Cracked headlight lens

[Oompah]

Hi all,

Just realised one of my headlights has a relatively long crack on it.
Anyone has experience with repairs of such damage? Or is it a full headlight replacement scenario?

Thanks

[OneExtra]

That won't be cheap to replace, maybe look on EBay for a used one and then swap over the modules

I have just bought some pre-cut PPF to cover the headlights to stop this happening and stone chips

[Oompah]

Originally Posted by OneExtra

That won't be cheap to replace, maybe look on EBay for a used one and then swap over the modules

I have just bought some pre-cut PPF to cover the headlights to stop this happening and stone chips

£2100 + fitting.

[M5Rick]

Possible to just replace the glass?

[OneExtra]

Originally Posted by M5theonlyone

Possible to just replace the glass?

No it's a sealed unit and it's plastic not glass

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by OneExtra

No it's a sealed unit and it's plastic not glass

Your right it's polycarbonate, have just watched a u tube vid of how to replace a pre lci headlamp lens on one unit. LCI would be similar,it's a bit of work requiring some skill and a shed load of money can be saved if you do it right.

[M5Rick]

HeadlightHeartSurgeon.

[schrickm5]

I did my E39 lights - they needed to go in the oven for about 30minutes....is it still glue that holds the Lens to the unit? If it is, then it might be an oven job....

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by schrickm5

I did my E39 lights - they needed to go in the oven for about 30minutes....is it still glue that holds the Lens to the unit? If it is, then it might be an oven job....

Definitely oven then the HHS was using black silicone sealer I think with the new lens and securing with clips until set. Like another poster did I have ordered a roll of lens protector film to prevent this happening to mine.

[OneExtra]

Originally Posted by M5theonlyone

Definitely oven then the HHS was using black silicone sealer I think with the new lens and securing with clips until set. Like another poster did I have ordered a roll of lens protector film to prevent this happening to mine.

You don't need a roll you can buy pre cut pieces

[OneExtra]

Both of my headlights have this on them and it's supposed to be there, is this the same as yours

[OneExtra]

Other side

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by OneExtra

Other side

It's a roll I ordered like 3' by 1' but probably not as thick as yours, nothing expensive from Far East,probably have to wait for ever as for my exhaust tips.
Where did you get your pre cut ones from.

[OneExtra]

Originally Posted by M5theonlyone

It's a roll I ordered like 3' by 1' but probably not as thick as yours, nothing expensive from Far East,probably have to wait for ever as for my exhaust tips.
Where did you get your pre cut ones from.

https://www.aliath.co.uk/collections/bmw

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by OneExtra

https://www.aliath.co.uk/collections/bmw

You've convinced me and I've ordered a pair,I'll use the other roll for something else.

[Oompah]

An interesting twist in my scenario. Bmw diagnosed and quoted but I also decided to visit friendly windscreen repair man who, I thoughts, could perhaps try to fix it.
Instead he promptly removed some hardened, silicon/plastic like string of material from the headlight lens with a polishing pad...
I guess something landed on my headlight and hardened in high temperature, leaving crack line looking, heart attack giving line.
Bottom line, I saved almost £2500... phew.
(yes, I felt like a right plonker in front of the windscreen repair guy)

Btw. regarding protection film on headlights, when i had my car ceramic coated, I was told the film makes sense only on very new headlights. Existing micro stone chips on the headlight covered with a protection film, apparently look pretty bad.

[OneExtra]

Glad it's all sorted and thanks for the heads up on the film

[schrickm5]

I just ordered the film from the UK, as the Swedish prices are almost double.
I have a new headlamp on one side, and the other is good....so something to do next week!
Thanks for the link!

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by OneExtra

https://www.aliath.co.uk/collections/bmw

Good morning.
Just received the kit but before I apply it the instructions state that smaller pieces of film can be applied dry e.g. on arch protectors.Did you fit your headlight protectors dry?

[OneExtra]

Originally Posted by M5theonlyone

Good morning.
Just received the kit but before I apply it the instructions state that smaller pieces of film can be applied dry e.g. on arch protectors.Did you fit your headlight protectors dry?

Not fitted yet but I wouldn't fit dry 100% mix a solution and the below

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by OneExtra

Not fitted yet but I wouldn't fit dry 100% mix a solution and the below

I think I'll wait a bit too until I finish the garden, plenty to do there!

[OneExtra]

Originally Posted by M5theonlyone

I think I'll wait a bit too until I finish the garden, plenty to do there!

Make sure the lens is as clean as possible and then maybe wipe it with IPA the remove and oils, waxes etc