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Headlight condensation

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M33 LMO
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Headlight condensation

Post by M33 LMO » Fri Dec 15, 2023 8:55 am

I'm wondering whether it's just the change in temperature but I keep getting very moist headlights.

The first time I assumed it was due to me washing the car earlier and maybe the pressure washer had managed to feed some water into the drain hole in the unit whilst the lights were still warm but it seems to keep happening.

Before I take it back to the dealer, anyone else had this issue?
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Headlight condensation

Post by B21 » Fri Dec 15, 2023 10:07 am

Standard ‘issue’ on E89s and G29s..in the E89 user manual it explicitly mentions it as a ‘do not panic captain mannering’ issue.. :thumbsup:
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Headlight condensation

Post by coldel » Fri Dec 15, 2023 10:35 am

I went to the Pistonheads end of year meet last weekend and walked around the supercar area, ALL the Mclarens had condenstation in the headlights! Cheap tat.
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M33 LMO
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Headlight condensation

Post by M33 LMO » Fri Dec 15, 2023 10:53 am

B21 wrote: Fri Dec 15, 2023 10:07 am Standard ‘issue’ on E89s and G29s..in the E89 user manual it explicitly mentions it as a ‘do not panic captain mannering’ issue.. :thumbsup:
I never had this issue on the e89 thankfully (he was a dream until he was not..)
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Headlight condensation

Post by B21 » Fri Dec 15, 2023 2:43 pm

M33 LMO wrote: Fri Dec 15, 2023 10:53 am
B21 wrote: Fri Dec 15, 2023 10:07 am Standard ‘issue’ on E89s and G29s..in the E89 user manual it explicitly mentions it as a ‘do not panic captain mannering’ issue.. :thumbsup:
I never had this issue on the e89 thankfully (he was a dream until he was not..)
Some seem to, some don’t..never had it on my 20i but my 35is does..go figure..
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Headlight condensation

Post by Pondrew » Fri Dec 15, 2023 3:02 pm

Unless you have actual liquid sloshing about in the light fitting, any dealer will just say it's normal, which it sort of is.
Headlight fittings are not hermetically sealed. LED headlights make matters seem worse, as they run really cool, so there is not much heat build up to evaporate any moisture so it can leak back out as steam.

As said, some cars get it, some don't. Luck of the draw, as well as when and how you use the car and where it is kept when not in use.

Our E89 would get a small amount of condensation in the headlights but only in winter. It was garaged and didn't go out in winter! Go figure!
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Headlight condensation

Post by ori » Tue Dec 19, 2023 6:17 pm

Pretty normal. Most cars have it. Usually the heat from the lights gets rid of it, but I wonder if LED lights get hot enough.

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Headlight condensation

Post by alexm35 » Thu Dec 21, 2023 10:44 am

If the bulbs are original halogens, they could be wearing out. Older bulbs produce more heat which can exacerbate fogging when mixed with cool night air. Newer LED or HID bulbs run cooler.Also make sure to keep an eye out for any electrical issues that could point to a more serious problem - if you notice any flickering or odd behavior with the actual lights, best to take it in.Type Calendar is more than just calendars! We provide an array of free business templates including contracts, agreements, and letter templates, along with stunning charts to elevate your business and personal projects.Maximize your chances of securing funding for your projects or initiatives with our comprehensive collection of free printable Grant Proposal templates.

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Headlight condensation

Post by M33 LMO » Sun Dec 24, 2023 4:45 pm

alexm35 wrote: Thu Dec 21, 2023 10:44 am If the bulbs are original halogens, they could be wearing out. Older bulbs produce more heat which can exacerbate fogging when mixed with cool night air. Newer LED or HID bulbs run cooler.Also make sure to keep an eye out for any electrical issues that could point to a more serious problem - if you notice any flickering or odd behavior with the actual lights, best to take it in.Type Calendar is more than just calendars! We provide an array of free business templates including contracts, agreements, and letter templates, along with stunning charts to elevate your business and personal projects.Maximize your chances of securing funding for your projects or initiatives with our comprehensive collection of free printable Grant Proposal templates.
The car is only 6 weeks old so I'd like to think they haven't worn out already :rofl:
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Headlight condensation

Post by Argyll Andy » Sun Dec 24, 2023 10:41 pm

M33 LMO wrote: Sun Dec 24, 2023 4:45 pm
alexm35 wrote: Thu Dec 21, 2023 10:44 am If the bulbs are original halogens, they could be wearing out. Older bulbs produce more heat which can exacerbate fogging when mixed with cool night air. Newer LED or HID bulbs run cooler.Also make sure to keep an eye out for any electrical issues that could point to a more serious problem - if you notice any flickering or odd behavior with the actual lights, best to take it in.Type Calendar is more than just calendars! We provide an array of free business templates including contracts, agreements, and letter templates, along with stunning charts to elevate your business and personal projects.Maximize your chances of securing funding for your projects or initiatives with our comprehensive collection of free printable Grant Proposal templates.
The car is only 6 weeks old so I'd like to think they haven't worn out already :rofl:
All that flashing your headlights to get these slow minions out of the way may be your problem :wink: :rofl:

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    Headlight condensation

    Post by Sladester100 » Wed Jan 17, 2024 9:42 pm

    Argyll Andy wrote: Sun Dec 24, 2023 10:41 pm
    All that flashing your headlights to get these slow minions out of the way may be your problem :wink: :rofl:
    uh, the flashing of headlights was to warn the other driver of my presence officer… :thumbsup:
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