Cayman 981 Lights Condensation

[mariokert]

Hi there. I have had issues with front light units of a new cayman I bought 5 months ago. The lights keep condensing up on the inside of the lens whenever they were switched on in cold/wet weather (photo attached). The dealers replaced both units under warranty however the new set still did it. They then took the car in again (had it for 2 1/2 weeks), resealed the units and tested them....still the same thing. They then tried another cayman they had in stock and it did it also. After consulting with their HQ, their official stance is that whilst they agree there is moisture ingress/condensation, they don't see it as a fault....however they are willing to compensate me for my troubles with some add-ons for the vehicle...

The light units are not 100% sealed as such, there is a vent to allow them to 'breath', so it seems pretty obvious that the moisture is coming from the outside air itself.

The issue I have is that when its particularly bad, it scatters the beam of the headlights in all sorts of directions....once I got pulled by the cops who 'had a friendly word' with me (although no ticket etc to prove this) and on many occasions I got flashes from other drivers who I imagine assumed I had my main beam on. Whilst it rarely gets this bad, I have lost confidence in the car, i think its borderline road unworthy in certain situations and don't know what to do next.

Ultimately I just want it fixed as I love the car, however the final word from Porsche technical HQ is that they are meant to be like that and as far as they are concerned its the end of the matter.

Any advice appreciated.
Cheers

[Jim909]

Thats annoying, it happened to me in my old 3 series, and it happened in my TT, i found it worse due to where i parked my car, there was never any sun on the front of the car and i wasnt doing many long-ish journeys at the time.

So just a thought but can you reverse park so the front of the car gets some sun ? (when we actually get some that is) also do you only do short journeys, maybe try putting full lights on in the day time for any journeys you do.

just a thought anyway...

[griffter]

I think it is a fault because I'm fairly sure it would be an mot failure, particularly if it messes up the beam pattern.

I have successfully, permanently, banished condensation from headlights by removing the bulb and heating the lens with an electric fire - but you shouldn't be having to do that on a new Porsche. It doesn't sound like it would work for long anyway given what's been tried.

[griffter]

Further thought, you could try silica drying agent near the ventilation holes - but see previous comment about new Porsche and it feels more like treating the symptom than the cause. I'd go back to the opc and ask for help.