Hello - just leased a new Arctic White '12 350 GLK for the wifey yesterday and so far we are both loving the car. It's attractive, solidly built, and feels like a bank vault.

I had a slight concern in that condensation is building up in the headlights. I searched the archives and found this thread https://mbworld.org/forums/glk-class-x204/330325-official-condensation-headlight-thread.html
but there doesn't seem to be an official MB response to the issue. Any one have an update or know if this is truly a significant issue?

 

It is Sunday. Dealer closed. Does your state have a no fault return of vehicles law? Some do. Anyway, take it back. Look at all the other cars on the lot. If your GLK is the only one with condensation, give it back. Get one without condensation.

Wayne

 

This is completely normal, and has been discussed at length here on MBWorld since 2009. In fact I have a thread somewhere discussing what to look for. It was later discovered that EVERYBODY'S headlights condense, some more than others depending on their altitude above sea level, weather conditions, and driving conditions. Do a Forum Search... you'll see... it's perfectly normal... don't worry and enjoy!

 

Upon further consideration.........

Wayne

 

.....I was never here.

Wayne

 

High discharge headlights generate lots of heat, and our headlight clusters are not sealed units so moisture latened air does get in. As you drive the heat and circulating air removes the condensation. All along the seal where the clear lens attaches to the black headlight housing there are small vents for this purpose. I posted pictures of this about a year ago. https://mbworld.org/forums/search.php?searchid=8369831

 

Seems to me that a person would have to leave their car on the street, in New Orleans, in the fog, in the winter to notice any appreciable condensation INSIDE the headlight enclosures. ON the exterior of the headlight covers would be expected just as moisture condenses on other exterior surfaces. That is why our vehicles are ALWAYS garaged.

Wayne

 

Condensation FTL

 

Translation for the acronym impaired?

Wayne

 

This will give you everything you ever wanted to know about abbreviations.

http://www.abbreviations.com/

 

Everything but the correct answer.

"We've found 0 definitions containing the term FTL*(0.03 seconds):"

Thanks!

Wayne

 

Really? FTL Faster than Light



Can I get you a pair of these?

 

For The Loss

 

Interesting. It worked the third I tried. That's what happens when you use a phone instead of a real computer. Alas. There were 19 answers. Only togaclk55 knows for sure.
Sorry. My bad.

 

Thanks for all the replies, sounds like everything is fine. It has been extremely rainy/snowy cold and windy in Chicago since we picked up the GLK and since it has been in our garage the condensation has vanished.

I was having flash backs to my old Land Rover LR3, that was supposed to have a sealed beam to protect the bulbs during water crossings, yet one side always failed and would fill with condensation and would never evaporate.

The only solution on the LR was to remove the headlight assembly every 3-4 months, bring it inside, and use my wife's hair dryer to dry things out. Since she wasn't very fond of that practice, I was hoping to nip things in the bud with the GLK. Thanks again!

 

I knew there was a reason why I could never bring myself to buy an LR3. As much as I liked the looks, I just couldn't do it.
Glad the GLK is taking good care of itself in your comfy garage.

Wayne

 

Faster than light?

For the lame?



Wayne

 

FTW = For the win... so FTL = For the loss...

 

Headlight fogging, page 106 of '11 owners manual.

 

CYAspeak.

Wayne

 

What's it say?

 

Turn on the headlights to make it go away.
If that doesn't work, consult a qualified specialist shop.

Wayne

 

FTL As a coach that's what I'm always go'in for.

 

Thought so!