2011 BMW 535i headlight issue & condensation

emkerk · 09-20-2022, 02:28 PM

Hello, I bought a 2011 535 and both headlights have heavy condensation, I also have a adaptive headlight malfunction warning on the dash.

After searching on the forums I found that sending the headlights in to One Eighty in NY would be a good option, it would cost about 1000 to get them both fully reconditioned. I also found some xenon headlights on eBay without the adaptive feature but I have no coding experience to remove that feature. Are there any other options that I'm overlooking? I see plenty of aftermarket sets for around $900 but cant find any long term longevity reviews from members.

If you have any aftermarket options on your car, or can guide me in the right direction id appreciate it. Would like to buy a nice set or possibly get the current pair fully reconditioned/rebuilt with one eighty. I posted this question in another BMW forum as well, hoping to get as much info as i can before placing a order.

Thank you in advance!

emkerk · 09-21-2022, 09:10 AM

Here are a few photos, driver side is bad but passenger is good.

Surly73 · 09-21-2022, 09:50 AM

With that much water, I'd expect to find some kind of obvious sealing problem, such as the twist-on bulb cover is missing, not closed correctly, or the seal on that cover is completed shot.

If I was looking at that on my car, I would probably remove the entire assembly from the car, remove the bulb cover mentioned previously, and get some warm air moving through the assembly at velocity (e.g. hairdryer on low heat, compressed air blow gun) while seeing if any can be poured out.

I've read online account of the bulb access cover being improperly installed and one high pressure carwash later there was lots of water in the assembly. It does not necessarily need outsourced "refurbishing".

OnlyGerman · 09-21-2022, 08:39 PM

Check eBay for repair service

7'er-addict · 09-21-2022, 08:45 PM

I would also look into a missing or incorrectly installed cover. The vent tube can also cause this if it is missing.

I'm afraid with the adaptive headlight malfunction you may be looking at a new headlight assembly. There has obviously been a lot of water in the electrics within the assembly.

paul223 · 09-25-2022, 10:39 AM

Remove headlights. Take apart/remove all modules from from the headlights. rinse inside the housing with distilled water. Dry in oven at 100-120F temp or naturally in sun. Put a good brand clear caulk sealant on outside around headlight where the clear lens meet housing. I am talking about a gap, fill it with caulking, just need a thin line. It has been a while since I done it.

09-20-2022, 02:28 PM	#1
emkerk New Member 8 Rep 6 Posts Drives: bmw 535xi Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: IN iTrader: (0)	2011 BMW 535i headlight issue & condensation Hello, I bought a 2011 535 and both headlights have heavy condensation, I also have a adaptive headlight malfunction warning on the dash. After searching on the forums I found that sending the headlights in to One Eighty in NY would be a good option, it would cost about 1000 to get them both fully reconditioned. I also found some xenon headlights on eBay without the adaptive feature but I have no coding experience to remove that feature. Are there any other options that I'm overlooking? I see plenty of aftermarket sets for around $900 but cant find any long term longevity reviews from members. If you have any aftermarket options on your car, or can guide me in the right direction id appreciate it. Would like to buy a nice set or possibly get the current pair fully reconditioned/rebuilt with one eighty. I posted this question in another BMW forum as well, hoping to get as much info as i can before placing a order. Thank you in advance! Last edited by emkerk; 09-20-2022 at 02:34 PM..
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09-21-2022, 09:10 AM	#2
emkerk New Member 8 Rep 6 Posts Drives: bmw 535xi Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: IN iTrader: (0)	Here are a few photos, driver side is bad but passenger is good. Attached Images
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09-21-2022, 09:50 AM	#3
Surly73 Lieutenant Colonel 535 Rep 1,873 Posts Drives: '11 535xi 8AT KWv3 MPE MHD xHP Join Date: May 2012 Location: Oakville, Ontario iTrader: (1)	With that much water, I'd expect to find some kind of obvious sealing problem, such as the twist-on bulb cover is missing, not closed correctly, or the seal on that cover is completed shot. If I was looking at that on my car, I would probably remove the entire assembly from the car, remove the bulb cover mentioned previously, and get some warm air moving through the assembly at velocity (e.g. hairdryer on low heat, compressed air blow gun) while seeing if any can be poured out. I've read online account of the bulb access cover being improperly installed and one high pressure carwash later there was lots of water in the assembly. It does not necessarily need outsourced "refurbishing".
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09-21-2022, 08:39 PM	#4
OnlyGerman Major 364 Rep 1,261 Posts Drives: F15, F13, F10, E60 Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Sunshine State iTrader: (0)	Check eBay for repair service
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09-21-2022, 08:45 PM	#5
7'er-addict Sporty Shorty 28 Rep 79 Posts Drives: BMW E38 740i, BMW F01 750i. Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	I would also look into a missing or incorrectly installed cover. The vent tube can also cause this if it is missing. I'm afraid with the adaptive headlight malfunction you may be looking at a new headlight assembly. There has obviously been a lot of water in the electrics within the assembly.
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09-25-2022, 10:39 AM	#6
paul223 Major 411 Rep 1,126 Posts Drives: F10 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: arkansas iTrader: (0)	Remove headlights. Take apart/remove all modules from from the headlights. rinse inside the housing with distilled water. Dry in oven at 100-120F temp or naturally in sun. Put a good brand clear caulk sealant on outside around headlight where the clear lens meet housing. I am talking about a gap, fill it with caulking, just need a thin line. It has been a while since I done it.
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