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Big El 
Newbie
Joined: 02-January-2007
Location: Swansea, UK
Status: Offline
Points: 3
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 Topic: E39 headlight misting
Posted: 02-January-2007 at 21:03 |
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I have a 1999 530d saloon. Both headlights have been replaced because the flimsy nylon adjusters had broken. I now have standing water in the bottom of both units. Do they need sealing? If so how? uld drilling holes in the bottom of the units help? (It used to be the fix for water in a Morris Ital boot!)
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thepits
Moderator Group
Joined: 09-July-2003
Location: far far away
Status: Offline
Points: 10000473
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Posted: 02-January-2007 at 22:39 |
 Big El wrote:
fix for water in a Morris Ital boot! |
Did it have a boot? I thought it was just air & rust?? 
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Cats know your every thought.
But don't care.
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Rhys
Moderator Group
Coffee addict...
Joined: 02-February-2003
Location: from the Latin locātiō
Status: Offline
Points: 10053
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Posted: 02-January-2007 at 22:48 |
thinkI'll move this to 5 series technical forum. 
Edited by Rhys
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V reg Rustbucket Merc C220 Cdi estate
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BeemaBoy
Really Senior Member II
Starting a Collection
Joined: 25-October-2004
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Status: Offline
Points: 927
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Posted: 03-January-2007 at 07:23 |
If you drill holes in the bottom of the glass, you could very well crack it! The headlights lens should be sealed to the rest of the light with some black or clear silicon and then left to dry for about 12 hours. You must have quite a big space between the glass and frame to get water in the bottom. Usually it just appears as condensation on the back of the glass. Before sealing up the unit, remember to clean the silver reflector as the water would have left marks on it... Also, check the caps that screw onto the back of the headlight. They have rubber seals that perish too and could let water inside...
BB
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87 E30 320I
95 E34 525I Auto, Executive Package, Arctic Silver
98 E38 740I Steptronic, Silver
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NOISUFNOC
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 27-September-2004
Location: Sunny Greenock by the Sea
Status: Offline
Points: 1473
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Posted: 03-January-2007 at 09:15 |
I seem to remember the e39's having to have at least one vent hole to let the heat out, id check this isnt blocked
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528 for now
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Dave E
Senior Member II
Joined: 27-November-2002
Location: Worcestershire
Status: Offline
Points: 173
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Posted: 03-January-2007 at 09:27 |
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If this problem was non-existent before replacing the headlights it is pretty obvious that the installation is at fault. Either by missing vital gaskets, etc or ill-fitting parts. Also check that the new replacements are no different from the original.
Of course if you did not carry out the installation yourself then you have the regretful action of doing a bit of chasing of the installer.
I hope you cure this problem.
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Big El
Newbie
Joined: 02-January-2007
Location: Swansea, UK
Status: Offline
Points: 3
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Posted: 03-January-2007 at 20:30 |
Thank you for your helpful suggestions. I will give it a go.
Big El
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E39 headlight misting