osram headlights delaminating?

[krvnked]

hey guys unfortunately it looks like my European imported Osram headlights are delaminating.

kind of upsetting considering their cost but I am totally happy with their performance and looks. I just noticed this while walking out to my car the other day. they have been on my car for less than 2 years, about 18 months. I live in New Jersey so our summers have been pretty hot but our climate is not outrageous or anything. I handwash the car and do not use any abrasive soaps or chemicals so I do not think it's something I did. I was trying to blame myself for this but it just looks like product failure. is this just something inevitable I should ignore or should I contact sylvania/osram and see if they would replace them under warranty? Not sure how successful I'd be considering these were imported

 

[JerseyDrew77]

For how much they cost, that is something I would definitely reach out to them and see if they will replace it but I guess it depends on their warranty so who knows.

 

[krvnked]

Yeah I sent them an email but I'm not holding my breath since I bought them from a German online automobile store, but they're pretty reputable and I provided proof of purchase in my email. Regardless I found something that says they warranty their automobile parts for 5 years... I'll let you guys know what they say. I'm kind of screwed though because if they ask for me to send them back I sold my stock headlights and I won't have a drivable car until I get replacements.

 

[JerseyDrew77]

Yeah I sent them an email but I'm not holding my breath since I bought them from a German online automobile store, but they're pretty reputable and I provided proof of purchase in my email. Regardless I found something that says they warranty their automobile parts for 5 years... I'll let you guys know what they say. I'm kind of screwed though because if they ask for me to send them back I sold my stock headlights and I won't have a drivable car until I get replacements.

I could sell you my stock headlights that I'm not using.

 

[chuncomunco]

I actually filed a warranty claim for a dimming issue on one of the DRLs back in 2021 directly with Osram.

They're kind of slow to respond, the worst was 6 days before I received a reply.

This is the address I emailed to:
automotive-service@osram.com

They asked for proof of purchase, which I did, invoiced from (myTuning24 GbR).

Hope that helps and good luck.

 

[RIP TDI]

I actually filed a warranty claim for a dimming issue on one of the DRLs back in 2021 directly with Osram.

They're kind of slow to respond, the worst was 6 days before I received a reply.

This is the address I emailed to:
automotive-service@osram.com

They asked for proof of purchase, which I did, invoiced from (myTuning24 GbR).

Hope that helps and good luck.

And did they honor the warranty? I always assumed they wouldn't since they don't allow them to be retailed in the U.S. and they would certainly be within their rights to deny coverage since the use of non-DOT compliant, Euro-purchased lights would be at the owner's risk.

And what was the outcome of krvnked's claim?

Mine are still trouble-free, but I'm just waiting for that day...

 

[RIP TDI]

On a related topic, does anyone know of a headlight rebuilding/re-engineering shop that can replace what I assume is the proprietary Osram LED in the projector (or perhaps the projector/LED assembly) with a different spec LED with a lower color temp? Somebody must be able to do this.

 

[Pineapple]

Fwiw the guy that recently sold me his showed that he was able to obtain a replacement under warranty (due to mechanical failure). He's located in the US and just paid a customs fee of $100.

 

[krvnked]

And did they honor the warranty? I always assumed they wouldn't since they don't allow them to be retailed in the U.S. and they would certainly be within their rights to deny coverage since the use of non-DOT compliant, Euro-purchased lights would be at the owner's risk.

And what was the outcome of krvnked's claim?

Mine are still trouble-free, but I'm just waiting for that day...

I reached out to https://www.instagram.com/osram.automotive/ because they actually seem to be active and advertise posts about these very headlights. I contacted them yesterday with photos and the same brief description. I also contacted them today and made sure they got my message. so far, no reply.

I would just also say that, as far as looks and performance go, they were worth every penny of the roughly 900 usd I paid (at the time). and I'd probably buy them again over competitor's products, but there are a couple minor annoyances like the wiring being slightly too short to do a clean install hooked up to the battery terminals like the instructions say to do. other than that, they are quality "OEM+" headlights and absolutely transform the look of the mk7. they have a modern BMW DRL flair to them that most car companies seem to mimic each other these days with

 

[krvnked]

I actually filed a warranty claim for a dimming issue on one of the DRLs back in 2021 directly with Osram.

They're kind of slow to respond, the worst was 6 days before I received a reply.

This is the address I emailed to:
automotive-service@osram.com

They asked for proof of purchase, which I did, invoiced from (myTuning24 GbR).

Hope that helps and good luck.

thanks for this email. I just forwarded my original email from last winter to them, I'll update if I get a positive result

 

[chuncomunco]

And did they honor the warranty? I always assumed they wouldn't since they don't allow them to be retailed in the U.S. and they would certainly be within their rights to deny coverage since the use of non-DOT compliant, Euro-purchased lights would be at the owner's risk.

And what was the outcome of krvnked's claim?

Mine are still trouble-free, but I'm just waiting for that day...

Surprisingly, they did. They sent me a replacement headlight. It took a while for them to approve it.

 

[Cuzoe]

I put mine on in late 2019 I think, possibly it was early 2020. I've got a touch of delam on one of the lights, same spot on the upper edge. Didn't put any protective film and generally my car sits in the sun at the airport. If it gets bad I'll buy another set.

 

[RIP TDI]

Surprisingly, they did. They sent me a replacement headlight. It took a while for them to approve it.

Great to hear! Thanks.

 

[krvnked]

I put mine on in late 2019 I think, possibly it was early 2020. I've got a touch of delam on one of the lights, same spot on the upper edge. Didn't put any protective film and generally my car sits in the sun at the airport. If it gets bad I'll buy another set.

these are my sentiments, I'd buy another set if something happened to them. the other aftermarket options just don't compare.

and if anyone was wondering, no reply yet from osram via above email or instagram direct. it's been 4 days, I'd say, which their email says it may take that much time. I'll give them another week but I am not holding my breath on a response.

 

[krvnked]

Well I’ll be damned osram came through and delivered a new set of headlights to me under warranty … received today. It’s been a journey. Just wanted to give credit where it’s due. Specifically their instagram team which reached out to their email department for me to get the ball rolling, even after emailing the address someone posted above. Great company.