[phatchuck]

Hey guys -- New BMW owner here. Just got a 2011 535i xDrive.

I've been reading old thread about the apparently very common issue of headlight condensation. My driver's side headligt is full of it. My plan for now is to use the hairdrier method to clear out what's in there and to tape some silica gel packets in the round assembly cap. But I do have one question about the drying part -- If I'm just going to blow hot air in the casing from that initial round opening, do I need to remove the bulb in order to let the air freely go into the face of the headlght where the moisture is? The videos on You Tube imply not to, but how will the hot air get in the casing? There is also the option of heating the casing from the outside. Has anyone tried that and can that solve it?

I know this won't fix the problem permanently, but if I can get this water out now I can live with some occaisional maintenance. The outer casing has a very subtle crack (can only see it up very close) which is where the moisture is probably coming from.

Thanks in advance for any input.