Condensation in headlight housing after AE LED install

[1ToBeOn2Wheels]

I had this issue happen to me, learned the hard way. It was ~$2k to get fixed. Sounds like it might be time to upgrade to Euro LCI headlights.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by 1ToBeOn2Wheels

I had this issue happen to me, learned the hard way. It was ~$2k to get fixed. Sounds like it might be time to upgrade to Euro LCI headlights.

OUCH! $2K for $20 AE bulbs. We should make a PSA on this topic! Sorry man. Maybe other can learn from your mistake.

[sistom]

Well they quoted me $2,500 for parts and labor!!!!

I asked them to ask BMW USA if they would cover it since I was only out of warranty by 3 weeks.

I just got a call back today and guess what, BMW IS COVERING ALL COSTS!!!

I'm pumped! That sure made my Easter weekend 100000x better.

[ken1137]

Originally Posted by sistom

Well they quoted me $2,500 for parts and labor!!!!

I asked them to ask BMW USA if they would cover it since I was only out of warranty by 3 weeks.

I just got a call back today and guess what, BMW IS COVERING ALL COSTS!!!

I'm pumped! That sure made my Easter weekend 100000x better.

[sistom]

Originally Posted by 1ToBeOn2Wheels

I had this issue happen to me, learned the hard way. It was ~$2k to get fixed. Sounds like it might be time to upgrade to Euro LCI headlights.

What color are the halos on the Euro LCIs? Is it the same yellowish color?

If not, I'm considering selling my current lights and buying the euros..

Thoughts?

[RimasRS]

Euro will be same just w/o amber corners... google for it...

P.S. What you can tell now about BMS 360 LED's
good that BMW will pay for replacement...

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by sistom

Well they quoted me $2,500 for parts and labor!!!!

I asked them to ask BMW USA if they would cover it since I was only out of warranty by 3 weeks.

I just got a call back today and guess what, BMW IS COVERING ALL COSTS!!!

I'm pumped! That sure made my Easter weekend 100000x better.

That is very good news!!

[tracer bullet]

I am starting to think that all AE kits should come with bright hot pink colored pieces of paper, wrapped around the kit so you are forced to see it, explaining the importance of placing the ballasts in a spot that doesn't interfere with the adaptive mechanism, and also the importance of getting the headlight cover on properly.

If it's not on correctly, you wash the car, get water inside, and kill the headlight. I wonder how many headlights BMW replaces for this?

I'm not bitching at anyone, it's an easy mistake. I do kind of wish the instructions included something like this though.

[Bdh821]

I think I'm going through the same problem. This SUCKS. Fortunately I'm still under warranty but my car is very well modded. I could put my angel eyes back to stock but who knows what will happen... wonderful... all these little problems makes me wanna sell this fucker

[tracer bullet]

Originally Posted by Bdh821

all these little problems makes me wanna sell this fucker

Little problems like what, headlight condensation? If so it's owner induced, hardly something to blame the car for.

[Bdh821]

My point is, I want a car I'm happy with from the factory. No more modding.

[sistom]

Originally Posted by Bdh821

My point is, I want a car I'm happy with from the factory. No more modding.

Modding my cars is one of my favorite parts of having them.

I generally get ready to sell a car after I'm done playing with it.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

I am starting to think that all AE kits should come with bright hot pink colored pieces of paper, wrapped around the kit so you are forced to see it, explaining the importance of placing the ballasts in a spot that doesn't interfere with the adaptive mechanism, and also the importance of getting the headlight cover on properly.

If it's not on correctly, you wash the car, get water inside, and kill the headlight. I wonder how many headlights BMW replaces for this?

I'm not bitching at anyone, it's an easy mistake. I do kind of wish the instructions included something like this though.

^ +1 could not agree more. But the problem with most aftermarket parts is that they come with NO directions what so ever!

Welcome to the wonderfull world of (modding)aftermarket.

[sistom]

Alright guys, I finally got the balls to reinstall the BMS LEDs...

I swear, if condensation gets in those damn headlights again, I'm going to die.

[debadgedbmw1]

Originally Posted by Satalite

I have posted the symbol you are receiving via picture below.

Unfortunately since you have a 135i with Xenons -- you will not be able to just pick up a set of DEPOs since they use Halogen settings. You will more than likely be forced to buy new headlights or used ones from the forum/eBay.

Hope this helps!

I only have the factory 128 halogen lights(no zenon or addaptive), what depot brand do u recommend? not interested in any error codes. Preferably not doing any coding to void warranty?

[Bdh821]

So the end result of my issue. BMW warrantied my headlight and 100% replaced the whole headlight assembly. It was a PITA but am now just gonna stick with stock everything. They quoted me $1800 for the headlight and programing of it

[TheSt|G]

Could be worse, aftermarket angel eyes for the E46 M3 used to cause fires with fair regularity.

Originally Posted by sistom

Close but I actually got the cover back on, clamped it down, and it still got moisture inside it somehow...

Clearly you didn't then.

[sistom]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

Clearly you didn't then.

Thank you for that bit of overwhelmingly helpful knowledge sir.

[1&done]

Originally Posted by sistom

Well they quoted me $2,500 for parts and labor!!!!

I asked them to ask BMW USA if they would cover it since I was only out of warranty by 3 weeks.

I just got a call back today and guess what, BMW IS COVERING ALL COSTS!!!

I'm pumped! That sure made my Easter weekend 100000x better.

Same thing has happened to me, adaptive error and condensation after a hellacious storm I drove in this past Saturday. I am just out of warranty Do you have any advice for getting this fixed under "goodwill" I almost never drive in the rain.

I believe that the adaptive malfunction was triggered by me. I pulled the rear leveling sensor off when I installed my M3 camber links (waiting for the new bracket to come in) The moisture in the light could be from the seals on the covering plate. It looks pretty compressed after inspecting it...and it was installed properly.

any advice appreciated, Glad you got yours fixed.

[FIRST1]

So I have the BMS LED angel eyes on my 135i, and it gave me adaptive headlight error, so I had the addaptive headlights coded off, I don't need them. I've driven in the rain after that, but now I just got a car wash, and my left low beam lamp is malfunctioning. I can actually see the condensation in the headlight. I know the cover under the hood is securely sealed with both clamps closed, I watched the guy at the shop close them securely when I asked him to (when I was at a shop getting other shit done). My warranty literally expired 8 days ago. Should I just wait til the condensation clears, then test out the lights? Or am I already screwed? I'm very worried based on reading this thread. I hate the BMS angel eyes, nothing but trouble... I admit they do look awesome though...

[1&done]

Originally Posted by FIRST1

So I have the BMS LED angel eyes on my 135i, and it gave me adaptive headlight error, so I had the addaptive headlights coded off, I don't need them. I've driven in the rain after that, but now I just got a car wash, and my left low beam lamp is malfunctioning. I can actually see the condensation in the headlight. I know the cover under the hood is securely sealed with both clamps closed, I watched the guy at the shop close them securely when I asked him to (when I was at a shop getting other shit done). My warranty literally expired 8 days ago. Should I just wait til the condensation clears, then test out the lights? Or am I already screwed? I'm very worried based on reading this thread. I hate the BMS angel eyes, nothing but trouble... I admit they do look awesome though...

It's probably not the BMS AEs. Had a similar issue. Which light is it, passenger?

I would put it back to stock and go right to the dealer, they are aware of the issues because many series bimmers have had the samething happen. Make sure you have the OEM bulbs installed. Pm me your email and I will send over the documentation to take to the dealer.

Try and take a pic of the light to show the condensation, if they refuse to repair it call BMWNA, the dealer "has the resources to fix it" .

I have order a new adaptive motor and new cover, I believe the cover is faulty, it might be the design, I do not think my light is cracked. GL

[FIRST1]

Originally Posted by 1&done

It's probably not the BMS AEs. Had a similar issue. Which light is it, passenger?

I would put it back to stock and go right to the dealer, they are aware of the issues because many series bimmers have had the samething happen. Make sure you have the OEM bulbs installed. Pm me your email and I will send over the documentation to take to the dealer.

Try and take a pic of the light to show the condensation, if they refuse to repair it call BMWNA, the dealer "has the resources to fix it" .

I have order a new adaptive motor and new cover, I believe the cover is faulty, it might be the design, I do not think my light is cracked. GL

Driver's side. Going on vacation tomorrow for a week, when I get back I will put stock bulbs back and take it to dealer. Sent you a PM. I do have a pic of the condensation, and it's still there (got the car wash ~34 hours ago).