One of the best parts about owning a BMW E46 is having replaceable headlight lenses. I dont know why, its just incredibly satisfying to rebuild them with new gaskets, trim, and lenses… and in todays video I will be showing you that exact process!
Now i know its not the only BMW model out there with replacable lenses, so do some digging and see if your BMW has this option too! I know some require baking in the oven which can be time consuming, but overall, id much rather replace lenses than sand em down and shoot em with clear. This method they always come out perfect.
I hope you find this video helpful, dont forget to check out the “Fix n Give” series, its linked down below, as well as the giveaway entry form!
GIVEAWAY ENTRY FORM:
https://forms.gle/LnSaonFrDNrcEhrD7
BMW E46 GIVEAWAY SERIES PLAYLIST!!!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcaHMEb8LJ8aSth9OfbHWTSrO89dLaqj7
If youd like to support the channel, consider becoming a member!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC900dqzoDD9ZK98F9639muw/join
Or if Patreon is more your speed, we have one of those too!
https://www.Patreon.com/DayOffDIY
DAY OFF DIY Discord Link!
https://discord.gg/2XHfgmMpSU
TOOLS USED:
Magnetic 1/4″ 8mm socket
https://amzn.to/4r4Iydd
https://amzn.to/46x9SJK
Plastic Trim Tools
https://amzn.to/4siubmH
SprayAway Glass Cleaner
https://amzn.to/4r4agH4
PARTS USED
BMW E46 XENON HEADLIGHT LENS KIT (search for your make n model)
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-xenon-headlight-lens-kit-63126929565kt
){kind=link}
Great job, Alec! After the e46 they glued the lenses, which is a pain in the backside! Cheers.
Nothing better than factory fresh replacements!
Also, I agree the alternative process is a pain, however, there is a way that cost under $25, takes very little effort and the end results are remarkably close to new!
All you need is a drill with the attachment that holds a medium sized finishing pad (6-8inches) and plastic polish.
Then just use some painter tape or even some plastic bags to cover the painted area around the light. Then just apply some pollish to the pad and apply to the headlight and just add more pollish as needed to the pad, working it around until the plastic polishes almost as clear as a new lens…
My favorite part is the after result those lights are bright and perfect!
THAT LOOKS AWESOME
I really wish the 2008 535 (e60) headlights were as easy to refurbish with new lenses! It seems like some bmw headlights have to be heated + carefully cut apart.
I ceramic coated after a cutting job and it holds well to this day, on my 335is. I would have said upgrade to like m3 style, I just use rainx cleaner after the one ceramic coating headlight kit
Unfortunately those projector lenses have faded/burned through the years and are cloudy:(
I had to do this on both my E83 and my F25 X3. The wire insulation inside had basically disintegrated, and the high beams stopped working. The lenses on the e83 and f25 were NOT made to be replaced, so it was quite the process. Headlights came out great though and it's a great way to make a car look years newer. I love restoring headlights lol
You're making this car look so awesome, I gasped at the micro fiber fuzz at first like no way lol.
You didn't do it for $19. What's wrong with a little sanding with your hand drill? I did it with my Z3 4 yrs ago and they still look great, just as good as the unit you showed. Sure, replace if you want, but do not discount the simple quick sanding job which is much cheaper and works great ! (I also did my X3 and worked FANTASTIC, nothing wrong with sanding)
wish it was this simple on an e83 ;(