Cleaning plastic headlight covers vs....

[Dathaeus]

How many of you have simply used a cleaning kit on the plastic headlight covers that always turn bad after years of use and abuse and was satisfied with the ADDITIONAL LIGHT that was produced afterwards or was it mainly aesthetic reasons only?

Asking because mine is bad again, I didn't clear coat last time which I think is a requirement BUT even when I did it last time I didn't feel like it made it light output/lumens actually better by much.

So I'm trying to weigh between cleaning again or getting a new set... I would love some glass, which I got in my last e36 not I heard they don't really make those anymore?

And do you guys use any tool to measure light output for your car lights?

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[John in VA]

I don't believe the glass option was available for E46s like the E36 Euro lenses. As your car is a sedan you should have a number of plastic replacement lens options.

[fredo]

I replaced the lenses on my ZHP five years ago. My main goal was to improve the cosmetic aspect. My car suffers from ZKW burnt bowls, so the light output didn't improve that much (if any).

[Vas]

No glass option for the e46 sedan.

The best option is to purchase a new set of lenses from fcp euro and use the warranty when they fade again.

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[Galapolis]

I've been rocking 20$ eBay lenses for close to 3 years now and they still look the same apart from the rock chips. Fitment isn't as good as OEM though so keep that in mind.

[ZHPizza]

I've been rocking 20$ eBay lenses for close to 3 years now and they still look the same apart from the rock chips. Fitment isn't as good as OEM though so keep that in mind.Man I wish I had a set of those for my touring...

[Dathaeus]

I replaced the lenses on my ZHP five years ago. My main goal was to improve the cosmetic aspect. My car suffers from ZKW burnt bowls, so the light output didn't improve that much (if any).That's the thing, I think my bulbs are a bit blown because they'll look more yellow than I think they should be... They just don't look like they have any real illumination at all, bad plastic cover or not...

Might just shell out for a replacement honestly...

Did you ever end up replacing the whole assembly?

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[Dathaeus]

I've been rocking 20$ eBay lenses for close to 3 years now and they still look the same apart from the rock chips. Fitment isn't as good as OEM though so keep that in mind.Do you still have link or something similar at least?

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[t.er]

+1 to just replacing the lenses, whether cheap aftermarket or FCP, it's so easy. Us coupe guys got shafted

[Galapolis]

Do you still have link or something similar at least?

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Looks like the listing is still up after all this time: https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-BMW-E46-3-series-4-Door-02-05-L-R-Headlight-Headlamp-Lense-Clear-Lens-Cover/152638042246?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

[Dathaeus]

Looks like the listing is still up after all this time: https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-BMW-E46-3-series-4-Door-02-05-L-R-Headlight-Headlamp-Lense-Clear-Lens-Cover/152638042246?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649Awesome thanks
Do you still have to remove and replace the whole assembly to affix this?

And you said the fitment, how big of problem was it, did you have to cut or execute and permanent damage to make it fit

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[Galapolis]

Awesome thanks
Do you still have to remove and replace the whole assembly to affix this?

And you said the fitment, how big of problem was it, did you have to cut or execute and permanent damage to make it fit

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No you just pop them out of the clips, takes a couple of seconds. Fitment problems arise around the headlight sealing rubber, there may be some gaps because the rubber is contoured to fit the original lenses. You can either get some new gaskets ($$$) or just live with occasional condensation like I do.

[Dathaeus]

No you just pop them out of the clips, takes a couple of seconds. Fitment problems arise around the headlight sealing rubber, there may be some gaps because the rubber is contoured to fit the original lenses. You can either get some new gaskets ($$$) or just live with occasional condensation like I do.Ya if condensation is the only problem then I'll be fine with that here in Florida I think...

Do bulbs burn hot enough to evaporate the condensation?

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[Galapolis]

Ya if condensation is the only problem then I'll be fine with that here in Florida I think...

Do bulbs burn hot enough to evaporate the condensation?

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Your experience might vary but usually the condensation disappears by itself a couple hours after the rain stops. Not sure what it will be like in Florida where it's more humid than NC.

[Dathaeus]

Your experience might vary but usually the condensation disappears by itself a couple hours after the rain stops. Not sure what it will be like in Florida where it's more humid than NC.Ya humidity is definitely an issue here so... Maybe I'll spring for the FCP or just get a whole new assembly with HID... Feels like all this other stuff are bandaids.

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[fredo]

That's the thing, I think my bulbs are a bit blown because they'll look more yellow than I think they should be... They just don't look like they have any real illumination at all, bad plastic cover or not...

Might just shell out for a replacement honestly...

Did you ever end up replacing the whole assembly?

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I didn't replace the whole assembly. I've considered a new Magneti Marelli set but that's way down my to-do list. I hear you can find AL sets on eBay. The AL brand doesn't suffer from burnt bowls. Apparently that's what all the e46 325i sedans have : AL headlamps.

[sillieidiot]

you can just replace the rubber seal on the headlight if you have condensation problems. Might as well do that as you are replacing the lenses.

[Oli77]

This is what I bought 1.5 years ago. Still completely clear. BUT, the fit was not the best and only about 80% of the surface of the plastic matted with the rubber seal.

STILL, moister has not gotten in there to make things bad (that I can see).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07519MXLD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1