E-Class (W210) 1995-2002: E 200, E 220D, E 240, E 290TD, E 300TD, E 200, E 240, E 280, E 320, E 420, E 430 (Wagon, Touring, 4Matic)

Condensation Issue

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Sep 30, 2007 | 12:40 PM
  #1  
Britrover's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: The Sunshine State
01 W210 E Klasse | 02 W 463 G-Wagen | 06 Land Rover LR3 HSE
Unhappy Condensation Issue

I have ‘Zam’s Depo Bi-Xenons’ installed in my 99 E320 and had the engine steam cleaned yesterday just noticed this morning that the passenger side headlight has some condensation in the lens.

The lens is already siliconed and I never have this used during rain or after getting the car washed, I am sure they power-washed the engine area and some moisture made it through to the lens.

What are options on fixing this?
- Will the condensation disappear eventually as I drive around due to the heat from engine etc?
- Do I need to back cover of the light housing and let the car sit in the sun?

If you have any ideas /suggestions kindly chime in.
Reply
Old Sep 30, 2007 | 01:02 PM
  #2  
43fatman's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
2001 E430 Sport
Have you tried a hair dryer? I heard of people doing this. My stock Hid's only get moisture in the lense when I spray under the hood. It goes away after a few hours tho.

Matthew
Reply
Old Sep 30, 2007 | 02:26 PM
  #3  
raymond g-'s Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
hair dryer...blower...etc are good alternatives. the condensation is the result
of warm/moist air condensing onto a cold(er) surface. next time, run the
engine for a few mins with the hood open and in well ventilated area to
minimize the concentration of warm/moist under the hood.

factory TSB suggests similar, that is to open back of headlight and run a
blower. be careful not to use hot hot, such as a heat gun or you risk
damaging parts. you're looking for high volume air exchange sufficient to
accelerate evaporation. pop the turn signal bulb out, since it's easy to
access. heck, you have pre-facelift so easy enough to remove the headlight
housing and then all the bulbs. it'll dry quicker vs leaving the headlight
assembly on the car and blowing through the the turn signal socket

added TSB attachment
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
Headlight moisture.pdf (188.9 KB, 362 views)

Last edited by raymond g-; Sep 30, 2007 at 10:50 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2007 | 10:13 PM
  #4  
azurE430's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Portland Oregon
1998 E430
where can I get a good deal on some factory headlight covers?
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2007 | 10:59 PM
  #5  
ohlord's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,171
Likes: 16
300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Buy

online from one of the suppliers,the 3m clear protecto film,some you cut yourself some have pre cut kits.It works,it's clear,it looks just like nothing is there.
And don't steam clean your engine!!!!!!!!!!!Gunk foamy engine bright and a brush,and a hose is all you ever need.Steam or high pressure have a nasty habit of getting into places water should never go.
lesson o the day
ohlord
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2007 | 12:02 AM
  #6  
raymond g-'s Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
Originally Posted by azurE430
where can I get a good deal on some factory headlight covers?
example of overpriced lens

example of a more competitive price

dealer cost is $90, wholesale is about $115, retail is about $150

so it is possible that Ebay and dealer price to consumer is about the same,
depending on your dealer, of course.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:54 PM.