Headlamp lense

[flybobbie]

Noticed today close up how battered and grazed inside the headlamp lenses are.
One for a long time looked like someone placed their gritty shoe on one lense and dragged it down, leaving deep scratches..
Saw these, ordered a pair and give them a try.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/353536481337
Be an opportunity to evict a few spider and try improve the angel eyes.

Not sure if the originals have glass coated on the plastic.
Only few years ago i learnt about glass coated plastic.

 

[B21]

When you say inside…I’m lost as to how the inside of the headlight lens gets scratched?

Can you explain pls?

Also I thought the lens unit was one piece? Hence is this a cut and shut job?

 

[Busterboo]

Will one of these do?

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/108259/best-headlamp-restorers-2019

 

[flybobbie]

The minor grazing is on the inside. Looks like fine brittle fractures.
Can be seen as a blurring of headlight beam on glass.
Typical of acrylic, doesn't age well. But has better clarity then polycarbonate, although poly is lest brittle.
Also being open to moisture, 12 years worth of bits of dust and spider legs.
Also some scuffing on right lamp.
Looks like someone rested a shoe on the lamp to tie a shoe lace, then dragged foot down.
The outer glass is relatively smooth with a few chips.

 

[flybobbie]

When you say inside…I’m lost as to how the inside of the headlight lens gets scratched?

Can you explain pls?

Also I thought the lens unit was one piece? Hence is this a cut and shut job?

Yes i think someone in the past on forum, or somewhere removed lense with heat gun applied to soften the glue holding lense in.
Would be interested if someone had that link.

 

[flybobbie]

Might have a play around with these:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254587768837
And these:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254587768837
To improve the angel eyes and perhaps light the non lighting inner lamps.
Always thought it was mean of BMW not to light the inners.

 

[flybobbie]

Good video to get at lamps, not sure if bumper really needs to come all off.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmy6KSvaw0E

 

[flybobbie]

Someone done BMW similar lense;
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1539936
Looks like bit of a chore.
Like like butyl strip required to restick.

 

[Dav the wheel nut]

Lens singular
Lenses plural

 

[Silverstar]

You can remove the front lens by applying heat to it either with a hot air gun or better in an oven. That will loosen the adhesive enabling you to separate the lens from the housing. Make sure to apply a good sealant when putting the new lens back. You can replace the existing Angel Eyes with aftermarket ones, those in your link are CCFL, LED ones will be better more brighter but beware that they don't last anywhere near as long as the factory ones do and in a 3 to 5 years (or less if you are unlucky) you maybe opening the lamps back up again.

 

[Busterboo]

Are OE units too expensive?

 

[flybobbie]

Are OE units too expensive?

£600-800

 

[flybobbie]

Lens singular
Lenses plural

Ok...but in reality the part i am talking about isn't a lens or lenses.

 

[flybobbie]

I think there is a vent hole at the bottom, i would cover that in brass mesh to stop future spiders.

We had to do the same with the yellow call boxes at road crossings. The holes in the bottom for buzzers, etc became an entrance for all sorts of bugs to crawl and live inside.

 

[janiecarmody]

If your headlamp lens is looking cloudy or yellowed, a good Headlight Restoration Kit can work wonders! It clears up the haze, improves visibility, and makes your headlights look brand new. No need to replace them—just a little restoration, and you're good to go!

 

[flybobbie]

Problem is the glass coating on the acrylic.
It's grazing, not discolouring.
The same now as happened to the right replacement lens.
I have another to fit when i can get around to it.
I'm afraid more crap modern products.
Why couldn't they be glass, cost i assume.

 

[flybobbie]

Discoluring on a lot of lenses is probably due to them being polycarbonate, that discolours.
Like you see some bus shelters with polycarb anti vandal windows.
Notice tail lights being red tend to be acrylic for clarity, but shatter easy when bumped.
Acrylic is brittle.