Desperately need headlights

[seania]

Help! Someone drove into me in the supermarket carpark (why am I not too surprised...unfortunately I was in the shop when it happened...) Sadly I can’t prove fault so I am getting it repaired myself ( not actually doing the work myself, as it is unfortunately not my skill set...and I don’t own tools or have a handy boyfriend with a set).

First quote to realign the bumper (its pushed out of alignment but not smashed up - I think it was a slow collision) and replace the headlight is over a grand! Most of the cost is the light. Now, since the light on the other side lets water in and only works reliable in the dry (!) I am thinking getting a pair is going to be best. And since so many people seem to upgrade the headlights I am optimistic that there just may be an old, working, pair for sale for a decent price! (Fingers crossed!)

My Z4 is a 3l coupe 57 reg.

Also, if anyone can recommend a nice repairer in the Exeter area....

Thank you!

Jane

 

[Smartbear]

Hi, the light that lets water in probably only needs a replacement rear cover with the seal or you could try repositioning it after treating the seal.
You need to find out if they’re halogen or xenons before you buy a replacement
Rob

 

[kis]

Z4 coupe will have the clear, silver headlights, these will set you back a premium. I'm not sure I've seen any of those for sale in awhile.

If you've got halogen then I would consider getting a sed of orange, pre-facelift lights. These are more readily available and so won't cost you quite as much! If you need help identifying halogen/xenon then let me know and I'll explain! Best of luck and sorry to hear your story

 

[enuff_zed]

Sorry to hear that Jane. Hope you can get it sorted for a bit less than that quote.
I realise covid is a bit restrictive, but I wonder if there are any helpful members near Exeter that may be able to help you out? With advice, spanner wielding, or a source of spares?
Even if only to look and confirm exactly what sort of lights you need: then if you have a part number it will make your search a little easier perhaps?

 

[MKZ4000]

If they are xenon, they are in the region of £1000 each brand new. They still go for quite a premium used because of that fact.

Halogens are easy to come by on the used market for not a lot of money.

If they are xenons, I would consider going through your insurance

 

[rdm05z4]

You could enter the vin # in anyone of the free vin checking sites. Which would tell you what lights you have provided current ones are original.

 

[Sidewaze Samm]

Halogens are easy to come by on the used market for not a lot of money.

Yes, and no. These headlights have the silver internals, and clear indicator lenses - so, would be the most rare and sought after halogen lights. It took me a few months to find some.
But if the OP would be willing to replace with pre-facelift, non-3.0 lights (black internals and orange indicators) then they should be easily available. Obviously not normal on a coupe, but could be the least expensive short-term fix.
Then again, if they're xenon...

 

[z4pilot]

Easy to check if they are halogen or xenon. If you have 2 thumbwheels next to your lightswitch, then they are halogens. Xenons are self levelling, so only have the thumb wheel to adjust the instrument lighting, they don't have a thumb wheel for headlight levelling.

 

[seania]

Thank you everyone!

Z4pilot two wheels, one with a level symbol, one with a little sun?! So, halogen I guess. Yay!

Sidewaze Sam, I could live with the orange type I guess. Not as pretty but, practical as a fix. My lovely car is not some showroom perfect model. (Shame really because they are so beautiful) Rather it’s driven every day in mud, gravel, ice, flooded roads. You know the off-roading capabilities of the z4 coupe are hugely underestimated

MKZ4000 really?! £1000! Gulp! So happy they seem to be halogen. I now forgive it my rather vague and dreary nighttime view.

Smartbear, that sounds eminently sensible to just replace part of it. My problem is most garages say whole unit only. Its the same with mechanical problems. Most garages don't listen to engines well and want to replace whole units not fix things properly like they used to. I have seen lenses for sale on ebay but no-one I have asked is prepared to fit one.

So - look for a pair of functioning orange style halogen lights. What would be a fair price?

Thanks again, everyone.

 

[Wildfire]

Are the light units smashed or is it just the mounting brackets?

If it's just the brackets BMW do a repair kit which is around £20-30 I think. As above, if you are getting moisture in, it could be condensation from a bad seal, which is an easy fix. New seal, bit of grease and a hair dryer. All you need is a screwdriver or a coin to open up the wheel covers and then a bit of time and swearing.

The contacts may be a little corroded and that can be done quickly with some sandpaper.

 

[kis]

I've been looking at Headlights for a while, I think I've bought around a dozen all in various conditions. In fact I might have a orange pair available, but will have to check (if that's of interest feel free to PM me).

In regards to price? Well I've seen them go (good condition orange style) for £200-250 recently, each. So I'd say you'd be lucky to get a pair for £400 but start with that sort of price? I'd try speak with breakers as you might get lucky. Often lights and m-sport seats, etc. are the first thing to go, but have a shop around, like I said you could get lucky

Another thing to remember is your lights, even as "parts" are valuable. So don't throw them away, stick them on ebay and make some money back (or offer them up on here). For the un-damaged one (but has condensation) I'd expect to get at least £100. The other headlight depends on condition but could be around the £50 mark? Again feel free to PM me, can look at photos and advise further.

To throw a curveball in there you could also get aftermarket lights, these will work with your car as they're halogen. My only reservation is the same quality isn't there. But I guess if you're in a pickle, and you're settling with the orange style lights anyway this could be a good option. Something to research and gives you another option, which is always nice!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151630000224 (with silver internal to match to what you have at present).

Again, best of luck sorting!

 

[kis]

Are the light units smashed or is it just the mounting brackets?

If it's just the brackets BMW do a repair kit which is around £20-30 I think. As above, if you are getting moisture in, it could be condensation from a bad seal, which is an easy fix. New seal, bit of grease and a hair dryer.

A fair point considering it was only a slow speed impact. Jane, can you post photos?

 

[seania]

No, wildfire, not smashed, just deep scratches. And resting, lightly in place! Same with the fog light. Will try and do photos...

Yes, I think it must have been very slow. Probably just manoeuvring. Being fair they may not have even noticed doing it.
Damned good point regarding resale value. Yes! Brilliant. That makes purchase, if essential, far more affordable. Wouldn’t be so bad normally but feeling a tad skint at the moment!

The garage I went to in Exeter said there was no alternative to new lights! A bracket repair kit. Yes! Just the thing, maybe try to polish the scratches out. Bit deep though.

Condensation is an easy fix! Why will noone do it for me then? Honestly. I just despair of garages. For me to do it involves kneeling outside in the rain on gravel. Maybe wait till summer

I will ask around more and see if I can find someone to do the kit.

 

[1000rr]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201652971902

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201719040263

And get some wet and dry to polish the scratches out as much as possible.

 

[seania]

1000rr thats wonderful. You even sourced the correct bits. Thank you!

You have all been a huge help.

Now to get it done. Don’t know why you guys all know so much more than the garage guys, but I am glad you do!

 

[abar121]

Some great help here.

Good luck OP!

 

[kis]

Buy this (and the bits 1000rr) mentioned.

Take it to a garage (or even a friend with a drill) and should sort the lights.... see video here... quite simple really:

[youtube]_t1RBw0IGXA[/youtube]

The N/S condensation one can wait till the summer. It's not ideal but can wait till then!

 

[1000rr]

1000rr thats wonderful. You even sourced the correct bits. Thank you!

You have all been a huge help.

Now to get it done. Don’t know why you guys all know so much more than the garage guys, but I am glad you do!

Make sure you get the right bits for left or right side lights....off side is different to near side....

 

[Tommo61]

Any good? - Saw on FB, but was a few days ago. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10223694414124107&set=gm.3557212044315476

 

[Sidewaze Samm]

Don’t know why you guys all know so much more than the garage guys, but I am glad you do!

Because we're interested in our cars and like to help each other, and not just disinterested money grabbers who see easy pickings walking in...
Having said that, I think a lot depends on the type of garage you've been to. Do you have an indy BMW specialist in the wilds of Devon? (But if that's where you've been, then I don't think they're much of a specialist!)