[geordie]

OK, has anyone else been experiencing this or found a solution? In Victoria, Canada where I live, it's now around 3-9degrees C each day.

I now have a CONSTANT light fog on the inside of the windshield that doesn't fully go away even with a fully heated car, defrost on full blast, or auto mode.

Anyone know of a way to get rid of this? I've tried wiping it down with a microfibre cloth, but I'm thinking maybe there's a product that could help?

Thanks!!

[torzeck]

Do you have any wetness under any floor mats?
You might have a bad seal somewhere or a sunroof drain that's plugged.
Take it to the dealer and let us know what happens.

[iwinit]

Just turn on AC.

[brissim]

Yes - as iwinit said - hit the "snowflake" to turn on on the A/C. I've also had this fogging up and learnt you have to have the A/C running to clear it up. May be counter-intuitive on a cold day - but it works.

Tony

[TreeSkier]

My experience was a little different, but when driving through a snowstorm at around 30 F with the defroster on high, I was getting windshield fogging in the top middle of the drivers side. Wouldn't go away even after wiping it down with a towel.

[Nahoa]

In my experience with BMW it's useful to think of A/C as literally "Air Conditioning" vice "Air Cooling" in that keeping the snowflake on tells the system to condition the air appropriately and hit the selected temp. In my experience that means controlling the humidity while maintaining temperature when the snowflake is on.

[Le Chef]

If it's not automatic then run it, because it takes out the humidity in the cabin.

[Mako]

My dealer told me to always have the snowflake on for this very reason, it prevents fogging.

[02420X3]

Originally Posted by Mako

My dealer told me to always have the snowflake on for this very reason, it prevents fogging.

Mine too.

[Nayook]

When your car is new the vinyl vapourises onto the windscreen more than usual. The inside of the windscreen needs a good clean with windscreen cleaning solution, then the residue rinsed off a few times with a clean, wet lint free cloth.

[pokerface]

+1 on the new car outgassing.

[TigerFan]

Originally Posted by jdavid2

My experience was a little different, but when driving through a snowstorm at around 30 F with the defroster on high, I was getting windshield fogging in the top middle of the drivers side. Wouldn't go away even after wiping it down with a towel.

I have noticed this too. We had a messy snow shower at the end of October and I was puzzled as to why this one strip of glass would not clear. It wouldn't even be a big deal except that it's just above my sight line.

The only thing I noticed is that the main vent for the windshield does not go the length of the glass; and the contour in the dash for the instrument cluster seems to deflect the air just enough to cause this to happen -- even when the car feels fully heated. Go figure.

As I said, not the worst that can happen, but you'd think they'd have something like this covered. My '94 Civic could do it!

[Nahoa]

Originally Posted by colojim

When your car is new the vinyl vapourises onto the windscreen more than usual. The inside of the windscreen needs a good clean with windscreen cleaning solution, then the residue rinsed off a few times with a clean, wet lint free cloth.

+1 the snowflake and this; seems that this grime layer isn't so bad when temps are mid to high and it's light out; drop the temp and the light and it's a problem.

[torzeck]

I agree with the others on hitting the snowflake button.(turns on the condenser) I assumed that it was always on as every dealer has always told me to leave it on.

So, if it still fogs up after that exercise you have another problem.

[LEDZEP]

As folks have indicated - use the "Auto" function of the climate control system and ensure that the snowflake button is on. This allows the system to control temperature and moisture properly and will prevent the fogging.

Also, to echo the comments about cleaning the haze from the inside of the windows - this is important. Moisture can't cling very well to a clean surface. The more contaminents are on the window glass, the easier it is for the moisture to accumulate.

[Want the thrill]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

As folks have indicated - use the "Auto" function of the climate control system and ensure that the snowflake button is on. This allows the system to control temperature and moisture properly and will prevent the fogging.

Also, to echo the comments about cleaning the haze from the inside of the windows - this is important. Moisture can't cling very well to a clean surface. The more contaminents are on the window glass, the easier it is for the moisture to accumulate.

What do you like to use on the interior windshield to clean it Ledzep? I'm always looking for a good product.

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by Want the thrill

What do you like to use on the interior windshield to clean it Ledzep? I'm always looking for a good product.

[...looks around to see who might be eavesdropping...] You probably have a product readily available... I use Windex on interior glass. While I would NEVER, EVER use it on the outside of the glass, nothing cleans as well and easy. The ammonia cuts right through the grime.

I do also have a special window cleaner from Griot's Garage that I use on the exterior (and sometimes the inside too) that is very good. The key is to use a window-cleaning microcloth or lintless towel.

[Want the thrill]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

[...looks around to see who might be eavesdropping...] You probably have a product readily available... I use Windex on interior glass. While I would NEVER, EVER use it on the outside of the glass, nothing cleans as well and easy. The ammonia cuts right through the grime.

I do also have a special window cleaner from Griot's Garage that I use on the exterior (and sometimes the inside too) that is very good. The key is to use a window-cleaning microcloth or lintless towel.

Every time I have ever used Windex on the inside of the glass, it looks great until the sunlight hits it at just the right angle and then I see cloudy looking streaks that drive me NUTS. I haven't even used it on the X3 because of past experience with it. Is it the towel that is causing this?

[skier219]

Stoner's invisble glass cleaner does a great job in my experience. Prior to that, I always used windex with no complaints. Use one wad of paper towels to spread and clean, and then a second new wad to clean and polish (that's the only way to avoid streaks).

Stoner makes a wand tool with an articulated triangular head that is a lot easier to use on sports cars, and I now use it on all our vehicles. I spray cleaner on the windshield, use the standard fabric pad to spread it and clean, then quickly pull on the microfiber pad to dry and buff. Works great, and makes the whole job a lot easier since you don't have to contort yourself for awkward angles and hard to reach places.

[Want the thrill]

Originally Posted by skier219

Stoner's invisble glass cleaner does a great job in my experience. Prior to that, I always used windex with no complaints. Use one wad of paper towels to spread and clean, and then a second new wad to clean and polish (that's the only way to avoid streaks).

Stoner makes a wand tool with an articulated triangular head that is a lot easier to use on sports cars, and I now use it on all our vehicles. I spray cleaner on the windshield, use the standard fabric pad to spread it and clean, then quickly pull on the microfiber pad to dry and buff. Works great, and makes the whole job a lot easier since you don't have to contort yourself for awkward angles and hard to reach places.

I use Sprayaway glass cleaner and I also have that same tool but no matter what, I still end up with a "haze" that can ony be seen when the sun hits the windshield just right. It usually is in the evening when the sun is setting. Looks perfect until just the right light hits it.

[geordie]

THanks for the recommendations everyone, I do use the auto and the snowflake, I think my problem is the grime, I'll clean with vinegar and water and see what happens.

[BIMMER UK 76]

Originally Posted by Mako

My dealer told me to always have the snowflake on for this very reason, it prevents fogging.

That snowflake is coming back on, that bloody misting inside just wont clear without it