LCI Halogen Condensation

WOT Bimmer · 02-01-2013, 07:12 PM

I just purchased a lightly used pair of LCI halogen headlights out of the UK for my pre-LCI 328xi, and after installing them yesterday, I have noticed a fair amount of condensation gathering in both lenses. The condensation goes away while driving with lights on, then returns after vehicle is shut off and parked for a while. It's not a heavy condensation - just enough to make it look like someone blew on it with their warm breath. The headlights have not been exposed to any rain, so I don't think it is a seal issue. It might also be worth noting that since I installed them yesterday the temperatures have not exceeded 15 degrees Fahrenheit (it's been cold!). I emailed the fellow that sold them to me, and he was able to confirm that the lights have never been baked open.

Sorry for all that info... If someone has any idea how I might go about solving this issue, I would greatly appreciate it! These lights look great, but not with condensation inside.

Thanks!

BOBKUR · 02-01-2013, 07:39 PM

When mine were new I had fogging in both of them for about a week then it went away. Could be they need to acclimate.

WOT Bimmer · 02-01-2013, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BOBKUR

When mine were new I had fogging in both of them for about a week then it went away. Could be they need to acclimate.

Maybe that is it. Tonight when I got home they started to fog, so I opened both of the high beam/angel eye bulb access covers on the rear of the lights, and the fog cleared up. It's almost like they are not able to vent properly.

I do wonder if there is truth about the acclamation thing... They have probably been stored in a warm area for quite some time now, and now they are on a vehicle at 15 degrees. I'll wait and see if it changes.

raj55 · 02-02-2013, 01:40 AM

I would not worry about it as long as it does not leak in water, since just putting your lights on for a few minutes will clear the fog on the lights. Slight fogging during rapid changes in weather is common.

02-01-2013, 07:12 PM	#1
WOT Bimmer Major 1227 Rep 1,126 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW M2 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Columbus Ohio iTrader: (3)	LCI Halogen Condensation I just purchased a lightly used pair of LCI halogen headlights out of the UK for my pre-LCI 328xi, and after installing them yesterday, I have noticed a fair amount of condensation gathering in both lenses. The condensation goes away while driving with lights on, then returns after vehicle is shut off and parked for a while. It's not a heavy condensation - just enough to make it look like someone blew on it with their warm breath. The headlights have not been exposed to any rain, so I don't think it is a seal issue. It might also be worth noting that since I installed them yesterday the temperatures have not exceeded 15 degrees Fahrenheit (it's been cold!). I emailed the fellow that sold them to me, and he was able to confirm that the lights have never been baked open. Sorry for all that info... If someone has any idea how I might go about solving this issue, I would greatly appreciate it! These lights look great, but not with condensation inside. Thanks!
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02-01-2013, 07:39 PM	#2
BOBKUR Major 20 Rep 1,361 Posts Drives: 2008 E 90 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: CALIFORNIA iTrader: (2)	When mine were new I had fogging in both of them for about a week then it went away. Could be they need to acclimate.
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02-02-2013, 01:40 AM	#4
raj55 First Lieutenant 28 Rep 303 Posts Drives: E91 2009, 320i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: SWEDEN iTrader: (0)	I would not worry about it as long as it does not leak in water, since just putting your lights on for a few minutes will clear the fog on the lights. Slight fogging during rapid changes in weather is common.
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