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Recently, I saw some condensation on my left front headlight. It would disappear after temperature rises.
I went to dealer, and was told it was by design. LED runs hot and there is a small hole for ventilation. As long as there is no visible drips, then it is fine.
I left very confused. In the two prior winters, this never happens. Is that dealer bs or actually fact?
Here is a photo from the other night. I feel like it may be a start of a bad seal.
Get ready for the same $2,600 total headlight module replacement many of us have already been forced to pay. Unrepairable. The only solution is total replacement.
Any service advisor who would tell a customer water inside a headlight is "By design", is an ***. Take it somewhere else, it's a defect and normal. Hopefully you're still under warranty.
Any service advisor who would tell a customer water inside a headlight is "By design", is an ***. Take it somewhere else, it's a defect and normal. Hopefully you're still under warranty.
This is my feel as well. I am under warranty, but this would be my last winter before it expires, so I want to get it replaced.
Get ready for the same $2,600 total headlight module replacement many of us have already been forced to pay. Unrepairable. The only solution is total replacement.
This should covered under warranty right? I saw others got quoted as 4500 auch.
Last edited by mbgle123; Jan 22, 2026 at 03:19 PM.
There are other threads on this, and I think the consensus is that warranty should cover that.
Even if there is a method to equalize atmospheric pressure, it should include vapor absorbtion somewhere in the system.
It's also a safety issue.
Talk directly to the Service Manager.
Edit to add: Mine are perfect at about 5 years. I live at 5,000 ft. and regularly travel from 10,000' to 1,000'.
Thanks! I also expect this no normal. I scheduled an appointment at another dealer. It simply doesn't make sense if this is normal why the two prior winters were fine and this time the right size is also fine.
I had similar condensation issues with both headlights (2020 GLE450) and these generated error messages.Both headlights were replaced under warranty. This is a known issue for the GLE(V167) and will be well advised to consult another dealer (if the current dealer is dismissive) within your warranty. Good luck
I had similar condensation issues with both headlights (2020 GLE450) and these generated error messages.Both headlights were replaced under warranty. This is a known issue for the GLE(V167) and will be well advised to consult another dealer (if the current dealer is dismissive) within your warranty. Good luck
I had similar condensation issues with both headlights (2020 GLE450) and these generated error messages.Both headlights were replaced under warranty. This is a known issue for the GLE(V167) and will be well advised to consult another dealer (if the current dealer is dismissive) within your warranty. Good luck
I don't have any error yet. I think this is a starting point of a bigger problem in the future.
Unfortunately, i went to two nearby dealers, they both told me the same thing. This is normal for the 'high-end' LED headlight. It happens on S63 as well. MB will not cover this unless there is puddle of water.
I am quite frustrated with this seemingly bs. We used to live in Chicago, with much brutal winters and summers, my cheap tesla and old toyota never had condensation after many years. The GLE was purchased after we moved to Seattle, a much milder climate, and it has always been kept in garage.
These are the sort of things that destroy brand loyalty, and eventually an overall decline in sales due to poor reputation. Corporate level "Let them eat cake" never ends well.
i’m seeing “check left (and right) turn signal” and “adaptive high beam inoperative” and was wondering if it could be related.
Just wanted to follow up that mine is currently in with the dealer, these warnings had gone away on their own, but had occurred twice. They believe my issues are potentially related to a faulty Overhead Control Panel. I never noticed any condensation in my headlights, but just wanted to follow up on my post.
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