[330dMSXD]

I washed my new M40d for the first time some three days ago and noticed a small amount of condensation in the near side front headlight (Image 1). It is only a small amount but there were water droplets evident.

Image 1



This evening after returning home from a 16 mile trip averaging 50mph my daughter pointed out to me the same headlight defect (Image 2). When I took another look it appears to have worsened and there has been no reain since it was last washed.

Image 2



I know it is a common problem but there are standards to which the condensation is considered unacceptable.

I saw a post some months ago but couldnt find it.

I would welcome any comments, in particular from any owners who have had any warranty or dealer experience of this aparent common issue.

[mailman_fin]

As you car is totally new, I would just contact dealer and get them to fix it.

For my eyes, that seems unacceptable.

[spangle1980]

+1 that seems totally bogus, they should replace it as clearly there is some defect?

"Should" - they'll probably get a hairdryer out and say job done.

[TXGrey]

Originally Posted by spangle1980

+1 that seems totally bogus, they should replace it as clearly there is some defect?

"Should" - they'll probably get a hairdryer out and say job done.

+2... I know Porsche had a minor issue that was the same... and maybe, MAYBE, I could live with a little bit of condensation every now and then... but that second pic? And no rain nor excessive car wash? Umm, no. Take it to the dealer and bark loud enough to get it addressed. Just my 2 cents...

[freshxdough]

I would consider this condensation excessive. Provide these photos and have dealer take a look. Is it only happening on the one headlight? There is an updated fix to change the vent on the back of the headlight to allow it to vent better.

[Thedogs]

Picked up my 22 40D in Oct and noticed this immediately, its a lot better than it was but it actually lists it in the manual as normal, hope this helps .

[spangle1980]

Originally Posted by Thedogs

Picked up my 22 40D in Oct and noticed this immediately, its a lot better than it was but it actually lists it in the manual as normal, hope this helps .

I'd love to see that page - if your headlight looks shit, like loads of condensation in it, don't worry. Looking shit is our new style. That kinda thing?

[Thedogs]

Originally Posted by spangle1980

I'd love to see that page - if your headlight looks shit, like loads of condensation in it, don't worry. Looking shit is our new style. That kinda thing?

Basically yes ! To be brutally honest apart front the way the car looks , the engine and sheer speed it can achieve, especially for a diesel I'm more than disappointed with the quality of the car in general, this is my 9th new BMW and maybe my last ...

[330dMSXD]

Originally Posted by freshxdough

I would consider this condensation excessive. Provide these photos and have dealer take a look. Is it only happening on the one headlight? There is an updated fix to change the vent on the back of the headlight to allow it to vent better.

I'm in agreement. Surely one headlight displaying excessive condensation whilst the other headlight isnt is a defective unit and should be replaced under warranty.........not the inconvenience I need at such an early period of ownership

I will contact the dealer tomorrow.

[330dMSXD]

Originally Posted by Thedogs

Picked up my 22 40D in Oct and noticed this immediately, its a lot better than it was but it actually lists it in the manual as normal, hope this helps .

I've worked in the automotive industry all my life and in my opinion I believe the evidence of image 2 displays unacceptable condensation with water droplets. However, it is likely BMW's opinion will be indifferent to mine!

[330dMSXD]

Originally Posted by Thedogs

Picked up my 22 40D in Oct and noticed this immediately, its a lot better than it was but it actually lists it in the manual as normal, hope this helps .

Im sure some condensation is acceptable. However, water droplets forming can result in green algae forming at some point. I dont intend to wait until that happens so will be knocking on the dealers door tomorrow!

[Thedogs]

Originally Posted by 330dMSXD

I've worked in the automotive industry all my life and in my opinion I believe the evidence of image 2 displays unacceptable condensation with water droplets. However, it is likely BMW's opinion will be indifferent to mine!

Good luck ....i changed dealer this time as I moved some distance from my previous one , I think that's the single biggest mistake I made !

[cwbrow2]

I collected my m40i last night and drove home in terrential rain and it rained all night. First thing I checked this morning were my headlights to make sure no internal condensation. Sucks for OP but I still stand with my opinion that the X3m40i is THE best bang for the buck performance SAV for the money. Granted, every manufacturer has production flaws, but after having many other vehicles BMW is tops, traded my 19 for my 22 because I love it so much. For the OP, I am sure BMW will make it right.

[freshxdough]

Originally Posted by 330dMSXD

I'm in agreement. Surely one headlight displaying excessive condensation whilst the other headlight isnt is a defective unit and should be replaced under warranty.........not the inconvenience I need at such an early period of ownership

I will contact the dealer tomorrow.

Don't expect a new headlight. Like I said, there's a new vent design they can install to allow it to vent the inside condensation to equalize.

[Goldiegee]

This is what the manual says. I would say you have a fault.

[330dMSXD]

Originally Posted by freshxdough

Don't expect a new headlight. Like I said, there's a new vent design they can install to allow it to vent the inside condensation to equalize.

Given my car was built on March 01 (headlight manufacture (11/2021) I would assume any new vent design would have been implemented before then as it is a new headlight design. In addition the condensation/water droplet phenomenon is a common one so one would think BMW are on top of this problem by now.

Originally Posted by Goldiegee

This is what the manual says. I would say you have a fault.

Thanks for that

As mine has water droplets evident there is obviously a non conforming breakdown in the headlight unit seal somewhere.

I have my X3 booked in for 5th July so lets see wait and see what the conclusion is.

[freshxdough]

Originally Posted by 330dMSXD

Given my car was built on March 01 (headlight manufacture (11/2021) I would assume any new vent design would have been implemented before then as it is a new headlight design. In addition the condensation/water droplet phenomenon is a common one so one would think BMW are on top of this problem by now.

Thanks for that

As mine has water droplets evident there is obviously a non conforming breakdown in the headlight unit seal somewhere.

I have my X3 booked in for 5th July so lets see wait and see what the conclusion is.

Headlight vent SIB came out a month ago. Your headlight does not incorporate this new vent. This SIB may not even 100% apply. Regardless, bring to dealer and have them check your photo against the photos in the warranty part replacement manual to see if the condensation is excessive or normal. Some condensation can be completely normal, very small fine haze usually in the corners of the headlights which can be caused by large temperature fluctuations or washing the car/rain

[330dMSXD]

Originally Posted by freshxdough

Some condensation can be completely normal, very small fine haze usually in the corners of the headlights which can be caused by large temperature fluctuations or washing the car/rain

I accept that reasoning to some degree. However, If one headlight displays Zero condensation then IMO there is clearly a defect with the other headlight which is full of condensation and water droplets?

[freshxdough]

Originally Posted by 330dMSXD

I accept that reasoning to some degree. However, If one headlight displays Zero condensation then IMO there is clearly a defect with the other headlight which is full of condensation and water droplets?

If you read what I said earlier "I would consider this condensation excessive. Provide these photos and have dealer take a look. Is it only happening on the one headlight? There is an updated fix to change the vent on the back of the headlight to allow it to vent better."


Let the dealer handle it. I'm not the person working on your car so relax. It will get handled.

[330dMSXD]

Well my 40d went in to BMW service yesterday and I have just received a telephone call to confirm a headlight replacement.

Ideally not what I wanted as I do not like the thought of having a new car being taken apart as it often leads to other issues. However, in this case it was required to resolve the light defect.

It must of been outside BMW's acceptable standards, although I am of the opinion that where there is water ingress the headlight should be replaced without any questioning.