condensation in the headlights

BMW_E90 · 01-11-2006, 01:07 AM

i have condensation in both my headlights! ridiculous... it all started after i parked my car in the rain for a while... what should i do? will the dealer swap it out with a new one or what... :mad:

jcoo085 · 01-11-2006, 02:51 AM

I sometimes get condensation in the bottom corners (near the grill) but it goes away after a while. If it hangs around or covers most/all of the headlight then take it to the dealer.

eleven24 · 01-11-2006, 06:20 AM

Take it to the dealer & get them swapped out. There shouldn't be condensation in there since they're sealed units.

Condensation + Electricity = Bad

Paul330d · 01-11-2006, 06:26 AM

If they're xenons, then it's perfectly normal: xenon lamps burn very hot and need extra ventilation. For this reason, the headlight units are not sealed and humidity can get in. This is designed into the lights and is not a cause for concern. Once you start driving and pushing some air through the lights, the condensation should go.

coolpetcat · 01-11-2006, 06:35 AM

get to the dealer, my one had that situation as well b4, then the dealer replaced it, everything is great now, good luck

Armen52 · 02-05-2006, 12:44 AM

So I've had this problem as well and the head technican at my dealer took a look and said the headlights should be replaced. They are on order and I will be taking it in on or around the 23rd to get it done.

I've read through the various threads on this topic and it seems that most people had condensation early on when they picked up their car but not since then. On the other hand, I've had my car for months now and I still see the issue almost every time it is wet outside.

It also does not seem to go away even while the headlights are on for long periods of time. You would think it would since I imagine its very hot in the headlight assembly when the lights are one.

I will post an update after the service and let you know if the problem is reoccurring on the new set.

David328M-Sport · 02-05-2006, 04:38 AM

that happened to my old e36 halogen headlight. it was replaced with another unit. no more condensation.

01-11-2006, 01:07 AM	#1
BMW_E90 Major 57 Rep 1,035 Posts Drives: 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: California iTrader: (11)	condensation in the headlights i have condensation in both my headlights! ridiculous... it all started after i parked my car in the rain for a while... what should i do? will the dealer swap it out with a new one or what... :mad: __________________
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01-11-2006, 02:51 AM	#2
jcoo085 Lieutenant 43 Rep 463 Posts Drives: E90 320d Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stuttgart, Germany iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 320d [0.00]	I sometimes get condensation in the bottom corners (near the grill) but it goes away after a while. If it hangs around or covers most/all of the headlight then take it to the dealer. __________________ E90 320d - Black Ext/Fluid Grey Int \| Steptronic \| Business Navigation \| PDC \| Sunroof \| Alarm Exterior Pictures \| Interior Pictures \| Video
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01-11-2006, 06:20 AM	#3
eleven24 Foppa! 29 Rep 214 Posts Drives: 2018 X5 xDrive35i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Furlong, PA iTrader: (0)	Take it to the dealer & get them swapped out. There shouldn't be condensation in there since they're sealed units. Condensation + Electricity = Bad
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01-11-2006, 06:26 AM	#4
Paul330d Torque junky 115 Rep 1,688 Posts Drives: Remapped e90 330d Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: France (UK expat) iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330d [0.00] 2005 Fiat Panda 4x4 [0.00]	If they're xenons, then it's perfectly normal: xenon lamps burn very hot and need extra ventilation. For this reason, the headlight units are not sealed and humidity can get in. This is designed into the lights and is not a cause for concern. Once you start driving and pushing some air through the lights, the condensation should go.
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01-11-2006, 06:35 AM	#5
coolpetcat Private First Class 17 Rep 109 Posts Drives: BMW 320I Executive Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Melbourne,Australia iTrader: (0)	get to the dealer, my one had that situation as well b4, then the dealer replaced it, everything is great now, good luck
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02-05-2006, 12:44 AM	#6
Armen52 Captain 34 Rep 663 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	So I've had this problem as well and the head technican at my dealer took a look and said the headlights should be replaced. They are on order and I will be taking it in on or around the 23rd to get it done. I've read through the various threads on this topic and it seems that most people had condensation early on when they picked up their car but not since then. On the other hand, I've had my car for months now and I still see the issue almost every time it is wet outside. It also does not seem to go away even while the headlights are on for long periods of time. You would think it would since I imagine its very hot in the headlight assembly when the lights are one. I will post an update after the service and let you know if the problem is reoccurring on the new set. __________________ E90 330i delivered 6/29/2005, ZSP/ZPP/ZCW/Step, Arctic/Gray/Walnut
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02-05-2006, 04:38 AM	#7
David328M-Sport Brigadier General 101 Rep 3,566 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Melbourne Australia iTrader: (0)	that happened to my old e36 halogen headlight. it was replaced with another unit. no more condensation. __________________ 328i M-Sport, Estoril Blue, Carbon XP 35 Tint, front heated seats, black Dakota, Sports Suspension, Anthracite Headliner, HUD, Pro Nav, Sunroof, hk 600w, Bi-Xenon, 19" 403M wheels, Reversing Camera, DAB+, Xenon, BT Ext Connect, MST turbo intake pipe, MST Cold Air Intake, JB4 on Map 2 with Catless DP produces awesome performance in Sport.
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