Headlight Lenses - Alternative Replacements?

[EmDeeAr]

The headlight lenses on my ZHP are foggy and pitted. New unit's from BMW are about $100 per lens, give or take depending on if you have ZKW or halogen lights. According to RealOEM, the ZKW lenses are a different, and more expensive, part than the halogen lenses.

A poster over at E46Fanatics suggested Khoalty lens replacements. The sentiment on that forum is that they are quality units.

However, Khoalty doesn't offer different lenses for ZKW vs halogen lights. I emailed Khoalty, and they said that the lenses they send out are good for ZKWs, but that they could send out units made for just halogen lights as well (I'm not why anyone would opt for this, though, as I would think the ZKW lenses are "better" anyway).

They are a steal at $70.... PER PAIR! Then, tack on $40 for a new pair of headlight seals. $70 + $40 = $110, which is about the price of just ONE lens from BMW.

What do you guys think of these things? Have any of you purchased them?

[terraphantm]

I sincerely believe the only difference between the ZKW/AL and HID vs non HID lenses are the markings for bulb type and brand. I highly doubt the plastic is any different.

I've heard good thinks about khoalty's lenses. Can't say that about their customer service or other products however.

[danewilson77]

I just installed Magnetti Marelli's from www.autohausaz.com. beautiful product and AL branded.

They are an affiliate as well.

[midlandtech]

I had great results with the 3m polishing kit and then had a shop film them total cost was 60 for both lenses (20 for the 3m and 40 for the film)

[terraphantm]

$70/pair beats $120 for a pair and $60 for polishing and film... My personal experience with polishing is that it isn't perfect. Imperfections are still visible from certain angles.

[EmDeeAr]

I just installed Magnetti Marelli's from www.autohausaz.com. beautiful product and AL branded.

They are an affiliate as well.

I'm a little confused here. Affiliate of who/what? BMW? What does AL branded mean?

Thanks.

[EmDeeAr]

$70/pair beats $120 for a pair and $60 for polishing and film... My personal experience with polishing is that it isn't perfect. Imperfections are still visible from certain angles.

Yeah, and I've heard that the cloudiness often returns because in polishing, the protective film is removed. If you get it re-filmed, though, I assume that would be a different story.

New seems the way to go. Khoalty's product is appealing because I can also get new seals!

[johnrando]

Sedan owners are lucky in that you can replace lenses. I think polish is more for us vert/coupe owners as we can't swap out the lenses.

[derbo]

AL and ZKW lenses interchange. I've watch my old coworker put AL lenses on his ZKW headlights with no modification.

I believe Magnetti Marelli is the the supplier of the AL brand.

[alexandre]

Yup, they interchange. I have ZKW assemblies on AL lenses.