E53 Facelift Headlight Lens replacement

[g300d]

I've been away for a bit playing with Subarus lol, just turned my attention back to E53's.

My facelift headlights need attention and it looks like there is deterioration on the inside part of the lens too.

There used to be no options for replacing facelift lenses unlike E46's, but when I googled a bit I saw some sellers on aliexpress and other sites advertising facelift lenses.

Anyone try these, or are there other options out there nowadays for facelift E53's?

[Zulu95]

I believe you have to Dremel the old lens off. That's why they were considered a "no options" light unit.
In other areas of the world the lens is replaceable and sold separately. DOT mandate the hard glue.

[BigBody]

Originally Posted by Zulu95

I believe you have to Dremel the old lens off. That's why they were considered a "no options" light unit.
In other areas of the world the lens is replaceable and sold separately. DOT mandate the hard glue.

Is this confirmed? In what parts of the world? Isn't there only 2 builds for the E53 (USA and EUR)? This hard glue BS is very frustrating.

[Zulu95]

I saw the lens for sale on fleabay Germany some years ago. No mention of glue. I had a buddy translate for me as he lived there for 20 years or so.

[crystalworks]

There are a couple of places that sell the replacement lens. They sell out VERY quickly though so it is difficult to find them in stock. They used to be $180/pr but are much more expensive now I believe. Let me see if I can find a link.

And yes, cutting out the old lens does suck. I do not recommend a dremel though. I used a hot razor blade and it worked much better/cleaner.

Edit: here you go... and LOL much more expensive now. $419!

https://www.bimmerjakes.com/en/headl...356869052.html

[g300d]

Thanks for the info and links, wow, they are pricey! The assemblies are $$$ too, I think they are like $800 or $1000 each (HID/Dynamic) last I looked.

I think the adhesive on those lenses are the same in all markets, lots of automakers went to those hi-temp ones around that era.

I wonder if it would be possible/cheaper to get a nice clean set of halogens and swap all the innards over.

[jsoto]

I think the difference with BJ is that they may have it in stock in the good 'ole usa ?

It's been awhile since the last time I looked, but have you checked out Alibaba. I recall there seeing a seller there on these covers. And back then when I did compare the cost to BJ, BK was 2X the price ( I presume for markup-resell).....

[g300d]

Yes I did stumble on some on Alibaba for a bit cheaper, I wonder if Bimmer Jake's is OE?