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I recently took delivery of a new RS6 and as you'd expect it's terrific. However, there is on thing that took me by surprise - the fact that the LED headlights are very prone to condenstation this time of the year. Has anyone else experienced this issue? Apologies if it has been discussed before. I've had it since day one and has not cleared. Attached is a pic.

I've had this on occasions - notably when the car has been washed using a pressure washer

Have you the same headlights and have you had it the last few days? You in UK?

I have the same problem on mine as you do. I seems to happen after washing but also after driving in damp/wet conditions. The heat of the engine seems be a contributing factor. However, it never happened on my first one but that was during the summer period so that might have something to do with it. I just looked at mine and its not been driven today and no condensation but its raining here. I'm going out in it later so I'll check after that. I'm not overly concerned as its the same on both which indicates there are no cracks in the lights

I have spoken to the Audi dealer today and he says it's "normal". The headlights are vented and so allow moisture in and it's something to do with the difference in temperature between the back of the headlight and the the perspex at the front, which causes condensation. Not a warranty job.

Chickster wrote:I have spoken to the Audi dealer today and he says it's "normal". The headlights are vented and so allow moisture in and it's something to do with the difference in temperature between the back of the headlight and the the perspex at the front, which causes condensation. Not a warranty job.

Sounds like a good excuse

Hi guys this seems like a rare occurance on all new cars not good at all. My friends new RR sport same thing, new e63 amg same thing and so on most new cars in past few months i have noticed this. Not acceptable at all but whats causing it if on so many new models ?.

Same on the F430 I had. Maranello rejected it on warranty too.

I had the same thing with my M5 a couple of years back with one headlight. I too was told that the lights are vented but they still replaced it since only one light seemed to have the problem.

Chickster wrote:I have spoken to the Audi dealer today and he says it's "normal". The headlights are vented and so allow moisture in and it's something to do with the difference in temperature between the back of the headlight and the the perspex at the front, which causes condensation. Not a warranty job.

I would look at using a different dealer.

Thats a poor excuse and one thats not acceptable.

Cheers

Misting up of the headlights is specifically stated in the owner's manual as being a normal occurrence, so it is almost inconceivable that Audi will swap the units at their cost. The very reason that it is mentioned in the owner's manual is to preempt any possible waranty claim.

I was told the same by my dealer and the condensation goes when the heat from the lamps burns it away. told no problem for electrics, its normal.

The same thing happens on my LED lights- it happens when I have just washed the car. Also saw it 5 or 10 minutes after stopping following a long drive in the rain. My previous A4 and the one before that (B8 & B7) both had Xenons and condensation formed on those lights, as did the 4 or 5 Passats I had before that. It was explained to me a while ago by VW, when I "complained", that this was normal and the lamp housings were essentially self breathing at the rear to help with heat dissipation.

I was concerned that the condensation could lead to mould forming in the lights later in the life of the car. This never happened to any of the light housings while I had the cars. I had my last A4 For 4 years, washed it regularly and the light housings remained pristine inside. So I have not mentioned the condensation on the RS6 LEDs to the dealers as I am pretty satisfied that it is normal. My wife's Q5 does the same, but again the light housings are still pristine.

So I wouldn't worry at all about it ...ignore the Audi bashing...and enjoy, what is, a truly fantastic car.

VARSITY wrote:

Chickster wrote:I have spoken to the Audi dealer today and he says it's "normal". The headlights are vented and so allow moisture in and it's something to do with the difference in temperature between the back of the headlight and the the perspex at the front, which causes condensation. Not a warranty job.

I would look at using a different dealer.

Thats a poor excuse and one thats not acceptable.

Cheers

Doesn't happen on M5's

feeltheburn wrote:The same thing happens on my LED lights- it happens when I have just washed the car. Also saw it 5 or 10 minutes after stopping following a long drive in the rain. My previous A4 and the one before that (B8 & B7) both had Xenons and condensation formed on those lights, as did the 4 or 5 Passats I had before that. It was explained to me a while ago by VW, when I "complained", that this was normal and the lamp housings were essentially self breathing at the rear to help with heat dissipation.

I was concerned that the condensation could lead to mould forming in the lights later in the life of the car. This never happened to any of the light housings while I had the cars. I had my last A4 For 4 years, washed it regularly and the light housings remained pristine inside. So I have not mentioned the condensation on the RS6 LEDs to the dealers as I am pretty satisfied that it is normal. My wife's Q5 does the same, but again the light housings are still pristine.

So I wouldn't worry at all about it ...ignore the Audi bashing...and enjoy, what is, a truly fantastic car.

I am at a loss as to why people accept these excuses.

The lights on our 1 year old Q7 were changed to a newer design with better rear breathers, the C7 RS6 lights have also been changed. So I wonder why we have been treated so differently?

As for Audi bashing, well I would say thats not exactly the case, I just think spending the kind of money each year we loyally do with the brand that the products should be perfect, not just acceptable.

Cheers