[mose999]

1-year old F20, with factory standard halogen headlights, has condensation on rainy days. When the weather is sunny, the condensation gradually disappears. The condensation appears only on the edges of the lights, see photo. BMW garage says this is normal, but even FIATs don't have this problem, and they are FIAT !!
Has anyone else got this issue and how did you solve it?

[JordW]

I believe these headlights are designed to be vented so the air can get in and out. Hope this helps

[Bob UK]

Yeah seems to be a common problem and I haven't seen a solution other than "It's normal". Nice to see another owner sporting Midnight Blue though, bugger to keep clean isn't it.

Actually not sure what colour that is as on a different screen it looks black.

[dape90]

I can report that the same thing happens on the xenon headlights as well. Not concerned about it though.

[steve1975l]

Some condensation is normal but it depends on how often and whether it goes ok. Have you used a pressure washer? I'd check the headlight vent and bulb seals.

[SixDegrees]

Had it on my prev BMW, my Qashqai does it (Xenon), prev Audis have done it. Nothing to worry about.

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by SixDegrees

Had it on my prev BMW, my Qashqai does it (Xenon), prev Audis have done it. Nothing to worry about.

It seems to me like the previous generations of BMWs were a little bit worse than the F20 when it comes to this. It started with the E36, and has happened ever since.

[Bob UK]

Can't say I have noticed any condensation on mine (Adaptive Xenons) but I'll keep an eye out.

[matthewcornish]

Originally Posted by Bob UK

Can't say I have noticed any condensation on mine (Adaptive Xenons) but I'll keep an eye out.

Spotted it for the first time last night on mine (just a very little bit).

[Bob UK]

Mine is possibly less susceptible as if I'm not actually driving it the car is sitting in the garage, sometimes for days as my annual mileage is very low at 3 to 5k.

[mose999]

Some interesting points. The dealer dismissed it as "normal". However:
1. Condensation, as defined on the dictionary, occurs when warmer air comes into contact with colder air, therefore somewhere around the light there is a flow of air & humidity between the inside and the outside. This condensation eventually will lead to the formation of mould, a growth of minute fungi, just like on the inside of some house windows. Not very nice.
2. It occurs only towards the edges of the light because the lamp beams heat most the central part of the light, evaporating the humidity in that area.
3. Currently it's happening only on the driver's side.
4. My F20 is parked outside together with about 20 other cars, none of which have this problem, despite being subjected to the same weather conditions (Toyota, VW, Renault, etc.).
5. It's 1 year old, under a 3-year warranty, and the problem will surely get worse as it gets older.

For me, this is not normal, it's a problem, certainly a very minor one at this stage, but I intend to make use of the warranty, as long as I can. I am waiting for the official response from the dealer then I will take it up directly with BMW themselves. I hope I don't have to go further than that just to have a silly problem like this fixed.

P.S. Bob, to answer your question, my car is metallic black, like the Batmobile.

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by mose999

1. Condensation, as defined on the dictionary, occurs when warmer air comes into contact with colder air, therefore somewhere around the light there is a flow of air & humidity between the inside and the outside. This condensation eventually will lead to the formation of mould, a growth of minute fungi, just like on the inside of some house windows. Not very nice.

Even if the lights were completely sealed, there would be a certain humidity in the air inside. If the glass is cooled down by outside ambient air, the air inside might fall under the dew point and cause condensation on the glass. Some ventilation will usually help, as cold winter air is usually rather dry, and will take up the condensation. I know some people have made additional holes or taken off backside covers on older models to reduce the problem.

I have also noticed that a friend of mine who is extremely into car detailing is a lot more affected by headlight condensation than I am, so washing your car frequently, seems to make it worse.

[matthewcornish]

Originally Posted by ovekvam

I have also noticed that a friend of mine who is extremely into car detailing is a lot more affected by headlight condensation than I am, so washing your car frequently, seems to make it worse.

Interesting. I had washed my car a few hours before noticing the condensation on mine last night.

@mose999 be interesting to see what the dealer comes back with. Personally I'm not concerned... two years left on the warranty so plenty of time to watch out for any ill effects

[mose999]

Well, it's all described among the 304 pages of the handbook. Page 256 says:

Headlight glass
During cool or humid weather the exterior lights can mist over. When driving with the light switched on, the condensation disappears after a short time. There is no need to replace the headlight glass.
If the headlights do not defrost, even when driving with the lights switched on and increasing moisture builds up, for example water droplets in the lights, have these checked by the service centre.

My case is definitely the former. Besides, scanning through several forums, I have read of similar behaviour in cars of other manufacturers. Perhaps this is not normal, but it's certainly not uncommon either.

I guess, case closed for now.
Thanks to all contributors.

[BMWEpic]

I used to have that issue with my car, eventually replaced the headlights for a different reason and didn't notice it as much.