Condensation on inside of Headlights Fault- Yes or No

[Gavin1]

Folks,
I have noticed condensation on the inside of my headlights(Xenon, 05 model). It only came half way up the lights. We had brutal rain here last night. I have done a search and the consensus seems to be half and half in that it is a feature of new light( ie vented) and the other half saying it is a fault.
Anyone with any ideas?

Regards
Gavin

[Paul]

The Xenon equipped '05 Cooper S Convertible I just had also shared thie "feature", and I'm pretty sure that's what it is.

[Gavin1]

Thanks Paul,
Does feature = fault?

Thanks Gavin

[electricblue]

I had this once on my 04 MCS with xenons, but it dried up quick so I'm not concerned about it. Had the same experience with my 99 Montero Sport and my 02 Impreza but it never gave me any trouble.

[here2help]

This is a feature of these headlamps( which is the same as the 3 series)
They are self venting/breathing.

Due to high temps in the lamp unit (these do get pretty hot i can tell you that) and the cooler temps on the plastic lenses (Ambient air temp) the lamps may condensate when they are switched on but after they have been left to cool they will clear.

This is NOT a fault.

Cheers

[lukebuzzy]

Quote: Originally Posted by here2help

This is a feature of these headlamps( which is the same as the 3 series)
They are self venting/breathing.

Due to high temps in the lamp unit (these do get pretty hot i can tell you that) and the cooler temps on the plastic lenses (Ambient air temp) the lamps may condensate when they are switched on but after they have been left to cool they will clear.

This is NOT a fault.

Cheers

Yup, just heard the same thing from my service advisor.

[Paul]

Sorry couldn't reply earlier. It's not a fault, it's a feature.

[Gavin1]

Thanks folks for the replies.

Gavin

[EBMCS03]

Oh the lights vent?? I thought headlights were vacuum sealed...

[here2help]

Quote:

Oh the lights vent?? I thought headlights were vacuum sealed...

It's all down to the lenses been plastic and not glass..it makes a difference on how quick the heat from the bulbs can dissipate .

[steebo777]

I got condensation on mine yesterday as well. Glad to see there is no problem

Speaking of problems, has anyones '05 Xenons stopped auto-leveling by any chance? I noticed this a few days ago that whenever I turn my lights on, they do not auto-level themselves. However, they are both level and look fine. Anyone else experience this with their new Xenons?

[Gavin1]

No, mine always level. If you have your sidelights on first they level when these are switched on. You can hear it! Try switching on you side lights only and you will hear it. Turn them off and then switch straight to low beam(dipped) and they should level.

[steebo777]

Quote: Originally Posted by Gavin1

No, mine always level. If you have your sidelights on first they level when these are switched on. You can hear it! Try switching on you side lights only and you will hear it. Turn them off and then switch straight to low beam(dipped) and they should level.

Yeah I already tried that as I knew they leveled when you turned on the parking/side lights. Oh well, if that's the only problem with my MCS then I'm fine with it.