Laser headlight stone chip, need some help

[alexvladv]

Hey, today I realised that I managed to get a pretty ugly stone chip in one of the headlights, it doesn't seem to mess with the beam but it pissed me right off, is it possible to change the cover of the headlight? Where would I be able to find one if so?

[13M5F10]

Originally Posted by alexvladv

Hey, today I realised that I managed to get a pretty ugly stone chip in one of the headlights, it doesn't seem to mess with the beam but it pissed me right off, is it possible to change the cover of the headlight? Where would I be able to find one if so?

How bad it is? Changing the lenses could cause longer term issues with water intrusion, condensation, or other issues as you're having to break the seal of the headlight and reseal it and in most cases it's never the same.

If it's bad enough, can it be filed under insurance? The headlights aren't cheap.

[alexvladv]

Originally Posted by 13M5F10

How bad it is? Changing the lenses could cause longer term issues with water intrusion, condensation, or other issues as you're having to break the seal of the headlight and reseal it and in most cases it's never the same.

If it's bad enough, can it be filed under insurance? The headlights aren't cheap.

https://ibb.co/gWh1C3H
Picture looks actually worst than it is, it is scratched but not super deep, a friend thinks it will go away if I give it a good polish but I am not sure.

[13M5F10]

Originally Posted by alexvladv

https://ibb.co/gWh1C3H
Picture looks actually worst than it is, it is scratched but not super deep, a friend thinks it will go away if I give it a good polish but I am not sure.

I agree with him. Give it a shot. I've used these products with success.

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Plas.../dp/B0000AY3SR

https://www.amazon.com/Quixx-Xerapol.../dp/B00CU6UTNA

If it's deeper have an experience detailer look at it.

[alexvladv]

Originally Posted by 13M5F10

I agree with him. Give it a shot. I've used these products with success.

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Plas.../dp/B0000AY3SR

https://www.amazon.com/Quixx-Xerapol.../dp/B00CU6UTNA

If it's deeper have an experience detailer look at it.

Cheers, yes I might actually have someone look at it, especially since it might need a bit of sanding. Thought that changing the cover might be actually easier.

[13M5F10]

Originally Posted by alexvladv

Cheers, yes I might actually have someone look at it, especially since it might need a bit of sanding. Thought that changing the cover might be actually easier.

Let us know how it turns out. Seems like it should at minimum reduce it by quiet a bit.

I'd never recommend changing the lenses out on these cars. Some have done it successfully but there is that higher chance that it fails down there road and let's outside elements in. Seen too many that modded their lights have that happen. Wish it was that simple. Haha.

[Googsy]

I have seen protective lens covers on Alliexpress might be worth a go as not expensive

[LuckyW]

https://www.bimmerjakes.com/en/608-h...1g12-2015-2019

[alexvladv]

No updates yet, super busy week, I have someone looking at it tomorrow, hope I can book it next week .

[alexvladv]

Originally Posted by LuckyW

https://www.bimmerjakes.com/en/608-h...1g12-2015-2019

Thank you, if they can’t fix it I’ll consider it, a bit worried about the condensation and water getting in.

[LuckyW]

[AlteBMW]

That is a a fascinating video. He makes it look easy - until the part about getting the lenses off. No way I would be comfortable doing it. Not while my car was under warranty. I'd end up buying new headlight assemblies anyhow. Either because I didn't do the lens repair and had the whole assembly replaced or because I did do the repair and needed somebody to clean up after the mess I made.

p.s. the video also explains why there is so much labor in some repairs. The amount of disassembly and reassembly is extensive. I grew up in the late 50's - early 60s in a gas station that did repairs. A bumper could be gotten off with 4 bolts, and headlights could be replaced in 15 minutes. Not any more.

[BMW750Li_]

Originally Posted by Googsy

I have seen protective lens covers on Alliexpress might be worth a go as not expensive

I opted for PPF on mine.

[Opie55]

Originally Posted by alexvladv

Hey, today I realised that I managed to get a pretty ugly stone chip in one of the headlights, it doesn't seem to mess with the beam but it pissed me right off, is it possible to change the cover of the headlight? Where would I be able to find one if so?

I can't see your photo, but I have sanded and polished numerous headlights. It is a poor option for one defect in an otherwise new headlight. Headlights have a UV protectant clear coat on them. It's fairly thick as clearcoats go. When you sand the headlight, you will cut through it if the defect is deep enough to catch your fingernail. Once you cut through it, you basically need to remove all of it because the spot will look different where the layer tapers from clear coat to no clearcoat. And if you remove a spot, that spot will oxidize quicker unless you replace the clear coat with something. Sanding is a great option to make an old stone-chipped headlight look factory new, but not really to fix one gouge in a new headlight.