Headlight condensation
Discussion
There are lots of threads on this specific to car models but I didn't see a generic one.
Short of the long is my BMW F31 has quite a bit of condensation on the inside of the lens and I have no idea how to remove it. We've had a lot of rain over the past few days where I live so I'm guessing that has something to do with it. I have dual xenons so I don't know if it could affect them in any way with the higher voltages used.
My E87 never had this problem so as the car is going to the garage this week for a service, should I ask them to look at it or just ignore?
Short of the long is my BMW F31 has quite a bit of condensation on the inside of the lens and I have no idea how to remove it. We've had a lot of rain over the past few days where I live so I'm guessing that has something to do with it. I have dual xenons so I don't know if it could affect them in any way with the higher voltages used.
My E87 never had this problem so as the car is going to the garage this week for a service, should I ask them to look at it or just ignore?
Oddly its not them letting the moisture in thats the problem, when a headlight gets misted its down to poor ventilation in their design. Allowed the breathe properly the mist would dissipate.
On older units the best solution is to remove a small access panel or drill a hole into the casing somewhere dry and inconspicuous. People put silica gel packs in the unit, but creating a vent is a far more sophisticated solution even if it seems quite the opposite as long as you're intelligent about it and do it in a way that water or road scum ingress isn't going to occur.
If you're in warranty however, as said without doubt get them to deal with it. It looks awful and can only do harm to the electrics and motors which might sting you out of cover.
On older units the best solution is to remove a small access panel or drill a hole into the casing somewhere dry and inconspicuous. People put silica gel packs in the unit, but creating a vent is a far more sophisticated solution even if it seems quite the opposite as long as you're intelligent about it and do it in a way that water or road scum ingress isn't going to occur.
If you're in warranty however, as said without doubt get them to deal with it. It looks awful and can only do harm to the electrics and motors which might sting you out of cover.
Edited by Repent on Monday 23 March 11:21
Not on a bi xenon unless t's a sidelight or indicator bulb.
Go for a long drive with the lights on that might fix it, the issue is the lamp draws in moist air when it cools down and then can't get rid of it.
In fact seeing that you've said it's rained a lot recently I'd definitely try the driving with the lamp switched on for a bit. ORM's and lamp suppliers normally have a test that says when humidity is high it must clear with the lamp switched on in xx minutes.
Go for a long drive with the lights on that might fix it, the issue is the lamp draws in moist air when it cools down and then can't get rid of it.
In fact seeing that you've said it's rained a lot recently I'd definitely try the driving with the lamp switched on for a bit. ORM's and lamp suppliers normally have a test that says when humidity is high it must clear with the lamp switched on in xx minutes.
Edited by Cyder on Monday 23 March 11:47
beanbag said:
I get the impression this isn't normal and should happen but I'm not going to start drilling into my headlights!! 
The car is under warranty so I'll have BMW check it for me this week.
Have you tried driving it yet with the lights on to clear? Lamps are designed to allow air in and out so in the humid weather they'll have let some in and now it needs to clear by being heated.The car is under warranty so I'll have BMW check it for me this week.
Don't waste your time going to the dealer yet give them a drive to clear them. If that doesn't work then I'd take the car in.
(My day job when I'm not on PH is designing and developing headlamps)
Cyder said:
beanbag said:
I get the impression this isn't normal and should happen but I'm not going to start drilling into my headlights!!
The car is under warranty so I'll have BMW check it for me this week.
Have you tried driving it yet with the lights on to clear? Lamps are designed to allow air in and out so in the humid weather they'll have let some in and now it needs to clear by being heated.The car is under warranty so I'll have BMW check it for me this week.
Don't waste your time going to the dealer yet give them a drive to clear them. If that doesn't work then I'd take the car in.
(My day job when I'm not on PH is designing and developing headlamps)
Cyder said:
No problem, let us know if it fixes it!
Unfortunately the problem remains. I kept my lights on the whole time but the condensation is still pretty bad. I should have taken a photo but today the car is with BMW and they said they'd check it.The guy reckons they need to place the entire unit but since it's under guarantee, I don't particularly care. He's quoted just under a thousand euros for the work! Insane!
beanbag said:
Cyder said:
No problem, let us know if it fixes it!
Unfortunately the problem remains. I kept my lights on the whole time but the condensation is still pretty bad. I should have taken a photo but today the car is with BMW and they said they'd check it.The guy reckons they need to place the entire unit but since it's under guarantee, I don't particularly care. He's quoted just under a thousand euros for the work! Insane!
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff