Strange Grey Goo Between Headlights and Fenders

[imalabil]

When I first saw this a few weeks ago, I thought it was just some substance that happened to hit the front of the car and I wiped it off with alcohol. It has since reappeared in the gap between the headlight and fender on BOTH sides of the X5! This is really strange, it must be something that is decomposing - it is dark grey, almost black, and remains tacky to the touch. I tried my best to capture it in pictures.

Does anyone have any ideas of what this is and if it is serious?

Otherwise I call Ghostbusters - it's ectoplasm and I've been slimed

[WWONG]

Is that the infamous headlight blinker fluid leaking from the reservoir?

[imalabil]

I don't know, but I'm sure the stealership could fix it for about $800.

[the_ulf]

unless you have adaptive headlights, then it's twice that.

the E70s do have a problem with plastic parts beginning to dissolve over time. i wouldn't be at all surprised if that's the headlight seal beginning to perish.

[fast4d]

ALL BMWs have a problem with plastic parts beginning to dissolve over time

[imalabil]

I know, I had a 2002 E53.
I really know...

[the_ulf]

Originally Posted by fast4d

ALL BMWs have a problem with plastic parts beginning to dissolve over time

to be fair, i never encountered dissolving plastics on any of my E34, E36, E39 or E46 before. either european-made beemers were different or they simply don't make 'em like they used to anymore.

[bawareca]

Originally Posted by the_ulf

they simply don't make 'em like they used to anymore.

There you are.

[fast4d]

btw, this happened to wife's 2008

headlight still seems ok. no fogging or moisture leak detected.

[fast4d]

e36 M3: engine under cover, fender liners, ducts, the usual plastic cooling parts except WP, pretty much most plastics I have to remove to do a job in engine bay. may be a window regulator or two. cant remember 8+ years ago.