Headlight options
 

Hey guys, I have a 2006 4.8is. It has the adaptive headlight system and all that fancy stuff. The lenses got pretty cloudy so I wanted to replace them but after looking into prices, I cleaned them up. Now one is broken and won't pass state inspection, so I need to replace at least that one. What are my options? I don't care if they are adaptive or not, I've never even noticed it to be honest. I'd like quality of course. Who has what? Photos or links would be even better! Thanks guys!

There are options for early models. For post lci x5's like yours, pretty much just a used set of OE headlights. That's it afaik.Sorry for the bad news.

Which one do you need?

When my UV coat finally left the building my left headlight was as clear as a milk jug within 8 months. When I looked into replacement they were about $125 used (meaning any day they would suffer the same fate).

Looking to 3rd party options I found a set of new lamp assemblies that as a bonus added halo rings for $220 on Amazon. I have a thread here showing the details.

The options were more expensive for post face lift. I would try to find a "defective" assembly from junk yard you can cut the lens off and swap it.

I need the passenger side but I'd like to replace both with better condition ones. They cleaned up decent but still aren't great.

PORBAO Pair for BMW X5/E53 2000-2006 Headlight Clear Lens Cover Headlamp Clear Shell 4Doors Transparent Lens Cover Replacement (Left Side 00-03) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PRTFDGK..._R6dXDbJ0XCEFH

I doubt you will find a better solution. They sell them individually. You saw the old lens off and replace.

Those are pre-lci Andrew. Most economical option is going to be refinishing his, but one is broken. So have to replace at least one. Get as clean a used pair as you can find and refinish those. I've brought my lenses back from the dead and last time used xpel film after lacquer. So far, so good.

Had one of mine cloud up. did the sand and polish thing and they looked good. I then sprayed it with high gloss 2k clear. That was at least 3 years ago and it still looks great. Buy a pair used, clean and polish then shoot them with the 2k clear. That will be your cheapest route.

Headlight options
 

That exact one is pre lci: read the whole product description they show both before and after you have to request which upon ordering


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Somebody needs to be the guinea pig on those. If they actually have post lci lenses, that's about a quarter of the price they are usually available for.

That price is for one lens so maybe half? It is just the lens no assembly

Title says it's for a pair of lenses... But ad seems super sketchy. :dunno:

Usually a pair of lenses is north of $400. Just for lenses. Rather but a set of used headlights and refinish.

I'm staying away from those with that horrible English. Seems far too sketchy for me.

On another note, now the green light by the headlight switch is flashing which means the adaptive feature isn't working, correct? Not that I have ever noticed them moving other than up and down when starting up the car.

This guy is selling individual or pairs that he says are "Genuine Parts".

$210/lens (plus $39 shipping to US)

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

https://www.bimmerjakes.com/3119-lar...stic-cover.jpg

PAIR 419:yikes:

And you have to cut the old lenses off and glue these new ones on. Less work and $ to polish the old ones out and shoot them with 2K clear.

Agreed.

He used to sell them for $200/pr... should have bought some then. :rolleyes:

I need to find some used lights if anyone has any!

Try Ebay

upullit
 

Since your other one is useable, I'd get one from the local upullit or buy a used one online. If it needs refinishing, when you buy your clear coat, make sure it says it has UV protection and is designed for plastics, and it should last. Put a coat of it on your other lens for protection, too. Later, if you like, (and if you still have the truck), get a really nice set online.

This is the stuff. This stuff is great!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Scored some used headlights locally. Got a good one for each side plus 4 parts headlights for 250bucks. Not bad if you ask me

That's damn good just clean/polish and get a cost of UV clear on them. Mine went from clear to milk jug opaque in 5 months when the UV coat came off


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Yep, that's how it happens. :(

You can go the extra step of xpel film to protect the coating with the UV in it. That's what I did on mine and it has been great now for quite sometime. Though, I must admit, the truck spends a lot less of it's time outside than it used to. :D

Awww shucks! I found these at the yard today and picked them up. HID active with cornering. The passenger side I have spent about 15 minutes on with just sandpaper and some polish. I will throw the random orbital at it tomorrow.