W221 head light internal condensation

[mike9956]

Hi All , good day.  Mine is W221 year 2010 (original facelift model). After heavy rainfall, I found my left head lamp has heavy condensation. The right head lamp is perfect. However, the lights are all working. It usually takes 2-3 days to clear up. I afraid the condensation may someday short-circuit the lightings and cause fire. I did a simple visual inspection (just open up the bonnet) and didn't see any crack on the plastic housing.  I went to a reputed workshop in Bukit Merah, the guy said, change the head lamp ($1,800 - OEM).  It's like one is riding in a W221 and in heavy rain. Found condensation on the internal side of the windscreens or windows, does one has to change the car  ??  Anyone has a sensible low cost solution ? Appreciate your comment

Sorry for the grumbling...cheers...mike

[SQ88]

This is a common issue among older cars as the rubber seals in the headlights are no longer tight. There are workshops that can help to open up the headlight and change the seal inside. 

I personally go to Tong Lee Wee at Lengkok Bahru but I believe that there are other workshops providing a similar service. The cost should be in the low hundreds. 

[mike9956]

Hi SQ88, good day and thanks for the valuable information. 

It makes more sense to just change the seal

[mike9956]

Hi all, good day

I found a cheap solution... went to a neighbourhood accessories shop. Dismantle the headlight and apply  sealing tape around the rubber seal. Plus clear blockage at the 'breathing hole' on the headlamp. Completed task within 30mins for $65. 

Cheers

[SQ88]

On 4/2/2019 at 1:59 PM, mike9956 said:

Hi all, good day

I found a cheap solution... went to a neighbourhood accessories shop. Dismantle the headlight and apply  sealing tape around the rubber seal. Plus clear blockage at the 'breathing hole' on the headlamp. Completed task within 30mins for $65. 

Cheers

I'm glad that you managed to solve the issue. Really much better than replacing the whole headlight.