headlight lense

[beam-her]

Hi everyone,
As u've guessed, I am new to this but have been visiting this site for months and have loved every page of it. Great website! 2 thumbs up (way up).
Anyway, on to my small problem, I own a '02 320i. The headlight lense has become somewhat cloudy and not as clear. (see pic) Is there a way to clean this ? or do I need a new lense ? And if so, where can I get the lense ? I have tried many different cleaning solutions, nothing works.

thx

[christyles]

Welcome beam-her.

You have a couple options although some options i have not tried out yet.

1) Buy Meguairs or Zaino plastic polish/refinisher. I'm not sure how well it works though. I've never used it.

2) My method... refinish the head lamp lens. Clay it, wetsand it, compound it and hi-speed polish it. A process depending on the severity of pitting and cloudiness.

3) Buy new headlamp lens.

Is it possible you have moisture seeping into the headlmp assembly causing the cloudiness inside? The inside might also need a wipe down with some window cleaner even if the material is plastic. Although unlikely as your car is somewhat new - that assembly should not have been opened up unless a repair was done to the actual lamp. Your car is 3 years old.

You can get new lenses at dealerships. Check with Python Parts - board sponsor. He might be able to offer a better price than a dealership.

[beam-her]

Thanks Chris,
Since the cloudy lense is fairly even all around on both sides, the possibility of moisture building inside is probably none. Both lenses and headlight assembly are untouched OEMs. Nonetheless, I will try the polish and/or new lense.

cheers.

[christyles]

Thanks Chris,
Since the cloudy lense is fairly even all around on both sides, the possibility of moisture building inside is probably none. Both lenses and headlight assembly are untouched OEMs. Nonetheless, I will try the polish and/or new lense.

cheers.
If you go Option 2... make sure you buff out properly otherwise after sanding (if you do so) will get even cloudier.

BTW, I do headlight lens refinishing for $40.

[beam-her]

Do you also install halo rings on a non-xenon lights, not sure if its even possible... if so, how much do u charge to install the rings ?

[Polizei]

Chris,

Can you give us a DIY on the headlight refinishing.

I'd have you do it but you're too far away for something so small.






2) My method... refinish the head lamp lens. Clay it, wetsand it, compound it and hi-speed polish it. A process depending on the severity of pitting and cloudiness.