condensation in headlights

Jblackbelt · 12-21-2022, 10:14 PM

Is anyone else having an issue with condensation in their headlights?

dimapb · 12-22-2022, 09:24 AM

I have the same problem. Decided to wait a bit before I take it to the dealer.

AlteBMW · 12-22-2022, 09:45 AM

I looked this up and there are numerous posts that condensation in the first few weeks is common and the way to get rid of it is to drive with headlights on -- and wait it out for a few weeks. If you take it to a dealer, that's apparently what they will tell you. If it persists for more than 3-4 weeks, then it needs service.

Jblackbelt · 12-22-2022, 11:05 AM

Thanks. This is our 27th bmw and we haven’t ever had this problem. Will see what happens

Dr.Amro · 12-22-2022, 04:00 PM

I have the same issue but its not bothering me that much

TXSchnee · 12-23-2022, 01:52 PM

LED headlights (and taillights) do not get warm enough while running to dry out condensation. There should be some type of vent with membrane on your headlight so they can dry out. This isn't anything the dealer can fix, it is normal LED headlight behaviour.

Lovin7er · 12-23-2022, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXSchnee

LED headlights (and taillights) do not get warm enough while running to dry out condensation. There should be some type of vent with membrane on your headlight so they can dry out. This isn't anything the dealer can fix, it is normal LED headlight behaviour.

I have been told this every time I’ve had this issue with many other cars.

AlteBMW · 01-09-2023, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greg_t

Has anyone taken their car to the dealer yet for this issue? If so, what are the service technicians saying? I have this issue that is quite frustrating as it interferes with the appearance of the crystal headlights

The posts directly above yours answer the question of what service technicians are saying.

E66er · 01-12-2023, 05:27 PM

This is a widespread problem - I've seen some media reviews of the G70 where the condensation problem shows up.

My 4 year old F30 has LED lights...no condensation lol.

freshxdough · 01-16-2023, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jblackbelt

Thanks. This is our 27th bmw and we haven’t ever had this problem. Will see what happens

This is considered normal condensation. Merely caused by humid air inside the headlight. Not actual liquid water. This condensation can generally occur with large temperature variations, or when washing the car.

mattsrs · 02-04-2023, 03:15 PM

I just picked up my 760 today and saw condensation when I got home from dealership. Its def not “normal” unless those crystal daytime running lights get unusually hot and in extreme cold outside cause condensation

mattsrs · 02-05-2023, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jblackbelt

Is anyone else having an issue with condensation in their headlights?

did yours go away or did you take it to service? I picked up my car yesterday (Saturday). and when I got home saw the condensation. Still there today (see photo below) and the pattern is similar to yours. Weather is around 45 degrees now so not too cold and I have driven a car a couple hundred miles already but condensation is still there.

Jblackbelt · 02-05-2023, 03:34 PM

It did go away. I never took it in. If it happens again I probably will.

mattsrs · 02-09-2023, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jblackbelt

It did go away. I never took it in. If it happens again I probably will.

Just an update on mine. It went away as weather got warmer but came back again after driving. I took it to my dealership and they took photos sent to BMW and they decided to replace both headlights! Issue is these crystal headlights are gonna take forever to arrive (he said 3-4 months) but not the end of the world because no impact on driving.

flexible · 02-09-2023, 02:51 PM

If you notice a small area of condensation forming in your headlight, there are a few simple tricks you can employ without damaging the seal. Breaking the seal between your headlight lens and housing is relatively simple, but once broken, you'll need to be very careful to replace it with a firm seal. If you aren't comfortable working with sealants, you should take your car to a mechanic who is.

Check your headlight housing vent before removing the seal. The precise location of the venting will vary depending on your vehicle's make and model, but most headlight units have a vent to help prevent condensation buildup. A clogged vent is a common source of minor condensation. This could be the case.

mattsrs · 02-09-2023, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flexible

If you notice a small area of condensation forming in your headlight, there are a few simple tricks you can employ without damaging the seal. Breaking the seal between your headlight lens and housing is relatively simple, but once broken, you'll need to be very careful to replace it with a firm seal. If you aren't comfortable working with sealants, you should take your car to a mechanic who is.

Check your headlight housing vent before removing the seal. The precise location of the venting will vary depending on your vehicle's make and model, but most headlight units have a vent to help prevent condensation buildup. A clogged vent is a common source of minor condensation. This could be the case.

Thanks for the suggestions. I rather not to touch anything myself and have BMW address this. It is not acceptable for a car of this price point to have these problems. I am glad they didn't push back and are going to replace both lights

seveneleven · 02-09-2023, 09:14 PM

Yes I am having the same issues. Haven’t even had the car for 48 hours. Talking into service to hopefully get them replaced.

mattsrs · 02-10-2023, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seveneleven

Yes I am having the same issues. Haven’t even had the car for 48 hours. Talking into service to hopefully get them replaced.

Let me know what they tell you and how long they estimate the part will take to arrive. I was told 1-2 months

crypto · 02-11-2023, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattsrs

Thanks for the suggestions. I rather not to touch anything myself and have BMW address this. It is not acceptable for a car of this price point to have these problems. I am glad they didn't push back and are going to replace both lights

Fyi this is a scam account trying to build reputation. They’re such idiots. Their response is lifted from:

https://www.autozone.com/diy/lightin...rom-headlights

mattsrs · 02-11-2023, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crypto

Fyi this is a scam account trying to build reputation. They’re such idiots. Their response is lifted from:

https://www.autozone.com/diy/lightin...rom-headlights

wow good catch!

patrikr · 02-11-2023, 10:44 PM

I had condensation as well but haven’t seen it for a few days

mattsrs · 02-12-2023, 01:04 PM

Just wanted to add whats written in the manual about this. The issue on mine is that I start the day without condensation (when the car is kept in garage) but as I drive, condensation starts to form which is the case the manual suggests to have the lights checked

12-21-2022, 10:14 PM	#1
Jblackbelt Second Lieutenant 41 Rep 230 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X5 xDrive50i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Is anyone else having an issue with condensation in their headlights? Attached Images __________________ 2014 BMW 750Li xDrive 2014 BMW X3 xDrive35i 2012 BMW 328i xDrive Coupe
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12-22-2022, 09:24 AM	#2
dimapb Private 69 Rep 95 Posts Drives: 2023 BMW 760i; 2022 BMW X7 Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: MD iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW 760 [0.00] 2022 BMW X7 [0.00]	I have the same problem. Decided to wait a bit before I take it to the dealer. __________________ 2023 760 ix 2022 X7 xDrive i40
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12-22-2022, 09:45 AM	#3
AlteBMW Lieutenant Colonel 728 Rep 1,593 Posts Drives: '23 760ix; '23 X3; '23 MB wgn Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: New York iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 X3 x30 [0.00] 2023 BMW 760ix [10.00] 2023 Mercedes E450 ... [0.00]	I looked this up and there are numerous posts that condensation in the first few weeks is common and the way to get rid of it is to drive with headlights on -- and wait it out for a few weeks. If you take it to a dealer, that's apparently what they will tell you. If it persists for more than 3-4 weeks, then it needs service. __________________ BMWCCA Current: 23 760ix (Carbon Black/Tartufo) (after first one totaled) '23 X3; '23 MB E Wagon Prior: BMWs (3,5,7 & 8 series (2x!)) X3, MB (C, E, and S), Alfa GTV, MGB, Audi (A4, A6), Saab, Volvo, Toyota, Lincoln, Chrysler, Oldsmobile, Chevy, Rambler.
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12-22-2022, 11:05 AM	#4
Jblackbelt Second Lieutenant 41 Rep 230 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X5 xDrive50i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Thanks. This is our 27th bmw and we haven’t ever had this problem. Will see what happens __________________ 2014 BMW 750Li xDrive 2014 BMW X3 xDrive35i 2012 BMW 328i xDrive Coupe
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12-22-2022, 04:00 PM	#5
Dr.Amro Private First Class 74 Rep 116 Posts Drives: 2023 BMW 760i ,2013 Escalade Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: Tampa iTrader: (0)	I have the same issue but its not bothering me that much
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12-23-2022, 01:52 PM	#6
TXSchnee Major 1315 Rep 1,383 Posts Drives: 2024 XM Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	LED headlights (and taillights) do not get warm enough while running to dry out condensation. There should be some type of vent with membrane on your headlight so they can dry out. This isn't anything the dealer can fix, it is normal LED headlight behaviour. __________________ 2024 BMW XM 2023 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo 4S 2023 BMW iX M60 (sold) 2020 Porsche Cayenne E Hybrid (sold) 2018 X3 M40i (sold)
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01-12-2023, 05:27 PM	#9
E66er @funwithcarsindonesia 118 Rep 166 Posts Drives: - Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: Jakarta, Indonesia iTrader: (0)	This is a widespread problem - I've seen some media reviews of the G70 where the condensation problem shows up. My 4 year old F30 has LED lights...no condensation lol.
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02-04-2023, 03:15 PM	#11
mattsrs Captain 617 Rep 989 Posts Drives: X7 Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: NE iTrader: (0)	I just picked up my 760 today and saw condensation when I got home from dealership. Its def not “normal” unless those crystal daytime running lights get unusually hot and in extreme cold outside cause condensation
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02-05-2023, 03:34 PM	#13
Jblackbelt Second Lieutenant 41 Rep 230 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X5 xDrive50i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	It did go away. I never took it in. If it happens again I probably will. __________________ 2014 BMW 750Li xDrive 2014 BMW X3 xDrive35i 2012 BMW 328i xDrive Coupe
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02-09-2023, 02:51 PM	#15
flexible Banned 14 Rep 53 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Portland,Oregon. iTrader: (2)	If you notice a small area of condensation forming in your headlight, there are a few simple tricks you can employ without damaging the seal. Breaking the seal between your headlight lens and housing is relatively simple, but once broken, you'll need to be very careful to replace it with a firm seal. If you aren't comfortable working with sealants, you should take your car to a mechanic who is. Check your headlight housing vent before removing the seal. The precise location of the venting will vary depending on your vehicle's make and model, but most headlight units have a vent to help prevent condensation buildup. A clogged vent is a common source of minor condensation. This could be the case.
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02-09-2023, 09:14 PM	#17
seveneleven New Member 2 Rep 5 Posts Drives: G70 7 Series Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Yes I am having the same issues. Haven’t even had the car for 48 hours. Talking into service to hopefully get them replaced.
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02-11-2023, 10:44 PM	#21
patrikr Lieutenant 337 Rep 446 Posts Drives: 2023 760i, 2020 Model X LR Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Salt Lake City, UT iTrader: (0)	I had condensation as well but haven’t seen it for a few days
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02-12-2023, 01:04 PM	#22
mattsrs Captain 617 Rep 989 Posts Drives: X7 Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: NE iTrader: (0)	Just wanted to add whats written in the manual about this. The issue on mine is that I start the day without condensation (when the car is kept in garage) but as I drive, condensation starts to form which is the case the manual suggests to have the lights checked Attached Images
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