headlamp removal

[nige_jt]

Hi there, am getting conflicting answers on another forum, so perhaps you can help.

I want to stop the misting on the headlamp lenses of my 320. I have bought the gaskets:
BMW
----
63.12.1.387.311
Gasket, Bosch, Rubber x 2

and can get the headlamps off of the vehicle, however, i cannot seperate the glass lense from the black plastic. I have removed 4 small clips but the lense is stuck fast.

With the clips removed, i have driven the car, and now they are really misted up, but still stuck on good. therefore i assume that it is this area that i should look at, and not the next joint back, which is fstened by 5 plastic v shaped clips.

Can anyone offer any advice?

Thanks for your help.

Nige

[Wayne 962]

US law dictates that headlamp lenses be sealed beams which cannot be opened by the customer. This dates back to the 1910s, where water would seep into the lenses, thus corroding the silver plating on the back. It's an outdated law, and I'm not sure why it's still there.

You will have to either replace the entire lens assembly, or use some other method to get the water out. You can cut or melt the glue, or you can try something else that might work:

Take the headlamps to the driest spot in your house (typically a bedroom closet). Hook up a vacuum cleaner to one of the holes that the lamps go into. Turn it on, and let it run for several minutes. You will be flushing out the old humid, trapped air, with fresh, dry air. Heat the lens with a blow dryer to help evaporate the air. Do this for about 10-15 minutes. Then install the bulbs using any new seals. The air inside should be dry and good to go for quite a while.

Let me know if this works for you...

-Wayne

[nige_jt]

wayne, not sure if my terminology is right, as replacing the whole lot would be well out of the question. On the e36, there is a glass front on the assembly, then black plastic with the two circular headlight lenses in yes?
Well, i want to get that very front glass off. As for that law, i can split the unit down easily and could fiddle with the lenses if i desired. Perhaps BMW didnt know about it?

Thanks for replying. I think i will have to call my specialist now ( if they are working again after christmas break). i will update or post as i get the problem sorted.

[Wayne 962]

Ahh, so are you located in the US? If not, then you can split your lenses easily. I'm now confused - you said you needed to get the lens off, but then you said that you could easily get the lens off?

-Wayne

[nige_jt]

Apologies wayne. I live in the u.k. I have since had the headlamp units off of the car, and with advice from someone else was able to replace the gasket i had intended. On the euro headlights, there are triangular shaped clips top and bottom which allow the front part of the unit to be removed. I found that the actual front piece of glass is actually siliconed into place, so what i thought i wanted to do was doing was incorrect.

I have now changed the gaskets, and re fitted the units to my car. They are currently mist free.

Thanks for your replies to my post. I appreciate it

Regards

Nigel

[Wayne 962]

I'm still slightly confused, but that's okay - glad it worked out!

-Wayne