Model S OEM headlight installation

[Mankirk]

I have a 2013 Model S that needs new headlights due to seal ruptures in the case that allow moisture to seep in. I have one that regularly turns off while in use and last night they both went out as I was driving home after dark - only the fog lamps got me through. This morning they are working again, but...

I'm fine with staying with the HID models, but not fine with the $3,200 the Rockville Service Center just quoted me to replace them. Anyone know of a third party in Maryland or the greater Washington, D.C. area that can replace the headlights for less?

Has anyone bought OEM or previously-owned units and done this themselves?

 

[Romand]

I have a 2013 Model S that needs new headlights due to seal ruptures in the case that allow moisture to seep in. I have one that regularly turns off while in use and last night they both went out as I was driving home after dark - only the fog lamps got me through. This morning they are working again, but...

I'm fine with staying with the HID models, but not fine with the $3,200 the Rockville Service Center just quoted me to replace them. Anyone know of a third party in Maryland or the greater Washington, D.C. area that can replace the headlights for less?

Has anyone bought OEM or previously-owned units and done this themselves?

Go to eBay u can get them both for less then 450.

 

[Mankirk]

Do you know of any videos on how to replace the headlight assembly? I see videos about replacing the bulbs, but that doesn't involve removing the whole assembly.

 

[krsgio]

look up videos for people blacking out their housing for a DIY but basically if you can find out how to remove the bumper the headlight assembly is pretty straight forward.

edit: link

 

[henderrj]

By the way, if you switch the lights from auto to parking and back to auto they will usually come back on.

 

[BigNick]

Maybe remove the existing lights, allow them to try out and re-seal with Permatex first?
That's probably the furthest away from $3200 you can get.

 

[krsgio]

Maybe remove the existing lights, allow them to try out and re-seal with Permatex first?
That's probably the furthest away from $3200 you can get.

headlight butyl is much better and easier to use than those rtv sealants. part of me thinks if the headlights keep going out then its more of an issue with the ballast.

 

[Doanster1]

Path of least resistance first. Replace the bulbs. Moisture in the housing wouldn’t affect the bulbs as they are sealed/protected by the rubber dust caps. You should still get the seal issue taken care of, but getting new bulbs first is your best bet. Intermittent issues point to heat leading to the car not seeing the proper voltage, thereby turning one off. That’s why the post above said to turn the lights off and then back on again and the bulbs will re-ignite.