subterFUSE

Got my MTech Angel Eye replacement bulbs delivered, and today was the day I decided to do my DIY install.

Got my headlight housing removed and then took out the OEM High Beam Bulb and then the Angel Eye housing.

Unfortunately, when I moved the wires for the High Beams, I noticed that the wire sheathing started to crumble and flake away. I now have exposed copper. (see photo)

I also noticed that there are other wires with cracks showing in the sheathing. I'm afraid the will also crumble away if moved.

Any ideas what I should do?


Car is 2005 model, pre-LCI. 100,500 miles. 8 years old.

I live in Florida, so I'm sure the summer heat has contributed to this.

I believe I know now why I was getting intermittent Left Front Parking Light notices in the iDrive. These wires may have been shorting due to the crumbled sheathing.

balbs

This is a known issue. A few members have posted the same problem. Even on cars newer than yours. Some have re-wired and some just re-wrap with electrical tape.

subterFUSE

I wrapped in electrical tape, but couldn't get to all the areas.

Tried using high beams yesterday, and got an iDrive warning saying the high beams malfunctioned. So obviously, my wires are shorting now.

I just hope this issue is confined to the headlights and not all of the wiring in the car.

dakest

I got the same issue, I used the liquid tape and brushed it on, no problems yet.
I live in Florida also and although the sun here burns everything exposed to it I think it's a BMW issue..

KyleB

Welcome to the club. Search the forum for my posts and pictures. I'm also in FL.

I was able to find the best price on new headlight housings through amazon.com, believe it or not.

525imsport

Happened to my 04 as well, changed the whole headlamp housing.

turboawd

the heat you guys get does have an effect on the vinyl wire insulation for sure, but this kind of thing shouldnt happen.

AchtungE60

This is a BMW issue. I have seen cars in NY and OH doing the same thing. It does not get that hot here in FL as most people think. It's only THOSE wires on the E60. I have not seen E65 from 02 exposed to same conditions with this issue.

subterFUSE

Thanks for all the feedback.

I used some liquid tape yesterday, and the iDrive warnings have stopped. So I'm hopeful this will take care of the issue.

I'm at 101,000 miles now, and I doubt I will own the car for more than 1 year at this point. Already researching my next car.

KyleB

It really doesn't. Believe it or not, the summers in Washington DC were way, WAY worse than they are down here. I lived up there for about 20 years, and summers down here aren't nearly as bad. They just last about 60 days longer.