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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 BMW 5-Series (F10) Forums General 5-Series Sedan and Wagon (F10 / F11) Forum Headlights right side BMW F10
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      04-19-2022, 11:30 AM   #1
sylky
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Headlights right side BMW F10

I have a problem with the condenser of the headlights. Only on the right side. How can I solve it?
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      04-19-2022, 12:33 PM   #2
lukavergille
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Originally Posted by sylky View Post
I have a problem with the condenser of the headlights. Only on the right side. How can I solve it?
Just my 2 cents..

Open the the hood and right above the headlight there is a black triangle-ish plastic, you can open it and then you will see a headlight cap. Turn the cap to the left to remove it and leave it open for a few minutes.

My driver's side headlight started to condensate after snow - water drops would appear inside the headlight after every wash. Then i opened that headlight cap and left it for like 20-30min and it solved the condensation for me.

You probably would want to protect the headlight from dust - i used a cloth to cover it and give a place for air to come out from the side
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      04-19-2022, 05:43 PM   #3
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I'm not sure about LCI models, but early models also have a cap accessible through the wheel well. Rig some string on a couple of desiccant packs and put them in both holes. That should help with drying. A hair dryer on low setting will work. too.
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      04-20-2022, 05:47 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lukavergille View Post
Just my 2 cents..

Open the the hood and right above the headlight there is a black triangle-ish plastic, you can open it and then you will see a headlight cap. Turn the cap to the left to remove it and leave it open for a few minutes.

My driver's side headlight started to condensate after snow - water drops would appear inside the headlight after every wash. Then i opened that headlight cap and left it for like 20-30min and it solved the condensation for me.

You probably would want to protect the headlight from dust - i used a cloth to cover it and give a place for air to come out from the side
I found this works for me too! In stead, I go a little further, drilling a hole on the cap and have a presentment opening. So far, no more condensation.
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      06-02-2022, 04:06 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by TZ View Post
I found this works for me too! In stead, I go a little further, drilling a hole on the cap and have a presentment opening. So far, no more condensation.
I've thought about to do the same. May I ask how big holes you drilled?
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      06-03-2022, 07:04 AM   #6
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I've found that removing both caps, cleaning the existing rubber seal and then rubbing the smallest amount of vaseline and then closing them again will stop condensation.

I wouldn't be drilling a hole.

Just my 2 cents...
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      06-03-2022, 08:14 PM   #7
TZ
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PeterPersson View Post
I've thought about to do the same. May I ask how big holes you drilled?
I drilled a 3/8" hole on each cap and leave them open for 6 months now. So fare so good, no more condensation.
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      06-03-2022, 08:19 PM   #8
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Failing seal. Can be repaired
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      06-19-2022, 03:28 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TZ View Post
I drilled a 3/8" hole on each cap and leave them open for 6 months now. So fare so good, no more condensation.
Thanks TZ! I drilled 15 mm holes on each top-cap. Condensation gone after 2 days and haven't come back since. Have had heavy rain for a couple of days now and everything is still dry.
Had to replace one headlight driver module due to corrosion a couple of months ago, and was afraid it would happen again..Now, finally, I think my issues are gone.

Last edited by PeterPersson; 06-19-2022 at 05:03 PM..
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      06-19-2022, 10:32 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PeterPersson View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by TZ View Post
I drilled a 3/8" hole on each cap and leave them open for 6 months now. So fare so good, no more condensation.
Thanks TZ! I drilled 15 mm holes on each top-cap. Condensation gone after 2 days and haven't come back since. Have had heavy rain for a couple of days now and everything is still dry.
Had to replace one headlight driver module due to corrosion a couple of months ago, and was afraid it would happen again..Now, finally, I think my issues are gone.
Good to hear. Just keep an eye on it. Most times it is failing seal, or something with the caps (failing or forgot to put back).

The moisture has to come in from somewhere to mess with those modules, so it's just figuring out where.
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