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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 Headlight condensation, will TSB cover at no cost? |
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09-29-2020, 11:13 PM | #1 |
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Hey all, I hope this finds you well.
I recently bought a used 2012 535i from an Audi dealer, and after test driving it in rainy conditions, I noticed some condensation in the headlight assembly on the driver's side. I've owned a E92 LCI before that had condensation build up and then go away so I wasn't too worried about it and bought the F10 from the dealer. After driving in moderate rain tonight, I noticed A LOT of condensation and droplets in the same driver side headlight assembly while the passenger side remains bone dry. I have done some research and see a couple TSBs for this issue. Since the car is used and out of warranty, what are my chances of getting this headlight assembly swapped out for a new one at no cost? If I do have to pay, can anyone tell me how much they were charged? Would it be better for me to just buy a new assembly and swap it out myself? If I just bought a new assembly but reused all the modules and other electronics, would I need to initialize the lights to get them to work or is that not necessary since the modules I would be using are already programmed to my car? Any insight on this would greatly be appreciated. Thank you!! (The last photo is the passenger side assembly taken at the same time with no condensation inside) |
09-30-2020, 04:19 PM | #2 |
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I would say that it never hurts to ask a dealer (nicely). Sometimes SA will go the distance for you with BMW. Its revenue for them too.
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09-30-2020, 05:35 PM | #3 |
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No way they will do anything. Some condensation is normal but yours seems extreme. You can buy a new assembly and move over modules. I would hurry, your current issue can cause damage do modules.
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09-30-2020, 06:17 PM | #4 | |
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You bought a 12 year old car from an Audi dealership. I doubt any BMW dwaler would offer any goodwill. You saw the issue and bought the car anyway. Just fix it. |
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10-01-2020, 03:39 PM | #5 |
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Warranty
Even a used car should come with some type of warranty unless sold as is. Check your paperwork as this would be a safety issue they need to fix
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10-01-2020, 03:52 PM | #6 |
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Thank you all for the replies.
Unfortunately the car was sold "as is", and the audi dealer said they don't do any work on BMWs. During the test drive, there was only condensation in the headlight, not big water droplets like the other night that's why I didn't think too much of it since condensation is normal in these lights. I contacted BMWNA and they said I would have to pay for it even though there's several TSBs on the issue. My plan now is to just buy a new assembly and swap over my modules. I still don't know if any coding will be required once I move my existing modules (that are all working) over to the new assembly. Also, the morning after those photos were taken, surprisingly 90% of that condensation had cleared up even though it was sitting in the rain all night long. |
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10-01-2020, 07:24 PM | #7 |
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You need to dry it up ASAP before it further damages the head light control module.
I had the similar issue and removed the whole head light resealed it. I found the moisture was trapped at two head light housing covers (one on top, one on back) and the control module electrical connector. You can try just leave the top cover off (which is a lot easier) if you don't see a direct water intrusion from there. This will allow the moisture dry out as well, once the head light turns on. Interesting thing is all I have seen the head light condensation are driver side head lights!
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2014 435i RWD Convertible Service Manual: www.newtis.info Part: http://www.realoem.com Last edited by TZ; 10-01-2020 at 07:39 PM.. |
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10-01-2020, 08:32 PM | #8 |
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99% of used cars are sold as is.........not sure if you have bought a used car. AND if not, it is LIMITED to some bogus 3k/3 month or even lifetime power train warranty. Those are always too good to be true.
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10-01-2020, 08:34 PM | #9 | |
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10-01-2020, 08:40 PM | #10 | ||
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10-01-2020, 08:59 PM | #11 | |
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You don't have to remove the entire bumper to get the lamp assembly. You only need to loose some screws on one end. As far as I know, if you swap the whole lamp assembly, you need to code the new one. Or you keep the old control module if it is still good.
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10-01-2020, 09:06 PM | #12 | ||
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I meant I would buy a new shell/assembly without all the modules and just use the ones I have. |
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10-01-2020, 09:30 PM | #13 |
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Just so you know, I bought a entirely used headlight with all modules and my Indy just plugged that one in and it did not require anything. We thought the module would need to be reinitiated but nope.
I would be looking into sealing and just seeing how it goes. Why drop $$$ on a replacement light if you can simply fix your own.... |
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10-01-2020, 11:00 PM | #14 | |
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10-02-2020, 08:19 AM | #15 | ||
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10-02-2020, 08:32 AM | #16 | |||
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10-02-2020, 08:34 AM | #17 | ||||
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10-02-2020, 08:43 AM | #18 | |||||
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10-02-2020, 08:46 AM | #19 | ||||||
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10-02-2020, 08:58 AM | #20 | |
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It might be different in other states but in Massachusetts any car under 125k miles requires one. https://www.mass.gov/guides/guide-to...e-warranty-law |
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10-02-2020, 10:55 AM | #21 | |
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10-02-2020, 12:15 PM | #22 |
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TSB's are nothing more than factory instructions to the field techs. They are completely different than recalls.
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