17 AM	#3
Ian///M Brigadier General Drives: 1M E82 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Oz Posts: 4,519 iTrader: (0)	I had same on my 135i. Condensation dried out out and then worked after that __________________ BMW 1M VO - Cobb, Remus muffler, MadDads midpipes, ETS 5" FMIC, ER CP, CDV, OCC, Michelin PSS

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01-06-2013, 05:52 AM	#2
RimasRS Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 135i MT 2009 AW Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Europe Posts: 1,682 iTrader: (0)	It is possible just I hope you didn't get any corrosion which can cause some problems in the future.

02-03-2013, 11:01 PM	#7
jsivadas Private Drives: 2009 135i - 2009 CBR1000RR Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: YYC - Calgary - 403 Posts: 87 iTrader: (3)	This just happened to my right headlight. I'll try leaving the cover off over night.. Really hoping this will work I don't want to have to deal with the stealership.

02-04-2013, 07:01 AM	#8
Lester Colonel Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,821 iTrader: (0)	Use a hair dryer on the lowest setting to dry it out.

02-05-2013, 05:55 AM	#9
DaveSakky135 First Lieutenant Drives: 135i Montego Blue Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Boston Posts: 343 iTrader: (1)	Same thing has happened to me due to dealership leaving my covers open! The claim there is no way water can get in with the back covers open I say bs! What warnings did you get? Did you get an active steering fault?