BMW 535i water intrusion issue in headlights after car wash requiring manual blow out on BMW 535i

Submitted by Vehicle Owner · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some BMW 535i owners report experiencing water intrusion issues in the headlights after a car wash, necessitating manual intervention to blow out the water. This problem can lead to malfunctions in the adaptive headlights and blinkers, compromising the vehicle's functionality. Even after attempts to dry out the water using methods like a hairdryer, some drivers find that the issue persists, indicating a recurring problem with water ingress. While BMW acknowledges that some condensation is normal, excessive water accumulation can result in electrical problems and trigger malfunction alarms. To mitigate this issue, some owners have taken to caulking the seals of the headlight assembly to prevent further water leakage. Additionally, there have been instances where dealerships replaced faulty headlights under warranty due to manufacturing issues related to water ingress, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing this concern. Overall, the water intrusion issue in BMW 535i headlights remains a significant concern for some owners, requiring ongoing attention to maintain proper functionality of the vehicle's lighting system.

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