Fog lamp took a hit from a rock

[Dave1027]

Can somebody point me to a diy for replacing this busted fog lamp lens? What needs to be ordered and from where?

http://home.comcast.net/~dl1027/files/ZHP/IMG_0007.JPG

[ELCID86]

I can't tell that the lens is replaceable. I do have an old pitted one if it's of any interest.

11481


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1).

[kayger12]

Iirc, you have to replace the whole fog light. Can't just replace the lens.

[kayger12]

Yep, realoem shows it as a whole unit. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BD53&mospid=47713&btnr=63_0517&hg=63&fg=15

Looks like they go for around $100.

DIY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNpLZMwXX3Y

[Dave1027]

Thanks guys.

Would something like this work? Or are these ebay fogs cheap junk?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/01-05-BMW-E46-3-Series-M3-99-02-M5-Fog-Lights-Smoke-Lens-Driving-Lamps-PAIR-/251412481886?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a895a075e&vxp=mtr

[ELCID86]

Check the reviews. May be worth a try. I got used amber ones from another owner for about $40.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1).

[kayger12]

Thanks guys.

Would something like this work? Or are these ebay fogs cheap junk?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/01-05-BMW-E46-3-Series-M3-99-02-M5-Fog-Lights-Smoke-Lens-Driving-Lamps-PAIR-/251412481886?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a895a075e&vxp=mtr

I'm going to go out on a limb and say cheap junk.

[BCS_ZHP]

Look at Khoalty.com, projectors or OEM fogs for under a $100 a pair, on the OEMs you get to choose your light bulbs.

[Vas]

Oem fogs are a $100 each. That is why I have removed mine and have not bought replacements.

Not sure about the quality of aftermarket units.

[Avetiso]

I had eBay fogs and they were fine. I have a review in the appropriate forum section about them.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

[Lanister]

I just got a set of Khoalty clear fogs, they're fine. Best deal I could find. They come with new bulbs included too.

There is no way to fix the lens alone.

Sent from outer space...

[alexandre]

PO of my car installed Khoa fogs on it about 2 years ago. No complaints.

[danewilson77]

Get ///M3 fogs imho

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[Lanister]

If you want go with yellow bulbs, Khoalty offers 3500k halogens for $8. The bulbs are yellow and makes for a distinct look.

Sent from outer space...

[Hermes]

I'm willing to sell these M3 reps if you want them, I painted the reflector yellow with Duplicolor Metalcast.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/29/a9emypu7.jpg

[Dave1027]

Thanks for the offer but I'm going to stay stock color.

I'm seeing many ebay units, some glass, some plastic. What's better glass or plastic? I know the obvious answer seems to be glass but the headlights are plastic. I would guess the plastic ones could hold up better to rocks? Maybe the glass ones shine brighter and can be used with a hotter, brighter bulb? If glass then what's better. fluted or plain?

So many choices. I got to say I have never once turned on my fogs. This car is not a daily driver. For that reason alone I'm leaning toward cheap plastic. To be truthful, I probably only need something that looks correct and does get broken from a small rock hit.

[Dave1027]

Here's an update. Wanting to stay stock, I pick up this glass fluted replacement lens on ebay for $10 shipped. Just like my stock units.
http://home.comcast.net/~dl1027/files/ZHP/IMG_0050.JPG

Removed the destroyed glass and seal:
http://home.comcast.net/~dl1027/files/ZHP/IMG_0039.JPG

Put a bead of black RTV:
http://home.comcast.net/~dl1027/files/ZHP/IMG_0056.JPG

Two days of drying time and good as new:
http://home.comcast.net/~dl1027/files/ZHP/IMG_0059.JPG

[Avetiso]

Wow, excellent find. This will save me some bones when replacing.

[Lanister]

Very good call there. I had no idea you could get replacement glass. Now I feel a bit silly buying a set of Khoalty's. :)

[kayger12]

Great solve. Bookmarked for future use.

[ELCID86]

yep. WTG.

[Lanister]

Would you mind posting a link to eBay auction for the glass? I'm considering restoring my original fogs.

[Dave1027]

Ebay fog lamp lens (http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E39-M5-E46-M3-FRONT-FOG-LAMP-LENS-RIGHT-FLUTED-/111251971659?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19e7225e4b&vxp=mtr)

Looks like they have right and left, fluted and plain.

[ELCID86]

How did you get the old lens off the housing? Seems to be stuck pretty good. Shards of glass flying...

[Dave1027]

I showed that in the second pic. Basically you remove the bulb, knock out most of the glass. You remove the remaining glass that's stuck to the seal by using a thin flathead screwdriver to get under the seal and pry it out.

[ELCID86]

Thanks so I guess the first step is to get my hammer!