claudef

I have been scanning the web and this site to find out if having lots of condensation or some water in my 2010 E350 Daytime running lights (both sides) was normal. (Both lights exhibits the same problem) Fog lights are fine. I did not see any breaks or cracks on them

I read some condensation is normal and should go away when lights are now. I sent a picture to my Authorized Benz dealer who said this is normal. However, looking at the amount (picture taken 24 hours after the whole light was foggy due to water), it does not look normal to me. The car was driven 3 hours yesterday.



http://www.flickr.com/photos/101848577@N03/9758653891

The car is still under warranty. Unfortunately for me, the next closest dealer to me is about 150 miles away.

Also, this vehicle has a considerable amount of corrosion underneath. Mostly brackets, nuts. Some are so corroded that 2 snapped off (attachment on the rear heat shield by the exhaust) Also getting here, this is normal. I would expect the same amount of corrosion on a car that was 8 or 9 years old.

If you encountered this issue already, I would appreciate any advice.

Thank you

Arrie

My opinion is that there should be no water/condensate inside any light. The lights have not been designed to be wet inside, quite the opposite.

And it is not normal to have condensate inside the light like you show in the picture no matter what the dealer says.

You can often see condensation inside many different lights on many different cars but there always is a reason for it. Most often cracked lens or other part of the housing. Also could be a seal issue.

claudef

Thank you for your reply,

I would totally agree with you. Unfortunately, I am dependent of that dealer stating this is normal. The 800 Benz assistance is of no help as well since they statement is that dealer has the final word.

If this is considered a warranty item , then I can fight the battle. If it is not, I'll use another local dealer that services out of warranty Benz, Jaguar, BMW & Porsche. The techs there are coming from Benz dealership, BMW and other, so certified.

konigstiger

Lamp unit is an open system meaning moisture can penetrate however, if condensation does not dissipate after a short period headlamp may be defective if so, warranty covers replacement. Dealer should inspect headlamps and perform a defogging test per bulletin LI82.10-P-050139. Check your PM.

claudef

Thank you very much for your reply.

CEB

Not quite correct. Most manufacturers have some sort of bulletin out telling dealers to inform customers that some periodic condensation may be normal.

That is not to say that this is normal as it depends on many factors - weather, humidity, prior work done on light (including bulb replacement) and so forth.

Most "normal" condensation will go away once the lighting unit heats up - if it doesn't, then it is time to visit a dealer.

claudef

Thank you. I have an appointment with my dealer but I do not have high hopes since I already sent picture of the condensation (still showing after 4 days) and was told it was normal.

We will see and I appreciate everyone's help.

Thank you

CEB

Where are you located and what are your weather conditions? Any work done on that light?

claudef

I am located in Indiana. Purchased the car 4 months ago, but not a CPO. Since it has warranty on it, I assume everything that needs to be fixed will get fixed. It does not look any work was done on it.

CEB

Was it purchased from a MB dealer?

Rain, snow or humidity (basically anything that might fog up a windshield or side window) can also fog up a light.

You have several corrosion related concerns as well so you may want to have the car checked carefully to assure that it isn't a wrecked car or a flood salvage.

claudef

With the help of konigstiger, I was able to get both daytime running lights replaced under warranty.

Thanks

BenzV12

Great , thanks for your feedback he's a spectacular member