Replacement headlight lenses

[CHIMV8]

Gents
Have any of you changed the lenses on your headlights for something similar to these

Was going to buy to old replacement fittings at a cost of a few hundred but these would do me if it can be done

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/For-BMW-Z4-2 ... %7Ciid%3A1

[parabolica]

I've been on the look out for something like these for a while - didn't know they were available!

[Sidewaze Samm]

At that price I'd want to know what they were like and how they fitted before buying... so please buy them and report back!
Also, noticed that the ad says measurements may be 3mm out. That amount of tolerance sounds like it could be problematic.

[CHIMV8]

Firstly
Can the lenses actually be removed/replaced

[Big Andra]

Firstly
Can the lenses actually be removed/replaced

Sure I read somewhere that they need to be cut away, so not the usual stick it in the oven method to soften the glue.

[CHIMV8]

Thanks,think i wont take the chance for £141,another 60 and i can get full lamps

[parabolica]

Firstly
Can the lenses actually be removed/replaced

Yes; bake them in an oven on a low heat to soften the sealant then they prise apart. You would need butyl or sealant to seal up the new lenses to the cases. Unfortunately it's not as straight forward as other BMW models where the lenses just clip on/off, but swapping them out is possible - pretty sure someone has a thread on here who has done it - whoever it is that's always modifying their headlights.

[Big Andra]

Says they can't be heated to remove in this link.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2953&hilit=Remove+headlight+lense

[parabolica]

I stand corrected; could have sworn it was the opposite. So looks more risky, but my lenses are so deteriorated on the inside I’ll probably end up giving this a shot later this year.

[maxman]

I stand corrected; could have sworn it was the opposite. So looks more risky, but my lenses are so deteriorated on the inside I’ll probably end up giving this a shot later this year.

Your thinking of the z3 headlights.

[Chris_D]

I stand corrected; could have sworn it was the opposite. So looks more risky, but my lenses are so deteriorated on the inside I’ll probably end up giving this a shot later this year.

How can you possibly tell the deterioration has occurred on the inside???
Why not try refurbing them at minimal cost first before you take any drastic/mis-informed decisions?

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=125218&hilit=headlight

[parabolica]

I stand corrected; could have sworn it was the opposite. So looks more risky, but my lenses are so deteriorated on the inside I’ll probably end up giving this a shot later this year.

How can you possibly tell the deterioration has occurred on the inside???
Why not try refurbing them at minimal cost first before you take any drastic/mis-informed decisions?

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=125218&hilit=headlight

Because I have already refurbished them, both by myself and a professional detailer. The outer lens polished up fine but there seems to be permanent yellowing and spotting on the inside.

I had the lights off a year ago to fix a moisture issue and I was able to get the rubber end of a pencil in there and was able to rub the spotting a little bit. I’d probably be able to clean them up good if I could get the lenses off but if you go that far you might as well replace the lenses if you can.

[Chris_D]

I stand corrected; could have sworn it was the opposite. So looks more risky, but my lenses are so deteriorated on the inside I’ll probably end up giving this a shot later this year.

How can you possibly tell the deterioration has occurred on the inside???
Why not try refurbing them at minimal cost first before you take any drastic/mis-informed decisions?

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=125218&hilit=headlight

Because I have already refurbished them, both by myself and a professional detailer. The outer lens polished up fine but there seems to be permanent yellowing and spotting on the inside.

I had the lights off a year ago to fix a moisture issue and I was able to get the rubber end of a pencil in there and was able to rub the spotting a little bit. I’d probably be able to clean them up good if I could get the lenses off but if you go that far you might as well replace the lenses if you can.

Ok, I getcha.
Well, tough choice.
Expensive replacement or a faff to try and seperate and refurb.
You'll have to separate the lenses anyway so why not try refurbing the inside and outside surfaces before buying whole new replacement lenses that may even be made of thinner/inferior plastic...?

[kis]

I used this to split a headlight I have. viewtopic.php?f=2&t=100058

You can use a multi tool with a thin flat bade, this is a good option IMO. All details in the link.

In my personal opinion the lenses can be sanded and polished up. You should be able do rectify it 99% of the time without cutting open. You also don’t know the quality of the replacement lenses. OEM... Almost 20 years and they still have good quality (yes superficially they might be fading and cloudy).

[rdgreen]

Like most things these days....made in China. Sometimes quality is good....many times it is not, and you may not find out for a couple of years which one it is. Buyer beware, especially when they state "top quality guaranteed". Good luck getting your money back if it doesn't turn out well Personally I would try to resurrect the originals first and failing that (if the price difference isn't too great) I would buy new or s/h original parts over parts of undetermined quality.