[Marisa330i]

Hey all! Just picked my 28 up in the rain. Even though it was pouring I still enjoyed the ride home. The only thing I do not like about the car which there is nothing I can do about is the combination of Chestnut Leather with the wood trim. They need to offer better choices!

That being said... I just was staring at it in the driveway and noticed there was a bit of condensation in the xenon headlights????!!! I am going to call first thing tomorrow morning, but has anyone else had this problem???

Oh yes and I will add pics as soon as it stops raining out!!!

[Powerrunner]

There is an earlier thread on this, response is it will dissipate over a short period of time. Seems like a typical break in thing?

[Marisa330i]

Originally Posted by Powerrunner

There is an earlier thread on this, response is it will dissipate over a short period of time. Seems like a typical break in thing?

Oh thank you! I searched the topic but nothing came up for me...will look through the pages.

[pault]

Have a look here

[LEDZEP]

This is normal.

[Marisa330i]

Thanks guys!

[Waffle]

I'll provide an update over the weekend and maybe a photo. I don't think it is going to clear and I've had main beam headlights on all week.

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

This is normal.

It shouldn't be normal. Totally unacceptable for BMW. My mums old car which was a T Reg Fiat Brava didn't even do this!!

[frankwin]

Condensation inside the xenon housing is not normal! This means the lens surround rubber is not sealing correctly against the housing or it is crack somewhere.

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by Waffle

I'll provide an update over the weekend and maybe a photo. I don't think it is going to clear and I've had main beam headlights on all week.

Yes please keep us updated and try for a picture. This is something I'm really concerned about as we are thinking of buying the X3 30d next year.

[Marisa330i]

When I checked this morning it was all gone. I am going to wait until the next rain storm I drive in and if it returns I am going to call the dealer.

[sfax]

This doesn't help much but I drive in the same climate as Waffle (in fact, very close to him!) and have never seen any condensation in 3 months since new. I would definitely notice. If it's there and stays for a while or keeps coming back it's an issue IMO

[ssn007]

Originally Posted by frankwin

Condensation inside the xenon housing is not normal! This means the lens surround rubber is not sealing correctly against the housing or it is crack somewhere.

manual mentions it, had it in my old 335 once in a while, not often. page 222...

"Headlamp glass Condensation can form on the inside of the external lamps in cool or humid weather. When the light is switched on, the condensation evapo‐ rates after a short time. The headlamp glasses do not need to be changed. If there is a large amount of moisture, e.g., water droplets form in the lamp, have it checked by your service center."

[frankwin]

Originally Posted by ssn007

manual mentions it, had it in my old 335 once in a while, not often. page 222...

"Headlamp glass Condensation can form on the inside of the external lamps in cool or humid weather. When the light is switched on, the condensation evapo‐ rates after a short time. The headlamp glasses do not need to be changed. If there is a large amount of moisture, e.g., water droplets form in the lamp, have it checked by your service center."

I am sorry but very rare condensation "could" be accidental but if it happens often, this is not normal no matter what the manual state, this is just to avoid problem with customers.

Either the humidity is trapped inside or the housing has a leak letting humidity going in. Remember, since the temperature outside and inside the housing will decrease at the same time, humidity should not form on the glass. Difference in temperature inside/outside can only create condensation and shouldn't happen during normal condition.

[ssn007]

Originally Posted by frankwin

I am sorry but very rare condensation "could" be accidental but if it happens often, this is not normal no matter what the manual state, this is just to avoid problem with customers.

Either the humidity is trapped inside or the housing has a leak letting humidity going in. Remember, since the temperature outside and inside the housing will decrease at the same time, humidity should not form on the glass. Difference in temperature inside/outside can only create condensation and shouldn't happen during normal condition.

No need to be sorry, if it happens often might have it looked at. Not sure it happens often yet? And actually condensation has to do with dew point , not temperaure so much. I believe the outside will cool faster than the inside since there is still a hot bulb inside the housing, hot air will hold more moisture than cold air. Again if it is persistent by all means have it looked at.

[tetten]

I have had 2 X3's with xenons, 2006 and my current 2009, and never seen the problem.

However, I had it on my 99 E46..(but no xenons)

----
Waiting for my third X3 - 20dA VR M-sport :-)

[LEDZEP]

I'm not trying to be unsympathetic, or unhelpful - on the contrary... but I have bought 5 new BMWs and had some condensation in a couple of them. It depends greatly on the climate (time of year you purchase). Spring is obviously the most noticable times for condensation, because of the fluctuating temperatures and high humidity. If the problem persists for more than a week or so, then you should absolutely ask the dealer to take a look.

If I seem a bit jaded, it is because I have belonged to this forum since 2005 and EVERY year when folks are buying new BMWs (usually first timers to the brand) there are several threads started with titles like "Oh no, I have condensation in my headlights" and very often the thread contains great advise like "the dealer owes you a brand new car, a bigger house, and a yacht".

Don't believe me? Stick around a year and watch the new batch come in....

[Nahoa]

Yacht, please . . .

[F25TURBO]

LEDZEP you crack me up, I like your style.

[scotsdunc]

Now I'm worried as my x3 has had condensation in the lights all the time since I got it (4 months

[Radioactive]

May I humbly suggest that the condensation buildup is caused by being too "sealed" and not by being "sealed" up enough. Unless of course if you have obvious areas where water can penetrate. Condensation is natures way of "heating". There is too great of temperature difference between the cold outside temp and the warmer headlight housing. By increasing the amount of air going into the housing you can reduce the temp difference. Therefore reducing the need to "heat". Also increased venting would allow greater evaporation of the present moisture, which probably now exacerbates the problem by providing more available moisture.