Condensation

[jayjaybelbel]

Hello there, need opinion on this. I took my car to back to a local dealership for my service. Few months ago, I brought my car to the same place and informed them that the passenger side headlight has some condensation after cleaning the car. Mind you, I hand wash my car and doesn't use power wash at all. They told me that the condensation is normal for BMW cars. Last Friday, I took my car again for a regular service and mentioned that the condensation still appears on the same side. Was advised once again that its "normal" for BMW cars. I need some input and some advice on the next step as my car is nearing its end for warranty. Thank you in advance

[roastbeef]

Definitely not normal at all.

[Helmsman]

My right side typically get some condensation, however I use good strenght power wash and believe specially when the fender inside are sprayed there are water coming through the hatch.
I simply loose the headlight cover and let the bonnet be open while drying off.

[badbimmer]

Not normal, the seal is broken.

[cmo_93]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

My right side typically get some condensation, however I use good strenght power wash and believe specially when the fender inside are sprayed there are water coming through the hatch.
I simply loose the headlight cover and let the bonnet be open while drying off.

That kills the moisture? I need to try that.

[monterey]

Normal for afternarket, not normal for oem.

[Amirsm3]

Yeah....that's not normal at all.

[M3 Number 86]

i get this too on the right side and never thought of it. time to use my warranty. lol

[Edward]

That's not normal but BMW will consistently tell you that it is "within spec" because replacing a whole housing is expensive for them. These headlight units are NOT totally sealed. There's usually a little rubber valve like thing for drainage or whatever other reason. Water got in there at some point or you have a bad seal somewhere else.

Make a claim that the condensation is causing light scatter and it's blinding people and it's a complete nuisance and danger.

On the plus side, your headlights now match your paint and are "frozen"

[tripalthreat]

I get it occasionally too. I think its a crack in the seal on the bulb access door on the top of the light. Its replaceable separately.

I havent gotten around to replacing that, but i will. It only happens after a wash so I just pop the door for a bit and it dries right out.

[Chris M4CS]

It is normal for condensation to form on the inside of the headlight lens. Our BMW headlights DO NOT have an airtight seal. They have a seal ( same material used to seal windshields) that runs the entire outer edge where the lens meets the headlight body, but there are two rubber booted vents that allow air in and out of the headlight assembly. The boots are right-angled and point downward.

As long as the boots are intact and pointing down, you should not get puddles of water inside the assembly. But this will allow some moisture in, but also allow it to evaporate. If you are getting more moisture than a fogging, check the vents to make sure they are in place and pointed down. Also, when washing your car, use care with the hose around the headlights. There are two vents on each headlight assembly.

[buddalun]

[///mawana]

Originally Posted by badbimmer

Not normal, the seal is broken.

This, happened when I had the e46. For that car, you could actually buy the seal on it's own, not sure with e90's.

[jayjaybelbel]

thank you for the response and feedback. I'm waiting to see what BMW will say and go from there. According to my SA, they forwarded the issue to BMW and they will decide if it can be fixed.

[crypticc]

Originally Posted by MineralWeiss

It is normal for condensation to form on the inside of the headlight lens. Our BMW headlights DO NOT have an airtight seal. They have a seal ( same material used to seal windshields) that runs the entire outer edge where the lens meets the headlight body, but there are two rubber booted vents that allow air in and out of the headlight assembly. The boots are right-angled and point downward.

As long as the boots are intact and pointing down, you should not get puddles of water inside the assembly. But this will allow some moisture in, but also allow it to evaporate. If you are getting more moisture than a fogging, check the vents to make sure they are in place and pointed down. Also, when washing your car, use care with the hose around the headlights. There are two vents on each headlight assembly.

Any photos? Sorry if obvious

[Chris M4CS]

Originally Posted by crypticc

Any photos? Sorry if obvious

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures. I originally thought, like many, that the headlights were completely sealed. I developed condensation when the weather turned very humid and decided to fix it myself. I removed the headlight and used a heat gun to separate the lens from the base, and while doing so, I discovered the two vents on the back.