[Scott718]

Hello everyone

I recently purchased a 2017 cayman 718 which had previously been involved in a minor accident. The car has been fully repaired using all Porsche parts and has been given a health check by a local Porsche dealer who advised the car is sound throughout. However, there is an issue with the PDLS headlights whereby they are getting moisture inside them and also fogging up. When I first got the car there was no moisture inside the headlight lenses but I religiously wash my cars and since doing so with my 718 there is moisture consistently inside the headlight lenses and it never goes. It’s that bad that when it’s time for the cars first MOT in May this year i’m fairly sure it will fail due to the amount of moisture inside the headlights. As you can imagine the cost of replacing both headlight units is not cheap and would be circa 4K! So I wanted to ask if anyone knew a way I can have the lenses taken off the headlight units and then resealed. The headlight lenses could also do with a slight restoration as they are a bit marked and scratched. Would greatly appreciate any assistance. Thanks in advance.
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[Nosmo]

Hi Scott, welcome to the forum.

There is plenty of information available around the fogging up of the front and rear lenses, including plenty of 718 owners in the UK. It seems to be the norm in our inclement UK climate. I am South East based but there are comments from my end of the world to Scotland. It is what it is.

Post some pictures of your car. Always good to see someone else's pride and joy!

 

[Scott718]

Hi Nosmo
Many thanks for your response I really appreciate it. Also it’s good to be a member of the forum ?
I totally appreciate what you’ve said, but my drivers side headlight permanently has moisture inside it but the passenger side doesn’t. I think the headlight may have been damaged during the accident and the seal may have been compromised. Also the PDLS function doesn’t actually work, the Porsche dealer told me it’s to do with the passenger headlight and likely needs replacing. But the headlight which has the moisture problem is the drivers side.

 

[Scott718]

Here is a picture of my car as requested

 

[Scott718]

It’s worth mentioning that this photo was taken prior to me washing the car and the moisture setting in on the drivers side headlight.

 

[718Niko]

Nice color!

Im i Scotland, also getting the foggy lights when its cold and wet outside.
The car is still pretty new, dont think its uncomon.

 

[Scott718]

Thanks 718Niko!?

Its a great colour and can’t wait to see it in the summer sunshine!
When I took the car to the Porsche main dealer for a health check they did say that the drivers side headlight unit does have an issue with moisture which is more prominent than they would normally expect. I’m going to ring around a few places that specialise in headlight restoration to see if it’s something they can assist with.

 

[718Niko]

Cool, keep us updated!

Do you have a photo of the fogging?

Just wonder how it compare to the one I am seeing.

 

[Scott718]

This is not the best picture. I took this after I tried drying out the lens using a hairdryer for about 20 minutes! It has since reverted back to being covered in droplets of moisture all over the inside.

 

[718Niko]

ho yes thats much worst than mine!

Mine only have a corner fogging, not the whole thing!

 

[Scott718]

Yer I think it’s as bad as it could get! I’ll let you know how I get on with trying to find someone who can repair it for me.

 

[garethmat]

Here is a picture of my car as requested

Wow! Looks cool in that blue!

 

[Scott718]

thanks GarethMat?It’s Petrol Blue I believe. I really pleased with it, just needs the headlights fixing!?

 

[garethmat]

thanks GarethMat?It’s Petrol Blue I believe. I really pleased with it, just needs the headlights fixing!?

Condensation / water in the headlights / rear lights does appear to be a weak spot in the Cayman/boxster in general. In my case it's the rearlight... quite minor, but in a brand new car that hasn't been involved in any accident I find it weird that the right hand rear light unit gets very condensated when I wash the car. It takes a day to fully clear (at least so far in winter), whereas the left rear light unit is crystal clear despite being subjected to the exact same conditions. Seems like the seals are not the best... In my case (at the moment at least) its not really an issue as does clear, but I can imagine if it got worse like in your case it would be very irritating.

 

[Scott718]

Based on your experience GarethMat it does appear as though the quality of the seals around both the front and rear lights is not the best. This surprising coming from such a prestigious manufacturer and one which has a reputation for excellent build quality. Your right it is extremely frustrating, I clean my car a lot because I find it a rewarding experience when I stand back afterwards and say to myself how good does that look! But when I then look at the lights I soon become frustrated. The first company I called have said they are reluctant to remove the lenses and re-seal them as it’s not guaranteed to work. I think I’m just gonna have to keep searching around for a specialist who offers such a service and can almost guarantee it will work. Two replacement lights would cost circa 3.8k before installation so I don’t want to have to go down that route!

 

[Treemagnet]

@Scott718...our 2017 BS appears to be the same beautiful, radiant blue (Sapphire Blue Metallic) as your stunning Cayman. Porsche has used 100+ shades of blue, according to the web searches I did before purchasing our BS. Your car may be Petrol Blue, but I wasn't aware it was an option on 2017 718's. You may want to check your build sheet or color code prior to purchasing any aftermarket accessories to match your Cayman's color. Regardless, your 718 is absolutely stunning...congratulations and enjoy the ride!

 

[DriveInHouston]

@Scott718...Porsche has used 100+ shades of blue,

...and 50 Shades of Grey in the Service Department! If you get my drift...

 

[Scott718]

@Treemagnet - many thanks for your message.

The person I purchased the car from advised me it is petrol blue, but that’s sound advice from you to double check the colour before purchasing any accessories, thankyou ?luv your boxster looks great in blue also!

 

[Scott718]

@DriveInHouston - now that would be an interesting visit to the dealership! ?

 

[MikesGTS]

This is not the best picture. I took this after I tried drying out the lens using a hairdryer for about 20 minutes! It has since reverted back to being covered in droplets of moisture all over the inside.

Have to admit that looks a bit excessive.... colour looks Sapphire blue, to me is stunning..., sounds like a seal problem... take it to a proper dealer and swallow the cost... you don’t want any other problems further down the line ...