Water spots inside headlight lens

Dinoman · 07-25-2006

The other day, in bright sunlight, I noticed what looked like water spots inside my right headlight lens. It wasn't condensation. The lens actually looked stained. The marks were quite visible (to me, anyway). My car is covered, outside, and we have had many episodes of heavy rain lately (there's no such thing as a soft rain shower anymore-global warming?). I was momentarily upset, and decided that I would show it to the dealer at the initial complimentary service visit, and demand a replacement lens. In less bright light (indirect sunlight, or later in the day), the marks are much less visible. I am now much less certain about whether I want the dealer mucking about the bodywork to replace the lens, even if they agree that I am entitled to a replacement. Has anyone else had this problem?

Dinoman

**jbanks15** · 07-25-2006

is this it? i know you said not condensation.

TSB Number: P-82-10-419
Title: Lighting - Condensation in Headlamps

http://www.alldata.com/tsb/Mercedes-...0_P-82-10-419/

**etyu** · 07-25-2006

I has something similar after washing the car one morning. It looked like dried water spots -- cloudy irregular spots on the inner surface of the polycarbonate lens. It also was noticeable as a reflection on the shiny chrome parts inside the headlamp assembly. It was limited to the right headlamp assembly but none on the left. I was going to call the dealer but then it magically disappeared the next morning and have not seen it since. This was about 2 months ago.

Dinoman · 07-25-2006

I don't think this tsb describes my problem, but I have printed it, and will save it for possible use at a later time. Thank you. Etyu, my problem sounds exactly like yours. I first noticed it yesterday when uncovering the car, because the bright sunlight seemed to be projecting the spots onto the chrome reflector. Regrettably, my spots were still there today. It's not a big deal, I guess. I'll wait to see if they get any worse. It is intriguing, though, that, like yours, they have only occurred on the right lens. That makes me wonder if something in the construction or assembly of the right headlight is to blame. Dinoman

**DansSlk** · 07-25-2006

So long as it is not condensation and you say it is not then you are entitled to a new assembly as it should clear any water away when the lights are fired up as the TSB says.

The Assembly's are basically the same so there should be no technical reason for the right lamp to go first maybe its just co-incidence?

There are various WIS documents about the issue and all basically say if its not condensation and cant be burnt off so long as the unit is not visibly damaged replace it cause its bust i would demand the dealership replace the unit it is not hard to remove so unless you have Homer Simpson doing the job your bodywork should survive OK.

Dinoman · 07-26-2006

Thanks, Dan. I'll show it to the dealer when I bring the car in for the first (complimentary) checkup. Dinoman

**reallife** · 07-28-2006

This thread got me to thinking. I have my headlights set for day-time running light mode so they are always on. Consequently, any condensation or moisture that might arise is always burned out, evaporated if you will, and unlikely to precipitate the condensation problems described. What do you gurus think about my theory. Does it hold water?? LOL

**-1-** · 07-28-2006

Regardless of reason, daytime running lights are always a good idea. My understanding is that Xenons don't produce much heat. That's the reason they have the washers. I'm sure they do provide some heat and would help with any built up condensation. Good idea.

mtiede · 07-28-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by reallife

...What do you gurus think about my theory. Does it hold water?? LOL

Interesting theory. I also use the "running lights" and think that is a good idea to do in any case. But no condensation here. Of course I also always keep the cars in the garage at night. That could make a difference too.

By if the heat from the lights is supposed to help with the condensation problem, then having them on all the time seems like a good idea.

Dinoman · 07-28-2006

I don't have any condensation. I have what look like water spots or stains on the inside of the polycarbonate lens, projected onto the chromed reflector by the sunlight. I will ask my dealer to replace the lens. It's definitely not a run-of-the-mill condensation problem. Dinoman

**DansSlk** · 07-28-2006

Xenon lights don't produce as much heat as a standard filament system but they will still give you a nasty burn if you touch them, running the Daytime lights should help keep them clear of condensation the xenon's don't fire up for the day lights but the little bulb still puts out a fair amount of heat so i keep mine on all the time also

Dinoman, they should replace the whole unit as the system is one piece don't let them try to dismantle it whatever you do, you are entitled to one under warranty.

Dinoman · 07-28-2006

Thanks, Dan. Not only will I demand an entire unit, but I have printed your most recent post, and will show it to the dealer if necessary. I don't know if this happened before or after installation. If it was a defective part when produced, I am appalled at the lack of quality control at MB. Your advice and suggestions have been very helpful, and are greatly appreciated. Dinoman

**DansSlk** · 07-28-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dinoman

Thanks, Dan. Not only will I demand an entire unit, but I have printed your most recent post, and will show it to the dealer if necessary. I don't know if this happened before or after installation. If it was a defective part when produced, I am appalled at the lack of quality control at MB. Your advice and suggestions have been very helpful, and are greatly appreciated. Dinoman

Glad to help mate there are no scratches on the unit are there so long as its in good shape you will be alright just point the damage out to them inform them that the light unit is in perfect condition and you have used the headlights to try and burn the mark away so it is obviously an integral part of the housing now so it must have got there during production and it is simply unacceptable to have such damage on such a new car.

Just be firm but polite with them getting less polite and more demanding if needed but i don't think you will have any problems to be honest mate.

Good Luck

Dan

Dinoman · 07-28-2006

I will be firm and unyielding! I've had pretty good luck in the past with MB service managers and factory reps. At this point in its history, MB can do without any more dissatisfied customers. My dealer knows that there are three MB's in our household, so I believe that he will back me up if necessary. Thanks again, Dan. Dinoman

**etyu** · 07-28-2006

keep us posted on the outcome.

**DansSlk** · 07-28-2006

"I will be firm and unyielding!" - Exactly thats it exactly nicely said
With 3 MB's in the household you should be driven to the dealership and given a red carpet as you say they don't need any more dissatisfied customers and the people who like all of us on this forum own MB's should be treated like VIP's.

As etyu says keep us up to speed

Dinoman · 08-01-2006

Dan and Etyu, Your support is very much appreciated, and one of the many reasons why I enjoy this all-SLK forum. I probably won't be bringing the car in until sometime in late September, after I return from vacation. I was at the dealer's yesterday with the 2003 E 320, but since I wasn't driving the
SLK, I chose not to mention the problem with the lens. I will certainly keep you informed of any progress on it. Again, many thanks. Dinoman

**etyu** · 08-01-2006

I saw the spots again in bright sunlight today. It is located above the low beam housing at the inner surface of the clear polycarbonate lens near the edge that joins the hood/bonnet line. To me it looks like spots left in the cleaning process during manufacturing. It is irregular in shape and measures about 1x2cm. Unless one is looking for these spots, it is quite difficult to spot.
Easy to spot, once you know that they're there.

It seems to be a very easy fix with microfiber cloth if one can figure out to remove the clear polycarbonate lens which looks like they're clipped on one side only. I'll ask the service technician (perhaps in 2 - 3 weeks) to have a look and see what they recommend.

Dinoman · 08-01-2006

Etyu, My spots seem to be in the exact location as yours. As you said, they're not very noticeable, unless you know that they are there! In bright sunlight, you get the "projection" effect. In less direct light, not many people would ever notice them. Still, I think that there is no excuse for their appearance on the inner surface of the lens, in the first place. Dinoman

**DansSlk** · 08-01-2006

Etyu in theory mate yeah the lens is just clipped onto the housing but in practice all instructions say do not disassemble the unit if there is permanent damage replace it i would ask them what they intend to do to fix it really they should replace the unit.

07-25-2006	#1 (permalink)
Dinoman Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Rochester, NY Vehicle: 2004 SL 500, Firemist Red/Charcoal, Panorama Roof; 2006 SLK 350, Firemist Red/Red Posts: 240 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Water spots inside headlight lens The other day, in bright sunlight, I noticed what looked like water spots inside my right headlight lens. It wasn't condensation. The lens actually looked stained. The marks were quite visible (to me, anyway). My car is covered, outside, and we have had many episodes of heavy rain lately (there's no such thing as a soft rain shower anymore-global warming?). I was momentarily upset, and decided that I would show it to the dealer at the initial complimentary service visit, and demand a replacement lens. In less bright light (indirect sunlight, or later in the day), the marks are much less visible. I am now much less certain about whether I want the dealer mucking about the bodywork to replace the lens, even if they agree that I am entitled to a replacement. Has anyone else had this problem? Dinoman
	http://www.slkworld.com/

07-25-2006	#2 (permalink)
jbanks15 Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Valrico, Florida Vehicle: 2009 SLK 55 AMG Posts: 606 Country: Thanks: 4 Thanked 21 Times in 17 Posts	is this it? i know you said not condensation. TSB Number: P-82-10-419 Title: Lighting - Condensation in Headlamps http://www.alldata.com/tsb/Mercedes-...0_P-82-10-419/ __________________ Jeff 2009 SLK 55 AMG Black/Black Premium 1, Multimedia, Lighting packages Clearshield Protective Film OEM MB Plexiglass Windscreen Eurolight Clear Side Markers Smarttop version 3.22 Kleyman 3rd Brake Light Flashing/Strobing Module V1.5 (Noregrets Custom Works)

07-25-2006	#3 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 4,940 Country: Thanks: 330 Thanked 216 Times in 116 Posts	I has something similar after washing the car one morning. It looked like dried water spots -- cloudy irregular spots on the inner surface of the polycarbonate lens. It also was noticeable as a reflection on the shiny chrome parts inside the headlamp assembly. It was limited to the right headlamp assembly but none on the left. I was going to call the dealer but then it magically disappeared the next morning and have not seen it since. This was about 2 months ago. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.* EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, HyperWhite license plate lamps ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Scott), bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

07-25-2006	#5 (permalink)
DansSlk Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,468 Country: Thanks: 85 Thanked 148 Times in 119 Posts	So long as it is not condensation and you say it is not then you are entitled to a new assembly as it should clear any water away when the lights are fired up as the TSB says. The Assembly's are basically the same so there should be no technical reason for the right lamp to go first maybe its just co-incidence? There are various WIS documents about the issue and all basically say if its not condensation and cant be burnt off so long as the unit is not visibly damaged replace it cause its bust i would demand the dealership replace the unit it is not hard to remove so unless you have Homer Simpson doing the job your bodywork should survive OK. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

07-28-2006	#7 (permalink)
reallife Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Gig Harbor, WA Vehicle: 2006 SLK 55 Posts: 161 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Headlight fog prevention This thread got me to thinking. I have my headlights set for day-time running light mode so they are always on. Consequently, any condensation or moisture that might arise is always burned out, evaporated if you will, and unlikely to precipitate the condensation problems described. What do you gurus think about my theory. Does it hold water?? LOL

07-25-2006	#4 (permalink)
Dinoman Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Rochester, NY Vehicle: 2004 SL 500, Firemist Red/Charcoal, Panorama Roof; 2006 SLK 350, Firemist Red/Red Posts: 240 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I don't think this tsb describes my problem, but I have printed it, and will save it for possible use at a later time. Thank you. Etyu, my problem sounds exactly like yours. I first noticed it yesterday when uncovering the car, because the bright sunlight seemed to be projecting the spots onto the chrome reflector. Regrettably, my spots were still there today. It's not a big deal, I guess. I'll wait to see if they get any worse. It is intriguing, though, that, like yours, they have only occurred on the right lens. That makes me wonder if something in the construction or assembly of the right headlight is to blame. Dinoman

07-26-2006	#6 (permalink)
Dinoman Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Rochester, NY Vehicle: 2004 SL 500, Firemist Red/Charcoal, Panorama Roof; 2006 SLK 350, Firemist Red/Red Posts: 240 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks, Dan. I'll show it to the dealer when I bring the car in for the first (complimentary) checkup. Dinoman

07-28-2006	#8 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,173 Country: Thanks: 50 Thanked 45 Times in 33 Posts	Regardless of reason, daytime running lights are always a good idea. My understanding is that Xenons don't produce much heat. That's the reason they have the washers. I'm sure they do provide some heat and would help with any built up condensation. Good idea. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *-----------------1-----------------* ---------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- TOP D0WN-URGE 2 DRIVE GOES UP

07-28-2006	#10 (permalink)
Dinoman Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Rochester, NY Vehicle: 2004 SL 500, Firemist Red/Charcoal, Panorama Roof; 2006 SLK 350, Firemist Red/Red Posts: 240 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I don't have any condensation. I have what look like water spots or stains on the inside of the polycarbonate lens, projected onto the chromed reflector by the sunlight. I will ask my dealer to replace the lens. It's definitely not a run-of-the-mill condensation problem. Dinoman

07-28-2006	#11 (permalink)
DansSlk Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,468 Country: Thanks: 85 Thanked 148 Times in 119 Posts	Xenon lights don't produce as much heat as a standard filament system but they will still give you a nasty burn if you touch them, running the Daytime lights should help keep them clear of condensation the xenon's don't fire up for the day lights but the little bulb still puts out a fair amount of heat so i keep mine on all the time also Dinoman, they should replace the whole unit as the system is one piece don't let them try to dismantle it whatever you do, you are entitled to one under warranty. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

07-28-2006	#12 (permalink)
Dinoman Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Rochester, NY Vehicle: 2004 SL 500, Firemist Red/Charcoal, Panorama Roof; 2006 SLK 350, Firemist Red/Red Posts: 240 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks, Dan. Not only will I demand an entire unit, but I have printed your most recent post, and will show it to the dealer if necessary. I don't know if this happened before or after installation. If it was a defective part when produced, I am appalled at the lack of quality control at MB. Your advice and suggestions have been very helpful, and are greatly appreciated. Dinoman

07-28-2006	#14 (permalink)
Dinoman Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Rochester, NY Vehicle: 2004 SL 500, Firemist Red/Charcoal, Panorama Roof; 2006 SLK 350, Firemist Red/Red Posts: 240 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I will be firm and unyielding! I've had pretty good luck in the past with MB service managers and factory reps. At this point in its history, MB can do without any more dissatisfied customers. My dealer knows that there are three MB's in our household, so I believe that he will back me up if necessary. Thanks again, Dan. Dinoman

07-28-2006	#15 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 4,940 Country: Thanks: 330 Thanked 216 Times in 116 Posts	keep us posted on the outcome. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.* EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, HyperWhite license plate lamps ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Scott), bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

07-28-2006	#16 (permalink)
DansSlk Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,468 Country: Thanks: 85 Thanked 148 Times in 119 Posts	"I will be firm and unyielding!" - Exactly thats it exactly nicely said With 3 MB's in the household you should be driven to the dealership and given a red carpet as you say they don't need any more dissatisfied customers and the people who like all of us on this forum own MB's should be treated like VIP's. As etyu says keep us up to speed __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

08-01-2006	#17 (permalink)
Dinoman Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Rochester, NY Vehicle: 2004 SL 500, Firemist Red/Charcoal, Panorama Roof; 2006 SLK 350, Firemist Red/Red Posts: 240 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Dan and Etyu, Your support is very much appreciated, and one of the many reasons why I enjoy this all-SLK forum. I probably won't be bringing the car in until sometime in late September, after I return from vacation. I was at the dealer's yesterday with the 2003 E 320, but since I wasn't driving the SLK, I chose not to mention the problem with the lens. I will certainly keep you informed of any progress on it. Again, many thanks. Dinoman

08-01-2006	#18 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 4,940 Country: Thanks: 330 Thanked 216 Times in 116 Posts	I saw the spots again in bright sunlight today. It is located above the low beam housing at the inner surface of the clear polycarbonate lens near the edge that joins the hood/bonnet line. To me it looks like spots left in the cleaning process during manufacturing. It is irregular in shape and measures about 1x2cm. Unless one is looking for these spots, it is quite difficult to spot. Easy to spot, once you know that they're there. It seems to be a very easy fix with microfiber cloth if one can figure out to remove the clear polycarbonate lens which looks like they're clipped on one side only. I'll ask the service technician (perhaps in 2 - 3 weeks) to have a look and see what they recommend. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.* EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, HyperWhite license plate lamps ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Scott), bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

08-01-2006	#19 (permalink)
Dinoman Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Rochester, NY Vehicle: 2004 SL 500, Firemist Red/Charcoal, Panorama Roof; 2006 SLK 350, Firemist Red/Red Posts: 240 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Etyu, My spots seem to be in the exact location as yours. As you said, they're not very noticeable, unless you know that they are there! In bright sunlight, you get the "projection" effect. In less direct light, not many people would ever notice them. Still, I think that there is no excuse for their appearance on the inner surface of the lens, in the first place. Dinoman

08-01-2006	#20 (permalink)
DansSlk Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,468 Country: Thanks: 85 Thanked 148 Times in 119 Posts	Etyu in theory mate yeah the lens is just clipped onto the housing but in practice all instructions say do not disassemble the unit if there is permanent damage replace it i would ask them what they intend to do to fix it really they should replace the unit. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.