Headlight lens replacement recommendations

[Leafsrule531]

I’m looking to replace the headlight lenses on my e46 m3 and was wondering if there are other cheaper options than the oem ones which are like $100 for each side. I’ve seen some URO ones but not sure if I should cheap out just do it once right. In the end tho, it is just plastic so not sure how different they could be. Any thoughts or recommendations?

[9kracing]

Any thoughts or recommendations?

Yes, go OEM

[Cubieman]

Another member suggested you could order both Uro and Genuine BMW then return the non-OEM stuff if it doesn't fit, however if you end up scuffing it up during installation etc. you may not be able to return them.

I might just order this and feel like a sucker, $$$.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-xenon-headlight-lens-kit-63126929565kt

[PSUEng]

Im in the same boat--window shopped these years ago at $50/side, and now, bam, double the price. Getbmwparts has these for less, but you'll pay shipping if less than $499.

[dukeofchen]

Was doing this job on an old beater and figured why not give it a shot on my sandblasted lenses before I opt to replace them.

Sanded them down and hit it with 2k clear, which I figure will be more durable than new plastic anyways. Still need to knock down the orange peel but in my book that's $200 better spent elsewhere.





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[oceansize]

Was doing this job on an old beater and figured why not give it a shot on my sandblasted lenses before I opt to replace them.

Sanded them down and hit it with 2k clear, which I figure will be more durable than new plastic anyways. Still need to knock down the orange peel but in my book that's $200 better spent elsewhere.





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I’ve done this on other cars, it does work. But others beware that the clear spits out a ton of overspray that will get everywhere. Very fine particulates. Wear proper mask and protect everything with plastic and proper masking. Obviously the removable lens’s of the e46 make this much easier.

[D-O]

I went with the Hella parts from FCP Euro. Fits perfect. Looks great.

D-O

[elrichmeister]

I cheaped out on an Ebay set for like $35 for the pair like a year ago. They look fine but now are starting to yellow, so ill definitely going OEM next time.

But one thing, I know there are Xenon and Halogen model OEM versions, is there really a difference?

[dukeofchen]

I’ve done this on other cars, it does work. But others beware that the clear spits out a ton of overspray that will get everywhere. Very fine particulates. Wear proper mask and protect everything with plastic and proper masking. Obviously the removable lens’s of the e46 make this much easier.

Yeah, the 2k clear calls for an organic vapor-rated respirator cartridge. Cover your skin, wear goggles, and do it in a ventilated area, that hardener is nasty stuff.

[liam821]

I went with the Hella parts from FCP Euro. Fits perfect. Looks great.

D-O

I used Hella on my old e46zhp and for the next few years I had the car they held up fine. And since it's FCPEURO, you have lifetime replacements. Seems like a no-brainer.

[Leafsrule531]

Thanks everyone!

I noticed FCP has hella but it states that they are for halogens. Can I use them on my xenon set ? Anyone know if there is a difference?

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-headlight-lens-kit-63128382191kt