Condensation in headlight housings

[Blackhawks]

Anybody else getting condensation in their headlight housings? I just noticed it this morning and was wondering if it's a broader issue...

Thanks

[aw305]

I haven't had any in my truck

[stewy604]

I had condensation and water issues with my RR tail lamp assembly, but nothing on the headlights. I would say if it doesn't clear within a day or two, have your dealer replace.

[Blackhawks]

Response from my CA: "This time of year with any rain and humidity, there is some small amount of condensation. The headlights get so hot, they should burn off the condensation. There are small vent holes for the housing because they do get hot. They would overheat if there wasn't. If there is always excessive condensation, it should be covered by warranty."

[Diper]

This is normal behavior. I live in humid and wet region. Nothing to worry about.

[artem123]

Not sure how it is normal. Go to dealer, which, as i can assume, is located in the same area as your car, and ask them to show how many cars on a lot have the same wet from inside headlight. I bet, there will be none. Ask them "why is it only your car has it?"

[pragueX5]

had this on all my cars for the very first few weeks.
guess its the residue vappur from all the manufacturing process

ocasionaloy I get this on rapid weather condition change in combination with car wash = rapid temperature and humidity change, but its away in few hours

seems like your case, only rain instrad of car wash and warm sunny evening I suppose with car parked on the sun?

simply => air condensation. the light is not vacuumed

if persist, faulty light Iam afraid

[alphaod]

I always though condensation warranted replacement. At least it was on every other car I've owned.

[artem123]

Originally Posted by alphaod

I always though condensation warranted replacement. At least it was on every other car I've owned.

^^Exactly! +100

[turboawd]

the headlights are not sealed. they have little vents to allow air to expand and contract.
the air vents out as the light heats up. then when you park, the light cools off and air is drawn in.

you may just have excess humidity inside, for whatever reason.
on a dry day, pop the hood, and remove the covers on the back of the headlights, and blow a hair dryer in there for a bit, to get rid of the moist air.

[F15GorDe]

+1^^^

No condensation here, yet. Will apply above technique if I find it.

[alphaod]

Here's the thing. The vents are for the electronics to let out heat. It is so designed so air can pass through, but in no way should water get in there. They are not there to let water evaporate. There is a barrier between the front and rear parts of the headlight. Water should not be able to get in. Any dealer that says otherwise is ignorant. If there is condensation in the housing, it's from a leaky seal. Leaky seal is a defect therefore warrants a replacement headlight assembly. If condensation was normal you'd see it on all cars, but you don't.

[turboawd]

Originally Posted by alphaod

Here's the thing. The vents are for the electronics to let out heat. It is so designed so air can pass through, but in no way should water get in there. They are not there to let water evaporate. There is a barrier between the front and rear parts of the headlight. Water should not be able to get in. Any dealer that says otherwise is ignorant. If there is condensation in the housing, it's from a leaky seal. Leaky seal is a defect therefore warrants a replacement headlight assembly. If condensation was normal you'd see it on all cars, but you don't.

it there is actual water droplets inside the lense, then you have issues. but if its just a little fog, then its normal. i've seen it on my x5 too once.
and if you look at the pic, its freezing rain on the outside, so the moisture/humidity inside the light is condensing on the cold lense.

[iconoclast]

Originally Posted by alphaod

I always though condensation warranted replacement. At least it was on every other car I've owned.

water collection and pooling is warrantied. condensation is not.

[BimmerTy]

Reviving this thread...

Is this seriously normal? Just noticed the driver's side headlight has condensation when I left work this afternoon. Passenger side is fine. It rained over the weekend and was dry and in the 50s today.

[lefty3292]

I had condensation in my E93 M3 headlight and it fried the ballast and all the internal electrical parts. Total nightmare and error codes galore.

Mine was out of warranty though...I hope yours is not!!

[MN2///M]

There is a Technical Service Bullitin on this; B630516 appears to be the right number, but I can't find the full text. Dealer should be able to show you the TSB which should state at what stage the condensation is abnormal.


I knew I had seen this somewhere:

[mp25]

I got the same issue on my passenger side. There is a seal on the top to access the bulb assembly that was cracked and I glued it back together and it helped slightly. To dry it out I ususally leave it open after driving it so the heat helps the moisture evaporate up and out. Still get some condensation its really cold or rainy but not the big droplets like before.