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      02-08-2018, 09:30 AM   #1
60HawkDriver83
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Condensation in Headlights

Update: About a week after delivery, the condensation disappeared and I have seen it since. Thanks for responses!

2018 MG M2, delivered only days ago. I've noticed some condensation that has formed inside the headlights, and hasn't gone away over the last couple days. I don't think this is normal, but I'm wondering if anyone else has seen this? Should this be a warranty replacement of the headlamps, or can this be corrected?

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Last edited by 60HawkDriver83; 04-12-2018 at 09:07 AM.. Reason: Update
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      02-08-2018, 01:12 PM   #2
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The fogging is normal, but it should be temporary. The headlights and tail lights have breather holes in them to dissipate any condensation. Are you parking your car outdoors in the rain? That could explain why it hasn't gone away on its own. I'm sure humidity and temperature play a part as well.
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      02-08-2018, 10:34 PM   #3
ferdee9
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I had condensation in both taillights, they were replaced under warranty. 2017
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      02-09-2018, 08:02 AM   #4
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The car has is kept in a garage and it hasn’t been driven in any rain yet. I may give it a few more days and then contact the dealer to see about a warranty replacement. It has been extremely cold where I live as well.
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      02-09-2018, 12:29 PM   #5
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I dont think that's normal at all. It's an enclosed housing and water is getting in. A small amount of condensation from temperature changes may leave slight haze, but drops of moisture along the top like that? No good
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      02-09-2018, 01:00 PM   #6
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I had some condensation aswell the first day with the new car (car was idling on a cold/fresh evening and condensation formed) but it went away overnight and it didn't leave any imperfection in the headlights. I will be keeping an eye on them this summer.

Yours look far more severe tho... I would ask for a replacement.
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      04-11-2018, 11:41 PM   #7
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Drive the car and the headlight bulbs being on will dissipate the condensation. BMW considers it normal but at your local dealer ymmv.
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      04-12-2018, 12:02 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mdkcrf250r View Post
Drive the car and the headlight bulbs being on will dissipate the condensation. BMW considers it normal but at your local dealer ymmv.
Tail light left replaced for a similar situation.
Ask for replacements otherwise after 2 year will be at your charge
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      04-12-2018, 09:27 AM   #9
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Not normal. I would go to the dealer to have them replaced
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      05-06-2018, 03:19 PM   #10
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      05-06-2018, 03:35 PM   #11
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Happened to my F80 M3; dealership considered it normal and did not replace.
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      01-18-2019, 12:56 PM   #12
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BMW 530D Headlight Condensation fix

My 6 year old 530D developed this bad habit 6 months ago. No amount of airing by removing the big black caps on top of the headlight to using a hair dryer worked. I even lowered silica gel pouches into the area.

But I do have a solution and so far 3 months in works 100%.

Find a friendly body shop who has experience of removing the headlamp. It's tricky and you can break clips easily. I used my local official BMW dealer. They charged me £100 + 20% VAT.

The guy was an ace and in 45 mins had the lamp out and handed to me. He checked for obvious signs but none. Sometimes if the headlamp gets knocked (whilst you are away) the mounting brackets break and let in water. Mine were intact. The car has to stay as they will drop the front bumper. I had a loan car and put the headlamp on the front seat, glass facing roof lining, glad there was a newspaper on the seat as I did not want to soil the free loan car. Very damp news paper after 30 mins. So it had residue water.

Put oven at 50C on fan, place headlamp to dry for 60/90 mins. Do get your partners permission first. Now comes the fix. Got my plumber buddy to help. Buy good quality clear bathroom silicone. But first looking at the headlamp as fitted to the car, gently remove the black trim on top of lamp. Be gentle and it does come off. underneath this is the culprit. Mine was quite damp and dirty at the join. Clean and dry with tissue.
Turn it over and underneath is another black plastic trim. remove and clean underneath.

Now we checked all the joins and planned the next step. go over all joins with a thin layer of silicone, spray with water and then gently work into the the join of the clear plastic and the headlamp body. There are some minor ones so be thorough. then put a bit of silicone on the 2 black trims removed and stick them back.

Return to oven for 60 mins. don't be tempted to go above 50C, in case you want to do a pizza whilst you wait.

Took the lamp back to BMW dealer who was on standby and he fitted it in 75 minutes. and aligned the lamps too.

so far it works even with a pressure cleaner.

excuse the long story but wanted to answer all your questions.
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      01-18-2019, 08:37 PM   #13
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Page 187 of the drivers manual:

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      05-07-2019, 08:29 AM   #14
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Week old car, hand washed a few times with a low power pressure washer 2300 psi AND not to close

It's been "Noah" rains here in New England so I'm not to worried

Car parked outside

Update: since 8am-1pm hood lifter to air out and car in mostly direct sun, 70% better

Update 2: now late in the afternoon the headlight got more foggy

Drivers side headlight no issue?

Final update 05-28 after speaking to the dealer I scheduled breakin service AND headlight, took 10 days but I wanted a loaner, they replaced the headlight $2600 bill otherwise and did the oil service ($0 out of pocket cost to me)

They sent the damaged unit back to Bmw?

No headaches with trying to get a replacement, all was smooth dealing with the service dept.
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      05-14-2019, 08:56 PM   #15
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I'd be tempted to take that to the dealer, I've never had any condensation like that on my 2017. A little bit of condensation I'd see how/when it clears up with use but that looks severe.
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      05-14-2019, 10:52 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tux2005 View Post
I'd be tempted to take that to the dealer, I've never had any condensation like that on my 2017. A little bit of condensation I'd see how/when it clears up with use but that looks severe.
Agreed, I live in Houston where its constantly 90%+ humidity and raining like crazy and have never had that issue.
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      05-17-2019, 12:19 PM   #17
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Had the same issue on my 19 M2C as well but it went away after a day and didn't come back.
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      12-29-2019, 01:13 AM   #18
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I got these two droplets inside the right headlight of my m2c after washing:




the left one is ok.
the first one gone on the third day, the bottom one is still there.
I park car on the street and current weather is about -6C .. -8C.
this is the first time I see droplets (though I saw moist before), but it's also the first time I washed it in the cold weather.
should I visit a dealer or that's normal?
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      12-29-2019, 09:30 AM   #19
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2018 BMW M2  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Novel View Post
I got these two droplets inside the right headlight of my m2c after washing:




the left one is ok.
the first one gone on the third day, the bottom one is still there.
I park car on the street and current weather is about -6C .. -8C.
this is the first time I see droplets (though I saw moist before), but it's also the first time I washed it in the cold weather.
should I visit a dealer or that's normal?
There's a breather hole in the headlights. They are not 100% sealed. It will go away.
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      12-16-2023, 02:39 PM   #20
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Water In Headlight 2011 528i

Hello
Can somebody please tell me where this water coming from?
I really appreciate your help

Please see below YouTube video

https://youtube.com/shorts/cRSFzKTb5YU

Thanks
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