Condensation in headlapms in new CLK

[Donna53]

I started having condensation in my headlamps two months ago. When raining both headlamps become foffy and even after they dry up there are still patches of dirt on innner side of glass. My CLk is just 13months old, still under warranty and Mercedes refuses to chnage headlamps!!!Are they right to do so?

 

[jibcl500]

Ring another dealer not related to the one your in communication with and give them your chassi number and ask if there are any recalls out standing on your car, it maybe the lights are part of a recall.

It states somewhere on WIS that with some faults known to MB that if the customer is aware of an issue replace the parts, if the customer isnt then dont do anything. This isnt related to your lights though but just goes to show that if its live threatening they do something otehrwise not.
Failing that go into MB and kick up a stink.

jib

 

[Alex M Grieve]

I started having condensation in my headlamps two months ago. When raining both headlamps become foffy and even after they dry up there are still patches of dirt on innner side of glass. My CLk is just 13months old, still under warranty and Mercedes refuses to chnage headlamps!!!Are they right to do so?

I sometimes find it is helpful to use statements that no reasonable person could dispute.

In this case I would take the discussion along the lines: "this is the problem, it is happening on both sides, it is not the result of wear and tear, are they supposed to do this, does any of your other cars do this", etc.

Hopefully, at some stage the dealer will be sufficiently embarassed to do what he should have done immediately, without question, when you first went in.

Happy hunting. We look forward to hearing how you got on.

 

[rf065]

I started having condensation in my headlamps two months ago. When raining both headlamps become foffy and even after they dry up there are still patches of dirt on innner side of glass. My CLk is just 13months old, still under warranty and Mercedes refuses to chnage headlamps!!!Are they right to do so?

Do you have Xenons?

I believe if the lights are switched on for a couple of minutes and the condensation clears from the heat of the Xenon lights, Mercedes will not change them. I'm sure this instruction was passed to the dealers.

If you do not have Xenons, I don't think they should mist like you describe.

Russ

 

[colechelle]

Ring another dealer not related to the one your in communication with and give them your chassi number and ask if there are any recalls out standing on your car, it maybe the lights are part of a recall.

jib

no not a recall on that model nor for that fault!

 

[NewMB]

Do you have Xenons?

I believe if the lights are switched on for a couple of minutes and the condensation clears from the heat of the Xenon lights, Mercedes will not change them. I'm sure this instruction was passed to the dealers.

If you do not have Xenons, I don't think they should mist like you describe.

Russ

Having Xenons will not help. Xenon lights are never getting hot like a normal bulb.

 

[jberks]

It may not be a fault as such. MB lights are pretty much airtight sealed so in theory you shouldn't get condensation, but, if they've been opened on a damp day I imagine damp air could creep in and if it can't escape you'll get condensation. It will clear as it's vapourised with heat and return when the temp is appropriate.

How about this for an idea ...
Open the back panel of the headlight housing and put one of those packets of silica gel inside. In theory it should absorb the moisture and eliminate the condensation. As its sealed from the outside world in theory anyway, it should do the trick.

 

[Donna53]

Thanks for all replies.I have xenon lights and ealer admitted he 'had cases with the same problem' and he asked me when condensation happens again I should take my car to him and he will take photos which he will send to HQ!!!!Thats a game. The lights were never open before, dealer claimed he put new seal and the following day I had the same problem. I addition on inner side of the glass there are cloudy patches, like dust, when condensation clears up. I do not like it and if going for MOT the car would not pass the test (I think). The glass needs cleaning from inside and i think they should replace the whole unit. This is the second and the last Merc I have bought!!!!

 

[rf065]

Having Xenons will not help. Xenon lights are never getting hot like a normal bulb.

I think you may be confused with LED lights, anyway, the advice to dealers is pasted below from a previous thread on this subject.

Moisture in Headlamp(s)
Note : For Information Only!
If you receive customer reports in the above model vehicles moisture or water inside the headlamp(s), please
offer the following explanations.Surfaces fog up whenever they are cold and come in contact with warmer, humid air. An example of this is
the mirror in the bathroom. It often fogs up after showering because it comes in contact with the warm
humid air from the shower enclosure. The same thing occurs to the headlamps. Moisture or water on or
around the engine evaporates and this vapor condenses on the coldest surface in the surrounding area.
This is frequently the headlamps since they are frequently in contact with cold air or cold rain.
The headlamps have ventilation holes on the back. Without these holes, pressure would be produced when
the headlamps are switched on damaging the headlamps.
A malfunctioning headlamp can be identified as follows. As a prerequisite, the headlamp(s) must be fogged
up when the vehicle is brought into the workshop.
1. Is there a puddle of water inside the headlamp? If yes, the headlamp is malfunctioning and should be
replaced.
2. Does the headlamp show signs of external damage? If yes, the headlamp is malfunctioning and must be
replaced. This is not covered by warranty.
3. If there is only an appearance of moisture on the inside surfaces of the headlamp and there is no external
damage, the headlamp is then okay.
Note :If the owner complains of fogging but the fogging is not present when the car is brought in, then this is
normal and not an indication of any malfunction.
OK
ALLDATA Online - 1999 Mercedes Benz E 320 Sedan (210.065) V6-3.2L (112.941) - Lighting - Condensation in Headlamps
Clearing fogged headlamps and/or fog lamps.
1. Drive the car into the workshop and connect the exhaust extractor. In dry weather, this can also be
performed outside.
2. Start the engine and switch on the low beam + high beam, front fog lamps and hazard warning lamps.
3. Leave the vehicle in this state for 20 minutes.
4. Switch off all lights and the engine.
5. If the headlamps and/or fog lamps are completely clear, the observed fogging or water is normal. If not,
the headlamp or fog lamp is not functioning correctly and should be replaced.

Russ (With info from CHAS)

 

[petronious]

I think you may be confused with LED lights, anyway, the advice to dealers is pasted below from a previous thread on this subject.

Moisture in Headlamp(s)
Note : For Information Only!
If you receive customer reports in the above model vehicles moisture or water inside the headlamp(s), please
offer the following explanations.Surfaces fog up whenever they are cold and come in contact with warmer, humid air. An example of this is
the mirror in the bathroom. It often fogs up after showering because it comes in contact with the warm
humid air from the shower enclosure. The same thing occurs to the headlamps. Moisture or water on or
around the engine evaporates and this vapor condenses on the coldest surface in the surrounding area.
This is frequently the headlamps since they are frequently in contact with cold air or cold rain.
The headlamps have ventilation holes on the back. Without these holes, pressure would be produced when
the headlamps are switched on damaging the headlamps.
A malfunctioning headlamp can be identified as follows. As a prerequisite, the headlamp(s) must be fogged
up when the vehicle is brought into the workshop.
1. Is there a puddle of water inside the headlamp? If yes, the headlamp is malfunctioning and should be
replaced.
2. Does the headlamp show signs of external damage? If yes, the headlamp is malfunctioning and must be
replaced. This is not covered by warranty.
3. If there is only an appearance of moisture on the inside surfaces of the headlamp and there is no external
damage, the headlamp is then okay.
Note :If the owner complains of fogging but the fogging is not present when the car is brought in, then this is
normal and not an indication of any malfunction.
OK
ALLDATA Online - 1999 Mercedes Benz E 320 Sedan (210.065) V6-3.2L (112.941) - Lighting - Condensation in Headlamps
Clearing fogged headlamps and/or fog lamps.
1. Drive the car into the workshop and connect the exhaust extractor. In dry weather, this can also be
performed outside.
2. Start the engine and switch on the low beam + high beam, front fog lamps and hazard warning lamps.
3. Leave the vehicle in this state for 20 minutes.
4. Switch off all lights and the engine.
5. If the headlamps and/or fog lamps are completely clear, the observed fogging or water is normal. If not,
the headlamp or fog lamp is not functioning correctly and should be replaced.

Russ (With info from CHAS)

Would this principal apply on the wing mirror indicators. On my C220 CDI Sport there is condensation build up on the nearside wing mirror but the offside appears to be fine

 

[rf065]

I have it in the offside, nearside is fine, MB refuse to change it saying condensation is normal. Apparently you must have pools of water inside before it is considered a fault.

Russ