Single greatest headlight upgrade!

[crashthecar]

I think i have found the single best headlight upgrade for any E36.
I was going to fit Angel eyes to my car and pulled the headlights apart to do so, I noticed just how much dust and stuff had built up in there.
So i cut the round lenses out of the front housing and polished the front rectangular lense and then both of the round lenses.
Siliconed the round lenses back into place and polished the reflectors.
The immeadiat lift to the car was amazing, it certainatly put the twinkle back in her eyes and after i adjusted the beams and drove that night it got better again. My lights are twice as bright and the beam is nice and crisp.
It amazes me how some times the most simple things have most impact.

Anybody else have any secret tricks to pick up the appearance of their cars without spending $$$ on upgrades?
Luke.

[mrybczyn]

That sounds like a great little project... Could you describe some more of the details, tricky spots, etc? I would love to do this myself too, and would appreciate the benefit of your experience...


Cheers,
Mitch

[crashthecar]

Ok lets give this a go,
I haven't got a sigital camera so you'll have to bear without pictures. I also don't have the energy to pull mine apart again...

1. Remove the headlight Assy, access this by removing the black plastic trim panel from the grille to the radiator. It is held down by 5 screws and 2 plactic scrivits.

2. Disconnect the 2 harness plugs from the rear of the assy.

3. Sliding a screwdriver down between the indicator lense and the headlight body GENTLY lever out the grey tab on the indicator lense and slide it out.

4. Depending on the model The light will be held in by screws or 8mm bolts. Holding the adjuster with a 17mm spanner or pliers remove the screws / bolts. Try to keep the adjusters in the same position unless you want to reset your adjustment when you reassemble.

NOTE: to access the LH light removing the intake duct may be nessary to get the spanner on the adjuster.

5. Manouver the light assy out of the car try sliding a rag in under the assy to prevent damage to paintwork.

6. On a clean bench place the light lense down and gently lever up the 4/5 plastic clips that hold the lense to the headlight body.
DO not try to remove the large glass lense from the housing. Seperate the two halves of the headlight.

7. Now you will have the reflectors in one half and the other will contain the 2 round lenses glued into a black plastic surround which is glued to the front glass lense.

8. Using a very clean soft rag with no cleaners of any kind gently polish the reflectors and the ellipsoid lense.

9. Using a razor blade slice the silicone away from the round lenses. one cut will be tight against the black plasctic surround, slide the blade down as far as possible and in one cut slide the blade round the lense housing. Second cut slide the blade in at 45 degrees sitting on the side of the glass lense and just touching the plastic housing. Slide the blade round and then remove the bead of silicone. with a little gentle lifting and prying the lense will release. DO NOT use too much pressure this is GLASS and will crack, if it still feels tight repeat your cuts.

10. Follow step 9 for the other lense.

11. Using the blade clean up the housing and both lenses of all silicone.

12. Using another CLEAN rag with no cleaners on it polish the inside of the front lense and both of the round lenses. When you are happy with how clean it all is go out side hold the lenses up to the light and check for marks. Swear alot then polish it all again!

13. Place the lenses back into the housing and ensure the seat all the way down. apply a good bead of black fast cureing Silicone and ensure the bead penetrates deep into the void around the lense to make a good strong hold.

14. leave the lenses sit as is for at least 12 hours so the silicone can cure properly.

NOTE: Forget any ideas about putting it back together and letting it cure in the car. There is nothing worse than doing a job TWICE cause you didn't follow the directions on the packet...

15. Double check that the reflectors are clean and that the inside of the round lenses is finger print clean.

16. Realligin the lense and headlight body and clip them back together.

17. Follow steps 5 back through to 1. Dont forget a rag over your paint work as you manouver the light bak in.

18. Set the car back around 5m from the grage door and check your beam pattern. Set it back so both lights are level and meet your states DOT rules, or not.

19. Drive and enjoy headlights like you have never driven with in YOUR Beemer before. This will make any lights brighter.