Condensation inside Headlights
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GLK 350
Condensation inside Headlights
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?
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?
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From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
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
Wayne
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Nissan GT-R BE / '12 Ducati-1199 Panigale S / '12 C300-4M Loaded/GLK350-4M Loaded
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!
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Nissan GT-R BE / '12 Ducati-1199 Panigale S / '12 C300-4M Loaded/GLK350-4M Loaded
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
Last edited by MBRedux; Nov 28, 2011 at 11:10 AM.
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From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
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
Wayne
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2010 GLK Black, Premium 1, Lighting, Multimedia, Appearance and Media Pkg, 2012 Corvette Grand Sport
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From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
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.
Sorry. My bad.
Thread Starter
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GLK 350
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
Wayne
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!
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From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
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 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!
Glad the GLK is taking good care of itself in your comfy garage.
Wayne
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2010 GLK Black, Premium 1, Lighting, Multimedia, Appearance and Media Pkg, 2012 Corvette Grand Sport
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Nissan GT-R BE / '12 Ducati-1199 Panigale S / '12 C300-4M Loaded/GLK350-4M Loaded
