SLK 230 (1999 - V Plate) Headlamp Lenses Condensation

S

Stevitee

Guest
Gave the car a thorough wash and clean on Sunday. On Monday both headlamp lenses had condensation (were wet) inside. I have seen a thread on here but can't find it again and understand that if I turn the lights on for a while they will dry out and all will be well - I assume, until the next time it rains or I wash the car. (The former being the more likely this BBQ summer!).

Anyway assuming the lights are venting correctly - I will check - the cure I have seen suggested is to remove the lense, clean the gasket/seal and replace, perhaps adding a bead of silicone. My question is, can the lense be removed with the h/lamp unit in situ or does the whole unit have to be taken out before one can remove the lense retaining clips?

Avoiding removal of each unit would be preferable but I'll be guided by you guys. What's the best approach please.

Many thanks
 

SQ_W211

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2008
Messages
2,140
Reaction score
1
Location
UK
Your Mercedes
W219 CLS55 AMG
As Malc said, check the seals and ensure that are on properly. before doing this, make sure the existing condensation is cleared
 

pjtynan

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 1, 2009
Messages
100
Reaction score
0
Location
West Yorks.
Your Mercedes
SLK 320, Toyota Rav4
Headlight condensation

Hi,
I had this problem on my SLK and it was quite bad, by that I mean water actually running down the glass inside. I removed both H7 bulbs from each light and dried the inside of the glass with a hairdryer on a low setting until it was completely dry.

When you replace the black cover at the back, make sure that the seal is in good condition and not twisted so as to give an airtight seal.

This appears to have worked 100% on the o/s and 95% on the n/s. I will see how it goes before trying anything else.

Regards PJ Tynan
 
OP
S

Stevitee

Guest
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #5
Thanks all - do I have to drop the bumper to get the lamp units out (I haven't looked closely yet) or are can the securing points be got at from the top? In other words is this a 5 minute job (which I find usually means an hour) or a 15 minute job (i.e exponentially longer :) ) ?

Regards
Steve
 

television

Always remembered RIP
Joined
Mar 14, 2005
Messages
164,073
Reaction score
367
Age
89
Location
Daventry
Your Mercedes
2002 SL500, 216 CL500, all fully loaded
Its bumper off on most MB to get to the lamps,,,,do not forget that our weather of late is abnormal
 
OP
S

Stevitee

Guest
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #7
Malcom

Thanks for the quick reply. Noted and yes, I am mindful of the weather - hoping for a dry and warm weekend though!

Regards

Steve
 

television

Always remembered RIP
Joined
Mar 14, 2005
Messages
164,073
Reaction score
367
Age
89
Location
Daventry
Your Mercedes
2002 SL500, 216 CL500, all fully loaded
I can print you off the bumper removal details if you wish
 
OP
S

Stevitee

Guest
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #9
Malcolm

I am at work so only going into this when I can. Coincidentally, I had just come back to see if I could find the instructions for bumper off. So, yes please that would be really helpful please.

Many thanks

Steve
 

pjtynan

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 1, 2009
Messages
100
Reaction score
0
Location
West Yorks.
Your Mercedes
SLK 320, Toyota Rav4
Bumper removal

Malcolm,

I would be grateful if you could let me have bumper removal details for my SLK.

Thanks, Peter
 

television

Always remembered RIP
Joined
Mar 14, 2005
Messages
164,073
Reaction score
367
Age
89
Location
Daventry
Your Mercedes
2002 SL500, 216 CL500, all fully loaded
I need an Email address please
 

television

Always remembered RIP
Joined
Mar 14, 2005
Messages
164,073
Reaction score
367
Age
89
Location
Daventry
Your Mercedes
2002 SL500, 216 CL500, all fully loaded
And it has been sent
 

pjtynan

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 1, 2009
Messages
100
Reaction score
0
Location
West Yorks.
Your Mercedes
SLK 320, Toyota Rav4
Bumper removal

Malcolm

Received the details ok,

Thanks

Peter
 

television

Always remembered RIP
Joined
Mar 14, 2005
Messages
164,073
Reaction score
367
Age
89
Location
Daventry
Your Mercedes
2002 SL500, 216 CL500, all fully loaded
You can remove your address in edit
 
OP
S

Stevitee

Guest
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #18
.........and thanks again from me. Regards Steve
 

Avantgarde Automotive, Mercedes-Benz and SLR McLaren specialists. Service, repairs, diagnosis and motorsport preparation.
Unit 14 Hither Green Trading Estate, Clevedon, Somerset, BS21 6XU Tel: 01275 217270 Email:steve@avantgarde-automotive.co.uk
www.avantgarde-automotive.co.uk
Top Bottom