Headlight condensation / water droplets

E60525d · 12-17-2017, 04:04 PM

I have done a search and it seems like headlight condensation is normal and to be expected. It even says this in the owners manual.

However I water droplets in both my headlights which I don't believe is normal.

I have made a video https://we.tl/ytI72OLNpM

What do you think? I'm going to the dealers asking for a fix.

E60525d · 12-18-2017, 05:56 AM

Any opinions on this?

Peter_R · 12-18-2017, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E60525d

I have done a search and it seems like headlight condensation is normal and to be expected. It even says this in the owners manual.

However I water droplets in both my headlights which I don't believe is normal.

I have made a video https://we.tl/ytI72OLNpM

What do you think? I'm going to the dealers asking for a fix.

I am not sure what you are saying.....

If you had water droplets in only the LH headlight it would have been OK?
If you had water droplets in only the RH headlight it would have been OK?

So having droplets in both at the same time it is NOT OK?

Sorry am I missing something?

Note. You have posted this in the F25 (X3) forum.

E60525d · 12-18-2017, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter_R

I am not sure what you are saying.....

If you had water droplets in only the LH headlight it would have been OK?
If you had water droplets in only the RH headlight it would have been OK?

So having droplets in both at the same time it is NOT OK?

Sorry am I missing something?

Note. You have posted this in the F25 (X3) forum.

I am asking if water droplets in the headlights is normal? Do other owners have this problem?

Yes I know this is the F25 X3 forum as the car in question is a F25 X3

nyalpine90 · 12-18-2017, 08:08 AM

NO, its not normal get them replace under warranty.

i had right passenger side replace on my previous X3. (2015)

Asianoak · 12-18-2017, 01:07 PM

I get it in both of mine... and in almost all of my BMWs headlights since I owned an e46. typically it only happens if I drive through large (like 8-10 inch deep) puddles. Take the access cover off the back and leave off overnight and it should fix it.

dreaming440i · 12-19-2017, 10:08 AM

Been there, got the T-shirt.

The most common source (especially if it's both headlights) is humid air in the housing; typically from a damp warm day in the past. Then, when fall/winter temperatures set in, there's condensation. Solution is to open them up and let them dry out. Be sure to remove the bulbs. You can aid this by using a hair dryer on low to move dry heated air into the housing. When you seal the housings, the dry air should prevent the problem from recurring.

The other cause can be that the bulb access panels aren't sealing completely, in which case the other poster's comment about water getting in directly can be the cause. If so, most dealers will fix this under warranty.

Good luck!

12-17-2017, 04:04 PM	#1
E60525d Lieutenant Colonel 281 Rep 1,524 Posts Drives: 330d M Sport LCI Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Headlight condensation / water droplets I have done a search and it seems like headlight condensation is normal and to be expected. It even says this in the owners manual. However I water droplets in both my headlights which I don't believe is normal. I have made a video https://we.tl/ytI72OLNpM What do you think? I'm going to the dealers asking for a fix.
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12-18-2017, 05:56 AM	#2
E60525d Lieutenant Colonel 281 Rep 1,524 Posts Drives: 330d M Sport LCI Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Any opinions on this?
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12-18-2017, 08:08 AM	#5
nyalpine90 Lieutenant General 7433 Rep 11,843 Posts Drives: MY24 G01 AW Msport Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: L.I. NY iTrader: (4) Garage List 2016 BMW X4 [9.33]	NO, its not normal get them replace under warranty. i had right passenger side replace on my previous X3. (2015)
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12-18-2017, 01:07 PM	#6
Asianoak Lieutenant 143 Rep 451 Posts Drives: '11 E92 M3 & "11 X3 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Southern Oregon iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 M3 [0.00]	I get it in both of mine... and in almost all of my BMWs headlights since I owned an e46. typically it only happens if I drive through large (like 8-10 inch deep) puddles. Take the access cover off the back and leave off overnight and it should fix it. __________________ Instagram: @dasianoak
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12-19-2017, 10:08 AM	#7
dreaming440i Private 22 Rep 76 Posts Drives: 2017 440i Gran Coupe M Sport Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	Been there, got the T-shirt. The most common source (especially if it's both headlights) is humid air in the housing; typically from a damp warm day in the past. Then, when fall/winter temperatures set in, there's condensation. Solution is to open them up and let them dry out. Be sure to remove the bulbs. You can aid this by using a hair dryer on low to move dry heated air into the housing. When you seal the housings, the dry air should prevent the problem from recurring. The other cause can be that the bulb access panels aren't sealing completely, in which case the other poster's comment about water getting in directly can be the cause. If so, most dealers will fix this under warranty. Good luck!
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