[Sonny Bimmer]

Hello bimmers, I bought a F20 125I Msport this year and the car was low mileage and very new, the car is perfect but I'm having foggy headlights, moisture/condensation in booth headlights, it doesn't matter the day or time, it is always there when I drive the car for a bit, it doesn't matter if it is a hot or cold day, even raining or not... (There is nothing to do with WATER, dry days it happens, photos above were after some rain but it happens in sunny dry day)

My F20 125I is the Msport package with N20 BMW engine.

Check the images attached:

Please, I need to know if it can damage my headlights, or If I can fix it in a simple way. I'm seeing a lot of BMW owners with this problem in brand new BMW's. I'm sorry if there is already a post talking about that, link it here please!

[No one]

The handbook, page 256, says: "When driving with the light switched on, the condensation disappears after a short time. ... 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.".

[Sonny Bimmer]

Originally Posted by No one

The handbook, page 256, says: "When driving with the light switched on, the condensation disappears after a short time. ... 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.".

The car is out of warranty, is there a way that I can fix it?

[Sonny Bimmer]

also there is not water droplets inside

[No one]

So there is a thread on this here already: https://f20.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=933330.

It looks like the best you can do is to follow the manual: as your case is not severe either use the headlights or just worry not. If otherwise you want to keep yourself busy play the sealing/ventilation game: check the lids, explore the "ventilation grommet" subject.

[dorgo]

Had the same problem (on the driver side) on my f20 (n13 2013) - on my case, it appeared that the bulb cap was not fully closed.

As we are talking about LED, there is no bulb but a sort of two "blast"s (I dont know how to name it) connected at the back of each headlight unit - I suggest you to check the car service history if the previous owner asked to check/fix an issue with the headlights and try (gently!) to check/tighten those "blast"s bolts - making sure there is no "space" there.

Regarding to your question, generally water can cause damage, especially when it comes to electronics. You need to have it checked either way.

** Im not a mechanic, the best solution is to have it checked by your local dealer **

[No one]

Originally Posted by dorgo

Had the same problem (on the driver side) on my f20 (n13 2013) - on my case, it appeared that the bulb cap was not fully closed.

As we are talking about LED, there is no bulb

There is (pre-LCI xenon headlights are pictured). It's quite a technology assortment: a bulb (turn signal), a xenon (low/high beam) and a LED (daytime/side lights). I never had mine touched but from a video it seemed the turn signal lid didn't allow to close it "not fully" so I didn't suggest that directly.

Originally Posted by dorgo

generally water can cause damage, especially when it comes to electronics

It's not "exactly" water, it's some condensation on the glass, the same thing as on the windshield on cold/wet days (that must be rare in Israel ). The contacts in the car are made pretty safe so not much worrying unless there's plenty of water.

[spiderbomb23]

I have the same issue and saw another BMW with the same problem.
The local dealer and BMW said the only option is to replace them, unfortunately...

Another way its to leave the cap when you replace the blinker bulb open do let the mist go away, the downside, dust particles can get inside the headlamp...

[IJO]

I have this problem on my 2014 116i and leaving the top access covers off helps.
I also have fitted bright led drls and these get quite warm which helps drive out the moisture.

Replacement headlights are around £330 from buycarparts.co.uk but fitting them is not quick and easy I believe.

[DBF21]

Has anyone added their own small ventilation holes (from underneath or rear? Would this help.
Have same issue in my F21 (1 side worse )
Thanks

[rogan]

https://f20.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=2093192

[DBF21]

Mine were really bad even after all of the above suggestions. So I Removed DRL and caps.....totally clear ( removed the bulbs to stop wires being melted and taped up connectors). It's ok if you don't mind not having DRL on.
Next move now I know it works it to try and drill some ventilation holes from behind to put the DRL's back in

[DBF21]

******SOLVED*******
Once I confirmed the lights needs air flow above ^^^
I put the DRL's back in and put the cap on. Drilled this small hole from above. Lights never looked better