UPDATING FRONT LIGHTS,COVERS, LENSES ON 95-2000 E38

I have had some requests to email the proceedure concerning updating the front lights on the 95-2000 E38 as I just did this on my 96 750, so I thought I'd post it.

The basic problems are:

1) Glass headlight unit covers get pitted and cloudy with age, dirt & grime.

2) BMW used plastic lenses for the bulbs inside the casing, which tend to yellow with age.

I guess I am particular, but I thought the pitted, hazy and yellowed units detracted from the look of my car.

The challenge is that BMW NA will only sell you the complete units, which are $ 1500 each. In Europe, you can get the separate BMW parts, however. For about a $300 investment and a little labor, you can replace the glass covers and interior bucket lenses and your front end will look new.

First get the complete headlight buckets out of the car.
WARNING- make SURE the ignition and light switches are off. The Xenon runs at 25,000 volts. I can't imagine someone unplugging the units with the car running, but the Darwin awards exist for a reason. Be careful.

Once you get the headlight units out of the car (as per the link here:

http://www.fastrunner.at/750.html

which is great by the way- thanks) you then have to do the following:

1) remove plate on the bottom of the unit
2) carefully pry off the 6 spring clips that hold the glass to the housing.
3) Remove the screws that hold the lense bezel to the bucket.

Reverse all above and you are done.

Notes:

1) Be real careful with the glass covers. If you push them down hard to seat the new gaskets you can easily fracture them. Slow and easy both in seating the glass and resetting the retaining clips. I busted one of mine by being a little ham-handed and rushing the job (replacing them anyways so big deal!)

2) The plug units for the lights- there is a plastic "sleeve" (rectangular-shaped) that you slide up towards the hood. This unlocks the plug which can then be pulled off.

3) You will need (need I say it on a BMW?) a set of TORX
screwdrivers

You can get all the parts from Maximilliam Imports-

the glass covers are $ 49 each. The plastic lenses are $95 a side.

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?siteid=823

I have tried plastic polish, but you just can't get the interior lenses looking crystal clear like new. Only option if you really want them to look sharp is to replace the lenses. Not cheap, but then you knew that when you bought your 7 series, now didn't you.

While you are at it, get the clear side blinkers from BMW and your whole front end will look clean and clear, and for alot less than what BMWNA wants. Your headlight units will look really sharp and you'll be amazed at the improvement of the front end appearance.

Wayne-O
01 X5 Sport
96 750iL
89 Dinan 535

wbherrington@lvcm.com