Condensation inside headlight

Balster · 11-07-2014, 01:48 PM

Just noticed that there is some condensation in one of the headlights - is this normal? I'll post a pic.

HighlandPete · 11-07-2014, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Balster

Just noticed that there is some condensation in one of the headlights - is this normal? I'll post a pic.

Is this a continuous issue, or comes and goes with heavy wet weather and/or high humidity?

I get a little on some bad days, but it dries out, usually within hours. Happens on many BMW models, there are statements in the user manuals like this.

Quote:

Headlamp glass
Condensation can form on the inside of the external lamps in cool or humid weather. When driving with the light switched on, the condensation evaporates after a short time. The headlamp glasses do not need to be changed.

HighlandPete

m@rk · 11-11-2014, 02:46 AM

I had this on my old 335 and they changed the headlamp units under warranty. I believe there is a level they consider acceptable

This is more of a problem on cars with Xenon lights as of course they don't get hot like halogen lights so the moisture has more of a chance to build up.

If you are not happy then get it checked by the dealer

The Beast · 11-11-2014, 04:11 AM

I get a bit on mine and I do have xenon lights, doesn't remain there constantly so haven't been too worried about it

psyxologos · 11-13-2014, 08:39 PM

I had the same issue and the dealership just changed the lights as they said the seal might have been compromised. They said that a certain amount of condensation is to be expected, but it is to clear after the lights (halogen) warm up. there are supposed to be small holes in the outer shell to allow this to happen.

Balster · 11-19-2014, 10:59 AM

Seems to have cleared up.

Beancounter_74 · 11-20-2014, 04:51 AM

Have noticed a little condensation in the bottom of the front fog/driving lights, seems to come and go. If it's more persistent I'll drop it back to the dealer.

Balster · 11-30-2014, 02:33 PM

Seems to have gone.

martin mustang · 12-03-2014, 05:47 AM

I raised this with my dealer back in 2011, they showed me BMW protocol on this, i.e. dealers have pictures as guide lines to when a light is deemed faulty depending how bad the condensation is, some like if it cover more than 50% of on half of the casing, in my case it was not classified as an issue, you just wait for it to dry out, I was told it's as a result of the vents for the Xenon lights.

11-07-2014, 01:48 PM	#1
Balster Captain 109 Rep 628 Posts Drives: BMW G30 530d MSport xDrive Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Leeds iTrader: (0)	Condensation inside headlight Just noticed that there is some condensation in one of the headlights - is this normal? I'll post a pic. __________________ G30 530d M Sport xdrive, Adaptive Drive and with all of the important options.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-11-2014, 02:46 AM	#3
m@rk Major 46 Rep 1,074 Posts Drives: 2014 520D SE Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Lincolnshire (sometimes) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW 520D SE [0.00] 2012 Audi A7 [0.00] 2013 Fiat 500 1.2 L ... [0.00] 2008 BMW 335D SE To ... [0.00] 2012 Mercedes-Benz ... [0.00]	I had this on my old 335 and they changed the headlamp units under warranty. I believe there is a level they consider acceptable This is more of a problem on cars with Xenon lights as of course they don't get hot like halogen lights so the moisture has more of a chance to build up. If you are not happy then get it checked by the dealer __________________ MY BLOG :: MY PHOTOS :: FACEBOOK :: INSTAGRAM
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-11-2014, 04:11 AM	#4
The Beast Lieutenant Colonel 268 Rep 1,597 Posts Drives: VW Transporter Sportline Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Wolverhampton iTrader: (0)	I get a bit on mine and I do have xenon lights, doesn't remain there constantly so haven't been too worried about it
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-13-2014, 08:39 PM	#5
psyxologos Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 203 Posts Drives: E46 330 ci SE, F11 530d SE Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Lancaster, Lancashire iTrader: (0)	I had the same issue and the dealership just changed the lights as they said the seal might have been compromised. They said that a certain amount of condensation is to be expected, but it is to clear after the lights (halogen) warm up. there are supposed to be small holes in the outer shell to allow this to happen.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-19-2014, 10:59 AM	#6
Balster Captain 109 Rep 628 Posts Drives: BMW G30 530d MSport xDrive Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Leeds iTrader: (0)	Seems to have cleared up. __________________ G30 530d M Sport xdrive, Adaptive Drive and with all of the important options.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-20-2014, 04:51 AM	#7
Beancounter_74 Colonel 602 Rep 2,246 Posts Drives: M140i F20, 449i F33 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Essex iTrader: (0)	Have noticed a little condensation in the bottom of the front fog/driving lights, seems to come and go. If it's more persistent I'll drop it back to the dealer.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-30-2014, 02:33 PM	#8
Balster Captain 109 Rep 628 Posts Drives: BMW G30 530d MSport xDrive Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Leeds iTrader: (0)	Seems to have gone. __________________ G30 530d M Sport xdrive, Adaptive Drive and with all of the important options.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-03-2014, 05:47 AM	#9
martin mustang Major 257 Rep 1,040 Posts Drives: 640d,X5 45e, 911c4s, 635csi Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ireland iTrader: (0)	I raised this with my dealer back in 2011, they showed me BMW protocol on this, i.e. dealers have pictures as guide lines to when a light is deemed faulty depending how bad the condensation is, some like if it cover more than 50% of on half of the casing, in my case it was not classified as an issue, you just wait for it to dry out, I was told it's as a result of the vents for the Xenon lights.
	Appreciate 0 Quote