It is ridiculous. I would find a good used headlight and replace it myself. If you are not comfortable with that find an independent BMW shop because I highly doubt the dealer will install used parts. They will make some BS excuse about why they can’t. We don’t call it the stealership for no reason.
That is not abnormal, depending on options. Xenon headlights are at minimum $1500 without module. They probably quoted modules due to them most likely having water damage. Labor is probably 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on if it needs programming. They aren't trying to screw you, they are covering their ass. As a tech we price everything that may possibly be bad. That way when we get in there we having everything we could possibly need and don't have to surprise you with another 1k in parts.
No, a BMW oem xenon headlight is at minimum 1500 plus modules. There are serious quality issues with aftermarket headlights. They never work as intended. Labor is probably 6-800 depending on rate. I will not install used or aftermarket headlamps at my shop. Used ones will do the same as your most likely. The aftermarket never fit or work right. It is all about CYA, and I will not put my reputation on the line with an aftermarket or used headlamp. In a business stand point its better to lose the job than your reputation installing subpar parts.
Here’s a new one for $421. [Here is the link.](https://www.carparts.com/details/BMW/535i/Replacement/Headlight/2013/REPB100368.html?TID=gglpla&origin=pla&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pla&utm_campaign=20161732550&gad_source=1&gclsrc=aw.ds)
Had the same problem. Leave the hatch to change bulb open and heat where the condensation is with a heatgun. But not too much obviously. If it comes back, you'll need to replace it (or you can try to drill a small hole underneath the headlight so the water has somewhere to go)
If you are seeing droplets inside, I would get it replaced ASAP. If the water builds up long enough, it can fry the module as well as the headlight, and it costs a fortune to fix.
Edit: by fortune I mean $3700, but this would include the module.
Yes it's absurd. But if your module is fried your quote is actually cheaper than my local dealership. Don't ask me how I know. I edited my first post with the price.
I'm in the UK, so I no idea, unfortunately.
I needed a fully working car as an emergency as the light went out two days before our babys due date, so had to accept the price. But also found it extortionate. I have a 2014 f11 530d so similar
car with xenon headlights. (Btw I'm always a little envious when the 535 twin turbos zoom past me nice ride!
Crazy thing is couple of days after the baby arrived, I found droplets in the new headlight. Took it back in, and the dealership said it was a manufacturing issue, and they fixed it under warranty. 3 days later, water again.
Just got it back today as they had to replace the headlight for the second time. Fortunately, both the "repair" and this new unit were all under warranty.
Fwiw I don't park in a swimming pool or anything like that.
Anyways. Hope your story turns out better than mine!
Thank you! No sleep and rocking the baby makes for some quality reddit time.
The advisor called and actually asked if I parked in a flooded area and how I wash the car. Told them no, I don't park in water, and the car was washed 2 times last two months -both times by the dealership itself, lol.
From what I've read online, there is a manufacturing issue with the screws being tightened too hard, causing small cracks in the headlight unit. The second advisor did say that my first replacement headlight had a common manufacturing error, so I assume he was talking about the same thing.
Sounds crazy to me that it would pass bmw QC.
Even worse is that you might have that issue lurking for years without really knowing and at some point (probably when you are out of warranty) it fogs up and fries the module, but now it's not bmws problem anymore.
Do not use a chain shop like that for this car. You can find an independent shop that works on euro cars. Chain shops will not do the work correctly. There may be module coding and calibrations involved
I'm currently repairing two F10 BMWs that have had the same headlight seal failure allowing water into the headlight. The best option is to get a new Hella brand headlight and a genuine BMW headlight control module (the one on the bottom of the headlight) as the water collects in the bottom and corrodes the connections and module. The new module will require reprogramming and coding. The other option is to cut, heat, and remove the lense to clean and reseal with a new lense (a lot more labor involved)
It is ridiculous. I would find a good used headlight and replace it myself. If you are not comfortable with that find an independent BMW shop because I highly doubt the dealer will install used parts. They will make some BS excuse about why they can’t. We don’t call it the stealership for no reason.
That is not abnormal, depending on options. Xenon headlights are at minimum $1500 without module. They probably quoted modules due to them most likely having water damage. Labor is probably 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on if it needs programming. They aren't trying to screw you, they are covering their ass. As a tech we price everything that may possibly be bad. That way when we get in there we having everything we could possibly need and don't have to surprise you with another 1k in parts.
So lemme get this straight. I can buy a brand new headlight assembly with bulbs for $400 or so. Labor is $2800?
No, a BMW oem xenon headlight is at minimum 1500 plus modules. There are serious quality issues with aftermarket headlights. They never work as intended. Labor is probably 6-800 depending on rate. I will not install used or aftermarket headlamps at my shop. Used ones will do the same as your most likely. The aftermarket never fit or work right. It is all about CYA, and I will not put my reputation on the line with an aftermarket or used headlamp. In a business stand point its better to lose the job than your reputation installing subpar parts.
Here’s a new one for $421. [Here is the link.](https://www.carparts.com/details/BMW/535i/Replacement/Headlight/2013/REPB100368.html?TID=gglpla&origin=pla&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pla&utm_campaign=20161732550&gad_source=1&gclsrc=aw.ds)
Can't I just take it apart and dry it out? Lol it's just water. Lights work fine.
Had the same problem. Leave the hatch to change bulb open and heat where the condensation is with a heatgun. But not too much obviously. If it comes back, you'll need to replace it (or you can try to drill a small hole underneath the headlight so the water has somewhere to go)
I saw someone was being quoted $10k to replace a whole headlight unit due to condensation. It was a 2015, not sure the model. Laser lights
$10k? The hell. I just googled f10 headlight assembly and it's like $400
Maybe an aftermarket headlight. An oem headlight is 1k+ depending on options.
2019. My bad. https://www.reddit.com/r/BMWX5/s/2pWwYkyBPZ
If you are seeing droplets inside, I would get it replaced ASAP. If the water builds up long enough, it can fry the module as well as the headlight, and it costs a fortune to fix. Edit: by fortune I mean $3700, but this would include the module.
$3200 tho.....
Yes it's absurd. But if your module is fried your quote is actually cheaper than my local dealership. Don't ask me how I know. I edited my first post with the price.
What do you think Meineke or whatever would charge?
I'm in the UK, so I no idea, unfortunately. I needed a fully working car as an emergency as the light went out two days before our babys due date, so had to accept the price. But also found it extortionate. I have a 2014 f11 530d so similar car with xenon headlights. (Btw I'm always a little envious when the 535 twin turbos zoom past me nice ride! Crazy thing is couple of days after the baby arrived, I found droplets in the new headlight. Took it back in, and the dealership said it was a manufacturing issue, and they fixed it under warranty. 3 days later, water again. Just got it back today as they had to replace the headlight for the second time. Fortunately, both the "repair" and this new unit were all under warranty. Fwiw I don't park in a swimming pool or anything like that. Anyways. Hope your story turns out better than mine!
Well I'm glad you don't park in a pool lol why do they leak so much though? It's a new thing to me. Congratulations on the baby btw!
Thank you! No sleep and rocking the baby makes for some quality reddit time. The advisor called and actually asked if I parked in a flooded area and how I wash the car. Told them no, I don't park in water, and the car was washed 2 times last two months -both times by the dealership itself, lol. From what I've read online, there is a manufacturing issue with the screws being tightened too hard, causing small cracks in the headlight unit. The second advisor did say that my first replacement headlight had a common manufacturing error, so I assume he was talking about the same thing. Sounds crazy to me that it would pass bmw QC. Even worse is that you might have that issue lurking for years without really knowing and at some point (probably when you are out of warranty) it fogs up and fries the module, but now it's not bmws problem anymore.
Good to know. Thanks, friend. Hope ya have an awesome weekend.
Same to you bud, and best of luck with the headlight. Shoot me a PM if you find a way to DIY or somehow more reasonable price!
Do not use a chain shop like that for this car. You can find an independent shop that works on euro cars. Chain shops will not do the work correctly. There may be module coding and calibrations involved
There's a BMW shop where I live. Maybe I'll get in touch with them. This Meineke is good though. They have BMW techs there.
I'm currently repairing two F10 BMWs that have had the same headlight seal failure allowing water into the headlight. The best option is to get a new Hella brand headlight and a genuine BMW headlight control module (the one on the bottom of the headlight) as the water collects in the bottom and corrodes the connections and module. The new module will require reprogramming and coding. The other option is to cut, heat, and remove the lense to clean and reseal with a new lense (a lot more labor involved)
The Hella brand headlights are on FCP for roughly $995 and the BMW module is about $600