Hi,

I installed a set of HELLA facelift tail lights to my -96 523iA two weeks ago. I read in bmwtips.com that some installs might leak water through the new gaskets. I tried to be extra careful with the gaskets, and with the two extra washers that go into two of the screws.

However, after going to the car wash for the first time I noticed that the left side had leaked quite a bit of water to the trunk. And also inside the left light assembly! So I had to dry it, and got it reinstalled. The second time I tried to be even more careful with the installation, but yesterday after a car wash I again noticed leaks. But this time from both sides!

So... I am at loss as to how one should install those freaking lights! I've tried everything I could. I just can't install the lights any other way than how they are fitted right now, but still they leak water.

Is there a way to make the gaskets keep the water out? I had no problems with the older pre-facelift lights. I've had several sets fitted, and none of them has leaked any water before.

Tero

umm wow,

That sucks. Can you return them to the vendor so you can buy another brand. We sell Depos and never head of them leaking???

In any case,

I would try to apply some silicone to the rubber gasket then install carefully. Then again it might not be leaking from the gasket. It would be one way to find out.

Nope, I want to have HELLAs (Celis LED) because HELLA is the manufacturer of the original pre-facelift and facelift tail (and head) lights.

Today I bought a new torque wrench to check if the one screw that has a max tightening torque of 2.5nm was off. It was way too loose. Then I tightened it with the wrench, and reattached the lights and gaskets and went to brushless car wash.

No joy! Water still comes inside the car! :mad:mad

Tero

shoot HELLA an email, they are just down the road from me. How long have you had them?

hella.faq@hinc.hella.com

Thanks for the email address! Just sent them an email.

I have had them for like 3 weeks or so.

I live in Finland, and bought the set from a German ebay shop X-tuning. They sell original Hella products (well Hella is a German company anyway).

Tero