[Explorer3253]

Is the condensation shown on the picture considered normal? I took it to BMW yesterday and they won't replace the headlight and said they wouldn't replace it unless there is actual water buildup. I find condensation buildup on a brand new car to be unacceptable.

[Halsifer]

Originally Posted by Explorer3253

Is the condensation shown on the picture considered normal? I took it to BMW yesterday and they won't replace the headlight and said they wouldn't replace it unless there is actual water buildup. I find condensation buildup on a brand new car to be unacceptable.

It's not normal and definitely unacceptable. Tell them if they aren't going to replace the headlight, that they need to clean out the water and anything within the headlight, and properly reseal the headlight housing properly so there it no chance of water getting in. If they can't reseal it, you need a new headlight. That exact same issue happened with my previous car and they replaced the housing without a question, so BMW should do the same.

[Explorer3253]

Originally Posted by Halsifer

It's not normal and definitely unacceptable. Tell them if they aren't going to replace it that they need to clean out the water and anything within the headlight, and reseal the headlight housing properly so there it no chance of water getting in. That exact same issue happened with my previous car and they fixed it without a question, so BMW should do the same.

Their response was that they can't verify it and there would have to be a pool of water built up. The picture wasn't sufficient. The car had this problem since delivery and only has 1500 miles on it. I find a 60k car looking like this on a humid day is completely unacceptable. The dealership service manager said he won't do anything unless a) they actually see it b) it's an actual pool of water.

Clearly, by the time I get it to them, the condensation will dissipate

[Bluelondon]

Same thing happens on my 428i

[chetman7]

Condensation shows poor headlight seal. Id fight ti have it replaced, If they refuse go ti corporate

[jadnashuanh]

Have you shown them the pictures?

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Explorer3253

I find a 60k car looking like this on a humid day is completely unacceptable. The dealership service manager said he won't do anything unless a) they actually see it b) it's an actual pool of water.

Clearly, by the time I get it to them, the condensation will dissipate

I've had similar wet weather induced condensation issues in my BMWs, last car (E91) virtually from new and never got worse over 6-years of ownership. It disappears after a few minutes/hours.

Current F11 5-series ($100,000 car) does exactly the same. My understanding the headlights are not sealed, hence a slight humidity issue in damp conditions which dries away.

I read that here in the UK BMW don't change them for slight misting/condensation which disappears. I've never even bothered to raise the issue, as I see so many cars like this in damp conditions.

HighlandPete

[Halsifer]

Originally Posted by Explorer3253

Their response was that they can't verify it and there would have to be a pool of water built up. The picture wasn't sufficient. The car had this problem since delivery and only has 1500 miles on it. I find a 60k car looking like this on a humid day is completely unacceptable. The dealership service manager said he won't do anything unless a) they actually see it b) it's an actual pool of water.

Clearly, by the time I get it to them, the condensation will dissipate

That's kind of obnoxious. I showed the a photo a of my vehicle and that was enough proof for them. Well, mine usually happened right after a car wash. See if you can find out whatever makes it it occur and try to have it repeat with them there. If it happens at a certain time of day, say that and they can keep it for 24-hours and give you a loaner. Otherwise, I would agree to bring it up with corporate if they aren't compliant.

[justinnum1]

totally unacceptable. i would have went nuts. call bmwna, and call the gm of the dealership

[claykin]

Take more photos and time stamp them. Send them to your SA and service manager every time via email. If that doesn't motivate them, ask service manager to setup appointment with the BMWNA after sales rep. This person typically visits each dealer 1-4 times each month (depending on how busy your dealer is).

[stormlv]

My headlights did that one time as well...

[Bluelondon]

I don't know, I felt like it's not that big of a deal since it goes away as soon as I drive off anyway but I'll just mention it to them next time I'm at the dealer. The list of things to mention is slowly growing.

[Halsifer]

Originally Posted by Bluelondon

I don't know, I felt like it's not that big oda deal since it goes away as soon as I drive off anyway but I'll just mention it to them next time I'm at the dealer. The lit of things to mention is slowly growing.

I do agree that it's not a big deal. But it does mean that water is getting in somehow. Wouldn't it eventually leave water stains in the future or cause small problems over time? It's not like it's a severe mechanical problem or anything, but it's worth mentioning and having fixed.

[Bluelondon]

Originally Posted by Halsifer

I do agree that it's not a big deal. But it does mean that water is getting in somehow. Wouldn't it eventually leave water stains in the future or cause small problems over time? It's not like it's a severe mechanical problem or anything, but it's worth mentioning and having fixed.

Yup, definitely.

Headlight condensation
wind noise
EMI dash buzzing sound
Squeeky driver window

Love the car but BMW QC needs a kick up the ass

[matt]

The condensation can be normal. The lights have fans in the back that ventilate the headlights. if you turn on the light the condensationwater should be gone after 10 minutes.

[chetman7]

Originally Posted by matt

The condensation can be normal. The lights have fans in the back that ventilate the headlights. if you turn on the light the condensationwater should be gone after 10 minutes.

there is a fan in the back? way cool..did not know that. if that is the case that means the headlight cannot be completely sealed?

[hsk1610]

I don't have Xenons and have had condensation issues after a car wash on both headlights. Haven't seen it reappear though. I read somewhere that the lights weren't completely sealed.

[Explorer3253]

My main issue is that I brought the car in for 3 items and all 3 were denied. Squealing brakes and they claimed it was a non issue and that BMWs have squeaky brakes (not my first BMW, so I'm fully aware of what to expect). Brought it in for a crackling speaker and they claimed that no issues found (even though I specifically told them exactly what to do so that it is clear to them). When I got there I had to bring the technician out and do exactly what I told them to do to diagnose it and sure enough, it was crackling. Only then would they order the new speaker. I shouldn't have to walk these guy through basic diagnostics. Because of the other two, I don't believe that the headlights having condensation is "normal"

[hsk1610]

Originally Posted by Explorer3253

My main issue is that I brought the car in for 3 items and all 3 were denied. Squealing brakes and they claimed it was a non issue and that BMWs have squeaky brakes (not my first BMW, so I'm fully aware of what to expect). Brought it in for a crackling speaker and they claimed that no issues found (even though I specifically told them exactly what to do so that it is clear to them). When I got there I had to bring the technician out and do exactly what I told them to do to diagnose it and sure enough, it was crackling. Only then would they order the new speaker. I shouldn't have to walk these guy through basic diagnostics. Because of the other two, I don't believe that the headlights having condensation is "normal"

I Have had the same issues with my car. The brake squeaking- it's normal, clunking in the rear suspension- can't duplicate, damaged wood trim after the brake recall- they didn't go near that area so I am SOL, etc. Taken it to different dealer- sorry you didn't buy the car from us so no loaner, etc. I never had such issues with an Infiniti dealer but have to pull tooth and nail to get anything done on the car.

[Halsifer]

Originally Posted by matt

The condensation can be normal. The lights have fans in the back that ventilate the headlights. if you turn on the light the condensationwater should be gone after 10 minutes.

That is really cool. I didn't know that either. But are you sure the fans ventilate into the housing of the headlight, not just the outside of it to keep it cool? The condensation could just disappear due to the heat from the bulb/diode.

Originally Posted by hsk1610

I Have had the same issues with my car. The brake squeaking- it's normal, clunking in the rear suspension- can't duplicate, damaged wood trim after the brake recall- they didn't go near that area so I am SOL, etc. Taken it to different dealer- sorry you didn't buy the car from us so no loaner, etc. I never had such issues with an Infiniti dealer but have to pull tooth and nail to get anything done on the car.

Wow, that's terrible. They didn't give you a loaner because you didn't buy the car from that dealer?? That is completely and utter bull and makes no sense at all.

[hsk1610]

Originally Posted by Halsifer

Wow, that's terrible. They didn't give you a loaner because you didn't buy the car from that dealer?? That is completely and utter bull and makes no sense at all.

Only leverage is a bad survey after the service. That's the only way to get their attention, then they will bend over backwards to make you satisfied, but still leaves a bad taste in your mouth and feelings towards BMW.

[dL.]

I thought the headlights are not 100% seal to let some air pass through. Otherwise wouldn't that overheat? However it shouldn't condense that much.

dL